Nov 28 (NW) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has issued an Extraordinary Gazette declaring a wide range of services as essential public services under the Essential Public Services Act, No. 61 of 1979, in view of the severe adverse weather conditions currently affecting the country. The order, published on Friday, November 28, 2025, states that disruptions to these services would endanger the life of the community and therefore must continue without interruption. more..

Nov 28 (NW) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the government must expedite efforts in relation to those affected due to inclement weather, stating that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will do the maximum possible to alleviate the hardship and suffering of the people. “The need of the hour is action. Lives need to be saved. Essential items such as food, water, sanitary facilities, and safe places must be provided. Looking after the health of the people is most important. more..

Nov 28 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed District Secretaries and Chairpersons of District Development Committees to carry out rescue and relief operations without allowing financial constraints to delay assistance to affected communities. Directive was issued during a special virtual meeting held this morning via Zoom with District Secretaries and Chairpersons of District Coordination Committees, as SL continues to more..

Nov 28 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake says Govt and Opposition representatives must work together effectively in this challenging situation to safeguard the lives of affected citizens and provide them with the necessary relief. Prez made these remarks during a discussion held this morning at the Tri-Forces HQ with Govt and Opposition representatives, to review the next steps required in response to the emergency disaster situation that has arisen in SL due to adverse weather more..

Nov 28 (AD) Schools will reopen for the new term on Dec 16, according to the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Nalaka Kaluwewe. He stated this during a special press briefing held today. Schools were initially scheduled to reopen on Dec 8. However, it has now been decided to postpone the reopening of schools in light of the prevailing disaster situation in the country. Accordingly, schools will reopen for the final phase of third school term on Dec 16. more..

Nov 28 (MoD) As severe weather conditions continue to affect the island, the Tri-Forces remain on full alert and are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. Prioritizing national security and humanitarian assistance, Tri-Forces personnel are on 24-hour readiness to respond to emergencies and have already implemented disaster relief measures in almost every district. SL Army has launched a large-scale disaster more..

Nov 28 (AD) A lane on the Gelanigama-Kahathuduwa Expressway has been temporarily closed for vehicles due to a potential landslide risk as a result of the prevailing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. According to the RDA, the decision was taken after a crack was detected on the sidewall at the 12.5 km point in Baddegoda, located between Gelanigama and Kahathuduwa on the Southern Expressway. The crack has appeared on the sidewall of the lane heading towards more..

Nov 28 (DM) To ease difficulties faced by the public during the prevailing disaster, mobile service providers have agreed not to deactivate telephone connections until 29 Nov. They have also committed to offering free calling for a limited number of minutes and free internet data when prepaid balances drop to Rs. 10, helping people maintain contact during the crisis. A special meeting was held today to discuss urgent restoration of communication facilities in disaster-affected areas. more..

Nov 28 (PMI) Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi, today, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of SL who have lost their loved ones due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. He prayed for the safety, comfort, and swift recovery of all affected families. In a strong gesture of solidarity with India’s closest maritime neighbour, Govt of India has urgently dispatched relief materials and vital Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) support under Operation Sagar Bandhu. more..

Nov 28 (DN) Commissioner General of Examinations has announced that the 2025 GCE A/L Exam has been postponed until further notice due to the prevailing adverse conditions in the country. All scheduled examinations, including the A/L Exam, have been postponed. A new examination timetable will be issued once the situation stabilizes, and the revised dates will be announced in due course. Dept further stated that all assessment and evaluation activities related to the A/L exam more..

Nov 28 (DN) 132,000 kv transmission line linking Randenigala, Rantambe and Mahiyanganaya has collapsed beyond immediate repair, according to CEB General Manager Shirley Kumara. Nearly 25–30% of the island is currently without power due to the severe weather, with outages reported predominantly in the Eastern, Central and Northern Provinces. The situation has forced the shutdown of several more..

