Opposition must be sued for being silent on weather warning: Deputy Minister

Claiming that the opposition had kept mum on the warnings of an impending cyclone for two weeks from November 12 as they claimed, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said today the opposition must be sued for failing to inform the government of the warning of an impending cyclone if they were aware of it from November 12.

Lando Norris wins first F1 world championship title at Abu Dhabi GP

A tearful Lando Norris claimed his maiden Formula One world drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign.

Expedite disaster relief, rebuilding without saying ’ane please’: Sajith

The government should expedite the disaster relief and rebuilding without saying ’ane please’, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said today.

U.S. Air Force team arrives to provide American airlift capability

Two C-130J Super Hercules and Airmen from the U.S. Air Force 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arrived to provide American airlift capability in support of Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah response, a statement from the U. U. embassy said.

Weather-related death toll soars to 627

The death toll from the severe weather conditions that swept across Sri Lanka in recent days has risen to 627, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Police Sergeant injured in accidental firearm discharge

A police sergeant was injured this morning when a firearm accidentally discharged inside the Malabe Police Station. The incident occurred while the officer was checking the firearm.

Myanmar flight carrying disaster relief arrives

A Myanmar Air Force flight (Y8) arrived at the Katunayake Air Force camp last night carrying disaster relief.

Spill gates of seven major reservoirs opened

The Department of Irrigation said that spill gates of seven major reservoirs have been opened due to rising water levels following recent rainfall.

PHIs bust distribution of flood-damaged rice

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have uncovered an illegal racket involving the processing and distribution of flood-damaged rice deemed unfit for consumption in the Harispattuwa area of the Kandy District.

Govt to launch cyclone housing damage assessment tomorrow

The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply said that the assessment of damage to houses caused by Cyclone Ditwah will begin tomorrow. The process will be carried out by a committee appointed under the Presidential Secretariat and will focus on identifying households eligible for government support.

North-East monsoon strengthens, showers expected

The Department of Meteorology said that the north-east monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing increased rainfall to several regions.

Death toll from devastating Indonesia floods passes 900

The death toll in Indonesia from recent flooding has passed 900, with hundreds still missing.

Staff and tourists among 23 killed in Goa nightclub fire, officials say

At least 23 people have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in the coastal region of Goa, India, local officials say.

England and Scotland find out World Cup kick-off times

England have been handed World Cup kick-off times which suit UK audiences - but Scotland fans face later finishes during next summer’s tournament.

Hotline introduced for public complaints on essential services

The Office of Commissioner General for Essential Service has introduced the hotline number 1904 to facilitate public complaints related to accessibility of essential services.

Kohli breaks Jayasuriya record, closes in on Sachin’s ODI milestone

Virat Kohli has overtaken Sanath Jayasuriya to claim the second-most Player of the Series awards in ODI history, moving to 12-just three behind Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15.

Verstappen beats Norris and Piastri to pole

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen beat his McLaren title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to pole position with an imposing performance in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Man shot dead in Dehiwala

A 34-year-old resident of Dehiwala was shot dead by an unidentified gunman near the A Quarters Sports Ground a short while ago.

Provide special allowance to public servants: UNP

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena today called for the payment of a special allowance to public servants, especially field officers, stating that such a thing is important at a time of a disaster.

Lanka Ashok Leyland donates seven utility vehicles to support relief, recovery efforts

Lanka Ashok Leyland has donated seven essential utility vehicles valued at more than Rs. 65 million to support relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts across Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission said.

At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting

At least 11 people have been killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in South Africa. Fourteen others were wounded when gunmen stormed the venue in Saulsville township, west of the capital Pretoria, early on Saturday. A three-year-old is among the dead.

Powers of local authorities must be enforced to prevent similar disasters in future: President

While noting that natural disasters such as floods, storms and landslides cannot be prevented, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised today that the loss of lives and property can be minimised.

Pakistan legend Akram hails 'incredible' Starc after Ashes heroics

Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram believes even more is to come from Australia’s ’’incredible’’ veteran Ashes wrecking ball Mitchell Starc.

Sri Lanka’s airports now fully operational; AASL

Sri Lanka’s airports continue to operate without disruption, with all scheduled flights running smoothly despite the recent adverse weather conditions, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Tamil Nadu donates 950 metric tonnes of essential relief items

The Tamil Nadu government has donated 950 metric tonnes of essential relief items to people affected due to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Disaster relief shipment from Switzerland arrives in Sri Lanka

An aircraft carrying 2.6 metric tons of disaster relief aid from Switzerland arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, this morning (06).

Health Promotion Bureau warns of eye infections in crowded places following floods

The Health Promotion Bureau warns people to be on the alert for eye infections, which can easily spread in places where people gather following the recent floods.

Rare dugong carcass washes ashore in Mannar

The Department of Wildlife Conservation reported that the carcass of a rare dugong (Dugong dugon) was found washed ashore on the Pesalai beach along the Mannar coast on November 30.

DMT to launch mobile services to assist owners of flood-submerged vehicles

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced that it will introduce district-wise mobile services to assist vehicle owners whose documents were lost or damaged after their vehicles were submerged in the recent floods.

Magazine Prison inmates donate today’s lunch to flood affected

The inmates of the New Magazine Prison, Colombo have donated their lunch today to the people in Colombo, who were affected by the Ditwah cyclone.