News Archive

Possibility of infectious disease outbreaks ahead, PHI Union warns

With the ongoing flood situation in several parts of the country, there is a potential risk of an outbreak of infectious diseases in the coming days, the Public Health Inspector’s Union of Sri Lanka has warned. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  8:37 am

Atamasthana Chief Prelate advises devotees against traveling to Anuradhapura on Unduvap Poya Day

Devotees from other parts of the country have been requested to refrain from attending religious observances to be held in view of Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day in Anuradhapura tomorrow (04). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  11:34 am

Sri Lanka’s death toll from adverse weather climbs to 474

The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in the past few days has climbed to 474, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:51 am

Damaged communication networks expected to be fully restored by tomorrow

The telephone and internet communication networks disrupted due to the recent disaster are expected to be fully restored by tomorrow (04), the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne has stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  7:50 am

Deadline extended for interest-free student loan applications

The application period for the 10th phase of the interest-free student loan scheme has been extended until December 15, according to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  4:00 pm

Sri Lanka’s death toll due to Cyclone Ditwah climbs to 479

The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in the past few days caused by Cyclone Ditwah has increased to 479 as of 4:00 p.m. today (03), the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  6:23 pm

Kaduwela and Athurugiriya interchanges and 150 roads reopened

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that 159 roads, which were obstructed due to the recent disaster caused by heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka, have been reopened. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  12:50 pm

Renovation of main Nayaru bridge begins with assistance from Army

Renovation of the main Nayaru bridge in Mullaitivu, which was completely destroyed by recent floods, has commenced with the assistance of Sri Lanka Army personnel. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:40 am

Govt to launch major infrastructure projects at state universities

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to implement major infrastructure projects across state universities in Sri Lanka to improve facilities afforded to university students. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:21 am

Nearly 1,500 SLTB bus journeys cancelled due to disaster situation in the country

Nearly 1,500 bus journeys operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board have been cancelled due to roadblocks caused by the disaster situation resulting from cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  2:03 pm

Nearly 390,000 water supply connections yet to be restored

A total of 387,964 domestic water supply connections that were disrupted due to landslides and flooding in recent days, have not been restored thus far. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  5:44 am

Showers or thundershowers expected in several provinces after 2pm

Showers or thundershowers have been predicted in several places in the Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces and in the Badulla and Matale districts after 2.00 p.m. today by the Department of Meteorology. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  5:42 am

Gunman in Modara Devalaya committee chairman’s murder arrested

The individual suspected to be the gunman who recently shot and killed the chairman of the Modara Devalaya Committee in Ambalangoda has been arrested by the Galle District Crime Investigation Division. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  6:17 pm

19,000 overseas Sri Lankan workers contribute to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The Management Committee of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to assist the country’s recovery following Cyclone Ditwah, met this morning (03) at the Presidential Secretariat. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:46 pm

Gazette issued declaring 22 districts as national disaster affected areas

A gazette extraordinary has been issued declaring 22 districts as “National Disaster Affected Areas.” MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  6:17 am

US provides life-saving assistance to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah

The United States says it is providing $2 million in emergency life-saving assistance for people in need in Sri Lanka in response to the severe impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  9:32 pm

Resettlement of families and restoration of damaged infrastructure must be treated as national priority – PM Harini

The resettlement of affected families, the provision of essential relief and the restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure must be treated as national priorities, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  5:44 am

Rs. 25,000 to be given to each school-going child affected by floods and landslides

A sum of Rs. 25,000 will be disbursed to all school-going children affected by floods and landslides. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  11:52 am

Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir to fill vacant SJB National List MP seat

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has decided to nominate Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir to fill the vacancy created in Parliament following the resignation of Muhammathu Ismail Muththu Muhammathu last week. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  7:10 am

CID probing 57 misleading rumors circulated during state of emergency – Police

The Police Media Spokesman, ASP F.U. Wootler, declared that stern legal action will be taken against individuals circulating false or misleading information during the state of emergency currently in effect across Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  4:38 pm

Cabinet approves emergency relief measures for Cyclone Ditwah victims

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to provide immediate relief for people affected by the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  9:58 am

Act against those insulting ministers on social media under emergency regulations - Dy Minister Watagala

Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has instructed police to use emergency regulations and act against individuals who engage in defamatory campaigns on social media targeting the President and certain ministers of the government. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  12:03 pm

Additional Mahapola allowance for uni students affected by severe weather

The Ministry of Higher Education in Sri Lanka has announced that an additional monthly Mahapola Scholarship allowance will be paid on December 05, 2025, for university students affected by the recent severe weather disaster across the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  4:53 pm

First disaster relief aircraft from Bangladesh arrives in Sri Lanka

The first consignment of disaster relief aid from Bangladesh arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this afternoon (03). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  4:05 pm

Kaduwela–Battaramulla road which was closed due to flooding reopens

The road from Kaduwela to Battaramulla, which had been closed due to the recent flooding, has been reopened for travel. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  7:28 am

