The low pressure area in the south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression during next 24 hours and likely to intensify further. This system is likely to move nearly west- northwestwards to the north coast of Sri Lanka. It will affect weather over the island and

surrounding sea areas during next few days.

The Disaster Management Center requests the Naval and fishing communities not to engage in fisheries and shipping activities in the Eastern Seas since the low pressure area in the Bay of Bengal may develop into a depression within the next 24 hours.

Therefore, naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the deep sea areas to the east coast of the Island (5N-12N, 85E-95E) until further notice.

Fishing and naval community are requested to be vigilant and attentive about future bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in next few days.

The Meteorological Department also stated that wind speeds could increase up to (50-60) kmph at times over deep sea areas extending from Kankesanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee via Pottuvil. Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and the wind speed will be (25-40)<br />kmph.