Red Alert: Fishing Ban Issued, Polgolla Sluice Gates Opened

COLOMBO (News 1st) -

The Department of Meteorology has issued a red alert, advising the fishing and naval communities to refrain from sailing in the sea areas from Chilaw to Kankesanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, as well as from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, until further notice.

The advisory comes in light of strong winds and rough sea conditions, with wind speeds in the affected areas expected to reach 60 to 70 kilometers per hour.

Meanwhile, three sluice gates of the Polgolla Reservoir have been opened. The engineer in charge of the dam said that each gate has been opened to a width of two feet.

As a result, the Department of Irrigation has urged those using the Mahaweli River—from below the dam to the Victoria Reservoir—to remain cautious and vigilant.