<ul><li>SLN saves 32 survivors, no wreck visible, search expanded to collect the deceased</li><li>SLAF and SLN did not track any other surface warship or military aircraft near the site at the time of sinking</li><li>US War Secretary Hegseth trumpets US submarine sank Iranian warship in the IOR</li></ul> Sri Lanka’s ambitions for stability, economic progress, and its longstanding diplomatic push to see the Indian Ocean Region remain a ‘Zone of Peace’ faced an unpleasant shock yesterday morning (04) when an Iranian warship sank off the southern coast.International media reports that a US Navy submarine torpedoed the vessel.The incident brings to Sri Lanka’s doorstep the dynamic war which is being waged by Israel, the US and their allies against Iran in the Middle East. When The Daily Morning spoke to a senior defence official and asked if Sri Lanka had been given a courtesy heads up by a US Pacific Fleet top brass who visited the island recently and spoke of the ‘great partnership’ between the nations, the senior official said Colombo was kept in the dark, as it often is on some matters.According to Sri Lanka Navy Spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath, when the Sri Lanka Navy vessels reached the site of the distressed vessel, the IRIS Dena was no longer visible, with only an oil patch, life rafts and survivors found in the water. The Navy had rushed 32 survivors, who were in need of urgent medical attention, to Galle Harbour and then to Karapitiya Hospital for treatment. According to him, search and rescue operations – an obligation under international law for Sri Lanka – continue, with a focus on recovering more survivors. He acknowledged that several deceased sailors presumed from the Dena have been observed in the vicinity of the incident, and some have been recovered. He could not comment on the number of dead. The Navy declined to comment about the nature of the incident, stating their focus at present (last evening) was on search and rescue, adding that an investigation will follow to determine the cause.“Our immediate priority is to save the lives of those on board the stricken vessel. Only after that will we be able to conduct an investigation and obtain a technical report on how this happened. Our main focus right now is to rescue anyone who may still be alive. We will be able to confirm later how many people were lost on this ship. The reason for the damage is not identified." He added that the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Navy are continuing search operations in the area.On the condition of the survivors, he said that their medical state had thus far prevented detailed questioning. "Further questioning will be done in consultation with medical experts."Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Media Spokesperson Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura said that the Air Force assisted the operation by providing information and reaching the location at the same time as naval units to support the coordinated rescue effort. An SLAF aircraft had also been deployed to aid ongoing search operations. The Sri Lanka Navy denied reports attributed to them by international media outlets that the vessel was attacked by a submarine, stating that a thorough technical investigation was needed to establish that in the absence of information from the Iranian government. Earlier in the day, the Defence Ministry stated that a rescue mission was initiated after a distress signal was received from an Iranian ship about 40 nautical miles off Galle Harbour.It had been the dark hours of yesterday morning when the island nation’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo received a distressed call from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, a 1500-ton light frigate, calling for aid. The Dena had recently visited Visakhapatnam in India, answering an invitation by the Indian Government to attend the prestigious Indian Navy Fleet Review, for which Sri Lanka dispatched two naval vessels as well. Incidentally, the US Navy was a notable absentee from their ‘Quad’ partner’s fleet review this year.Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath was the first from the Government to acknowledge the incident when he responded to a question in Parliament from an opposition member about ‘an Iranian vessel being attacked off the south coast of Sri Lanka’, stating that Sri Lanka had dispatched vessels to rescue survivors from the incident. Herath would later visit the Iranian Embassy in Colombo to sign the book of condolence for the late leader Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike launched by the US/Israel under ‘Operation Epic Fury’.Later in the evening, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told a press conference in the United States that “…in the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought they were safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo – Quiet Death. First sinking of an enemy ship since World War II”.

US/Israel – Iran war to SL’s doorstep?: Did US torpedo an Iranian warship off Galle?

