Israel, which has contributed a consignment of relief aid to the Sri Lankans who have been affected by the cyclone Ditwah, expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka for the tragic loss of lives and devastation caused by the recent disaster.
The Sri Lankan Report
The BBC weather report forecasts heavy showers in Sri Lanka over the next few days, with increased thunderstorms and rain.
A new national committee has been appointed to ensure the proper coordination and fair distribution of foreign aid reaching Sri Lanka in the wake of recent natural disasters.
Supreme Court Justice and President’s Counsel Yasantha Kodagoda has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.
Sri Lanka today received a major humanitarian relief consignment from China to support recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, President’s Media Division (PMD)said.
Akbar Brothers Ltd delivered a commanding all-round performance to clinch the ‘A’ Division title at the 33rd MSBA League Basketball Tournament, defeating defending champions Fairfirst Insurance 70–60 in a thrilling final held on Friday, 5 December.
SampathCards is ushering in the season of celebration with an exciting lineup of offers that promise to make this festive period truly rewarding for all Sampath Credit and Debit Cardholders. Launching its highly anticipated December Seasonal Campaign, the Bank offers exclusive discounts of up to 60% from 20th November to 31st December 2025, across an extensive portfolio of partner merchants. The campaign reinforces Sampath Bank’s position as a lifestyle-enabling, customer-centric brand that continuously adds value to its cardholders. It celebrates the joy of giving, togetherness, and meaningful indulgence, positioning Sampath Cards as the preferred payment choice for the season’s shopping,…
The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, headed by former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has contributed Rs. 250 million to the government fund established to support recovery and resettlement of communities affected by recent disasters. The contribution was handed over by Kumaratunga to Prime Minister Harini Amarasooriya at the Prime Minister’s Office. Officials said the funds will be used for reconstruction and assistance to families displaced by recent adverse weather. (Newswire) The post Bandaranaike Foundation Gives Rs. 250 Million for Disaster Recovery appeared first on Newswire.
U.S. immigration agents said they arrested a Ferris State University professor originally from Sri Lanka who has a criminal history that includes death threats and conviction in a case involving a juvenile, the Detroit news reported.
Sri Lanka has thanked the Tamil Nadu government for sending emergency relief supplies to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said he conveyed the government’s appreciation during a telephone call with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Tamil Nadu recently dispatched 950 metric tons of humanitarian aid, including rice, pulses, milk powder, sugar, clothing and blankets, to assist displaced families. The relief was sent aboard Indian Navy vessels from Chennai and Thoothukudi. Herath said the support reflected the state’s solidarity during a difficult period and noted that people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu would…
A retired officer of the Government Analyst’s Department was arrested on Dec. 5 by officials from the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption over allegations of accepting a bribe totalling Rs. 6,415,050. The arrest relates to an ongoing investigation into the alleged acceptance of bribes from a private insurance company in exchange for issuing official vehicle inspection reports. These reports are said to have unlawfully benefited the company while causing financial losses to the government. The suspect D. H. L. W. Jayamanne who had served as a government analyst, is accused of misusing his official position to provide…
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake was reported near Misawa, Japan, on Monday evening, but authorities confirmed that it poses no threat to Sri Lanka. According to the Department of Meteorology, the quake occurred at approximately 7.45 p.m. Sri Lanka time and does not create any risk of tsunami or other impact on the island. Officials urged the public not to panic or circulate unverified messages, noting that Sri Lanka remains completely unaffected by the incident. The Met Department said it will continue to monitor global seismic activity and issue updates if required. (Newswire) The post No Impact on Sri Lanka from…
Police have arrested the owner of a clothing outlet in Thalawathugoda for allegedly hiding a camera inside a changing room and recording women while they tried on clothes, Lankadeepa newspaper reported. According to Thalangama Police, the arrest was made on Monday (Dec. 8) after officers found a concealed camera inside the fitting room of the store. A mobile phone belonging to the suspect was examined, and police say 201 video clips recorded inside the room were discovered. Police said the footage included videos of women, young girls and children changing clothing, as well as a separate video of a woman…
Two firearms were discovered on Monday morning (Dec. 8) during a raid carried out near the 20th milepost on the Polonnaruwa-Batticaloa main road. Police officers attached to the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit found a micro revolver, ammunition, along with a foreign-manufactured revolver. The weapons and ammunition had been handed over to the Valaichchenai Police, who have launched an investigation to arrest the suspects. (Newswire) The post Two firearms recovered in Valaichchenai appeared first on Newswire.
The Hajj Committee has donated Rs. 5 million to support the restoration of religious sites damaged by the recent natural disaster, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs said on Monday (Dec. 8). The donation was officially handed over to Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi by Hajj Committee Chairman Riyas Mihlar at the ministry. Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Muneer Moulana, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious Affairs M.S.M. Nawaz, and Hajj Committee member M.S.M. Aslam, among others. The funds are intended to aid repair and reconstruction work at religious sites affected during the…
Sri Lanka will receive full support from the United Nations (UN) for recovery and reconstruction following the recent extreme weather disaster, the UN Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Mark Andrew said on Monday. He made the pledge during a meeting with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the ministry. Andrew said the UN has decided to provide an initial US$ 4.5 million under its Emergency Response Fund to support immediate relief for affected communities. The amount was symbolically handed over to Minister Herath during the meeting. According to the UN, the financial and technical assistance will focus on food security, housing,…
ECONOMYNEXT – Cyclone Ditwah has fully destroyed 108,000 hectares of rice paddies, 11,000 other field crops and 6,600 hectares of maize, Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, DP Wickremesinghe has said. About 6,143 hectares of vegetables have been destroyed. Out of 5,893 hectares of upcountry vegetables 2,613 fully destroyed. Out of 8,990 of low country vegetables, 3,530 fully destroyed. Out of 27,600 hectares of other field crops, 11,000 hectares have been fully destroyed. Out of 87,244 hectares of maize, 6,600 have been destroyed. Rice farmers had sowed 615,000 hectares of 870,000 hectares planned for the main Maha 2025/26 season. Of which…
The government expects to restore public transportation services to near-normal levels by December 31, according to Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake. While achieving 100 percent restoration may be challenging, the minister said efforts are underway to resume bus operations on nearly all routes before the end of the year to help normalize daily life for the public. “We believe train services can resume up to Chilaw by the end of the month,” Rathnayake said during a visit to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot in Chilaw. He noted that the complete destruction of the Iranawila bridge had disrupted transport across…
India has delivered more than 300 tonnes of humanitarian relief assistance to Sri Lanka in response to Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage and displaced thousands across multiple districts. The relief consignment arrived in Colombo on Dec. 7 and was officially handed over by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha. Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe and Disaster Management Centre Director General received the aid on behalf of the Sri Lankan government. Transported via Indian naval vessels—including three Landing Craft Utility ships and INS Gharial—the shipment includes essential food items such as sugar, pulses, and milk powder, as well as emergency supplies like bed…
Sri Lanka has received 85 tonnes of flood relief supplies from China to support ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The aid shipment, which includes life jackets, tents, blankets and sheets, was handed over by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong and received by Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilake and Deputy Defence Minister Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). The Chinese Embassy estimates the value of the donation at approximately Rs. 400 million. Relief operations continue across multiple provinces affected by widespread flooding, displacement and property damage. Thousands remain in temporary shelters, and the government has appealed…