ECONOMYNEXT – Flood levels in most rivers and downstream of reservoirs have stabilized or are easing except in the Trincomalee, district and major irrigation works have survived the Cyclone Ditwah, Director General of Irrigation Ajith Gunasekera said. “Our reservoirs are intact. When the rains started to intensify, we opened the sluice gates to the required amount to protect them,” Gunasekera said in comments broad over Sri Lanka’s Sirasa television. “There are no risks from the reservoirs. In the Mahaweli River, in Trincomalee flood level is high. It will remain so tomorrow as well. After that it will start to ease.”…
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ECONOMYNEXT – Rescue teams from South Asian neighbours India and Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka to assist the Air Force in the relief work in Ditwah cyclone-hit areas with the death toll rising to more than 200. Both India and Pakistan have launched humanitarian operations to assist Sri Lanka following the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah which has killed at least 212 so far. At least 218 people are still missing, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) has said. Sri Lanka Air Force said an IL-76 Indian Air Force aircraft arrived in Sri Lanka carrying 80 National Disaster Response Force…
The Expressway Operation, Maintenance and Management Division has expressed gratitude to the public for using the expressway system responsibly during the ongoing disaster situation, which has seen the toll fees temporarily waived. In a social media post, the division commended Sri Lankans for limiting use of the expressways to essential travel only, following the government’s decision to allow toll-free access due to severe weather conditions affecting the country. The initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Highways and the Road Development Authority, aims to support emergency movement and facilitate essential services during this challenging period. The division also extended appreciation to…
The risk at the Ambatale and Biyagama water purification plants has now eased, following the earlier rise in water levels of the Kelani River. As a result, uninterrupted water supply to the Western Province — especially the Colombo District — can be maintained without disruption, Water Board Chairman Eng. Chandana Bandara said. The post No disruption expected to Colombo’s water supply appeared first on Newswire.
The Irrigation Department has reported that water levels at the Nagalagam Street gauging station in Colombo are continuing to rise, signalling a potential increase in flooding across several parts of the city over the next 24 hours. Hydrologists indicate that Hanwella reached its peak at midnight today (30), meaning Colombo’s peak flood level at Nagalagam Street is expected around 8 a.m. tomorrow, 1 December. Water levels are also likely to remain high for at least two days. Authorities urge residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas of Colombo to remain vigilant despite the clear weather, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow evacuation…
Police Headquarters has issued a warning urging the public to stay away from damaged roads, bridges, and unsafe areas affected by the recent severe weather, noting that large crowds have been gathering at these locations.
Sri Lanka’s state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided not to revise fuel prices for the month of December, despite the monthly price formula followed by the Lanka Petroleum Act. CPC Chairman Janaka Rajakaruna said that, according to the latest review, fuel prices will remain unchanged for December. The decision means petrol, diesel and other fuel categories sold under the CPC will continue at current rates until the next scheduled revision. The post No fuel price revision for December appeared first on Newswire.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the establishment of an “Office of the Commissioner General of Essential Services” at the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate recovery efforts and restore normalcy for those affected by the ongoing disaster. The office will operate under the leadership of the Director General of Essential Services and serve as a central operations hub. It will bring together key ministries, including Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation; and Housing, Construction and Water Supply, along with relevant departments and agencies under their purview. Other institutions will…
Japan has agreed to provide emergency assistance to Sri Lanka as the country continues to grapple with widespread devastation caused by extreme weather conditions.
All examinations, including the GCE Advanced Level, have been postponed indefinitely due to the ongoing disaster situation, the Ministry of Education said. Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Liyanage, in a statement, said that new dates will be announced in due course. (Newswire) The post A/Level exams postponed indefinitely appeared first on Newswire.
