The Department of Meteorology and the Department of Fisheries issued an urgent marine safety advisory for fishing and naval communities across Matara and Mirissa today, September 23, 2026.

Intensifying peripheral pressure gradients from the Bay of Bengal Deep Depression have generated coastal swells exceeding 3.5 meters and squalls reaching 50 to 60 kmph along the southern continental shelf. The Matara Harbour Management Office temporarily restricted clearance for small fiberglass boats and multiday trawlers, advising coastal communities to secure beached craft and maintain vigilant radio contact with regional coastal surveillance stations.