Dec 3 (CT) Pakistani High Commission in Colombo rejected social media claims that relief bags sent by Pakistan to SL contained expired food items. Adeel Sattar, Pakistan’s Press and Cultural Attaché, clarified that the bags did not contain rice at all. Instead, they were filled with essential supplies such as mineral water, biscuits, milk cartons, and other daily necessities, all of which were purchased locally in SL and packed into bags that had originally been brought from Pakistan. more..

Dec 3 (NW) Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, has urged Sri Lankans to mark this Christmas with compassion and restraint as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. In a Christmas message, Archbishop of Colombo said more than one and a half million people have been displaced and an uncounted number remain buried under rubble and earth in the upper regions following more..

Dec 3 (DM) Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) had only four helicopters for use during the recent disaster, Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekera told Parliament. He said the SLAF had only two Bell 212 and two Mi17 helicopters to be used for rescuing disaster affected people during the last few days. "It is the lack of necessary aircraft which made the govt to use VIP helicopters for rescue work, " Deputy Minister said. He said the military has done its utmost to rescue affected people. more..

Dec 3 (NW) As part of TikTok’s continued efforts to promote safety and factual awareness on its platform, the guide will provide verified information to counter misinformation trends surrounding natural disasters. Users in SL searching for flood-related updates on TikTok will now see a prominent banner urging them to verify information through credible sources. This guide connects users directly with the DMC of SL, from where users in SL can access verified information regarding more..

Dec 3 (NF) US has reaffirmed its commitment to stand with Sri Lanka during one of its most challenging times. In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the US govt announced the delivery of critical disaster response items aimed at saving lives and supporting recovery efforts. According to US State Department, the assistance package includes shelter materials, emergency communications equipment, water sanitation systems, health supplies, and humanitarian relief essentials. more..

Dec 3 (NW) Bangladesh dispatched a humanitarian relief consignment to Sri Lanka this afternoon to support ongoing recovery efforts following the devastation caused by the recent adverse weather conditions. The shipment of relief arrived at 1:00 pm aboard a Bangladesh Air Force C-130 aircraft. The cargo included 1,000 mosquito nets, 500 food packets, 10 tents and 20 pieces each of torch lights, gum boots, vests, gloves and hats, along with 125 boxes of essential medicines. more..

Dec 3 (FT) SL must shift from post-crisis stabilisation to fast, investment-led growth by dismantling trade barriers, improving productivity and mobilising private capital, World Bank Country Manager for SL Gevorg Sargsyan told the SL Economic & Investment Summi. In a wide-ranging presentation, Sargsyan said the country had made tremendous achievements in stabilising the economy, but warned that growth remained too weak to ease fiscal pressure or reduce poverty. more..

Dec 3 (NW) The National Blood Bank has extended its gratitude to the citizens of Sri Lanka for the blood donations made in the wake of the disaster due to Cyclone Ditwah. Director of the National Blood Bank, Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe, said over 20,000 blood donations have been received within a span of three days. Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe said an appeal was made to the public for the daily requirement of 1500 blood donations, but the response has exceeded the required amount. more..

Dec 3 (NW) The Ministry of Higher Education has announced an extra allowance of the Mahapola Scholarship for university students affected by the severe weather disaster. According to the ministry, another monthly allowance, in addition to the allowance paid on November 28, will be provided to affected university students. The Ministry of Higher Education said that the extra monthly allowance of the Mahapola Scholarship will be paid on December 5. more..

Dec 3 (AD) Two more aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance from the UAE have arrived at the BIA this afternoon. The C-17 aircraft, two of the largest military transport aircraft operated by the UAE Air Force, had arrived at the BIA from Abu Dhabi. The consignment includes vehicles intended for disaster relief operations and food rations to be distributed to communities affected by the recent cyclone. Officials from the Embassy of the UAE in SL, SL’s Ministry of Defense, more..

Dec 3 (ANI) Indian High Commissioner to SL Santosh Jha called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday to discuss ways to enhance the strategic partnership between India and SL. The Indian Army posted on X, saying that the discussions focused on regional security dynamics and strengthening diplomatic and defence cooperation through deeper civil-military engagement. The Army said the meeting also covered India's continued role more..

Dec 3 (DN) In the wake of this national crisis, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) together with the generous support of its members have been working closely with Govt agencies to coordinate urgent relief efforts. The unwavering resilience of Sri Lankans is evident in moments such as these. It is a pivotal time for the nation to come together, pooling the country’s collective strength to restore lives, livelihoods, and stability, Chairperson of CCC Krishan Balendra, more..

Dec 3 (AD) Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will make donations to relief and rebuilding efforts across several Asian countries including in Sri Lanka that were hit by floods, landslides and strong winds in recent days. The Apple CEO noted storms across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and SL have devastated communities and thoughts are with those affected. Devastating rainfall across several Asian countries has reportedly killed more than 1,300 people and affected millions. more..

Dec 3 (DM) SL is currently grappling with one of the most severe flooding events in recent memory. With vast tracts of land submerged, lives lost, and critical infrastructure severely damaged, the immediate humanitarian crisis is escalating. The transition from emergency response to systematic recovery and reconstruction must be swift, strategic, and sustainable. This article outlines the critical next steps the govt must prioritize to safeguard its people and rebuild the nation. more..