The National Blood Bank has temporarily stopped admitting blood donors at its Narahenpita centre due to overcrowding. According to officials, the current number of donors already at the site will take until at least 10 p.m. to complete the donation process. As a result, the public is advised not to visit the Narahenpita centre today. The surge in donor turnout follows an urgent appeal made yesterday by the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), which reported a shortage of blood supplies due to the ongoing disaster situation. The Narahenpita centre operates daily from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Newswire) The post…
Sri Lanka Air Force rescue teams have evacuated 121 people trapped by rising floodwaters in the Mavil Aru area today. Using Bell-412 and MI-17 helicopters, stranded residents were airlifted to safety as rescue operations continue this afternoon. Sri Lanka Air Force rescue teams have evacuated 121 people trapped by rising floodwaters in the Mavil Aru area today. Using Bell-412 and MI-17 helicopters, stranded residents were airlifted to safety as rescue operations continue this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Ih4pIZwPG1 — Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) November 30, 2025 The post Sri Lanka Air Force rescues 121 people trapped in Mavil Aru floods (Video) appeared first on…
Several major roads have been reopened for vehicular traffic following temporary closures due to adverse weather conditions, the Road Development Authority (RDA) said. According to the RDA, the Colombo–Kurunegala main road, the Colombo–Kandy road via Katugasthota, and the Kurunegala–Anuradhapura road via Padeniya have all been restored for public use. Meanwhile, the central section of the bridge near Yakkala Ayurveda on the Colombo–Kandy main road is sinking, prompting the temporary closure of the road between Yakkala and Thihariya. Motorists have been urged to use alternate routes. Authorities continue to monitor road conditions, and motorists are advised to exercise caution while traveling,…
ECONOMYNEXT – Cyclone Ditwah has killed 193, and 228 are still missing, the Indian Ocean Island’s Disaster Management Centre said, while extensive flooding have destroyed crops, houses, shops, and damaged roads, bridges and rail tracks. Floods and landslides have hit 968,144 and 147,931 are homeless and are in shelters, the DMC said. Flood alerts are still in places for lower reaches of Kelani and Mahaweli Rivers. Sri Lanka’s Road Development Authority said 206 roads were made impassable by Cyclone Ditwah and 10 bridges were damaged. Railtracks have suffered ‘extensive damage’ Deputy Minister of Transport and Highway Prasanna Gunasena said without…
Donors have turned up in large numbers at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) in Narahenpita today, following a call to donate blood. Yesterday, the NBTS reported a shortage of blood in the country as a result of the ongoing disaster situation. Following an ppealed to the public to donate blood by visiting main blood banks across the country, the main centre in Narahenpita has seen a large number of donors waiting to donate blood. The Narahenpita service remains open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Newswire) The National Blood Bank issued an urgent call yesterday. Today, Sri Lankans have…
Islandwide water levels continue to fluctuate across major rivers, with several key locations remaining under flood conditions, according to the Irrigation Department’s update issued at 12.30 pm today (30). Data shows that Nagalagam Street and Hanwella along the Kelani River remain under major flood level, with water levels at 7.45 ft and 10.75 ft respectively. While Nagalagam Street recorded a rising trend, Hanwella showed signs of gradual decline. The post Islandwide Water Levels Update: Major Floods at Nagalagam Street and Hanwella appeared first on Newswire.
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited has issued an important travel advisory for all passengers departing through the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), as several airport access routes remain affected by flooding due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.
The government has set up a Disaster Donation Help Desk to coordinate aid and assistance for people affected by the disaster situation. Donors have been urged to contact the following officials for assistance of the Special Disaster Operations Centre. Lt. Colonel Vishwajith Attanayake – 074 287 2469 Lt. Colonel Nalinda Karunathilaka – 074 374 3672 Lt, Colonel Nirmal Nimalgoda – 074 346 3621 (Newswire) The post How to reach the National Disaster Donation Help Desk appeared first on Newswire.
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) announced that the Kotugoda 220/132/33kV Grid Substation has been temporarily taken out of service due to severe flooding in the area.
Sri Lanka’s death toll from the severe weather that has swept across the country has risen to 193, according to the Disaster Management Center’s latest situation report issued at 12:00 p.m. today (30 November). The DMC also confirmed that 228 people remain missing as rescue and search operations continue in multiple districts hit by flooding, landslides, and widespread destruction. More than 968,000 individuals from 266,114 families have been affected islandwide. According to the report, the highest numbers of affected individuals were recorded in Gampaha, Colombo, Mannar, Puttalam, and Kurunegala districts. Kandy reported the highest death toll, with 52 fatalities and…