Jerome Fernando Charity Foundation launches islandwide flood relief initiative

The Prophet Jerome Fernando Charity Foundation has launched a major island-wide flood relief initiative to support affected families and individuals.

Ditwah destroys over 6,000 houses

The total number of houses completely destroyed across Sri Lanka due to the calamity triggered by Cyclone Ditwah has exceeded 6,000, according to the latest report issued by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

UAE relief teams conclude humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka

UAE relief teams have concluded their humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka as part of the urgent response launched by the United Arab Emirates, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to support those affected by Cyclone Ditwah and the landslides that struck the country.

Sri Lankan passenger arrested for smuggling whiskey at BIA

A 28-year-old Sri Lankan businessman from Minuwangoda was arrested yesterady for attempting to bring a stock of foreign-made whiskey into the country illegally.

Foreign tourists flock to Sripada to witness sunrise

With favorable weather conditions in the mornings, a large number of foreign tourists have been visiting the Sripada shrine to watch the sunrise.

Starlink donates 100 satellite units to boost Sri Lanka’s disaster response

The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development says US-based Starlink has donated 100 satellite internet units to assist disaster management activities in the country.

Education should not burden children after disasters: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that education should not be a burden for children as the country recovers from recent disasters. She stressed that the mental and emotional well-being of students should be a top priority to create a safe and supportive school environment.

’Ditwah’ leaves 2.2 million people affected across Sri Lanka

The total number of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah has risen to 2.2 million, with 1.7 million people severely impacted, according to the latest figures released by the Disaster Management Centre.

Oil leak reported at Colombo Port during crude oil transfer

A leak has been reported in a pipeline while a ship was unloading crude oil at the Colombo Port.

John Cena ends his wrestling career in defeat

The iconic WWE wrestler lost the final match of his storied run, as Gunther emerged victorious at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.

AI technology for disaster resilience explored

The Association of Disaster Risk Management Professionals (ADRMP) Sri Lanka successfully launched a national initiative titled “GeoAI for Disaster Resilience”, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s capacity to predict, prepare for, and respond to disasters using cutting-edge geospatial and artificial intelligence technologies.

Police hunt for gunman who killed 2 Brown University students, injured 9 people

Police in Rhode Island were searching for a suspect late on Saturday after a shooting at Brown University in Providence left two students dead and eight others critically wounded at the Ivy League school, officials said. A ninth person was hurt by bullet fragments, the mayor said.

SC to hear former Moscow Defence Attaché’s son’s FR on university admission

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the son of the former Defence Attaché to Moscow, challenging the decision of the University Grants Commission not accept his application to local universities.

2.3kg of heroin seized at BIA; suspect arrested

A suspect has been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with 2.3 kilograms of heroin, police said.

Chilaw Hospital flood damage crosses Rs. 1.2 Bn

Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that damages caused by the recent flooding at the Chilaw General Hospital exceed Rs. 1,200 million.

Ministry urges public not to share details of disaster-affected children

The Ministry of Child and Women Affairs has urged the public and media institutions to refrain from sharing photographs, video footage, or personal details of children affected by the prevailing disaster situation through social media or mainstream media platforms.

Almas Holdings pledges Rs. 225 mn for flood relief and rebuilding

Almas Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, a long-term investment holding company with interests in the capital market and real estate sectors, has pledged Rs. 225 million to support flood relief and post-disaster rebuilding efforts, underscoring growing private sector participation in national recovery initiatives.

Public servants to receive special festive advance

A circular has been issued authorizing a special advance payment of up to Rs. 4,000 for public sector employees in view of the festive season.

Dudley Sirisena’s company donates Rs 100Mn for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund

Lakbima Rice Mills (Pvt) Ltd, based in Polonnaruwa, has contributed Rs. 100 million to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwa.

US Ambassador nominee outlines Washington’s priorities for Sri Lanka

US President Donald Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Sri Lanka has told lawmakers that Washington will focus on maritime security, economic reforms and countering China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean, as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from the 2022 economic crisis and a deadly cyclone this year.

Rs. 10,000 compensation for coconut trees destroyed by Cyclone Ditwah

The Government has drawn attention to providing compensation of Rs. 10,000 per coconut tree, along with coconut saplings, to farmers whose coconut trees were destroyed by the recent Cyclonic Storm Ditwah.

Messi event in Kolkata turns messy as fans go on rampage

What was billed as a historic, celebratory moment during Lionel Messi’s Kolkata stop on the GOAT Tour spiralled into chaos at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan on Friday, with allegations of serious mismanagement overshadowing the Argentine legend’s brief appearance.

Thundershowers with severe lightning forecast

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for residents in Kalutara, Rathnapura, Galle, and Matara districts as thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur in some areas.

Will proposed international climate change university see the light of day in Sri Lanka?

The previous government completed the concept paper for the establishment of an international climate change university in Sri Lanka, and a Cabinet paper was presented at that time to seek approval for land demarcation for the project, an official attached to the then Climate Change secretariat said.

Almas Holdings pledges Rs 225 Million for flood relief in Sri Lanka

Almas Holdings Pvt Limited, a leading investment holding company active in the Capital Market and Real Estate sectors, has pledged a total of Rs 225 million to support flood relief and rebuilding efforts in Sri Lanka.

Passenger arrested with Rs. 800,000 worth of smuggled whiskey

A Sri Lankan air passenger was arrested in the early hours of today (13) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for attempting to illegally bring a large stock of foreign-made whiskey into the country.

Census to be conducted in affected areas

The Land Commissioner’s Department has focused its attention on conducting a census of lands affected by two recent minor storms, Commissioner General of Land, Chandana Ranaweera Arachchi said.

Sri Lanka, Italy renew driving licence recognition agreement

The Governments of Sri Lanka and Italy formally renewed the Bilateral Agreement for the Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences, reaffirming cooperation between the two countries.

Delay in damage assessment cost SL crucial aid: UNP

The UNP said yesterday that the delay in assessing the loss of lives and property damages of cyclone Ditwah by the authorities has caused a delay in obtaining further foreign aid for rebuilding the nation after the disaster.

Viren, Ranithma Lead 1,500-Strong Field at 73rd National Badminton Championships

Star shuttlers Viren Nettasinghe and Ranithma Liyanage are set to headline the action as more than 1,500 competitors prepare to battle it out at the 73rd National Badminton Championship 2025, scheduled from December 17