Former Foreign Employment Bureau chairman Mohamed Hilmi granted bail

Former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, Mohamed Hilmi, who had been in remand custody over allegations of corruption, was released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today.

DMC orders evacuation in landslide-prone areas in four districts

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has instructed District Secretaries to evacuate residents living in landslide-prone areas of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Matale to designated safe centers, following Level 3 (Red) landslide warnings issued by the National Building Research Organization (NBRO).

Hambantota Port grants extra 5 demurrage-free days for vehicle clearance in December

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has announced a special concession for vehicle importers, offering an additional five free days for clearing imported vehicles in December 2025.

Inter-religious programs launched to pray for victims of Cyclone Ditwah

A series of inter-religious programs will be held across Sri Lanka from today (09) to seek blessings for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah and the floods, and to offer prayers for those who lost their lives, Minister of Buddhism, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said.

Northeast monsoon brings heavy showers across several provinces

The Northeast monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing showers and thundershowers to several regions of the island, the Meteorology Department said.

Indian Met. Dept. warned Sri Lanka about Cyclone Ditwah weeks in advance

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had shared information about Cyclone Ditwah with Sri Lanka as early as November 13, Indian media reports have revealed.

Post-flood operations to continue despite North-East monsoon

Despite the northeast monsoon being just around the corner, post-flood operations, including relief programmes, rescue, evacuation, and rehabilitation activities, will continue uninterrupted, officials stressed.

Several groups to sue Government for failing to issue advance warnings on cyclone Ditwah

Several political parties, civil groups, environmental organizations and public movements are preparing to take legal action against the government, accusing authorities of failing to issue timely warnings about the risks posed by Cyclone Ditwah and neglecting essential safety measures.

Textile shop owner who discreetly filmed women in fitting room arrested

A businessman who secretly placed a camera in the fitting room of his clothing outlet in the Thalawathugoda area and watched women trying on clothes was arrested by Thalangama Police yesterday.

A storm to hit Sri Lanka

A storm that developed in the Bay of Bengal area is expected to hit Sri Lanka, bringing rainfall of 75 mm, particularly to the northern, eastern and north-central provinces, according to the Department of Meteorology.

CEA issues special waste management guidelines following cyclone Ditwah

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has introduced special criteria for managing waste generated in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, with a focus on handling hazardous, solid, clinical and electronic waste.

Practicality of disaster relief package questionable: UNP

Highlighting that the latest estimates have suggested that the total losses cost by the recent cyclonic storms could be as high as USD 6 billion, the United National Party (UNP) said the practicality of the relief package announced by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is questionable.

Bandaranaike Foundation donates Rs. 250M for relief

The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation (BMNF), headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has donated Rs. 250 million to the government fund established to support recovery and resettlement efforts for communities affected by recent natural disasters.

764 religious places damaged due to Ditwah cyclone: Minister

Some 764 religious places, including Buddhist temples, Churches and Mosques, have been partially or completely damaged due to the Ditwah cyclone, Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Sunil Senevi said today.

Japan earthquake with 7.6 magnitude leaves ’everything wobbling’ as tsunami warning issued

A massive earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude has struck off the north-east coast of Japan. The quake, on Monday afternoon (December 8), has prompted fears of an incoming tsunami in the Aomori district.

New mpox strain identified in England

A new strain of mpox, previously called monkeypox, has been detected in a person in England, say UK health officials.

Supreme Court slams Police brutality; urges government intervention

In a strongly worded judgement condemning police violence, the Supreme Court has ruled that the fundamental rights of a lorry driver were violated by two officers of the Thalatuoya Police Station in Kandy, reiterating that the time has come for the Government to urgently address the systemic problem of police brutality.

Israel donates relief aid to Sri Lanka

Israel, which has contributed a consignment of relief aid to the Sri Lankans who have been affected by the cyclone Ditwah, expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent disaster.

Preparing for Christmas...

BBC forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over next few days

The BBC weather report forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over the next few days, with increased thunderstorms and rain.

Committee appointed to streamline foreign aid distribution for flood victims

A new national committee has been appointed to ensure the proper coordination and fair distribution of foreign aid reaching Sri Lanka in the wake of recent natural disasters.

Yasantha Kodagoda appointed as Acting Chief Justice

Supreme Court Justice and President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.

China donates 85 tonnes of flood relief to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka today received a major humanitarian relief consignment from China to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.

Akbar Brothers crowned Mercantile ‘A’ Division Basketball Champions

Akbar Brothers Ltd delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch the ‘A’ Division title at the 33rd MSBA League Basketball Tournament, defeating defending champions Fairfirst Insurance 70–60 in a thrilling final held on Friday, 5 December.

DHS detains Sri Lankan-born U.S. Professor, calls him ‘sex offender’

U.S. immigration agents said they arrested a Ferris State University professor originally from Sri Lanka who has a criminal history that includes death threats and conviction in a case involving a juvenile, the Detroit news reported.

Two firearms recovered from Valaichchenai

Two firearms have been seized from a telephone pole near the 20th pillar along the Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa main road in Valaichchenai.

Chamika Karunaratne opposes DNA test, case fixed for January 30

Counsel appearing for cricketer Chamika Karunaratne raised objections to a request by a female pilot who sought a court order to obtain a DNA report to establish the paternity of her child.

Public asked to avoid visiting disaster-hit areas

Since disaster-affected regions still pose serious risks, Director of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), Pradeep Kodippili has urged people to refrain from bathing or entering waters with strong currents.

Severe lightning advisory issued for several districts

The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for severe lightning in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as the Colombo and Kalutara districts today.

President directs speedy repairs of Cyclone-hit roads in Nuwara Eliya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to fast-track funding for the repair of roads, culverts, and embankments damaged in the Nuwara Eliya District, with all restoration work to be completed before the end of the year.