Navy divers repair flood-damaged water plants

In the aftermath of severe weather, the Sri Lanka Navy has launched a comprehensive, island-wide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) programme to deliver essential services to affected communities.

‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund must get Parliament approval: Harsha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that a fund called ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ cannot be established without Parliamentary approval and urged the government to get it approved by Parliament.

WHO allocates US$175,000 to strengthen health response in flood-hit Sri Lanka

The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated US$175,000 in emergency funds to support critical health services for communities affected by severe flooding and landslides across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

Police told to act against those insulting President, Ministers

Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala has directed the police to invoke emergency regulations to take action against individuals carrying out defamatory social media campaigns targeting the President and several government Ministers.

More Indian troops arrive in Sri Lanka to assist flood relief effort

The Indian Army has deployed a specialized contingent to Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu to assist communities affected by severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Kaduwela, Athurugiriya interchanges reopen

The Kaduwela interchange entrance and exit, along with the Athurugiriya entrance and exit of the expressway which were temporarily closed due to the prevailing flood situation, have been reopened for normal traffic from today.

Affected school children to get Rs. 25,000

The President’s Fund will grant Rs. 25,000 for the educational needs of every school-going child affected by floods and landslides, President’s Media Division said.

Declare day of mourning for disaster victims: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to declare a day of mourning for the disaster victims.

Court issues warrants for Wimal Weerawansa

Warrants have been issued for former MP Wimal Weerawansa by the Fort Magistrate’s Court after he failed to appear in connection with a pending case.

Cancel IMF agreement, talk to Trump, bring in new budget: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today called for a new programme to rebuild the nation after the recent disaster and therefore cancel the IMF agreement and go for a fresh agreement.

Search for long-missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to resume

The search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume on 30 December, over a decade after the aircraft with 239 people on board vanished, Malaysian authorities have said.

UN ready to support relief, response efforts: UN Secretary General

The United Nations (UN) stands ready to support relief and response efforts in Sri Lanka, Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres said.

Pakistan sends elite search and rescue team to Sri Lanka

In response to the large-scale destruction caused by the severe storm in Sri Lanka and following a request for assistance from the Sri Lankan government, Pakistan has intensified relief efforts for the affected population.

Central Bank not under my purview during bond scam: Ravi K

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has made a false statement that the Central Bank was under his purview during his tenure as Finance Minister in 2015, MP Ravi Karunanayake told Parliament today.

Ali Sabry calls for Climate Change University in Sri Lanka

Former Minister Ali Sabry has reiterated the importance of establishing a Climate Change University in Sri Lanka, noting that the idea, once dismissed by opposition parties, is now more crucial than ever.

Serena Williams says no comeback, despite filing paperwork

Serena Williams has filed the necessary paperwork for a return to tennis - but then said she is ’’not coming back’’ to the sport.

Sri Lanka welcomes over 2,000 tourists aboard Mein Schiff 06

Describing it as a “powerful symbol of resilience and recovery,” the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) today welcomed more than 2,000 international passengers aboard the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 06.

Cleanup begins after Cyclone Ditwah

Shehbaz Sharif, AKD hold discussion

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deepest sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Take steps to release vehicles stuck at Customs: Harsha

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) MP Harsha de Silva today requested the government to make arrangements to take steps towards releasing around 900 imported vehicles that are stuck in the port at the moment.

Civil Aviation urges drone operators to avoid emergency zones

The Director General of Civil Aviation has advised all drone operators, both commercial and recreational, to refrain from flying drones in areas where helicopter operations are underway. This warning comes amid ongoing search, rescue, and relief operations in regions affected by recent disasters.

Death toll from adverse weather rises to 465

The death toll in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah that ravaged the country last week has risen to 465, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) revealed in its update this morning.

Parliament observes one minute silence to respect disaster victims

Parliament observed one minute’s silence in remembrance of all those who lost their lives due to the disaster situation in the country.

President convenes urgent Cabinet meeting

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has convened an urgent meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers this afternoon, the Government Information Department said.

COPF needs proper support of Parliament: Harsha

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) needs the support of Parliament to resolve certain issues, its Chairman Harsha de Silva told Parliament today.

22 districts declared national disaster zones

A special gazette has been issued declaring 22 districts severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah as national disaster areas.

Drone aid mission brings relief to stranded residents in Wellampitiya

The situation in the Wellampitiya area on Monday, where rising floodwaters, blocked roads and left residents stranded, motivated four citizens and a drone operations company to step up to the challenge and deliver dry rations to residents in need.

Govt. must have a ’’Multi-Phased Action Plan’’ for Sri Lanka’s Flood Crisis and Recovery

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with one of the most severe flooding events in recent memory. With vast tracts of land submerged, lives lost, and critical infrastructure severely damaged, the immediate humanitarian crisis is escalating. The transition from emergency response to systematic recovery and reconstruction must be swift, strategic, and sustainable.

Kaduwela–Battaramulla Road reopened

The Kaduwela–Battaramulla road, which was temporarily closed due to flooding, has been reopened to traffic from this morning, police said.

Apple to support relief efforts in flood-hit Sri Lanka

Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will contribute to relief and rebuilding efforts across several Asian countries—including Sri Lanka—following days of severe flooding, landslides, and powerful winds.