Nov 28 (DM) Sri Lanka’s national cricket team has decided to donate all tour money and match fees from the Pakistan series to assist those affected by the recent devastating floods and landslides across the country, Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya said. In a statement issued on behalf of the team, Jayasuriya said the players and support staff are deeply saddened by the hardships faced by their fellow Sri Lankans and expressed heartfelt concern for families impacted by the disaster. more..

Nov 28 (SLN) In a swift and coordinated response to the adverse weather conditions affecting the island, the SL Navy has deployed relief teams to provide critical assistance to affected communities. The deployment, which commenced on 22 Nov 25, spans the Southern, Eastern, Northwestern, and North Central provinces. The Navy relief teams continue to conduct their operations even today. These dedicated naval teams are actively conducting ongoing disaster relief operations, more..

Nov 28 (AD) On behalf of Govt of India, Indian navy ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which are on a visit to Sri Lanka, have officially handed over flood relief material in Colombo. “Operation Sagar Bandhu commences. INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri hand over relief material at Colombo. Further steps are underway,” Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said. India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, more..

Nov 28 (AD) Gampaha District Secretary Lalinda Gamage has urged residents of low-lying areas in Dompe, Biyagama, and Kelaniya to evacuate immediately due to the rapidly worsening flood situation. He stated that although the area is currently experiencing minor flooding, conditions are expected to escalate into a major flood situation within the next few hours. The District Secretary added that arrangements are already underway to evacuate residents from the affected areas. more..

Nov 28 (NW) Airport and Aviation Services (SL) Private Ltd (AASL) has advised all passengers to stay updated on their flight schedules and follow official guidance, due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions across Sri Lanka. AASL said passengers are advised to check the latest flight status via Official website www.airport.lk. SriLankan Airlines passengers have been requested to call 1979 (within SL) or +94117771979 (international) to check Sri Lankan Airlines flight status. more..

Nov 28 (AD) NBRO has warned that landslides could occur at any moment in any mountainous region due to the prevailing severe weather conditions. Director of the NBRO stated that the current situation is extraordinary and unprecedented even in his lifetime. He explained that landslides can occur when rainfall exceeds 150 mm within a 24-hour period; however, several mountainous areas have received more than 500 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours. more..

Nov 28 (DN) Due to the adverse weather conditions, 45,000 power outages have been reported so far, and more than 28,000 of those have already been restored by noon yesterday, CEB Deputy General Manager said. CEB is working efficiently to restore power interruptions as quickly as possible, while ensuring public safety when reconnecting electricity in certain provinces. In some areas, electricity poles have collapsed into floodwater, causing power lines to fall into the water. more..

Nov 28 (DM) SL is bracing for days of record-breaking rainfall, with the Met Dept warning that Cyclon Ditwah is set to unleash severe weather across the island until Nov 30. The depression—currently located about 120 km southeast of Batticaloa—is expected to develop into a deep depression or cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. The dark, dense cloud cover and sea waves rising 2–4 metres pose significant risks, more..

Nov 28 (EN) Access roads to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have been affected by floods due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions across the country. It advised passengers to use the Colombo-Katunayake Express highway when travelling to the airport. to ensure a smoother and safer journey to BIA. “Additionally, to help reduce congestion within the airport premises during this period, passengers are kindly requested not to bring visitors to the terminal,” more..

Nov 28 (AD) Five people have been confirmed dead and 12 others have been reported missing following an earth slip in the Pamunupura area of Minipe, Hasalaka, the Kandy District Secretary announced. Search operations are currently underway to locate the missing individuals, he said. Meanwhile, a row of residences in the Dedugala area of Bulathkohupitiya, Kegalle, has been struck by a landslide. Five houses have been affected, and the residents of those homes are reported missing. more..

Nov 28 (DM) Sri Lanka is facing a serious national disaster right now, with floods, landslides and severe transport disruptions affecting daily life across many districts. With conditions changing quickly, it’s important for all of us to stay informed, stay calm and stay prepared. I’ve put together this advisory to help families and individuals navigate the next few days safely and responsibly. Emergency Hotlines — Keep Them Handy more..

