The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated against the US Dollar at commercial banks in Sri Lanka today (02 Dec), compared to Monday. At Seylan Bank, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 305 to Rs. 305.35, while the selling rate has also increased from Rs. 310.25 to Rs. 310.60. According to NDB Bank, the buying and selling rates of the US Dollar have increased from Rs. 307.05 to Rs. 307.50 and from Rs. 311.55 to Rs. 312, respectively. People’s Bank reports that the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 305.05 to Rs.…
Posts published in “News”
Sri Lanka Police has urged the public to be mindful of their surroundings after the floods. Issuing a notice, the Police called for special attention concerning Electricity and Gas Safety. The public is advised as follows; ︎ Obtain an official electrical technician’s inspection before approaching electrical sources ︎ Do not use any wet electrical appliances ︎ If there is a gas leak, avoid operating any electrical or gas-powered equipment. (Newswire) The post Flooded areas: Public warned of electricity and gas hazards appeared first on Newswire.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is expanding its support to Sri Lanka’s appeal for international aid as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to more than 350, with over 360 more reported missing. Issuing a statement, the IOM said that Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as severe flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure have affected nearly 1 million people and displaced over 209,000 individuals. “The people of Sri Lanka have not seen such widespread destruction in years,” said Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka. “Communities have been uprooted, and…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee was quoted at 308.75/80 to the US dollar in the spot market Tuesday, weaker from 308.55/65 on Monday, dealers said, while bond yields were slightly up. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 8.25/35 percent, up from 8.20/30 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2027 was quoted at 8.85/95 percent, up from 8.80/90 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.55/65 percent, up from 9.53/65 percent. A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted flat at 10.45/55 percent. The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar was 305.0000 buying, 312.0000 selling; the British pound…
ECONOMYNEXT – Clearance of aid for Sri Lanka’s Ditwah victims will be expedited and exempted from import taxes and levies when addressed to the Disaster Management Centre, the Customs chief said. “We have special teams of officers stationed at the Katunayaka airport and Colombo port to handle these donations expeditiously,” Seevali Arukgoda – Director General of Customs said. This was to avoid what happened in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, when aid was pocketed by unscrupulous forces, Arukgoda claimed. “We will follow a transparent method so that the donors can be kept informed.” For smooth and expeditious clearance process,…
Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna has announced that it has been decided to close all schools on the island until further notice. The Deputy Minister further said that higher education institutions, including universities, will remain closed until December 08. He added that the reopening date will be announced soon. The decision has been taken in the backdrop of the disaster faced by Sri Lanka in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. (Newswire) The post Schools & universities : New update from Education Ministry appeared first on Newswire.
A flight carrying humanitarian assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for those affected by the recent disaster situation in Sri Lanka arrived in the country early this morning (02). According to the President’s Office, the consignment includes a range of essential humanitarian supplies, including essential food items, safety kits and tents, to communities impacted by the disaster. The relief items were officially handed over by Mr. Rashed Ali Al Mazrouei, Second Secretary, Embassy of the UAE in Colombo, to Ms. Sewwandi de Silva, Director (Middle East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Major General Sumedha Wijekoon, Director General and…
Photo courtesy of UN News As Sri Lanka currently counts human and economic costs of Cyclone Ditwah, the images are both disturbing and somewhat familiar: flooded hospitals, access roads buried by landslides, evacuation centres overflowing with displaced families and officials in health and disaster management services scrambling to meet everyone’s needs. The death toll is at 355 and rising, with hundreds more missing and over 200,000 displaced, with effects being borne disproportionately in the central hills and low lying river basins across the country. It has once again placed the spotlight on the preparedness of our disaster response ecosystem and with climate-related…
US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs and the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, Sergio Gor, has contacted President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. During a telephone conversation, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake thanked the United States for its continued support following Cyclone Ditwah. “Special Envoy Sergio Gor spoke this morning with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who thanked the United States for its continued support following cyclone Ditwah, which killed hundreds and left hundreds of thousands displaced. The United States…
The Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka has warned the public to be vigilant of Leptospirosis (Rat Fever) due to exposure to floodwaters, as a result of adverse weather in Sri Lanka. Issuing a notice, the Bureau outlined the following instances through which a person could get infected; If you have walked, worked, or cleaned in floodwater or muddy water. If you have cleaned wells, drainage systems, or garbage after floodwaters receded. If you had cuts or wounds on your feet or legs and came into contact with wet or muddy areas. Those who have experienced any of the above…
The Police say the individual shot dead in China Bay, Trincomalee, yesterday has been identified as a 59-year-old resident of the 05th KM Post area. According to the Police, two unidentified men on a motorcycle had opened fire at the victim, who succumbed to injuries on the spot. Details regarding the cause of the shooting or the firearm used are yet to be ascertained. The China Bay Police have launched investigations to apprehend the suspects. (Newswire) The post 59‑year‑old man shot dead in China Bay appeared first on Newswire.
