At least 11 elderly residents have died after an elders’ home in Pannala was inundated and cut off due to rising floodwaters. According to local authorities, the facility became rapidly submerged following continuous heavy rainfall, leaving several occupants stranded inside. Emergency responders and volunteers managed to rescue 14 individuals during a difficult operation carried out under severe weather conditions. The post Pannala Elders’ Home Flooded: 11 Dead in Devastating Tragedy appeared first on Newswire.
The Sri Lankan Report
Updated Payment Instructions for Disaster Relief Contributions The Government wishes to inform the public and the international donor community that certain contributors have experienced difficulties when transferring funds to the designated Central Bank accounts during the ongoing national relief efforts. To ensure smooth and uninterrupted receipt of donations, donors facing such issues are advised to direct their contributions in LKR to the following Bank of Ceylon account. Account Name: Deputy Secretary to the Treasury Account Number: 2026450 Bank: Bank of Ceylon In addition, donors who wish to make contributions directly to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s foreign currency accounts…
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has refuted reports attributed to its Director General claiming that a set of instructions had been issued for state sector employees on how to perform their duties during the ongoing disaster situation. In a statement, CIABOC said the Director General has made no such remarks, urging all parties to refrain from circulating false information that further inconveniences the public at a time of national crisis. (Newswire) The post Bribery Commission denies issuing instructions to state workers during disaster appeared first on Newswire.
A total of 132 deaths have been reported so far, and 171 people are still missing due to the severe weather across Sri Lanka. The post 132 Dead, 171 Missing in Sri Lanka Floods & Landslides appeared first on Newswire.
The Ministry of Defence has proposed an increase in the allowance provided for dry rations to individuals and families affected by the ongoing disaster situation. The proposal aims to amend the amounts in Circular and Guideline No. 01/2025 (Section 5.1.5.3), the Ministry said. Under the revision, the allocation per individual — currently Rs. 1,800 for dry rations and cash — will be increased to Rs. 2,100. This represents the maximum weekly allowance, with the daily maximum set at one-seventh of the total. Proposed revised rates for families are as follows: Two-person family: to be increased from Rs. 2,400 to Rs.…
ECONOMYNEXT – The death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has climbed to 132 Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Office said, with and 176 people missing as rescue workers struggled to reach locations in the hill country which were cut off. The number of missing went up to 176 by 1400 on November 29, with more information coming in. The Kandy district in the hill country which includes Gampola, has seen 52 people dead and 105 missing. Rescue workers are still trying to clear road which are blocked by landslides and rock falls. Sri Lanka’s Air Force and Navy have been rescuing people.…
Director General of the Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake stated that although the cyclone has moved away from the island and its direct effects have diminished, the indirect effects are still present. He warned of the possibility of rainfall exceeding 100 mm in certain areas of the Northern, North Central, Eastern and Central Provinces. In addition, rainfall exceeding 50 mm is expected in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, while showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other provinces, he noted. However, even though heavy rainfall has reduced, the disaster situation has not yet fully subsided. Therefore, Mr…
Police said today that 14 people have been confirmed dead following a landslide in the Kotmale area, while 21 individuals remain missing after a separate landslide in Thulhiriya. Search and rescue teams from the Police, Army, and Disaster Management Centre are continuing operations despite heavy rain, unstable slopes, and blocked access routes. Officials said the numbers could change as teams reach deeper into affected zones. The post 3 landslides & Deaths : Police provide official update appeared first on Newswire.
Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa says Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) organisers and grassroots leaders across the country have already begun supporting families affected by the severe weather crisis, mobilising party networks to assist rescue and relief operations. Rajapaksa noted that SLPP representatives in villages, divisional areas, and urban centres are actively helping communities with emergency shelter, cooked meals, transport, and coordination of essential support as floods and landslides continue to impact multiple districts. He expressed deep condolences to families who have lost loved ones, stating that many lives—as well as businesses, homes, and livelihoods built over years—have been destroyed by…
ECONOMYNEXT – SriLankan Airlines has asked pilots and cabin crew to contact the airline as usual communications channels are disrupted due to Cyclone Ditwah. “We kindly request all pilots and cabin crew to contact the Airline Crew Control Centre (CCC) immediately for further instructions,” the airline said in a statement. “Your prompt response is greatly appreciated, as it is essential for maintaining continuity of services and ensuring operational readiness.” The full statement is reproduced below: SriLankan Airlines Special Announcement for Pilots and Cabin Crew 29 November 2025; Colombo – This is a special announcement for all SriLankan Airlines pilots and…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency to respond to the widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, as the national death toll climbed to 123 with more casualties feared. According to disaster officials, at least 130 people remain missing across several districts affected by severe flooding, landslides, and structural collapses triggered by the cyclone’s passage. Search and rescue operations are continuing despite heavy rain, damaged road networks, and prolonged disruptions to power and communication services. The declaration of emergency empowers President Dissanayake to issue special regulations to expedite relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts. It also enables authorities to…
An Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying urgently needed relief supplies for those displaced by the severe weather arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake at early this morning.
Landslides have been reported across several areas including Kandy, Mallawapitiya, Gettuwana, Kurunegala, Mawathagama, and Kotmale as continuous heavy rain triggers severe ground instability. According to local authorities, search and rescue operations are underway for several missing persons, while deaths have also been reported from multiple locations affected by the landslides. Rescue teams from the Police, Disaster Management Centre, and the military are engaged in ongoing operations despite challenging access conditions. Residents in high-risk and elevated areas have been strongly urged to remain vigilant as the threat of further landslides persists due to saturated soil and continuing rainfall. Officials have requested…
The Department of Meteorology said the prevailing heavy rainfall is expected to ease significantly by tomorrow (30), as Cyclone ’Ditwah’ continues to move away from Sri Lanka toward India.
SriLankan Airlines Special Announcement for Pilots and Cabin Crew This is a special announcement for all SriLankan Airlines pilots and cabin crew members. Due to disruptions to communication systems arising from the prevailing situation in the country, the airline is currently unable to reach some crew members through the usual channels. We kindly request all pilots and cabin crew to contact the Airline Crew Control Centre (CCC) immediately for further instructions. Your prompt response is greatly appreciated, as it is essential for maintaining continuity of services and ensuring operational readiness. The post SriLankan Airlines Special Announcement for Pilots and Cabin…
A major rescue operation is underway after a bus caught in rising floodwaters on the Kala Oya bridge along the Anuradhapura–Puttalam road was swept off course, forcing passengers to seek refuge on the roof of a nearby house.
A critical flood situation is expected in low-lying areas of the Mahaweli River across Dimbulagala, Thamankaduwa, Welikanda, Lankapura, Medirigiriya, Seruwila, Kanthale, Kinniya and Muttur DS divisions. The Department of Irrigation urges residents in these areas to evacuate immediately and move to safer ground. Stay alert and follow official instructions. The post Severe Flood Threat Along Mahaweli River Catchment; Residents Told to Move to Safety appeared first on Newswire.
There is currently no threat to the water supply in Colombo and surrounding areas, Minister of Water Supply stated today, urging the public to use water sparingly amid rising river levels. However, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) has cautioned that a further rise of around seven feet in the Kelani River could severely affect operations at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant. According to the Water Board, such an increase would create significant operational challenges that may disrupt the supply of drinking water to Colombo and neighbouring regions. Authorities have advised residents to use water carefully and be…
A protective flood barrier along the Iranamadu reservoir canal has breached after the spill gates were opened due to heavy rainfall in the area. The Disaster Management Centre has urged residents to evacuate immediately, warning of a high risk of severe flooding. Emergency response teams have been deployed to support evacuation efforts, the DMC said. (Newswire) The post Iranamadu canal flood barrier breach, residents urged to evacuate appeared first on Newswire.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited several areas including Kaduwela today to inquire into the wellbeing of people affected by the severe weather conditions. During his visit to the Kothalawala Maha Vidyalaya, which is currently sheltering families displaced by flooding, Premadasa spoke with residents and assessed their immediate needs. He stated that steps will be taken to provide further relief and support for those impacted by the ongoing floods. (Newswire) The post Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visits flood-affected communities appeared first on Newswire.