40-year-old injured in shooting in Boralugoda

An individual has sustained injuries in a shooting incident in the Boralugoda area within the Kosgama Police Division this evening (03), police said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  8:01 pm

Govt launches mechanism to obtain data on industries affected by Cyclone Ditwa

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development has launched a mechanism to collect data on industries affected by Cyclone Ditwa with the objective of supporting their restoration. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  8:14 pm

Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka’s disaster victims

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people and Government of Sri Lanka during a telephone conversation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last evening (02). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  12:22 pm

126 damaged water pumping stations restored – Water Board

A total of 156 out of 343 water pumping stations across the country suffered partial or complete damage due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  11:27 am

Warrant issued for ex-MP Wimal Weerawansa

A warrant has been issued for former Member of Parliament, Wimal Weerawansa, by the Fort Magistrate’s Court due to his failure to appear in connection with a pending case. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  11:07 am

President to chair Emergency Cabinet meeting today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to chair an emergency Cabinet meeting this afternoon (03). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:01 am

Two more UAE relief aircraft arrive in Sri Lanka

Two more aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake this afternoon (3). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  4:35 pm

Netflix hits back at Diddy’s criticism of ‘shameful’ documentary

Netflix has insisted its new documentary about Sean “Diddy” Combs, produced by rapper 50 Cent, is “not a hit piece or an act of retribution”, following criticism from the jailed former hip-hop mogul. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  5:14 pm

India deploys field hospital and over 70-member team for Sri Lanka’s flood operations

An Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft has landed in Colombo to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing flood relief operations, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  9:05 am

Changes need to be made to the budget to respond to current challenges – PM Harini

Certain adjustments have to be made to the budget in order to respond to the present challenges, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  2:25 pm

Disruptions reported in gas distribution to Colombo, Kandy, Badulla and Kegalle

Litro Gas Lanka has confirmed that the distribution of LP gas is taking place to all parts of the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  1:34 pm

Malaysia says search for missing flight MH370 to resume after 11 years

The search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 will resume on December 30, Malaysia’s transport ministry said on Wednesday, more than a decade after the Beijing-bound flight disappeared in one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  6:02 pm

Cabinet approves company to supply LP Gas for Litro Lanka for 2026

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to award the procurement for the supply of 380,000 (+/- 20%) metric tons of Liquid Petroleum (LP) Gas for the twelve-month period commencing in January 2026 to Geo Gas Trading S.A. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  9:34 am

UK Parliament’s APPG on Sri Lanka to ensure urgent assistance after deadly cyclone

British Member of Parliament and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sri Lanka, Andrew Snowden, stated that he met with the Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Nimal Senadheera, to discuss relief and rescue operations following Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  1:24 pm

YouTube says it will comply with Australia’s teen social media ban

Google’s YouTube shared a “disappointing update” to millions of Australian users and content creators on Wednesday, saying it will comply with a world-first teen social media ban by locking out users aged under 16 from their accounts within days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  2:03 pm

Namal urges Govt to prioritize providing relief to people and restoring religious sites

The government has been urged to provide maximum relief to people affected by the recent floods and landslides and also to give priority to restoring all religious sites, including temples, churches, mosques and Hindu kovils, that were damaged. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  11:42 am

Parliament observes one-minute silence in memory of disaster victims

The government and the opposition Members of Parliament observed a minute of silence today to honor those who lost their lives due to adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in recent days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  9:22 am

NWSDB assures water quality remains unaffected

The quality of water has not been affected in any way despite the disaster situation in the country, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  2:50 pm

British Govt reaffirms support for recovery efforts in Sri Lanka

The British Government has reaffirmed its support to the recovery efforts in Sri Lanka following the devastating landslides and floods in recent days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  10:50 am

UNDP Regional Director calls for stronger regional cooperation after Sri Lanka floods

UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Kanni Wignaraja says Sri Lanka, like many other countries, needs to strengthen its infrastructure and preparedness to cope with increasingly severe disasters. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  7:49 pm

Apple pledges donations to relief and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will make donations to relief and rebuilding efforts across several Asian countries including in Sri Lanka that were hit by floods, landslides and strong winds in recent days. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  8:16 am

Dhamma School exams for Grades 6-10 postponed

The annual Dhamma School examinations for Grades 6 to 10 conducted by the Department of Buddhist Affairs has been postponed until further notice. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 3, 2025  5:24 pm

Trump’s push for more AI data centers faces backlash from his own voters

The residents came in camouflage hats and red shirts signaling unity, more than 300 of them packing into a rural Pennsylvania planning commission meeting to protest a proposed data center they feared would carve up their farmland and upend the quiet rhythms of their valley. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 2, 2025  6:45 am

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island

Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Southern provinces, today (02), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 2, 2025  6:30 am

Limited train services to operate today – Railway Department

The Department of Railways has announced that main line train services will operate only up to Ambepussa today (02). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 2, 2025  7:25 am