A report by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has revealed that the use of recently imported coal at the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai led to reduced electricity generation, increased coal consumption, higher fly ash discharge and elevated noxious gas emissions, while creating operational concerns including potential non-compliance with Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) conditions.The report, which was handed over yesterday (4) to the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, states&nbsp; the coal shipments supplied to the Plant resulted in lower generation efficiency and greater environmental impact. The investigation was carried out by the PUCSL following a directive by Committee Chairperson and Opposition Parliamentarian S.M. Marikkar, who had previously alleged that substandard coal imports had imposed a financial burden exceeding Rs. 1.8 billion on the public.According to the report, which was seen by The Daily Morning, the Lakvijaya Power Plant did not operate at its full capacity when using the nine coal shipments received from the current supplier between December 2025 and February 2026. Under the previous supplier, each unit at the Plant had recorded an average gross generation capacity of around 300 MW. However, the output of Units One, Two and Three dropped during operations using the present shipments, with none of the units reaching the earlier benchmark.The PUCSL report also records a notable rise in coal consumption rates. Plant data show that more coal was burned per hour across all nine shipments compared to the coal supplied by the previous supplier. Specific coal consumption, measured in g per kWh, also increased. The PUCSL notes this reflects reduced efficiency, since a larger quantity of coal was required to generate the same amount of electricity.A comparison of the gross calorific value data has also raised questions about the declared quality of the coal shipments. The report notes that the calorific value calculated based on the Plant’s operational performance figures was much closer to the results obtained from laboratory tests conducted at the Plant than to the values indicated in the load port and discharge port reports. According to the PUCSL, this discrepancy raises concerns regarding the declared quality of the coal.Operational records examined in the report further show repeated instances in which the prescribed steam temperature limits set out in the Plant’s control operation regulations were exceeded while operating with the current supplier’s coal. Logs indicate that the desuperheating valve, which regulates steam temperature by injecting water into superheated steam, had to be operated at full opening on several occasions. When other control mechanisms failed to bring temperatures within the required range, steam venting had to be used, resulting in efficiency losses and, in at least one instance, a sudden reduction in generation capacity.The PUCSL report also highlights a significant increase in fly ash discharge levels. Data indicate that the average fly ash discharge rose to approximately 0.093 kg/kWh when using coal supplied by the current supplier, compared to about 0.046 kg/kWh recorded under the previous supplier. This represents an increase of roughly 102 per cent.Emission data analysed for selected dates in February 2026 further indicate higher levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide during operations using the current coal shipments. Although these emission levels remained within the limits permitted under the Environmental Protection Licence, the PUCSL cautioned that sustained increases in stack emissions could raise ambient air pollution levels, particularly under changing weather conditions.The report also flags concerns related to compliance with the Environmental Protection Licence, particularly Condition Number Eight, which requires a clearly defined coal rejection protocol and prohibits the use of coal consignments before the completion and verification of all required quality checks.The PUCSL noted the rejection protocol submitted to the authorities does not clearly specify the scenarios under which coal shipments should be rejected. It further stated that feeding coal into the system before completing the required quality verification process creates a risk of non-compliance with EPL requirements.&nbsp;

Subpar coal imports: PUCSL report raises red flags

SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (4) said in Parliament that the Government should apologise to the public over President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent reference to Sri Lanka as a hunduwa, a term traditionally used to describe a small scoop used to measure grain.Raising the matter during the sitting yesterday, Premadasa said that it is inappropriate to describe the country in that manner and called on the Government to offer an apology to the people. “The Prime Minister is also here. It is very important to apologise to the people for calling Sri Lanka a&nbsp;hunduwa. It is not appropriate to insult our country in that manner. The Government should apologise to the public,” he said.The President’s remarks had been made in the context of explaining the country’s limited gas storage capacity and the logistical constraints faced in maintaining supplies.

President’s hunduwa remark: Govt. should apologise to people: Sajith  

SriLankan Airlines informed passengers they are resuming limited operations to the Middle East.&nbsp;Accordingly, flights UL231 (Colombo–Dubai) and UL232 (Dubai–Colombo) operated yesterday (4), with all necessary safety measures in place, it said.The first flight to resume operations following the suspension caused by the ME conflict departed from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake on Tuesday afternoon (3), bound for Dubai. Airport officials confirmed that the FitsAir flight 8D 821 took off at 1.20 p.m. for Dubai. The aircraft was carrying 47 passengers and 10 crew members.Flights are currently operating during a limited time window in which the ME airspace has been reopened. The authorities noted that aircraft are utilising this designated period to operate services to the region. According to Airport sources, there is a growing likelihood that additional flights to other ME destinations will resume in the coming days.Meanwhile, an Air Arabia flight, G9 509, departed from the Airport at 4.45 p.m. on Tuesday, bound for Sharjah. The aircraft was carrying 44 passengers and 10 crew members.

