Jetstar to debut Melbourne flights to Sri Lanka next year

Jetstar has announced it will offer flights from Australia to Sri Lanka for the first time in in August next year.

Public urged not to tamper with damaged communication lines

Police said that Dialog Axiata has urged the public, through the Inspector General of Police, to exercise caution regarding telecommunication cables that have been exposed or damaged in several areas due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

Disasters can raise heart attack risk by 40%, Cardiologist warns

Global research shows that heart attacks and other cardiovascular emergencies can rise by nearly 40% following major disasters such as Cyclone Ditwah, Cardiologist Dr. Gothabhaya Ranasinghe said.

Namal Rajapaksa urges Prime Minister to summon Parliament

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa called on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to immediately summon Parliament, to monitor, debate and ensure that government promises become real assistance on the ground for those affected by the recent cyclone.

Cyclone Ditwah destroys 600 prawn farms in Puttalam

Cyclone Ditwah which hit Sri Lanka recently has destroyed more than 600 prawn farms in the Puttalam District alone, bringing the livelihoods of many farmers into a standstill, the Fisheries Ministry said.

Reservoir water levels returning to normal: Irrigation Dept.

Water levels in reservoirs across the country have returned to normal, according to the Department of Irrigation.

Seventh UAE aid flight arrives to support flood-hit communities

The seventh humanitarian aid aircraft sent by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist those affected by floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah arrived in Sri Lanka.

IMF prioritizes Sri Lanka’s emergency financing request

The International Monetary Fund said its immediate focus is Sri Lanka’s request for emergency financing, even as the United States deployed Air Force C-130J aircraft and an expert airlift team to support relief efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Case against Hirunika, 14 others fixed for March 16

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today ordered that the case filed against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and 14 other suspects be recalled on March 16.

Thailand launches air strikes at Cambodia as border tensions reignite

Thailand has launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, the Thai military said on Monday, after both countries accused the other of breaching a ceasefire agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Cartographying of endangered areas in 14 districts to commence within a fortnight

Former Head of the Department of Geology of Peradeniya Univeresity Senior Prof. Athula Senaratne said a cartographying of endangered areas in 14 districts would commence within a fortnight.

Laws to curb unauthorised constructions to be strengthened: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that no room will be given in the future for unauthorised constructions and that laws relating to them will be strengthened.

Possibility of pink eye among flood victims: Health officials

Health authorities have issued a warning to people affected by the recent floods, saying there is a possibility of conjunctivitis—commonly known as pink eye or sore eyes—spreading among those staying in safety centres across the country.

Understanding the flood aftermath: What Sri Lankans should be aware of now

Sri Lanka is facing a phase of the disaster where danger arrives quietly — often without rain. As families attempt to move or return home, new, hidden risks are emerging. This is the stage where awareness can save lives.

Government in consultation with IMF

The government will carry out its post- disaster economic recovery plan in consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), an official said yesterday.

RDA needs one and half years to reconstruct bridges

The Road Development Authority (RDA ) will need at least one and half years to reconstruct major bridges damaged in the recent disasters triggered by cyclone Ditwah, an official said yesterday.

Underworld hides behind disaster relief

Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in violent incidents, including shootings, as some individuals appear to be taking advantage of the chaos following Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread flooding, landslides, and over 600 deaths across the country.

Shakib Al Hasan reverses retirement, eyes all-formats home series before farewell

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan has withdrawn his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, expressing his desire to represent the national team across all three formats, as per ESPNcricinfo. Shakib, who has been away from international cricket for over a year, announced his retirement from Tests and T20Is last year.

Large stock of spoiled meat sealed at Anuradhapura farm

Approximately 12,000 kilograms of meat stored at a livestock farm in the Anuradhapura District was sealed after authorities found it unfit for human consumption, the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union said.

Rotten food sneaks into markets after floods

Health authorities are facing a massive challenge in preventing spoiled and unsafe food from reaching markets in the aftermath of the recent extreme weather conditions that caused widespread flooding across Sri Lanka.

New US security strategy aligns with Russia’s vision, Moscow says

Russia has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s new National Security Strategy, calling it ’’largely consistent’’ with Moscow’s vision.

Sea waves washing ashore as white foam in Jaffna, residents alarmed

There was commotion among the residents in the Vadamarachchi coastal area of Jaffna as sea waves lashed the shore forming white foam.

Opposition must be sued for being silent on weather warning: Deputy Minister

Claiming that the opposition had kept mum on the warnings of an impending cyclone for two weeks from November 12 as they claimed, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said today the opposition must be sued for failing to inform the government of the warning of an impending cyclone if they were aware of it from November 12.

Lando Norris wins first F1 world championship title at Abu Dhabi GP

A tearful Lando Norris claimed his maiden Formula One world drivers’ title in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, ending Max Verstappen’s four-year reign.

Expedite disaster relief, rebuilding without saying ’ane please’: Sajith

The government should expedite the disaster relief and rebuilding without saying ’ane please’, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said today.

U.S. Air Force team arrives to provide American airlift capability

Two C-130J Super Hercules and Airmen from the U.S. Air Force 36th Contingency Response Group (CRG) arrived to provide American airlift capability in support of Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Ditwah response, a statement from the U. U. embassy said.

UNFPA relief kits

Weather-related death toll soars to 627

The death toll from the severe weather conditions that swept across Sri Lanka in recent days has risen to 627, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Police Sergeant injured in accidental firearm discharge

A police sergeant was injured this morning when a firearm accidentally discharged inside the Malabe Police Station. The incident occurred while the officer was checking the firearm.

Myanmar flight carrying disaster relief arrives

A Myanmar Air Force flight (Y8) arrived at the Katunayake Air Force camp last night carrying disaster relief.