Supreme Court slams Police brutality; urges government intervention

In a strongly worded judgement condemning police violence, the Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of a lorry driver were violated by two officers of the Thalatuoya Police Station in Kandy, reiterating that the time has come for the Government to urgently address the systemic problem of police brutality.

Israel donates relief aid to Sri Lanka

Israel, which has contributed a consignment of relief aid to the Sri Lankans who have been affected by the cyclone Ditwah, expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent disaster.

BBC forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over next few days

The BBC weather report forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over the next few days, with increased thunderstorms and rain.

Committee appointed to streamline foreign aid distribution for flood victims

A new national committee has been appointed to ensure the proper coordination and fair distribution of foreign aid reaching Sri Lanka in the wake of recent natural disasters.

Yasantha Kodagoda appointed as Acting Chief Justice

Supreme Court Justice and President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

China donates 85 tonnes of flood relief to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka today received a major humanitarian relief consignment from China to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Akbar Brothers crowned Mercantile ‘A’ Division Basketball Champions

Akbar Brothers Ltd delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch the ‘A’ Division title at the 33rd MSBA League Basketball Tournament, defeating defending champions Fairfirst Insurance 70–60 in a thrilling final held on Friday, 5 December.

DHS detains Sri Lankan-born U.S. Professor, calls him ‘sex offender’

U.S. immigration agents said they arrested a Ferris State University professor originally from Sri Lanka who has a criminal history that includes death threats and conviction in a case involving a juvenile, the Detroit news reported.

Two firearms recovered from Valaichchenai

Two firearms have been seized from a telephone pole near the 20th pillar along the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa main road in Valaichchenai.

Chamika Karunaratne opposes DNA test, case fixed for January 30

Counsel appearing for cricketer Chamika Karunaratne raised objections to a request by a female pilot who sought a court order to obtain a DNA report to establish the paternity of her child.

Public asked to avoid visiting disaster-hit areas

Since disaster-affected regions still pose serious risks, Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Pradeep Kodippili has urged people to refrain from bathing or entering waters with strong currents.

Severe lightning advisory issued for several districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as the Colombo and Kalutara districts today.

President directs speedy repairs of Cyclone-hit roads in Nuwara Eliya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to fast-track funding for the repair of roads, culverts, and embankments damaged in the Nuwara Eliya District, with all restoration work to be completed before the end of the year.

Jetstar to debut Melbourne flights to Sri Lanka next year

Jetstar has announced it will offer flights from Australia to Sri Lanka for the first time in in August next year.

Public urged not to tamper with damaged communication lines

Police said that Dialog Axiata has urged the public, through the Inspector General of Police, to exercise caution regarding telecommunication cables that have been exposed or damaged in several areas due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Disasters can raise heart attack risk by 40%, Cardiologist warns

Global research shows that heart attacks and other cardiovascular emergencies can rise by nearly 40% following major disasters such as Cyclone Ditwah, Cardiologist Dr. Gothabhaya Ranasinghe said.

Namal Rajapaksa urges Prime Minister to summon Parliament

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to immediately summon Parliament, to monitor, debate and ensure that government promises become real assistance on the ground for those affected by the recent cyclone.

Cyclone Ditwah destroys 600 prawn farms in Puttalam

Cyclone Ditwah which hit Sri Lanka recently has destroyed more than 600 prawn farms in the Puttalam District alone, bringing the livelihoods of many farmers into a standstill, the Fisheries Ministry said.

Reservoir water levels returning to normal: Irrigation Dept.

Water levels in reservoirs across the country have returned to normal, according to the Department of Irrigation.

Seventh UAE aid flight arrives to support flood-hit communities

The seventh humanitarian aid aircraft sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist those affected by floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah arrived in Sri Lanka.

IMF prioritizes Sri Lanka’s emergency financing request

The International Monetary Fund said its immediate focus is Sri Lanka’s request for emergency financing, even as the United States deployed Air Force C-130J aircraft and an expert airlift team to support relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Case against Hirunika, 14 others fixed for March 16

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that the case filed against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and 14 other suspects be recalled on March 16.

Thailand launches air strikes at Cambodia as border tensions reignite

Thailand has launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, the Thai military said on Monday, after both countries accused the other of breaching a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Cartographying of endangered areas in 14 districts to commence within a fortnight

Former Head of the Department of Geology of Peradeniya Univeresity Senior Prof. Athula Senaratne said a cartographying of endangered areas in 14 districts would commence within a fortnight.

Laws to curb unauthorised constructions to be strengthened: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that no room will be given in the future for unauthorised constructions and that laws relating to them will be strengthened.

Possibility of pink eye among flood victims: Health officials

Health authorities have issued a warning to people affected by the recent floods, saying there is a possibility of conjunctivitis—commonly known as pink eye or sore eyes—spreading among those staying in safety centres across the country.

Government in consultation with IMF

The government will carry out its post- disaster economic recovery plan in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an official said yesterday.

RDA needs one and half years to reconstruct bridges

The Road Development Authority (RDA ) will need at least one and half years to reconstruct major bridges damaged in the recent disasters triggered by cyclone Ditwah, an official said yesterday.

Underworld hides behind disaster relief

Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in violent incidents, including shootings, as some individuals appear to be taking advantage of the chaos following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding, landslides, and over 600 deaths across the country.

Shakib Al Hasan reverses retirement, eyes all-formats home series before farewell

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has withdrawn his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, expressing his desire to represent the national team across all three formats, as per ESPNcricinfo. Shakib, who has been away from international cricket for over a year, announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is last year.