Sri Lanka, Aug. 1 -- Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired) instructed the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force to immediately execute a joint search and rescue operation, following reports that a group of fishermen who went to sea from the Negombo harbour went missing.

Acting on the instructions of the Defence Secretary, the Navy and the Air Force deployed necessary naval and air surveillance vessels as well as support units for the search operation for the missing fishermen.

The Defence Secretary stated that a Bell 412 helicopter was also dispatched for the operation.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....