Government ignored weather warnings: SJB MP

The Opposition alleged today that the government had not taken precautionary measures to mitigate the devastation caused by the adverse weather despite prior warnings by the Meteorology Department and Irrigation Department of a possible disaster.

Deep depression moving away from Sri Lanka

The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is moving northwards, away from Sri Lanka, and is expected to weaken further, the Department of Meteorology said.

Death toll climbs to 355; 366 missing in severe weather

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) announced that the death toll from the ongoing adverse weather conditions has risen to 355, while 366 people remain missing.

Sri Lanka hit hard: Over 15,000 homes destroyed, 200 roads impassable

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 998,918 people across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka have been affected by the severe flooding and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28 before moving back over the Bay of Bengal. The disaster has resulted in 212 deaths and 218 people reported missing.

Opposition walks out from Parliament protesting against refusal by ruling party to extend session

The Opposition staged a walkout of Parliament protesting the refusal by the ruling party to allow a full day’s debate on the disaster situation.

Parliament session to be suspended tomorrow

Parliamentay sessions will be suspended tomorrow (December 2) due to the national disaster situation, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced today.

Political truce announced by opposition

Opposition parties yesterday declared a temporary political truce in light of the prevailing flood situation and pledged their full support for ongoing relief efforts.

Chamal Rajapaksa gives statement at Bribery Commission

Former Parliamentarian Chamal Rajapaksa arrived at the Bribery Commission this morning (December 1) to provide a statement over an ongoing investigation.

Vegetable prices triple, fish costs double amid supply shortages

Prices of essential food items soared across the country yesterday morning as ongoing adverse weather and disaster conditions severely disrupted supply chains.

Several national parks to reopen as weather conditions improve

The Wildlife Conservation Department announced that several national parks temporarily closed due to the recent weather-related national disaster will reopen to visitors from today (December 1).

Weather-induced devastation: unfathomable or warnings ignored

Despite forecasts of torrential downpours exceeding 150 mm by the Meteorology Department, the lack of a proper pre-assessment of the potential impact reduced opportunities for damage mitigation this time, the Daily Mirror learns.

CAA urges public to report traders charging higher prices

In the wake of the devastating cyclone that caused severe floods and landslides, Sri Lanka is facing a heartbreaking moment as many families struggle to rebuild their lives. Amid the crisis, It was reported that traders selling goods at inflated prices.

Floods cost ailing SL economy dearly

In the wake of massive floods that have ravaged one-third of the country, Sri Lanka requires Rs. 31 billion as of November 28 for the restoration of agriculture, irrigation tanks, and damaged canals, according to a communication from the Foreign Ministry.

Parliament suspended for 30 minutes for party leaders’ meeting on budget debate amendment

Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne suspended Parliament sessions to hold a party leaders’ meeting to decide on amending the committee stage debate on the budget due to the national disaster situation.

Namal Rajapaksa launches “Adaraya” to support flood-affected children

In response to helping flood-affected children resume their education by providing the school supplies they urgently need, SLPP National Organizer and parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has launched “Adaraya”, a compassionate initiative aimed at supporting students whose schooling has been disrupted by recent floods and landslides.

China provides USD 100,000 in emergency aid to Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah

The Red Cross Society of China has provided USD 100,000 in emergency cash assistance to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support ongoing relief operations.

Five navy personnel who went missing during flood response confirmed dead

The Sri Lanka Navy has confirmed that the five naval personnel who went missing during a flood response mission in the Chalai Lagoon have died. The group included the Officer-in-Charge of the Chalai Naval Sub-unit attached to SLNS Wettalekeni.

Verstappen Qatar win takes title fight to final race

Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will contest a final-race championship showdown in Abu Dhabi after Red Bull’s Verstappen won a gripping Qatar Grand Prix.

NOCSL yet to start Election Process

The current four-year term of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) is officially scheduled to end on December 28, 2025.

India evacuates 750 nationals, strengthens cyclone ’Ditwah’ relief in Sri Lanka

India has evacuated around 750 Indian nationals stranded in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Evacuations continue via commercial airlines and Indian Air Force flights, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Emergency powers will not be misused: President assures

Claiming that emergency regulations have been enacted to provide legal and financial safeguards for efficient reconstruction, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured that the emergency powers will not be misused for any other purpose.

Another Indian Air Force flight arrives in Colombo with disaster relief supplies

Another Indian Air Force flight, a C-130J, has landed in Colombo carrying approximately 10 tons of disaster response supplies, Indian External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jayashankar said.

Fund will be set up to gather necessary resources for reconstruction: President

The government is in the process of setting up a fund to gather the necessary resources for reconstruction, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Air Force pilot killed in helicopter crash in Wennappuwa

Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the captain of a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, was killed this afternoon (30) when the aircraft crashed in the Lunuwila area of Wennappuwa during disaster relief operations.

334 dead, 370 missing in islandwide disaster

At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 others are still missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported today.

Academic activities of all universities suspended till December 8

Academic activities of all universities, higher education institutions and vocational training institutions under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education will be suspended until December 8, 2025, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.

Benjamin Netanyahu seeks pardon from Israel’s president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country’s President, Isaac Herzog, for a pardon over corruption cases he has been battling.

Death toll from Indonesia flooding rises to 442

BBC- The death toll from flooding and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has risen dramatically to 442, officials say.

President to address the nation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to address the nation at 8.30 p.m. today (30).

Video: Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashes during disaster relief operation

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force, engaged in ongoing disaster relief operations, crashed this afternoon (30) in the Lunuwila area of Wennappuwa.