Air Force pilot killed in helicopter crash in Wennappuwa

Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, the captain of a Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter, was killed this afternoon (30) when the aircraft crashed in the Lunuwila area of Wennappuwa during disaster relief operations.

334 dead, 370 missing in islandwide disaster

At least 334 people have been confirmed dead, while 370 others are still missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported today.

Academic activities of all universities suspended till December 8

Academic activities of all universities, higher education institutions and vocational training institutions under the purview of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education will be suspended until December 8, 2025, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said.

Benjamin Netanyahu seeks pardon from Israel’s president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked the country’s President, Isaac Herzog, for a pardon over corruption cases he has been battling.

Floods hit Gampaha...

Death toll from Indonesia flooding rises to 442

BBC- The death toll from flooding and landslides on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has risen dramatically to 442, officials say.

President to address the nation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to address the nation at 8.30 p.m. today (30).

Video: Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashes during disaster relief operation

A Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force, engaged in ongoing disaster relief operations, crashed this afternoon (30) in the Lunuwila area of Wennappuwa.

Indian Air Force MI 17 helicopters carry out rescue mission

A hybrid mission was undertaken to rescue people stranded near the Kotmale area. A specially trained guide was winched down from the helicopter into an inaccessible location and then guided the stranded tourists and others to a pre-designated helipad.

Death toll from adverse weather crosses 200

The death toll from the severe weather conditions affecting the country has surpassed 200, rising to 212, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported today.

NDF politician threatens PHI amid disaster relief duties

A Public Health Inspector (PHI) engaged in disaster relief operations has reportedly been threatened with death by a local politician affiliated to the New Democratic Front (NDF).

LITRO assures no domestic gas shortage

LITRO Gas Company has urged the public not to panic, assuring that there is no shortage of domestic gas and that the company maintains sufficient stocks to meet national demand.

Rescue efforts at Mavil Aru breach save 121

The operation to rescue individuals trapped following the breach of the Mavil Aru reservoir embankment was carried out under the direct supervision of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, officials confirmed.

400 Indian migrants evacuated from BIA after cyclone disruptions

About 400 Indian migrant air passengers, who had been stranded at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for several days due to flight disruptions caused by the recent cyclone in Sri Lanka, were safely evacuated to India yesterday (30), airport officials confirmed.

No damage to main water sources in Western Province: NWSDB

The main water sources in the Western Province - Ambatale, Labugama, Kalatuwawa and Biyagama have not sustained any damages due to the adverse weather situation, the Chairman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board said.

Fuel prices will not be revised for December

The fuel prices will remain unchanged for December 2025, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said.​

CAA issues hotline numbers to report overpricing during emergency

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has called on the public to report any cases of traders selling goods at inflated prices during the ongoing state of emergency.

DMT warns of possible online service disruptions amid adverse weather

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) announced that online services offered through its district offices may experience disruptions over the next few days due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

All school exams postponed indefinitely

The Ministry of Education announced that all scheduled examinations, including the GCE Advanced Level, have been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing disaster situation.

Ministry requests safe day-care centres to reopen from tomorrow

The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs has requested all day-care centre administrators to reopen safe and operational day-care facilities from tomorrow (01), in order to support essential services during the ongoing disaster situation.

Pakistan armed forces to airlift relief materials , rescue team to Sri Lanka

Pakistan has launched a major humanitarian operation to assist Sri Lanka following the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said today (30).

President orders establishment of Office of Commissioner General of Essential Services

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services, based at the Prime Minister’s Office, to coordinate nationwide efforts to restore normalcy for communities affected by the recent disaster.

Vets ready to assist flood-affected animals

The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) says it is fully prepared to assist pets, livestock and stray animals affected or trapped by the ongoing floods across the country.

Starlink offers free connectivity as Indonesia and Sri Lanka reel from deadly cyclone Ditwah flooding

Starlink offers free connectivity as Indonesia and Sri Lanka reel from deadly cyclone Ditwah flooding

Sri Lanka Air Force rescues 121 people in Mavil Aru

A Bell-412 helicopter and an MI-17 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force, deployed for rescue operations in the Mavil Aru area, have successfully rescued 121 people trapped by floodwaters and relocated them to safe locations as of this afternoon.

Section of Yakkala bridge on Colombo-Kandy road sinks; road closed

The middle section of the bridge near Ayurveda in Yakkala on the Colombo-Kandy main road is sinking, Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said.

At least four dead and 10 wounded in California shooting

Four people were killed and 10 wounded in a shooting at a family gathering in California on Saturday night, US police said, calling it a ’’targeted incident.’’

Adverse weather claims 193 lives; nearly 1Mn affected

The death toll from the ongoing adverse weather disaster has risen to 193, while 228 people remain missing, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported today.

Dry ration allowance for displaced persons increased

The National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC) has revised the allowance provided for dry rations to families displaced by the ongoing adverse weather.

Meteorology Department urges caution as floodwaters continue to move downstream

Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, has issued a warning urging the public to remain vigilant as water from areas around hydroelectric power plants in the central highlands continues to flow downstream, despite the heavy rainfall subsiding.