Spill gates of seven major reservoirs opened

The Department of Irrigation said that spill gates of seven major reservoirs have been opened due to rising water levels following recent rainfall.

PHIs bust distribution of flood-damaged rice

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have uncovered an illegal racket involving the processing and distribution of flood-damaged rice deemed unfit for consumption in the Harispattuwa area of the Kandy District.

Govt to launch cyclone housing damage assessment tomorrow

The Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply said that the assessment of damage to houses caused by Cyclone Ditwah will begin tomorrow. The process will be carried out by a committee appointed under the Presidential Secretariat and will focus on identifying households eligible for government support.

North-East monsoon strengthens, showers expected

The Department of Meteorology said that the north-east monsoon is gradually establishing over Sri Lanka, bringing increased rainfall to several regions.

’’Delkanda Pola’’ busy again

Death toll from devastating Indonesia floods passes 900

The death toll in Indonesia from recent flooding has passed 900, with hundreds still missing.

Staff and tourists among 23 killed in Goa nightclub fire, officials say

At least 23 people have been killed in a fire at a popular nightclub in the coastal region of Goa, India, local officials say.

England and Scotland find out World Cup kick-off times

England have been handed World Cup kick-off times which suit UK audiences - but Scotland fans face later finishes during next summer’s tournament.

Hotline introduced for public complaints on essential services

The Office of Commissioner General for Essential Service has introduced the hotline number 1904 to facilitate public complaints related to accessibility of essential services.

Kohli breaks Jayasuriya record, closes in on Sachin’s ODI milestone

Virat Kohli has overtaken Sanath Jayasuriya to claim the second-most Player of the Series awards in ODI history, moving to 12-just three behind Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record of 15.

Verstappen beats Norris and Piastri to pole

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen beat his McLaren title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to pole position with an imposing performance in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Man shot dead in Dehiwala

A 34-year-old resident of Dehiwala was shot dead by an unidentified gunman near the A Quarters Sports Ground a short while ago.

India delivers Bailey bridge to support Sri Lanka’s post-Cyclone recovery

Provide special allowance to public servants: UNP

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena today called for the payment of a special allowance to public servants, especially field officers, stating that such a thing is important at a time of a disaster.

Lanka Ashok Leyland donates seven utility vehicles to support relief, recovery efforts

Lanka Ashok Leyland has donated seven essential utility vehicles valued at more than Rs. 65 million to support relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts across Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission said.

At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting

At least 11 people have been killed in a mass shooting at a hostel in South Africa. Fourteen others were wounded when gunmen stormed the venue in Saulsville township, west of the capital Pretoria, early on Saturday. A three-year-old is among the dead.

Powers of local authorities must be enforced to prevent similar disasters in future: President

While noting that natural disasters such as floods, storms and landslides cannot be prevented, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised today that the loss of lives and property can be minimised.

Pakistan legend Akram hails 'incredible' Starc after Ashes heroics

Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram believes even more is to come from Australia’s ’’incredible’’ veteran Ashes wrecking ball Mitchell Starc.

Sri Lanka’s airports now fully operational; AASL

Sri Lanka’s airports continue to operate without disruption, with all scheduled flights running smoothly despite the recent adverse weather conditions, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Tamil Nadu donates 950 metric tonnes of essential relief items

The Tamil Nadu government has donated 950 metric tonnes of essential relief items to people affected due to Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Disaster relief shipment from Switzerland arrives in Sri Lanka

An aircraft carrying 2.6 metric tons of disaster relief aid from Switzerland arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, this morning (06).

Health Promotion Bureau warns of eye infections in crowded places following floods

The Health Promotion Bureau warns people to be on the alert for eye infections, which can easily spread in places where people gather following the recent floods.

Rare dugong carcass washes ashore in Mannar

The Department of Wildlife Conservation reported that the carcass of a rare dugong (Dugong dugon) was found washed ashore on the Pesalai beach along the Mannar coast on November 30.

DMT to launch mobile services to assist owners of flood-submerged vehicles

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced that it will introduce district-wise mobile services to assist vehicle owners whose documents were lost or damaged after their vehicles were submerged in the recent floods.

Magazine Prison inmates donate today’s lunch to flood affected

The inmates of the New Magazine Prison, Colombo have donated their lunch today to the people in Colombo, who were affected by the Ditwah cyclone.

Rehan Jayawickrama resigns from Samagi Jana Balawegaya

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Weligama electoral organiser and former Mayor of Weligama Rehan Jayawickrama has tendered his resignation from the party.

Taxpayers granted grace period to file Income Tax Returns

The Inland Revenue Department has further extended the deadline for all registered income tax payers to submit their Income Tax Returns for the Assessment Year 2024/2025 till December 31.

No institution had prepared for recent disaster: President

No institution was prepared to face the recent disaster, as none had drawn up plans to respond to an emergency of such scale, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament yesterday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw - Groups, Teams, Format

Sri Lankan football fans have been following the global build up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, and the long wait ended in Washington, DC where the tournament groups were officially revealed. After weeks of political attention surrounding the event and the presence of United States President Donald Trump, the focus finally returned to the sport.

Tea industry hit hard; damaged machinery will take months to function again

In the wake of the natural disaster that took place in Sri Lanka last week, the tea industry was hit hard and may take months to recover to normal as machinery that has been destroyed has to be sent abroad to repair and damage to roads may affect the distribution of tea exports, according to an official from the Colombo Tea Traders Association.