Photo courtesy of Daily Mirror Few taxes are intrinsically democratic or undemocratic. They are just a way of funding government. But there are occasional exceptions, including a very significant one in Sri Lanka currently: the taxes raised by local councils, especially property tax (aka rate assessment). The most important fact about the property tax in Sri Lanka is that it is trivial on virtually any measure. Most households do not pay it. Those that do mostly hand over a few hundred rupees. It is mainly a small number of large commercial establishments that receive property tax bills that are big…
Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga are among 46 players entering the 2026 IPL auction at the maximum base price of ₹2 crore. The long list of 1,355 registered cricketers was shared with franchises on Monday following the November 30 registration deadline.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has conveyed his condolences to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the loss of lives and extensive destruction caused by the recent floods and landslides across the island. In his message, President Putin expressed sorrow over the human casualties and the widespread damage, stating that Russia stands with Sri Lanka during this difficult period. He requested President Dissanayake to extend his sympathies and support to the families and loved ones of those who perished, while also wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured. The Russian President’s message comes as Sri Lanka continues large-scale rescue…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka tourist arrivals rise rose 16.5 percent to 212,906 in November 2025, with India and Russia being the top source markets, data from the tourism development authority showed. Total arrivals were 2,103,593 up to November, up 16.5 percent from a year ago. November arrivals were also higher than the 195,582 in 2018. Indian tourists made up 24 percent of arrivals in November with 51,391, while 24,953 came from the Russian Federation. UK tourists were 16,915, German tourists were 14,518, and arrivals from Australia were 9,384, followed by 9,217 Chinese tourists. Arrivals from France were 8,459, Poland 5,331,…
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 02 DECEMBER 2025 Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 02 December 2025 Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Southern provinces. Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva, North-Central and Eastern provinces after 2.00 p.m. Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North- western and Southern provinces and in Ampara district during the early hours of the morning. The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. The post Weather today: Rain…
River level at Nagalagam Street shows a steady drop after reaching 8.50 ft peak yesterday The water level at Nagalagam Street has begun to recede, falling from its peak of 8.50 ft recorded yesterday. As of 7.05 am today, the level stands at 7.40 ft, though it remains within the major flood stage. Authorities continue to monitor the Kelani River basin closely as conditions gradually improve. The post Kelani River level at Nagalagam Street shows a steady drop appeared first on Newswire.
Olly Riley will lead the squad as Reuben Wilson is set to make his third appearance in the marquee event.
ECONOMYNEXT – Indian National Disaster Response Force teams and Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters have rescued 143 Sri Lanka cyclone victims in several parts of the island, the High Commission of India said. NDRF rescued 43 stranded individuals on December 01, from inaccessible areas, including elderly persons, pregnant women, children, infants, vulnerable families as well as pets, the statement said. Two Mi 17 helicopters of IAF rescued 96 stranded persons from flood-hit areas, including children and 3 critically wounded survivors. The choppers also airlifted more than 5.5 tonnes of rations and medical equipment to flood-hit areas. In Badulla, the NDRF…
The Government has decided to import frozen vegetables that comply with the standards of the Department of Agriculture, Commissioner General of Essential Services B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said today.