Limited flights resume to UAE

&nbsp;<ul><li>Defence Ministry to receive largest share&nbsp;</li></ul>The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to recruit 15,839 personnel to fill vacancies across 29 Ministries, Government departments, and Provincial Councils, following a review of public service staffing requirements.The decision was taken based on recommendations made by a committee appointed to assess recruitment needs in the public sector. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, had been established with Cabinet approval on 30 December 2024 to review the overall process of public service recruitment, identify priority vacancies, and recommend an appropriate timeline for appointments.According to the Government, the committee examined requests submitted by various Ministries seeking approval to fill vacancies in their respective departments and affiliated institutions.At a meeting held on 12 February 2026, the committee reviewed these requests and finalised its recommendations regarding the number of personnel required across the public sector.These recommendations were subsequently submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, which approved the proposed recruitments.Of the total number of approved appointments, the largest allocation of 9,794 positions has been granted to the Ministry of Defence.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has received approval to recruit 1,915 personnel, while the Ministry of Health has been allocated 776 positions to fill vacancies within its institutions.

Cabinet approves 15,839 recruitments

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that he had held a phone call with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to express his sadness over the recent attacks suffered by the Emirates.&nbsp;In a post shared on the social media platform X, he affirmed Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the UAE while condemning all forms of violence and terrorism. The President further stated that Sri Lanka stands firmly with the UAE and is ready to assist in any way that it can.

President expresses solidarity with UAE

<ul><li>4,000-5,000 children with birth defects, 650 deaths before 1st birthday&nbsp;</li></ul> Co-Chair of the Expert Committee on Birth Defects of the Sri Lanka Medical Association and the Colombo Medical Faculty Dean, Prof. Vajira Dissanayake said that annually, about 1,000 children are born with congenital heart defects.&nbsp;Fielding a question from The Daily Morning at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Prof. Dissanayake said that 40 per cent of children are born with congenital abnormalities. “So, that would mean that every year, about 1,000 children are born with congenital heart disease”.&nbsp;Prof. Dissanayake observed that even in Sri Lanka, a lot of women get pregnant when they had advanced in years – in their late 30s or 40s at a time when they are more vulnerable to diseases like hypertension and other non- communicable diseases (NCDs) which require a large amount of medication that are harmful to the developing foetus, adding that therefore, it is important to plan the pregnancy after a discussion with a medical professional so that the medication could be less harmful to the pregnancy.&nbsp;Speaking on genetic causes, he said that the only way to know that was by looking at the family history. “Young couples should inquire into their family history and find out if there has been anyone with a birth defect in the family. Couples should pay special attention if it is a consanguineous marriage which could lead to bad genetic defects which cause birth defects. Such couples should see a geneticist and a general physician to seek advice so that they can be properly examined and receive proper advice.&nbsp;There are ways and means of overcoming genetic defects”. Prof. Dissanayake noted that such hurdles could be overcome through assisted reproductive technology (ART) and in-vitro fertilisation. “Those who have already had a child with an abnormality should not wait till the next pregnancy to wonder if there is a genetic problem”. Prof. Dissanayake said that such parents should obtain investigative services as the child is born and before the child dies, to find out what the genetic defect is.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Consultant Community Physician - Maternal Care Unit of the Family Health Bureau, Dr. Sanjeeva Godakandage said that annually, there 4,000-5,000 children born with birth defects in the island. Of them, about 650 children die before reaching their first birthday due to serious birth defects.&nbsp;He noted however that it is important to receive the rubella vaccination before pregnancy, while encouraging planned pregnancies and the intake of folic acid at least three months prior to conception in order to reduce neural tube defects. He noted that there should be the effective management of diabetes and obesity before and during pregnancy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1,000 children born with heart defects 

