Colombo-bound flights to be diverted to Mattala, Cochin or Trivandrum

Colombo- bound flights will be diverted to the Mattala international airport, or Cochin and Trivandrum in India in case of difficulties in landing due to the inclement weather conditions, Minister Aruna Karunatilake said.

Allocate at least Rs. 15 billion for disaster relief: Harsha

The funds allocated for disaster relief are not sufficient as at least Rs. 15 billion is needed for relief, especially for capital expenditure, MP Harsha de Silva told Parliament today.

Over 20,000 troops deployed to rescue people affected by severe weather

The President has directed the Army to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the island. Over 20,500 Army personnel have already been deployed to carry out rescue operations.

Provide essential services to foreign tourists hit by disaster situation: President tells Tourism Authority

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Tourism Authority to take necessary measures to efficiently provide essential services to foreign tourists facing difficulties due to the prevailing emergency disaster situation in the country.

Major flood risk along Attanagalu Oya

The Irrigation Department has issued a warning of potential major flooding in low-lying areas surrounding the Attanagalu Oya.

SriLankan Airlines issues passenger travel advisory

Colombo, November 28, 2025 – SriLankan Airlines has issued a travel advisory urging passengers scheduled to fly today to check the latest flight updates before heading to the airport, as adverse weather continues to affect many parts of the island.

Sri Lanka likely to urge for international help

The government has called for an urgent meeting headed by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya this evening and will discuss whether an international appeal should be made for assistance as thousands remain severely affected from the cyclonic storm.

Rs. 1.2 billion allocated for disaster relief

The government has allocated Rs. 1.2 billion (one point two billion rupees) for disaster relief services, officials confirmed.

Cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’ moves closer to Trincomalee

The Meteorology Department announced that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah [pronounced Dit-wah] is currently positioned approximately 50 kilometres south of Trincomalee.

Matale records highest rainfall: Over 540 mm in 24 hours

Sri Lanka experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 6.00 a.m. today (28 November 2025), with Gammaduwa in the Matale District recording the highest rainfall at 540.6 mm, according to official observations.

Cyclonic storm Ditwah claims 56 lives; 21 missing

A total of 56 people have died, 21 are missing, and 14 have been injured due to incidents caused by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Major flood alert for Kelani River Valley

The Irrigation Department  have issued warnings of a potential major flood situation in low-lying areas of the Kelani River Valley over the next 48 hours, as heavy rainfall continues in upstream regions.

Several districts hit by intense downpours

Sri Lanka has experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall across multiple regions over the past 24 hours.

Train services suspended after 6 a.m today

The Railway Department has announced that train services on all routes will be suspended after 6 a.m. today (28) due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions experienced across the country.

Irrigation Department warns of critical flood situations in several river basins

The Irrigation Department has issued an urgent warning stating that critical flood situations have already developed in the low-lying areas of several major river basins due to continuous heavy rainfall over their catchment areas.

Upcountry train services limited to Rambukkana

Train services to the upcountry have been disrupted due to ongoing adverse weather, with landslides and fallen trees reported along the railway line between Rambukkana and Badulla.

Rescued operation...

Expressway travel made toll-free

The Road Development Authority (RDA) has announced that vehicle movements on all expressways will be toll-free until further notice due to adverse weather conditions affecting the country.

Special holiday for Government offices tomorrow

The government has announced tomorrow (28) as a special holiday for all government offices, citing difficulties in maintaining normal operations amid the ongoing emergency situation.

SLPA marks 70th anniversary

International schools ordered to close amid severe weather

The Education Ministry has directed all international schools across country to close temporarily with immediate effect in view of the severe adverse weather affecting several parts of the country.

Mahinda Rajapaksa in good health: Namal

Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was admitted to a private hospital in Colombo, is in good condition, MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

Death toll rises to 47 amid widespread adverse weather

The Disaster Management Center (DMC) has reported that the death toll from ongoing adverse weather conditions across the country has risen to 47.

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Preschools, early childhood centres to close from tomorrow

All preschools and early childhood development centres across the country will be closed from tomorrow (28) due to the prevailing adverse weather and disaster conditions, the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development said.

Tours to Kumana National Park suspended; access to Horton Plains blocked

Wildlife authorities announced that tours to Kumana National Park have been suspended due to the ongoing rainy conditions affecting the area.

Air force helicopter rescues three trapped by floods

A Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) rescued three people who were stranded on the rooftop of a two-storey building in Ella, Mahawa due to severe flooding.

Colombo–Badulla night mail trains cancelled; Parcel services suspended

The Railway Department announced that the Colombo–Badulla and Badulla–Colombo night mail trains have been cancelled until further notice due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions affecting several railway lines.

Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’

The deep depression which had formed near the Sri Lankan coast in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone, now named “Ditwah.”, the Department of Meteorology said.

Mahinda Rajapaksa undergoes routine check-up at private hospital

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been admitted to a private hospital in Colombo as part of a routine medical check-up.