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.

Sri Lanka to divert flights to India during weather emergencies

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake announced that all flights unable to land at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during severe weather conditions will be diverted to Trivandrum or Cochin airports in India.

Flood warning for Maduru Oya basin extended

The flood warning issued for the Maduru Oya Basin has been extended for an additional 48 hours, the Irrigation Department said.

Evacuation red alerts issued in seven districts over landslide threat

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO has issued Red Alerts calling for the immediate evacuation of several Divisional Secretariat areas across Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, and Nuwara Eliya districts due to the heightened risk of landslides.

Donate one month’s salary for weather victims: Consumer Rights Movement urges ministers

The National Movement for Consumer Rights today called on parliament ministers to contribute one month of their salary to support people affected by the ongoing extreme weather across the country.

Sri Lanka, Turkiye explore further ties

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Türkiye, Niluka Kadurugamuwa, met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, Beris Ekenci today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, marking yet another important step forward in strengthening the longstanding and friendly diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

Newcastle to complain about how fans were treated

Newcastle United are to launch a complaint following the ’’unacceptable treatment’’ of their supporters by French police after their side’s defeat against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome.

75 RDA roads severely damaged by bad weather; urgent repairs underway

The Road Development Authority (RDA) announced that 75 major highways across the country have been severely damaged due to floods and landslides triggered by the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

Budget debate suspended for two days due to adverse weather

Party leaders have decided to suspend the committee stage debate on the budget tomorrow and on Saturday because of the disaster situation, Chief Opposition Whip Gayantha Karunatilaka said.

President orders Rs. 1 Mn compensation for disaster victim

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the President’s Fund to provide Rs. 1 million in compensation for each person who lost their life due to the recent emergency disaster situation caused by heavy rainfall, including floods and landslides.

Low-pressure area forms near Sri Lanka, says India Met Dept.

A developing weather system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lanka coast intensified into a low-pressure area on Thursday morning, according to updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is expected to strengthen further within the next 12 hours, though officials confirm that Odisha faces no threat at this stage.