News Archive

No Laugfs Gas price revision in December

LAUGFS Gas PLC has confirmed that there will be no price revision for domestic gas cylinder refills in the month of December, 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  3:50 pm

Nepal announces USD 200,000 in financial aid to flood-hit Sri Lanka

The Nepali government on Sunday announced financial aid of 200,000 U.S. dollars for Sri Lanka to support relief and recovery efforts for people badly affected by recent floods. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:04 am

President AKD and Indian PM Modi hold phone conversation over ongoing disaster relief operation

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a telephone conversation with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (01). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:12 pm

Divisional Secretaries to be notified when distributing aid to flood-affected areas

Colombo District Secretary Prasanna Ginige has requested to inform Divisional Secretariats when distributing aid to flood-affected people, and that arrangements be made to distribute the donations through the respective Divisional Secretariats.

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  11:59 am

Australia pledges AUD 1 Million to aid Sri Lanka’s Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ relief efforts

The government of Australia has announced that it will provide AUD 1 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone ‘Ditwah’. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  1:47 pm

Vegetable prices surge at Dambulla Economic Centre

The wholesale prices of vegetables at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre have increased significantly. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:17 am

Nayaru main bridge in Mullaitivu collapses amid heavy flooding

The Disaster Management Centre in Mullaitivu has stated that the Nayaru main bridge, Mullaitivu has been completely collapsed due to severe flooding. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:57 am

Railway Department announces revised time table for today

The Railway Department has announced revised train operations for today (01) due to existing obstructions along several railway lines. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:31 am

Parliament to conclude at 12:30 p.m.; Reconvene on Dec 03

The Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, has announced that today’s (01) sitting for the Committee Stage of the budget debates will conclude at 12:30 p.m. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:37 am

Agriculture Ministry issues notice on transportation of vegetables

Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and beans are currently being received in significant quantities at the economic centers in Welimada, Keppetipola and other areas in the Badulla District, which is a major vegetable-producing region, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:21 pm

Tri-Force personnel continue nationwide disaster rescue and relief operations

Sri Lanka’s tri-forces have intensified rescue and relief operations across the country as heavy rains and rising flood levels impacted the livelihoods of thousands of families. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:59 pm

Individual killed in shooting in China Bay

An individual is reported dead in a shooting incident within the China Bay Police Division in Trincomalee this evening (01). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:04 pm

Sri Lanka Police grant grace period for those with expired driving licences

Sri Lanka Police have decided to grant a grace period allowing drivers—who were unable to renew their driving licences—to drive without legal obstruction owing to the adverse weather conditions. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  3:06 pm

India’s INS Sukanya arrives in Trincomalee with more relief materials

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, announced that the Indian Navy ship INS Sukanya has arrived in Trincomalee carrying additional humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  1:26 pm

UK pledges US$ 890,000 for Sri Lanka’s disaster relief operation

The British government has announced that it will provide US$ 890,000 (£675,000) worth of urgent humanitarian support for Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  8:21 pm

Indian Air Force helicopter used to rescue group of individuals from Nuwara Eliya

An Indian Air Force helicopter has rescued a group of injured individuals and children affected by the disaster situation in Nuwara Eliya and Kotmale. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  4:09 pm

Chilaw General Hospital temporarily closed due to severe flooding

The Chilaw General Hospital has been temporarily closed until further notice following severe flooding caused by heavy rains, Hospital Director Dr. Sumith Attanayake confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  2:54 pm

Pakistan helicopter used to evacuate stranded family from Kotikawatta

A Pakistan helicopter has been used to rescue a stranded family, including a 7-month-old infant from a rooftop of a house in Kotikawatta. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:54 pm

Security forces assist airline crew in flood-affected areas

Security forces have provided transportation support to airline crew members in the areas affected by recent floods. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:48 am

Vadduvakal Bridge breaks in two places due to flooding

The Vadduvakal bridge in Mullaitivu has collapsed in two places due to flooding, the Road Development Authority stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  3:12 pm

Colombo inflation remains unchanged at 2.1% in November 2025

The overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) on a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) basis, remains unchanged at 2.1% in November 2025, compared to the month of October, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  8:33 pm

SLAF urges public to refrain from flying drones in disaster zones

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has urged the public to avoid flying drones in disaster-affected zones, warning that unregulated activity endangers vital rescue flights. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  12:19 pm

Foreign Ministry establishes Emergency Coordination Unit to aid Sri Lankans affected by floods

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has established an Emergency Coordination Unit to manage and streamline relief efforts for Sri Lankan nationals affected by the recent floods. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  6:50 am

Cyclone “Ditwah” moves away from Sri Lanka; Advisory for fishermen lifted

The Deep Depression was located near latitude 12.5°N and longitude 80.5°E, about 320 km North-northeast of Kankesanturai, and it is very likely to move northwards, away from the island and weaken further, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:49 am

CAA urges public not to hoard goods unnecessarily amid flood crisis

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned that people are hoarding goods in large quantities due to the current disaster situation in Sri Lanka and emphasized that there is no need to create unnecessary panic. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  12:38 pm

GovPay introduces facility to support Sri Lanka’s disaster relief fund

A new facility has been introduced through GovPay with the aim of providing relief to people affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  12:00 pm