A special discussion was held yesterday (4) at the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to assess the impact of the ongoing war situation in the Middle East on Sri Lanka’s tea industry and to explore measures to safeguard the sector.The meeting, chaired by Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyarathna, brought together officials from key institutions and representatives of the tea industry to examine the challenges already emerging and the risks that could arise if the conflict continues.Minister Vidyarathna said the Government was prepared to extend financial relief if necessary and that discussions would be held with the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet on possible support measures. He emphasised that the Government remained committed to protecting all stakeholders connected to the tea industry in the event of any emergency situation.The meeting also proposed maintaining current tea production levels and storing unsold tea stocks so that they could be released to the market once conditions stabilise.Speaking at the discussion, Tea Exporters’ Association Chairman Lionel Herath said the industry had raised concerns about maintaining tea prices at the Colombo tea auction under the prevailing conditions.“We discussed with the Minister how to maintain tea prices at the auction in the current situation and also addressed issues faced by exporters when exporting the tea they purchase,” he said.Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association representative Lushantha de Silva said the industry appreciated the swift response by the Government in convening discussions soon after the crisis began.He warned that factories could face serious challenges if buyers reduce purchases.“Even if buyers do not purchase tea, growers cannot stop plucking tea leaves. Production must continue and therefore factories require working capital to sustain operations,” he said.De Silva added that proposals had been submitted to the Minister seeking bank concessions and other financial relief in the event that tea sales are disrupted.

Tea sector braces for impact of M-E war

<ul><li>H’tota Port eyed as temporary solution for gas storage</li><li>Explores steps to protect tourism, exports and investment</li></ul>A high-level discussion was held yesterday (4) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to assess the potential impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East on Sri Lanka’s economy and to identify urgent measures to manage the situation.The President stressed that although the future remains uncertain, authorities must remain vigilant and work collectively to address emerging challenges across all sectors.During the meeting, attention focused on possible disruptions to fuel and gas supplies, the management of essential reserves, and the potential effects on tourism, exports, investment and food security. Officials also examined how these factors could influence inflation and discussed strategies to mitigate such risks.While current fuel reserves were reported to be sufficient, officials held detailed discussions on maintaining adequate stockpiles and managing them effectively in the face of possible future disruptions. Concerns were also raised about potential delays in upcoming fuel shipments and the resulting impact on domestic fuel prices.The President instructed officials to prioritise measures to control inflation while minimising any adverse impact on the economic stability achieved so far and on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.The discussion also highlighted challenges arising from insufficient storage facilities for gas reserves. As a short-term measure, the possibility of utilising the Hambantota Port to address this issue was considered.Officials further discussed the need to provide facilities to shipping companies with long-standing operations in Sri Lanka in order to prevent possible congestion at the Colombo Port, particularly in the event of disruptions to maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Hormuz Strait.The Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development noted that current food reserves remain adequate, but preparations are under way to address any potential risks.Officials from the Tourism Ministry also warned that most European tourists travel to Sri Lanka via the Middle East, prompting discussions on alternative air routes to minimise disruptions to the tourism sector.The President also instructed the Finance Ministry to examine the preparation of a relief package to encourage investment, particularly in emerging sectors such as data centres, under the guidance of Senior Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Hans Wijayasuriya.

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President’s hunduwa remark: Govt. should apologise to people: Sajith

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Limited flights resume to UAE

Limited flights resume to UAE

Cabinet approves 15,839 recruitments

Cabinet approves 15,839 recrui ...

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President expresses solidarity ...

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1,000 children born with heart ...

Tea sector braces for impact of M-E war

Tea sector braces for impact o ...

AKD holds high-level talks on M-E war impact

AKD holds high-level talks on ...

Subpar coal imports: PUCSL report raises red flags

Subpar coal imports: PUCSL rep ...

President’s hunduwa remark: Govt. should apologise to people: Sajith

President’s hunduwa remark: Go ...

Limited flights resume to UAE

Limited flights resume to UAE

Cabinet approves 15,839 recruitments

Cabinet approves 15,839 recrui ...

President expresses solidarity with UAE

President expresses solidarity ...

1,000 children born with heart defects

1,000 children born with heart ...

Tea sector braces for impact of M-E war

Tea sector braces for impact o ...

AKD holds high-level talks on M-E war impact

AKD holds high-level talks on ...

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Limited flights resume to UAE

Limited flights resume to UAE

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President expresses solidarity ...

1,000 children born with heart defects

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