Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’

The deep depression which had formed near the Sri Lankan coast in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone, now named “Ditwah.”, the Department of Meteorology said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa undergoes routine check-up at private hospital

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo as part of a routine medical check-up.

Sri Lanka to divert flights to India during weather emergencies

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake announced that all flights unable to land at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during severe weather conditions will be diverted to Trivandrum or Cochin airports in India.

Flood warning for Maduru Oya basin extended

The flood warning issued for the Maduru Oya Basin has been extended for an additional 48 hours, the Irrigation Department said.

Evacuation red alerts issued in seven districts over landslide threat

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO has issued Red Alerts calling for the immediate evacuation of several Divisional Secretariat areas across Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, and Nuwara Eliya districts due to the heightened risk of landslides.

Donate one month’s salary for weather victims: Consumer Rights Movement urges ministers

The National Movement for Consumer Rights today called on parliament ministers to contribute one month of their salary to support people affected by the ongoing extreme weather across the country.

Sri Lanka, Turkiye explore further ties

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Beris Ekenci today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, marking yet another important step forward in strengthening the longstanding and friendly diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Newcastle to complain about how fans were treated

Newcastle United are to launch a complaint following the ’’unacceptable treatment’’ of their supporters by French police after their side’s defeat against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.

75 RDA roads severely damaged by bad weather; urgent repairs underway

The Road Development Authority (RDA) announced that 75 major highways across the country have been severely damaged due to floods and landslides triggered by the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Budget debate suspended for two days due to adverse weather

Party leaders have decided to suspend the committee stage debate on the budget tomorrow and on Saturday because of the disaster situation, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilaka said.

President orders Rs. 1 Mn compensation for disaster victim

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the President’s Fund to provide Rs. 1 million in compensation for each person who lost their life due to the recent emergency disaster situation caused by heavy rainfall, including floods and landslides.

Low-pressure area forms near Sri Lanka, says India Met Dept.

A developing weather system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lanka coast intensified into a low-pressure area on Thursday morning, according to updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is expected to strengthen further within the next 12 hours, though officials confirm that Odisha faces no threat at this stage.

Kandy on alert after 180 mm rainfall, landslide risk high

Kandy city has recorded 180 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to warn of potential landslides in the upper hilly areas, the Kandy Municipal Council said.

Death toll from inclement weather rises to 39

The number of deaths reported due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions across the country has risen to 39, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Multiple National Parks closed amid heavy rains

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has announced the temporary closure of several national parks across Sri Lanka due to ongoing heavy rains.

Emergency disaster situation declared in Kandy

An Emergency Disaster Situation has been declared for the Kandy district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Kandy District Secretary said today.

Provide immediate relief to affected people: President to MPs

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed Members of Parliament representing both the Government and the Opposition to urgently intervene in their respective districts to ensure the safety of the public and provide relief to those affected, as severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall are expected to intensify over the next two days.

Heavy rains destroy 600,000 acres of crops, vegetable prices likely to rise

Heavy rains across Sri Lanka have destroyed around 600,000 acres of rice and vegetable crops, raising concerns over vegetable shortages and price hikes during the festive season, warned Anuradha Tennakoon, Chairman of the National Farmers’ Union.

Sri Lanka turns red

The Meteorology Department has issued a high alert covering all districts and surrounding sea areas due to an active weather system affecting the island.

Sajith requests President to declare national disaster situation

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to declare a national disaster situation immediately.

Three dead after car plunges into Boralaweli canal

Three people died after a car veered off the road and plunged into the Boralaweli Canal in Saindamarudu earlier today, authorities confirmed.

A/L exams commence from December 1

The G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will commence on Monday, December 1, Examinations Commissioner General Indika Kumari Liyanage said.

Human activity on Kadugannawa slope must cease: Expert warns

Former senior professor of the Department of Geology at the University of Peradeniya, Athula Senarathna, has called for an immediate halt to human activities along the Kadugannawa slope, citing serious landslide risks. The warning comes in the wake of a recent landslide in Ganethenna.

Heavy rain, mist cause floods and landslide risks in Nuwara Eliya

Several areas in the Nuwara Eliya district have been severely affected by prevailing inclement weather, a senior official from the District Disaster Management Centre (DDMC) said.

Eastern line train services disrupted due to flooding

Train services on the Trincomalee and Batticaloa Eastern Line have been disrupted due to severe weather conditions, the Railways Department said.

Upcountry train services further disrupted

Train services on the Upcountry line have been further disrupted following a landslide between Great Western and Watagoda, the Railways Department said.

NBRO issues red alert for eight districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a red alert for eight districts previously identified as vulnerable to landslides and related hazards. Authorities have urged residents in these areas to exercise extreme caution and follow safety guidelines.

Rugam in Batticaloa records over 300 mm of rainfall

Rugam in the Batticaloa district recorded the highest rainfall in the country with 300.1 mm, as severe weather continued to batter several parts of the island, the Department of Meteorology reported today.

Budget debate likely to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions

Party leaders are to meet at 2.00 pm today to decide on postponing the committee stage debate on the budget due to adverse weather conditions, Minister Samantha Vidyaratne said.

Public urged to use CEBCare app to report outages

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) today requested consumers to use its digital platforms (CEBCare app) to report power outages, as call centres are facing unusually high call volumes due to the adverse weather conditions.