Ex-President Ranil calls party leaders’ meeting in wake of disaster situation

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a meeting of party leaders to discuss measures to address the severe disaster situation Sri Lanka is currently facing following the recent cyclone. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  1:19 pm

New Zealand extends NZ$ 1 million to support emergency humanitarian relief in Sri Lanka

The government of New Zealand has announced it will contribute NZ$ 1 million to Sri Lanka to support emergency humanitarian relief through an international humanitarian partner. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  2:34 pm

Expenditure heads of four ministries approved in Parliament

Expenditure heads of four ministries have been approved in Parliament today (01). MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  3:16 pm

IDH and Mulleriyawa Mental Health Institute not flooded - Ministry

The Ministry of Health has categorically rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting that the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), formerly known as the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), and the Mulleriyawa National Institute of Mental Health have been flooded. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  2:50 pm

Former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa arrives at Bribery Commission

Former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has arrived today (01) at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), said Ada Derana reporter. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:55 am

Parliament adjourned for 30 minutes

Parliament commenced today (01) at 9:00 a.m. under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the House, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:23 am

SLAF honors deceased pilot’s heroism in flood rescue mission in Wennappuwa

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has issued a special statement regarding the pilot who was killed while engaged in rescue operations for people affected by the adverse weather conditions in near the Lunuwila area, Wennappuwa. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:05 am

Water level at Nagalagam Street gauge surpasses 8-foot mark

Due to the rising water levels in the Kelani River Basin, Hanwella and several surrounding low-lying areas are currently experiencing a major flood situation. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  7:30 am

‘Don’t return home until officials conduct safety assessments’, NBRO warns evacuees

A Senior Scientist at the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Dr. Wasantha Senadeera, stated that the public should not return to their residences until officials from the NBRO’s District Offices conduct inspections and issue their official conclusions. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  12:04 pm

Sri Dalada Maligawa initiates ‘Social Welfare Fund’ for flood relief; donates Rs. 20 mln

Sri Dalada Maligawa, Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have donated Rs. 20 million to support those affected by the recent floods, opening a “Social Welfare Fund” to assist disaster-affected families, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  12:40 pm

Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya posthumously promoted to the rank of Group Captain

The pilot of the Bell 212 helicopter that crashed in Lunuwila last afternoon (30) while engaged in rescue operations for people affected by the adverse weather conditions has been posthumously promoted by the Sri Lanka Air Force. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:30 pm

China announces US$ 1 mln cash donation and RMB 10 mln worth of relief supplies to Sri Lanka

The government of China has announced a donation of USD 1 million in cash for on-going disaster relief operations in Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  8:57 pm

Landslide reported in Rambukkana

A landslide has occurred in the Gangekumbura area of Rambukkana, Ada Derana reporter said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:34 am

PHIU urges caution on drinking water and diseases in flood-affected areas

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) has urged people in flood-affected areas to exercise caution when using drinking water. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:26 am

Death toll from Thailand floods reaches 170

The death toll from flooding in Thailand has hit 170, the country’s Ministry of Public Health reported, an increase of eight from Saturday November 29, and 102 injuries. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  6:41 am

Ella-Wellawaya road reopens for traffic

The Ella-Wellawaya road has been completely reopened for traffic, according to Badulla District Secretary Panduka Sri Prabath Abeywardena. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  10:18 am

Gold prices increase by around Rs. 2,000 today

Gold prices in Sri Lanka have risen following a significant increase in the price of gold in the world market. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  11:01 am

Landslides removal underway on Hatton–Colombo route; Public urged to remain alert

The removal of landslides that occurred along the Hatton–Colombo main road has already commenced, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for the Hatton Division, Pradeep Weerasekara. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:38 am

Several spells of showers expected in parts of the island today

The Deep Depression was located near latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 300 km Northnortheast of Kankasanthurai, the Department of Meteorology said. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  6:30 am

06 infants and mothers evacuated from Chilaw to Puttalam by SLAF helicopter

Six infants and their mothers, who were receiving treatment at Chilaw Base Hospital, were relocated to Puttalam Base Hospital yesterday (30) due to flooding at the hospital caused by adverse weather conditions affecting the island. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  11:19 am

Navy rescues over 300 people following Mavil Aru tank embankment breach

The Sri Lanka Navy is continuing extensive rescue and relief operations in areas affected by flooding caused by the breach of a section of the Mavil Aru tank embankment in Trincomalee on 30 November 2025, following heavy rainfall. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:02 am

Committee appointed to investigate Lunuwila helicopter accident

A nine-member committee, including senior Air Force officers, has been appointed to investigate the helicopter accident that occurred in Lunuwila, Wennappuwa, yesterday (300, Sri Lanka Air Force Media Spokesman Group Captain Eranda Geeganage stated. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  2:13 pm

Death toll due to floods and landslides climbs to 390

The death toll due to the adverse weather conditions experienced in the country in the past few days has climbed to 390, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has confirmed. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  9:46 pm

Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ hits US$556m box office worldwide, highest-grossing animated movie in China

Walt Disney’s animated Zootopia 2 racked up an estimated US$556 million in global ticket sales over the US Thanksgiving weekend, providing a strong kickoff to Hollywood’s crucial holiday moviegoing season. MORE..

(0)Comments | December 1, 2025  1:04 pm