LPL 2026 gets new July–August dates

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League will be played from 8 July to 8 August 2026. The revised dates follow the postponement of the tournament, which was initially scheduled for December 2025.

Over 100 roads disrupted by floods and landslides: RDA

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has reported that heavy rainfall and flooding have disrupted transportation on at least 108 roads across the country in recent days.

Police urge public to stop sharing false news amid crisis

Strict legal action will be taken against individuals who irresponsibly circulate false or unethical information at a time when the nation is united in responding to the ongoing disaster, police said.

Chilaw Hospital shut down after severe flooding

The Chilaw General Hospital has been temporarily closed until further notice after heavy rains triggered severe flooding across the premises.

Landslide towns partially accessible

At least one access road has been opened to landslide-affected towns, the Road Development Authority (RDA) Director General, Eng. K.W. Kandamby said.

Vegetable stocks arrive; Ministry calls for unhindered transport

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation said that large quantities of vegetables are now being collected from key supply regions in the Badulla District, including Welimada and Keppetipola.

Over 120,000 home cameras hacked for ’sexploitation’ footage

Four people have been arrested in South Korea for allegedly hacking over 120,000 video cameras in homes and businesses and using the footage to make sexually exploitative materials for an overseas website.

Flood-affected residents advised to get free Leptospirosis treatment

The Health and Mass Media Ministry has urged residents affected by recent floods to seek immediate treatment to protect against leptospirosis. People are advised to contact their local Medical Officer of Health or Public Health Inspector to receive a full course of free leptospirosis medication.

Former envoy calls for reform of overseas relief donation policy

Former Sri Lankan ambassador Kananathan has called on the government to urgently reform its policy on overseas relief donations, describing current regulations as outdated, restrictive, and obstructive to humanitarian aid.

Flood warning for Mahaweli River basin extended by 48 hours

The flood warning issued for the Mahaweli River Basin has been extended for another 48 hours, the Irrigation Department said.

Video: Indian NDRF teams conduct rescue operations in Badulla

Teams from India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the country’s specialised agency for search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), have carried out rescue operations in Badulla this morning, working in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.

Tulip Siddiq MP given jail sentence in Bangladesh after trial in her absence

Labour MP and former minister Tulip Siddiq has been sentenced to two years in prison in Bangladesh after being put on trial in her absence alongside 16 other people over corruption allegations.

One-month grace period for expired driving licences

The Sri Lanka Police announced that no legal action will be taken against motorists driving with expired licences between 25 November and 25 December 2025.

Taj Samudra terminates security officer following internal inquiry

Taj Samudra, Colombo, has confirmed that the hotel management has terminated the services of a security officer with immediate effect following an internal inquiry.

Affected household to get Rs. 10,000 initial grant to restore sanitation, clean houses

The government will provide Rs. 10,000 as an initial grant to each affected household to restore sanitation and make the home safe for living again, Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), Jayatissa Munasinghe said today.

Be vigilant of infectious diseases as floodwaters recede

Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), Jayatissa Munasinghe, urged the public to remain alert to the rising risks of infectious and vector-borne diseases as floodwaters begin to recede across affected areas.

Welikada prison inmates donate today’s lunch to flood affected

The inmates of the Welikada prison have donated their lunch today to the people in Colombo, who were affected by the adverse weather.

Ranil summons all political parties to discuss disaster situation

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe called all opposition parties for a discussion on the current disaster situation, his office said in a statement.

Australia pledges AUD 1million aid for Sri Lanka cyclone Ditwah

The Australian Government will provide AUD 1 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, the Australian High Commission announced on 30 November 2025.

SLAF urges public to refrain from unauthorized drone use during disaster relief operations

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has requested the cooperation of the public when operating drones in areas affected by the ongoing disaster situation. Unregulated drone operations during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions pose significant risks to air operations conducted by the SLAF and other response agencies.

Kelani River maintains critical flood level; Residents urged to evacuate

The Kelani River continues to rage at Nagalgam Street, maintaining a critical flood level of 8.45 feet, the Irrigation Department said.

Do not return to home until inspections complete: NBRO

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) urged the public not to return to their homes until officials from the NBRO’s District Offices carry out safety inspections and issue their official assessments.

Gold prices spike in Sri Lanka as global rates surge

Gold prices in Sri Lanka recorded a sharp increase today (01) in line with a significant surge in the international market.

Security manager at Taj Samudra arrested for assaulting trainees

A security manager at the Taj Samudra hotel in Colombo was arrested yesterday for allegedly assaulting trainee hotel students, police said.

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.