Nov 28 (AD) Irrigation Dept has warned that the low-lying areas of the Attanagalu Oya and Uruwal Oya valleys, including parts of Gampaha town, may experience a major flood situation within the next six hours. Issuing a Red warning, it said heavy rainfall is currently being experienced in many catchment areas of the Attanagalu Oya Basin. Based on the prevailing rainfall conditions and the analysis of river water levels recorded at river gauging stations maintained by the Irrigation Dept more..

Nov 28 (AD) The Dept of Irrigation has issued a red alert for the low-lying areas of the Kelani River Basin, warning of a high risk of flooding at a level unprecedented in recent history. Heavy rainfall is currently being experienced across many catchment areas of the Kelani River Basin. Based on the prevailing rainfall, the volume of water being discharged from reservoirs in the upper catchment, and the river water levels recorded at gauging stations maintained by the Irrigation Dept, more..

Nov 28 (FT) In the wake of last week’s Opposition rally at Nugegoda, one thing is clear: Sri Lanka – the SL of this article’s title – is (as usual, perhaps as always) deeply divided over the babel sounds of political debate. Our socially bifurcated populace is diametrically opposed to each other about whether the rally was a success or a failure. It’s divided about whether Sri Lanka is in a good way or a good place, or not. Also what the reality about the country’s prospects are, going forward. more..

Nov 28 (FT) Anura Kumara Dissanayake who was elected last year as SL’s ninth Executive President celebrated his 57th birthday early this week on 24 November. Unlike some past presidents who celebrated their birthdays ostentatiously with Poojas and parties, President Dissanayake chose to observe his birthday as simply another business as usual day without publicity or fanfare. This was in keeping with the public persona of Prez Dissanayake known popularly as Anura more..

Nov 28 (FT) SL’s weather emergency continued to worsen yesterday, with the Disaster Management Centre reporting that the death toll has risen to 47 while nearly 6,000 people have been affected across multiple districts over two days. Nearly 21 individuals remain missing as floods, landslides and collapsing structures intensify across the country. Prez yesterday directed the President’s Fund to release Rs 1 million as compensation more..

Nov 28 (AD) At least three flights bound to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have been diverted to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. A flight from Kuala Lumpur, one from Abu Dhabi and another from Muscat have been diverted since last evening. Meanwhile, Minister Anura Karunathilake, yesterday announced that all flights arriving in Sri Lanka will be diverted to Trivandrum or Cochin airports in India if they are unable to land at the BIA during a weather emergency. more..

Nov 28 (NW) SL remains safe and fully open for travel and tourism despite seasonal rainfall affecting certain parts of the country, SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said. SLTDA assured international visitors that major tourist destinations across the island continue to operate as normal, with hotels, transport services and tourist attractions functioning without disruption. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and have implemented comprehensive safety measures more..

Nov 28 (DM) SL remains under severe weather conditions as heavy rainfall, rising floodwaters and continuous landslides disrupt daily life across multiple districts. Persistent low-pressure system remains anchored over the island, pulling in moisture-heavy winds and generating repeated waves of intense rainfall. Soil across the highlands is fully saturated, making slopes unstable, while major reservoirs are nearing or more..

Nov 28 (DN) Warnings have been issued for the possibility of a major flood situation in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River Valley. Accordingly, warnings have been issued for the possibility of a major flood situation in the low-lying areas of the Kelani River Valley in the following DS Divisions: Eheliyagoda, Norwood, Yatiyanthota, Galigamuwa, Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Seethawaka, Dompe, Padukka, Homagama, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, more..

Nov 28 (Island) The country is grappling with one of its worst weather disasters in recent years. Torrential rains and landslides have so far claimed more than 40 lives, left 14 others missing, and displaced thousands more across 17 districts. The hardest-hit areas include Badulla, Kegalle & Nuwara Eliya Districts, with Badulla alone recording 18 fatalities. According to the latest reports as of last night, over 4,000 individuals from 1,158 families have been affected. more..