Hot News
Number of houses destroyed in recent disaster surpasses 6,000
Number of houses destroyed in recent disaster surpasses 6,000
The total number of houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka due to the severe disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah has surpassed 6,000, according to the latest report issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). MORE..
President commends Sri Lanka Navy’s disaster response, urges unity to rebuild nation
President commends Sri Lanka Navy’s disaster response, urges unity to rebuild nation
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the recent disaster dealt a severe blow to an economy that was being rebuilt steadily and systematically and that in the face of such a challenge, it is the duty of every citizen not to withdraw or remain in hopelessness, but to come together with unwavering determination to restore the nation. MORE..
Govt. to expedite resettlement of people in relief centres
Govt. to expedite resettlement of people in relief centres
The Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi says that nearly 7,000 people are currently sheltered in relief centres, and steps will be taken to resettle them within two to three months. MORE..
Belarus frees 123 prisoners as US lifts sanctions
Belarus frees 123 prisoners as US lifts sanctions
Belarus has freed 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, after the US agreed to lift sanctions on the country. MORE..
Pramodya Wickramasinghe to be re-appointed Chairman of cricket selection committee?
Pramodya Wickramasinghe to be re-appointed Chairman of cricket selection committee?
Sri Lanka Cricket sources have reported that former cricketer Pramodya Wickramasinghe is set to be appointed as the new chairman of the National Cricket Selection Committee. MORE..
Education should not be a burden on children amid post-disaster recovery – PM Harini
Education should not be a burden on children amid post-disaster recovery – PM Harini
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that education should not be a burden to children during the recovery period after the disaster, and priority must be given to their psychosocial well-being, the PM’s Office said. MORE..
Leakage reported in pipeline from ship unloading crude oil at Colombo Port
Leakage reported in pipeline from ship unloading crude oil at Colombo Port
A leakage has been reported in a pipeline from a ship unloading crude oil at the Colombo Port. MORE..
Value of ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund exceeds Rs. 3.4 billion - Finance Secretary
Value of ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund exceeds Rs. 3.4 billion - Finance Secretary
The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established by the Government to provide relief to people affected by recent disasters caused by Cyclone Ditwah, has received over Rs. 3,421 million to date, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, said. MORE..
Sri Lanka’s death toll from adverse weather climbs to 643
Sri Lanka’s death toll from adverse weather climbs to 643
The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country over the past few days has climbed to 643, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..
Five including woman killed in separate road accidents across several areas
Five including woman killed in separate road accidents across several areas
Five people, including a woman and two youths, have reportedly died in separate fatal road accidents across different parts of the island yesterday (13), police stated. MORE..
Sri Lankan passenger arrested at BIA with over 2 kg of heroin
Sri Lankan passenger arrested at BIA with over 2 kg of heroin
A Sri Lankan national arriving from Malaysia has been arrested by the Airport Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for attempting to smuggle 2.3 kilograms of heroin, police said. MORE..
Cambodia shuts Thailand border crossings over deadly fighting
Cambodia shuts Thailand border crossings over deadly fighting
Cambodia shut its border crossings with Thailand on Saturday (Dec 13), after Bangkok denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that a truce had been agreed to end days of deadly fighting. MORE..
Few showers expected in parts of the island today
Few showers expected in parts of the island today
A few showers may occur in Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces, today (14), the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..
Two dead, eight injured after shooting at Brown University in US
Two dead, eight injured after shooting at Brown University in US
Two people were killed and eight critically wounded on Saturday (Dec 13) in a shooting at Brown University, the prestigious Ivy League school in Rhode Island, authorities said. MORE..
Over Rs. 13 bln disbursed by Treasury so far to provide disaster relief – Finance Secretary
Over Rs. 13 bln disbursed by Treasury so far to provide disaster relief – Finance Secretary
The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, says that the Treasury has so far disbursed more than Rs. 13 billion to provide relief to the people affected by the disaster situation. MORE..
Israel kills senior Hamas commander in Gaza strike, Israeli media say
Israel kills senior Hamas commander in Gaza strike, Israeli media say
The Israeli military killed senior Hamas commander Raed Saed, one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, in a strike on a car in Gaza City on Saturday, several Israeli media outlets reported, citing sources. MORE..
Somawathiya-Sungavila road to be closed again
Somawathiya-Sungavila road to be closed again
Steps have been taken to temporarily close the Somawathiya-Sungavila main road once again. MORE..
President directs officials to prioritize rebuilding livelihoods of disaster-affected communities
President directs officials to prioritize rebuilding livelihoods of disaster-affected communities
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to give top priority to restoring the livelihoods of communities affected by the disaster. MORE..
Steps underway to promptly reopen Hakgala Botanical Garden
Steps underway to promptly reopen Hakgala Botanical Garden
Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody participated in an inspection visit to initiate measures to reopen the Hakgala Botanical Garden promptly, which has been temporarily closed due to the disaster situation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in the country. MORE..
Iran seizes oil tanker carrying illegal fuel, Sri Lankans among 18 crew members – report
Iran seizes oil tanker carrying illegal fuel, Sri Lankans among 18 crew members – report
Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, Iranian media said overnight Friday to Saturday, adding that 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were on board. MORE..
Ministry urges public to avoid sharing details of disaster-affected children
Ministry urges public to avoid sharing details of disaster-affected children
The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has urged all parties to refrain from disseminating any information related to children who have become vulnerable due to the recent disaster situation in the country. MORE..
Over 13,500 businesses affected by adverse weather - Ministry
Over 13,500 businesses affected by adverse weather - Ministry
The Ministry of Industry and Enterprise Development has reported that the Industry Disaster Support Center (IDSC) has received data on 13,698 businesses affected by the recent adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Advisory issued for severe lightning
Advisory issued for severe lightning
An ‘Amber’ advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for severe lightning in the Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara Districts. MORE..
Authorities aim to clear flood-generated waste in Colombo suburbs within 10 days
Authorities aim to clear flood-generated waste in Colombo suburbs within 10 days
The Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Thilak Hewawasam, stated that authorities expect to completely remove accumulated garbage in the flood-affected suburbs of Colombo, following Cyclone Ditwah, within approximately 10 days. MORE..
Special festive advance granted to public officials
Special festive advance granted to public officials
A circular has been issued to provide a special advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 to public officials in view of the festive season. MORE..