Section of Yakkala bridge on Colombo-Kandy road sinks; road closed

The middle section of the bridge near Ayurveda in Yakkala on the Colombo-Kandy main road is sinking, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said.

At least four dead and 10 wounded in California shooting

Four people were killed and 10 wounded in a shooting at a family gathering in California on Saturday night, US police said, calling it a ’’targeted incident.’’

Adverse weather claims 193 lives; nearly 1Mn affected

The death toll from the ongoing adverse weather disaster has risen to 193, while 228 people remain missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported today.

Dry ration allowance for displaced persons increased

The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) has revised the allowance provided for dry rations to families displaced by the ongoing adverse weather.

Meteorology Department urges caution as floodwaters continue to move downstream

Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, has issued a warning urging the public to remain vigilant as water from areas around hydroelectric power plants in the central highlands continues to flow downstream, despite the heavy rainfall subsiding.

Irrigation Dept warns of rising flood risk in Kalutara District

The Department of Irrigation has issued a warning that the flood situation in low-lying areas of the Kalu Ganga basin may escalate into a significant flood in the coming hours.

SriLankan Airlines urges all staff to report for duty immediately

SriLankan Airlines has called on all airport and ground staff to immediately contact their duty stations and report for work due to the ongoing national emergency.

Residents near Mavil Aru Reservoir ordered to evacuate

Authorities have issued an urgent evacuation notice for residents living downstream of the Mavil Aru reservoir due to the risk of the dam wall breaching.

Solar users asked to temporarily shut panels

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has urged owners of rooftop solar panels to voluntarily switch off their systems by 3 pm today.

Five Navy personnel missing after flood response mission in Chalai Lagoon

Five Sri Lanka Navy personnel, including an officer in-Charge of the Chalai Naval Sub-unit attached to SLNS Wettalekeni, have been reported missing after they went into the Chalai Lagoon on Friday to cut off water flowing toward the naval sub-unit during worsening flood conditions.

Kilinochchi records highest rainfall in 24 hours

The Kilinochchi District has reported the highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

GMOA launches disaster center to aid weather-hit communities

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has established a special Disaster Management Coordination Center to strengthen medical assistance and relief efforts for communities impacted by the severe weather conditions sweeping across the country.

Police urge public to avoid visiting damaged roads and bridges

Police Headquarters has issued a warning urging the public to stay away from damaged roads, bridges, and unsafe areas affected by the recent severe weather, noting that large crowds have been gathering at these locations.

Japan to send emergency assistance and assessment team to Sri Lanka

Japan has agreed to provide emergency assistance to Sri Lanka as the country continues to grapple with widespread devastation caused by extreme weather conditions.

BIA issues travel advisory as flooding disrupts access roads

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited has issued an important travel advisory for all passengers departing through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), as several airport access routes remain affected by flooding due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Kotugoda grid substation shut down amid severe flooding: CEB

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) announced that the Kotugoda 220/132/33kV Grid Substation has been temporarily taken out of service due to severe flooding in the area.

Public Advisory for Sri Lankans: Staying Safe and Prepared During the Ongoing National Disaster

Sri Lanka is facing a serious national disaster right now, with floods, landslides and severe transport disruptions affecting daily life across many districts. With conditions changing quickly, it’s important for all of us to stay informed, stay calm and stay prepared. I’ve put together this advisory to help families and individuals navigate the next few days safely and responsibly.

Prabath Chandrakeerthi appointed as Commissioner-General of Essential Services

Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed as the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Sri Lanka Tourism assures 24/7 support for visitors amid severe weather

Sri Lanka Tourism announced that dedicated response teams are operating around the clock to assist tourists and industry stakeholders affected by the recent severe weather conditions. Officials said immediate support will be provided to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all visitors.

Blood Service urges donors to visit main centres

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has urgently appealed to donors to visit their nearest main blood banks to help maintain the country’s essential blood supply, Director Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe announced today.

DMC introduces WhatsApp numbers to inform of disaster related issues

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has introduced three WhatsApp numbers for people to inform their issues regarding the disaster situation.

Facebook party raided in Kotte, 34 arrested

The Welikada Police raided a ‘Facebook party’ in the Athul Kotte area, resulting in the arrest of 34 individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of illicit drugs, police said.

Wildlife bungalow bookings for January to begin on December 8

The Wildlife Conservation Department announced that bookings for wildlife tourist bungalows in Sialkot National Park for the month of January will be carried out as scheduled on Monday(8), at the department’s head office in Battaramulla.

Cyclone Ditwah makes impact in India; heavy rainfall batters Tamil Nadu

As Cyclone Ditwah moves towards southern India, heavy rainfall lashed parts of Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed the Kodiyakarai beach area near Vedaranyam.

Toll-free hotlines launched for women and children in distress

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has announced the launch of two toll-free telephone hotlines to report cases of women and children in distress amid the ongoing emergency situation.

Australian prime minister becomes first to wed in office

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner Jodie Haydon, becoming the country’s first leader to tie the knot while in office.

Telecommunication operators to prioritise emergency calls during disaster situation

Telecommunication operators have agreed to prioritise emergency calls during the ongoing disaster situations while minimising network congestion.

Inclement weather: Death toll mounts to 153; 191 still missing

The death toll from the ongoing adverse weather disaster has climbed to 153, while 191 people remain missing, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) reported today.

Cardinal calls upon all Catholics in Sri Lanka to help disaster victims

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith today urged all Catholic priests and associations within parish churches to get together in helping the disaster hit families and persons.

India deploys MI-17V5 helicopters for Sri Lanka disaster response

Two MI-17V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) arrived in Sri Lanka this evening to assist with ongoing search and rescue operations amid the widespread devastation caused by severe weather across the island.