People boat near the mangroves in the Negombo Lagoon in Negombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Gayan Sameera/Xinhua)
Colombo: Sri Lanka's Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has suspended fishing activities in several sea areas until further notice because of strong winds and rough seas, a senior official said Thursday.
The suspension covers sea areas from Kankesanthurai through Mannar to Kalpitiya and from Hambantota to Pottuvil, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susantha Kahawatte said.
He said the department imposed the restriction after the Department of Meteorology warned of hazardous sea conditions.
Kahawatte urged fishermen already at sea in the affected areas to return safely to shore. Fishermen operating elsewhere should also remain cautious as weather conditions could change, he said.
The Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the affected maritime areas, warning that wind speeds could occasionally reach 60 to 70 km per hour and that seas could become very rough.
Kahawatte said the suspension would remain in effect until further notice and urged fishermen to follow instructions issued by the fisheries and meteorological departments.
