Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has halted fishing activities across multiple sea zones following meteorological warnings of dangerous wind and sea conditions.
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has implemented an immediate suspension of fishing operations across designated maritime zones in response to severe weather forecasts. According to Director General Susantha Kahawatte, the ban encompasses sea areas stretching from Kankesanthurai through Mannar to Kalpitiya on the western coast, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil on the southern and eastern coasts.
The suspension follows formal advisories from the Department of Meteorology regarding hazardous sea conditions in the affected regions. The Met. Department has issued red alert warnings for these zones, with predictions of wind speeds occasionally reaching 60-70 kilometres per hour and very rough sea conditions expected to develop.
Kahawatte called on fishing vessels already at sea in the suspended areas to return to shore immediately. While fishing remains permitted in other coastal regions, the department has advised fishermen nationwide to exercise heightened caution as weather patterns continue to shift. Acknowledging the economic hardship the directive may cause, Kahawatte emphasized that safeguarding human life takes precedence over fishing operations.
The suspension will remain active until the Fisheries Department and Meteorological Department issue further guidance. Fishermen have been instructed to monitor and comply with all future announcements from both departments regarding maritime safety conditions.
