In line with the directive issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, the Ministry of Finance has approved an increase in the assistance granted for cleaning flood-affected houses and property. Accordingly, the support amount has been raised from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000. This decision is intended to accelerate the restoration of normal living conditions for communities impacted by the Ditwah cyclone. Issuing a special statement today (02), Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, stated that this decision was taken based on a request made by the…
The Sri Lankan Report
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ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 308.80/90 to the US dollar in the spot market Tuesday, weaker from 308.55/65 on Monday, dealers said, while bond yields were 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 15.03.2028 was quoted at 9.20/25 percent, up from 9.15/25 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.65/70 percent, up from 9.53/65 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.65/75 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.35/450 percent. A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted at 10.56/60…
The second humanitarian flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport today, bringing vital relief for Sri Lankans affected by the recent disaster. This consignment carries urgently needed supplies including essential food items, safety kits, and tents to help restore hope and stability for communities facing hardship. (Newswire) The post 2nd UAE flight arrives with Flood relief appeared first on Newswire.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to resume operations in the Sri Lankan Consular General Office in Chengdu in China after being closed for nine years, the government said. Sri Lankan Consular General Office in Chengdu in China was established in Chengdu, China in December 2009, but was closed from June 2016 due to the limitations of financial and other resources. The move comes after the official Chinese trip by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in January this year. “After observing the geopolitical importance, economic capabilities, technical and technological developments,…
The Kandy District Secretary has dismissed claims that 1,000 people have died in Gampola alone following the floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah. The official made the statement during a meeting with several members of Parliament, responding to a question from MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who raised concerns about discrepancies in the reported death toll. The secretary acknowledged that inconsistencies in casualty figures are common during disasters, as rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing. Officials also addressed concerns about remote villages being cut off, with limited access to food and other essential supplies due to damaged roads. Authorities said…
A cross-party group of opposition MPs on Tuesday visited several disaster-affected areas in the Kandy district, which has suffered some of the worst damage from the recent extreme weather. The delegation joined ongoing relief efforts, met with local authorities, and inspected the major landslide site in Mawathura, Ihalagama, Gampola. Officials and residents told the MPs that of the 35 people initially reported missing, only about 22 bodies have been recovered so far. Residents expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of meaningful government involvement in the search and excavation operations. Many families said they were forced to raise…
ECONOMYNEXT – Cyclone Ditwah has left over 275,000 children across Sri Lanka facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said. The storm caused widespread floods and devastating landslides and more than 400 have been killed while over 350 are still missing with continued rescue operations. Initial estimates suggest that over 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million people affected, although disrupted communications and blocked access routes imply the actual number may be even higher, UNICEF said in a statement. “UNICEF remains deeply concerned about the destruction the cyclone has caused to children and the vital services they…
The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has announced the suspension of parking fees within the city limits to assist people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. According to the CMC, on the instruction of the Mayor, a decision has been taken not to collect parking fees from 06.00 pm today (02) until midnight on December 05. The move comes as a measure to help those displaced within the city, who have sought assistance from the CMC. (Newswire) The post CMC suspends parking fees until Dec 05 appeared first on Newswire.
The Government of India is providing Sri Lanka with two rapidly deployable Field Hospitals to assist people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, rapidly deployable Field Hospitals are being sent with 70 personnel to provide healthcare support to disaster-affected areas. According to the India High Commission, the field hospitals are expected to reach Sri Lanka this evening. (Newswire) The post India sends rapidly deployable Field Hospitals to Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.
The Department of Irrigation has reported a decrease in the water level of the Kelani River, with flood warnings being downgraded from major to minor. According to the department, a minor flood warning remains in Nagalagam Street, while a flood alert with falling water levels remains for Hanwella. Despite a major flood warning issued to the Thanthirmale area due to the water level of the Malwathu Oya, the department reports a decrease in water levels. Flood alerts have also been issued to the Patupaula and Millakanda areas, but the water levels of the Kalu Ganga are reportedly receding. (Newswire) The…
The Ministry of Education has announced that the 2025 GCE Advanced Level Examination has been postponed to January 2026. The Education Ministry said the remaining subjects of the examination, which were affected due to Cyclone Ditwah, will be held at the beginning of January next year. The ministry further said that schools affected by the disaster across the country will open on December 16. Meanwhile, unaffected universities, higher education institutions and vocational training institutes will reopen on December 08. (Newswire) The post GCE A/L exam & School opening days : New announcement appeared first on Newswire.
