Thousands of lives saved as people evacuated well in advance: Minister

Amidst claims of the opposition that the government failed to act on prior warnings on the disaster situation, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday people in landslide prone areas were warned well in advance to evacuate by the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), police and security forces, based on forecast of the Meteorology Department, which saved thousands of lives.

Night-time travel to Nuwara Eliya discouraged due to landslide risk

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon urged motorists to avoid travelling on any road leading to Nuwara Eliya during night-time due to the heightened risk of landslides.

Suspect arrested over Rs. 6.8 Mn online fraud

A 31-year-old resident of Welipenna was arrested by the Cyber Crimes Investigation Division over a large-scale online fraud.

Magnitude 6.7 earthquake hits Japan’s northeast, tsunami warning issued

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.7 has hit Japan’s northeastern region, prompting a tsunami advisory from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Blue Skies Aviation Solutions donates Rs. 5 million worth of lubricants to support relief missions

Blue Skies Aviation Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s leading aviation service providers, has extended vital support to national relief efforts by donating aviation lubricants worth Rs. 5 million to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

Thai PM dissolves parliament to ’return power to people’

Thailand has dissolved parliament after nearly a week of fresh clashes along its border with Cambodia, with a general election to be called within 45 to 60 days.

Snoop Dogg named US ’honorary coach’ for Winter Olympics

American rapper Snoop Dogg has been named an ’honorary coach’ for Team USA at next year’s Winter Olympics.

SEC defers Colombo Dockyard suspension as India’s  Mazagon Dock set for takeover

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDL) has secured a critical six-month extension on the trading of its shares, averting an immediate suspension as it finalises a strategic takeover by India’s Mazagon Dock

World Cup ticket prices 'monumental betrayal' say fans’ group

Supporters hoping to attend next year’s World Cup final face paying thousands of pounds for the cheapest ticket.

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector must focus on differentiation over volume: SLAEA Chief

Sri Lanka needs to be proactive over changing global regulatory environments such as the European Union’s (EU) Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) and its Forced Labour

Former Speaker Asoka Ranwala hospitalised after road accident in Sapugaskanda

National People’s Power (NPP) MP and former Speaker Asoka Ranwala was hospitalised this evening following a road accident in the Sapugaskanda area, police said.

Three-day mobile vet clinic in Mannar to aid flood-hit farm animals

The Government Veterinary Officers’ Association will launch a three-day mobile clinic in Mannar starting tomorrow to treat farm animals affected by the recent floods caused by Cyclone Dithwa, Association President Dr. Upul Ranjith Kumara said.

CEJ demands immediate halt to illegal clearing, construction in Knuckles conservation forest

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has sent a letter of demand to the Conservator General of Forests, calling for the immediate suspension of all illegal clearing and construction activities within the Knuckles Conservation Forest.

More than 30 dead after Myanmar military air strike hits hospital

At least 34 people have died and dozens more are injured after air strikes from Myanmar’s military hit a hospital in the country’s west on Wednesday night, according to ground sources.

Diplomats donate salaries to Sri Lanka’s disaster relief

Sri Lanka’s diplomatic community in Colombo has made a collective personal contribution of LKR 3.6 million to support the country’s disaster relief efforts, with several ambassadors donating from their own salaries to assist those affected by the recent earthquake.

Akbar Brothers wins overall award for Net Foreign Exchange Earner

Akbar Brothers has won the overall award for Net Foreign Exchange Earner at the 27th Presidential Export Awards held at BMICH a short while ago.

Where does plantation community fit into government’s disaster relief matrix?: Mano

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader Mano Ganesan today took to the government’s disaster relief matrix and questioned how the plantation community fits into it.

Former Bolivian President Luis Arce arrested in corruption probe

Bolivia’s former president, Luis Arce, has been arrested in La Paz as part of an investigation into alleged graft, the government has said.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 tickets to go live today, prices start at ₹100 and LKR1000

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the opening of ticket sales for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, pricing entry-level tickets at historic lows to drive accessibility for the pinnacle event. Sales will begin at 18h45 IST with prices starting at just ₹100 (approximately $1.11) at some venues in India and LKR1000 (approximately $3.26) in Sri Lanka.

UN launches $35.3M humanitarian plan to assist Sri Lanka after Ditwah

The United Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), seeking USD 35.3 million (LKR 10.9 billion) to scale up life-saving assistance for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Germany extends €500,000 emergency assistance to Sri Lanka following cyclone Ditwah

Germany has announced emergency aid worth approximately €500,000 to support Sri Lanka in the wake of the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The assistance has been provided under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (EU UCPM) as part of the collective EU emergency response.

Sri Lanka signs US$150 million World Bank deal to upgrade primary health care system

The Government has signed a financial agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to secure US$150 million for a nationwide project aimed at improving the primary health care system.

Cabinet approves fresh call for investment proposals for Kollupitiya land

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to call for new investment proposals to lease a prime land plot in Kollupitiya, following the cancellation of a previous agreement due to non-compliance by the selected investor.

Cabinet approves two 50MW wind power projects in Mannar

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new wind power plants each with a capacity of 50 megawatts in Mullikulum, Mannar, as part of the government’s push to generate 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.

Cabinet approves sale of Sri Lanka Railway Department scrap metal to highest bidders

Cabinet approval has been granted to award the tender for the disposal of scrap metal held by the Sri Lanka Railway Department to the highest responsive bidders.

Reviewing disaster relief operations

PHU tells President: Start talks with IMF for amending debt-restructuring plan

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) has put forward proposals in writing to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for rebuilding the country.

AWC begins week-long veterinary support programme for animals in disaster shelters

The Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) has launched a seven-day programme to deliver medical care, including rabies vaccinations, to animals staying in safety centres alongside people displaced by the recent adverse weather.

Met Department warns of thunderstorms and strong lightning in several districts

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of a high likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by intense lightning in parts of the Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara districts.

Bribery Commission quizzes Gayantha Karunathilaka

Opposition MP Gayantha Karunathilaka appeared before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption this morning (11) to provide a statement regarding the leasing of a building in the Rajagiriya area for the functioning of the Ministry of Agriculture.