Public urged to take precautions as post-flood diseases surge

Health officials have raised concerns over a rise in leptospirosis (rat fever), diarrhoea, chikungunya, dengue and various skin infections in the aftermath of recent floods across several parts of Sri Lanka.

Nearly 70 countries pledge humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka: Minister

Nearly seventy countries have already offered to provide humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka in the wake of the disaster situation in the country, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake said today.

November records 2.1 mn tourists

The month of November has recorded around 2.1 million tourists for the year so far.

Fourth U.S. Coast Guard cutter transferred to Sri Lanka

A fourth U.S. Coast Guard cutter is being transferred to the Sri Lanka Navy, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said today.

Appoint Parliamentary Select Committee to probe allegations of failure to prevent disaster: Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today urged the Speaker to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate into the allegations of the failure to prevent the devastation caused by the adverse weather in the country.

Stop promoting infant formula, promote breastfeeding only

The Health Ministry has urged mothers not to feed infants with powdered milk, bottled milk or any forms of supplementary food, despite the challenging conditions created by the recent adverse weather.

SLAF has only four helicopters: Deputy Minister

The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) had only four helicopters for use during the recent disaster, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera told Parliament today.

Airbus to inspect some planes over ’quality issue’ with panels

Airbus has confirmed an unspecified number of its aircraft will undergo inspections after a ’’supplier quality issue’’ with metal panels used on some A320 planes was identified.

Navy divers repair flood-damaged water plants

In the aftermath of severe weather, the Sri Lanka Navy has launched a comprehensive, island-wide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) programme to deliver essential services to affected communities.

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund must get Parliament approval: Harsha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that a fund called ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ cannot be established without Parliamentary approval and urged the government to get it approved by Parliament.

WHO allocates US$175,000 to strengthen health response in flood-hit Sri Lanka

The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated US$175,000 in emergency funds to support critical health services for communities affected by severe flooding and landslides across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

Police told to act against those insulting President, Ministers

Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has directed the police to invoke emergency regulations to take action against individuals carrying out defamatory social media campaigns targeting the President and several government Ministers.

More Indian troops arrive in Sri Lanka to assist flood relief effort

The Indian Army has deployed a specialized contingent to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist communities affected by severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Kaduwela, Athurugiriya interchanges reopen

The Kaduwela interchange entrance and exit, along with the Athurugiriya entrance and exit of the expressway which were temporarily closed due to the prevailing flood situation, have been reopened for normal traffic from today.

Affected school children to get Rs. 25,000

The President’s Fund will grant Rs. 25,000 for the educational needs of every school-going child affected by floods and landslides, President’s Media Division said.

Declare day of mourning for disaster victims: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to declare a day of mourning for the disaster victims.

Court issues warrants for Wimal Weerawansa

Warrants have been issued for former MP Wimal Weerawansa by the Fort Magistrate’s Court after he failed to appear in connection with a pending case.

Cancel IMF agreement, talk to Trump, bring in new budget: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for a new programme to rebuild the nation after the recent disaster and therefore cancel the IMF agreement and go for a fresh agreement.

Search for long-missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to resume

The search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on 30 December, over a decade after the aircraft with 239 people on board vanished, Malaysian authorities have said.

UN ready to support relief, response efforts: UN Secretary General

The United Nations (UN) stands ready to support relief and response efforts in Sri Lanka, Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres said.

Pakistan sends elite search and rescue team to Sri Lanka

In response to the large-scale destruction caused by the severe storm in Sri Lanka and following a request for assistance from the Sri Lankan government, Pakistan has intensified relief efforts for the affected population.

Central Bank not under my purview during bond scam: Ravi K

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has made a false statement that the Central Bank was under his purview during his tenure as Finance Minister in 2015, MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament today.

Ali Sabry calls for Climate Change University in Sri Lanka

Former Minister Ali Sabry has reiterated the importance of establishing a Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, noting that the idea, once dismissed by opposition parties, is now more crucial than ever.

Serena Williams says no comeback, despite filing paperwork

Serena Williams has filed the necessary paperwork for a return to tennis - but then said she is ’’not coming back’’ to the sport.

Sri Lanka welcomes over 2,000 tourists aboard Mein Schiff 06

Describing it as a “powerful symbol of resilience and recovery,” the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) today welcomed more than 2,000 international passengers aboard the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 06.

Shehbaz Sharif, AKD hold discussion

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deepest sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Take steps to release vehicles stuck at Customs: Harsha

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) MP Harsha de Silva today requested the government to make arrangements to take steps towards releasing around 900 imported vehicles that are stuck in the port at the moment.

Civil Aviation urges drone operators to avoid emergency zones

The Director General of Civil Aviation has advised all drone operators, both commercial and recreational, to refrain from flying drones in areas where helicopter operations are underway. This warning comes amid ongoing search, rescue, and relief operations in regions affected by recent disasters.

Death toll from adverse weather rises to 465

The death toll in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah that ravaged the country last week has risen to 465, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) revealed in its update this morning.

Parliament observes one minute silence to respect disaster victims

Parliament observed one minute’s silence in remembrance of all those who lost their lives due to the disaster situation in the country.