The Northeast monsoon condition is expected to gradually establish over the island during the next few days. Due to this, rainy condition over the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces is expected to be enhanced from 04th of December. The general public are requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regards. The post Rain from 04th of December : Special alert from Met Department appeared first on Newswire.
The General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Shirley Kumara, stated that electricity supply to households in disaster‑affected areas will not be disconnected. He emphasized that the CEB will not carry out disconnections in these areas due to unpaid bills, and that the relevant charges will instead be added to future billing cycles. At this stage, no form of electricity disconnection will take place. Kumara further explained that in many affected areas, meter readings cannot be taken and bills cannot be distributed. Therefore, the relevant bills will be issued to consumers in the coming months, while ensuring an uninterrupted…
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says initial estimates suggest that over 275,000 children are among the 1.4 million people affected due to Cyclone Ditwah, although disrupted communications and blocked access routes imply the actual number may be even higher. Issuing a statement, UNICEF stated that Cyclone Ditwah has left children across Sri Lanka facing an escalating humanitarian crisis. After making landfall on the East Coast early on 28 November, the storm caused widespread floods and devastating landslides. UNICEF Sri Lanka is coordinating closely with the Government, national authorities, and partners to assess the situation and has initiated life-saving support. …
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recovered some of its losses on Tuesday, data on its site showed. Market recovered after it plunged to a two-month low on Monday as cyclone Ditwah weighed down market sentiment. The broader All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed 1 percent, or 219.51 points up at 22,241.57 while the more liquid S&P SL20 index closed 0.85 percent, or 51.92 points higher, at 6,137.79. Investor interest was seen in diversified financials and selected shares on Tuesday. Top contributors to the ASPI were Richard Pieris and Company (up 3.90 rupees at 40.80 rupees), Ceylinco Holdings…
SkiPod Manufacture Pvt Ltd has signed a landmark agreement with Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) to establish a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility, with Phase I valued at US$3 million. Backed by US‑based investment and facilitated by the Continam Group, the project marks Sri Lanka’s entry into sports simulation manufacturing. The company will focus on research, design, and production of advanced sports simulators and lifestyle products, led by its flagship SkiPod, the world’s first indoor ski and snowboarding mixed reality simulator, targeting markets in North America, Europe, and the UAE. “The latest technology and sports sector investment demonstrates to the rest…
Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman has urged the government to engage in discussions with India to allow Pakistan’s special relief aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to cross its airspace. Addressing the media today, MP Rahman said that the Indian Government’s “partial flight clearance” for the aircraft, which is carrying emergency supplies for flood-affected Sri Lankans, is insufficient. “According to current reports, India has allowed a window of 06 hours for Pakistani aircraft to deliver their relief supplies and return. However, it takes at least 4 ½ hours to travel from Pakistan’s Rawalpindi to Sri Lanka. So the “partial flight…
The official website of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, which has been operating for 19 years, was revamped with numerous new features and launched under the patronage of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament recently (17 Nov). According to a Parliament statement, the official website of the Parliament of Sri Lanka was first created and launched in 2006. Since then, it has been updated twice, and this launch marks the third major redesign of the official parliamentary website. Under the guidance of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, and under the supervision of Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera and the senior management of…
Sri Lanka continues to receive significant international support following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which has resulted in hundreds of deaths and left hundreds of thousands displaced across the country. According to the President’s Office, as recovery operations intensify, nations across the world have expressed solidarity, while several key allies have mobilised direct relief assistance on the ground. India has taken a leading role in immediate emergency response efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt condolences to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and reaffirmed that India “stands firmly beside Sri Lanka and its people in this difficult hour,” pledging continued…