Previously identified landslide risks now subside, NBRO monitoring continues

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has confirmed that all previously identified landslide and rockfall risk areas have now subsided.

No term tests for grades 6–10, says Education Ministry

The Education Ministry has directed all principals and relevant school officials not to conduct term tests for students in grades 6 to 10 for the third term of the 2025 academic year.

Over 1 million birth and marriage certificates destroyed by Cyclone Ditwa

The Registrar General’s Department has confirmed that the birth and marriage registration certificates of over one million people have been destroyed due to the landslides and floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Five injured in Southern Expressway accident

Five people, including two foreign women, were injured in an accident on the Southern Expressway near the 168th kilometre post when a luxury van carrying foreign nationals collided with a small lorry travelling ahead of it.

Sri Lanka records 5.4% positive growth rate in 3rd quarter of 2025

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate for the third quarter of year 2025 has been reported as 5.4 percent of the positive growth rate, the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) of Sri Lanka said.

Donations cross $1.1 million for Bondi Beach ‘hero’ Ahmed al Ahmed who disarmed shooter

Donations have poured in from across Australia for a man who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during the mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the total now crossing $1.1 million ($744,000), Reuters reported.

Sri Lanka receives 200 metric tonnes of humanitarian relief from Pakistan

A consignment of humanitarian relief supplies donated by the Government of Pakistan for disaster relief in Sri Lanka was officially received today at the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), Colombo Port.

Schools in six provinces to reopen tomorrow as scheduled: Ministry Secretary

All schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and North-Central provinces will reopen tomorrow (16) as scheduled, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewa announced today.

World Bank confirms US$120 million in emergency support to Sri Lanka

In response to the Government’s request, the World Bank is making up to US$120 million in emergency support available by repurposing funds from ongoing projects, the World Bank said today.

Senura Civil Engineering, Rank Container Terminal donate Rs. 50 mn to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

The ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to restore the lives of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to rebuild the country in the aftermath of the disaster, continues to receive generous contributions on a daily basis from local and international organisations, members of the business community and philanthropists, the President’s Media Division said

Arjuna Ranatunga to be arrested: Bribery Commission informs court

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today informed the cheif magistrate’s court that steps are being taken to arrest former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and produce him before court, after naming him as a suspect in an incident in which an alleged loss of nearly Rs. 800 million was caused to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) by implementing spot tenders at higher prices.

Army troops hand over recovered cash, gold to landslide victim

Sri Lanka Army troops attached to the Hanguranketha Divisional Secretariat (DS) Office for disaster relief duties handed over recovered personal belongings to a house owner whose residence was completely destroyed by a landslide.

School children can use November train season tickets for December: Railway Dept.

The Railways Department has announced that students are allowed to use their November railway season tickets to travel on school days in December 2025.

Japanese medical team to fly back tonight after humanitarian mission

The 31-member Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team that engaged in providing medical-assistance to disaster affected people has concluded their mission and is scheduled to fly home toningt.

SLFP prunes leader’s authority, sweeping changes incorporated into party constitution

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has introduced sweeping changes to its Constitution, significantly pruning the authority of the party chairman or leader, an official said.

Sri Lanka could face economic crisis by Sinhala New Year: Harin

Sri Lanka could face an economic crisis by the Sinhala New Year 2026, fueled by Cyclone Ditwah as it has been predicted by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, United National Party (UNP) Deputy General Secretary Harin Fernando said today.

CTU questions Education Ministry over three-day school schedule

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has called on the Education Ministry to clarify the rationale behind conducting government schools for only three days from December 29.

Galle Municipal Council budget defeated

The annual budget of the Galle Municipal Council, which is controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated by a majority vote today (15).

Police deploys additional officers ahead of festive season

Sri Lanka Police has taken special measures ahead of the upcoming festive season, deploying additional officers and plainclothes personnel to strengthen security in major cities and at religious sites, ensuring public safety during large gatherings.

Why Sri Lanka should not delay in organizing a donor conference: Former diplomat Kananathan

Sri Lanka should not delay in organizing an international Donor Conference in the aftermath of one of the worst natural calamities the country has experienced in its modern history—an event now widely considered to be more devastating than the 2004 tsunami. Initial assessments estimate the damage at over USD 7 billion, with the figure expected to increase as comprehensive evaluations continue.

Two poachers arrested with 74 kg of sambar deer meat in Wanathawilluwa

Two poachers were arrested yesterday by officers of the Wanathawilluwa Wildlife Office during a routine patrol in the Wanathawilluwa area for the illegal possession of Sambar deer meat, wildlife officials said.

Defective brakes found in vehicle involved in accident with Asoka Ranwala

A defect in the braking system has been identified in the vehicle of former Speaker and National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Asoka Ranwala, which was involved in an accident in Sapugaskanda on Thursday (11).

Flights disrupted and construction work banned after Delhi air pollution suddenly worsens

Construction work was halted and emergency pollution curbs reimposed across India’s capital on Monday after the air quality deteriorated sharply to some of the worst levels seen this winter, exposing millions to hazardous smog and disrupting flights.

Emirates airline to deliver aid to flood-hit Sri Lanka on passenger flights

Emirates airline is to use passenger flights to deliver urgent aid to Sri Lanka for the next two weeks, under a partnership with Dubai Humanitarian.

No Sri Lankan in IPL Mini-Auction’s Top 5 Costliest Buys

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, Sri Lankan fans will once again watch closely, hoping one of their stars will command a record-breaking bid. However, history suggests otherwise, with no Sri Lankan player ever featuring among the top five most expensive buys in an IPL mini-auction — a list dominated by Australian and English match-winners.

No point in subjecting MP Asoka Ranwala to a breathalyser test now: Opposition MP

There is no meaning in subjecting NPP MP Asoka Ranwala to a breathalyser test now to determine whether he was under the influence of liquor when he met with the recent accident. It is too late now for such an eventuality as one will not be able to find out whether he was drunk at the time of the accident, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna said today.

Harmer and Verma named ICC Players of the Month for November 2025

South African spinner Simon Harmer went past Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam and Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz to be named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for the first time.

Hollywood director Rob Reiner, wife Michele found dead in LA home

US director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife have been found dead at their home in Los Angeles.

Over 18,000 enterprises affected by Ditwah

Over 18,000 enterprises have been affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with the Industrial Disaster Support Centre (IDSC) recording 18,321 entries and inquiries as of today (15), the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry said.

Disaster-related online scams on the rise: CERT

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to remain highly vigilant amid a sharp increase in online scams and embezzlement attempts reported across social media platforms in recent weeks.