Sri Lanka has issued a warning for gale winds and rough seas.

This applies to the sea areas along the coasts extending from Kankasanthurai to Kalpitiya via Manner and from Galle to Pottuvil via Matara and Hambanthota.

Wind speeds may increase up to 55-65kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Hambanthota to Pottuvil sea areas can be very rough at times. 

Navy and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the above seas untill further notice. 

Further wind speeds may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Kankasanthurei to Kalpitiya via Mannar and in the sea areas off the coasts extending from Galle to Hambanthota via Matara. The sea areas could be rough at times. 

Wave heights may increase to about 2 to 3 meters in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kalpitiya to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle and Hambanthota. 

Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive in this regard. 

The warning was issued by the natural hazards early warning centre at the department of meteorology.