Sri Lanka's fisheries and naval communities were asked to refrain from their activities in the sea off the northern part of the country because of the cyclonic storm "VARDAH" was active around 400 kms off the north and the east, the Disaster Management Centre said.

The Center, in relaying the weather forecast around 11:30 a.m. (local time) said the storm was likely to move westwards towards India.

Heavy showers were also forecasted. It said the sea waves could rise to 1-2 meters along the coast of Mannar and Jaffna.

Meanwhile, flight operations to some countries in the region were also suspended due to the storm.

source: Xinhua