Sri Lankan Fishermen Urged to Stay Ashore as Monsoon Winds Intensify

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Alert warning for strong winds and rough seas around Sri Lanka, effective from 12:30 p.m. on May 30 until midnight on May 31, 2025.

According to the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, the warning specifically applies to the sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The department warns that due to the active southwest monsoon, these sea areas may experience very rough conditions with wind speeds reaching 60–70 km/h. Other sea areas around the island may also become rough at times, with wind speeds increasing up to 50–60 km/h.

Naval and fishing communities have been strongly advised not to venture into the affected sea areas during this period and to exercise extreme caution in all other coastal zones.