The Geology and Mines Department says that the earthquake that occurred at 4.06 pm today in the sea area not far from Trincomalee had a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale.
The earthquake, which occurred 60 kilometers northeast of Trincomalee, was recorded by all four seismometers installed in the areas of Mahakanadara, Hakmana, Pallekele and Buddhangala, the department further says.