Dec 3 (FT) In Sept 2020, a 5-storied house in Buwelikada, Kandy, collapsed, killing three people. The victims were neighbours in a house below, a young couple and their infant daughter. Public outcry and demands by the Bar Association (one of the victims was a lawyer) compelled the police to act. The owner of the house, Anura Lewke, a former Basnayake Nilame of the Dodanwala Natha Devalaya, was arrested and remanded. According to media reports, Lewke’s house had been built over more..

Dec 3 (FT) Ditwah has left. Chaos reigns. Yet there is life. Amidst the carnage, confusion and consternation, life lessons remain. These three short notes are not a comprehensive capture of the fallout from a tropical cyclone system and its impact on a brave little island nation and her people. But subjective though they may be, these prove to the writer first (and hopefully, my handful of readers) that there is always faith, hope and charity. And also, X: here be dragons. more..

Dec 3 (TM) The DMC reported that the number of deaths caused by the ongoing disaster situation affecting all 25 Districts of the island has risen to 465. The highest number of deaths has been reported from the Kandy District, accounting for 118. The DMC also confirmed that at least 366 individuals remain missing as search and relief operations continue across multiple Districts. Tri-Forces have meanwhile intensified rescue and more..

Dec 3 (DM) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) is ready to deploy its full suite of macroeconomic shields, fiscal, monetary and external, to cushion the economy against sudden shocks, Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said. Speaking to a fully packed audience comprising of business leaders and govt officials at the SL Economic and Investment Summit 2025, that went ahead as scheduled in Colombo yesterday, the governor helped somewhat ease growing concerns over the economic fallout more..

Dec 3 (EN) State-run Litro Gas Lanka has awarded a contract to supply next year’s liquefied petroleum gas to Swiss-based Geo Gas Trading SA, which sources products from the US. Cabinet had approved the award of contract to supply 380,000 metric tonnes plus or minus 20 percent to Geo Gas Trading SA after winning an international competitive bid, a post-cabinet statement said. Litro Chairman Channa Gunawardana said Geo Gas Trading sourced most of their supplies from US. more..

Dec 3 (FT) PM Harini Amarasuriya yesterday delivered an unvarnished account of the scale of destruction caused by the recent cyclone and flooding, while assuring the business community that the Govt’s reform agenda and economic stabilisation path will not be derailed. Speaking during a fireside chat at the SL Economic Summit, PM outlined the immediate humanitarian challenges, the extensive infrastructure damage, & medium-term more..

Dec 3 (EN) Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry has more than doubled disaster relief payments to people affected in the floods and landslides after the devastating Cyclone Ditwah killed more than 400 people amid increasing criticism over the govt handling of early disaster warning. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing the nation on Sunday said the devastation was the most challenging disaster in the country and expressed his condolences for the families. more..

Dec 3 (EN) SL is looking to relax food import controls PM Harini Amarasuriya said, after widespread flooding of key farming areas by Cyclone Ditwah which has swept away crops. There is also transport disruption blocking food transport. “This is a time when the cost of food increases,” PM told an economic forum organized by CCC. “We are looking at relaxing certain import regulations to enable the food supply to continue uninterrupted and for us to be able to manage prices as well.” more..

Dec 3 (FT) As SL faces rapidly worsening conditions triggered by a cyclonic storm, WHO provided $ 175,000 as emergency funds to support essential health services, while continuing to work with national authorities and humanitarian partners to reach life-saving interventions to the millions of affected people across the country. WHO Representative-Designate to SL Dr. Rajesh Pandav said, “The funds will be used for rapid response teams to support essential health services for more..

Dec 3 (DM) Colombo Stock Exchange witnessed a strong recovery on Tuesday (2), as the ASPI rebounded by 219.51 points (+1%) to close at 22,241.57, following yesterday’s panic-induced sell-off. The S&P SL20 also moved firmly into green, gaining 51.92 points (+0.85%) to finish at 6,137.79. The market initially surged, reaching an intraday high of 446 points during the first half of trading, spurring positive momentum. However, profit-taking in latter part of session trimmed some gains, more..

Dec 3 (FT) In a powerful symbol of resilience and recovery, SL yesterday welcomed the luxury cruise ship Mein Schiff 06, operated by TUI Cruises, carrying over 2,000 int'l passengers to the Colombo Port. SL Tourism said this marks the first major tourist movement since last week’s natural disaster, sending a clear message to the world: SL is safe, open, and ready to embrace visitors once again. Passengers, predominantly German more..

Dec 3 (DM) Caring for communities affected by the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, SLT-Mobitel has introduced the free 247 Helpline, in collaboration with the Uni of Colombo, offering round-the-clock medical advice. The service connects callers to a dedicated panel of medical professionals available 24/7 to provide guidance during this challenging period. Anyone experiencing flood-related injuries, fever, waterborne illnesses, breathing difficulties or any other health concerns more..

Dec 3 (AD) SL Dawoodi Bohra community has made a financial donation of Rs. 10 million to assist the govt’s relief programme for people affected by the adverse weather conditions in the country. The cheque was handed over to the Secretary to the President, Nandika Kumanayake, by the Chairman of the SL Dawoodi Bohra Community, Ibrahim Jaffer Zaini, on behalf of the Leader of the Worldwide Bohra Community, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, at the Presidential Secretariat more..

Dec 3 (TM) Acting SL T20I captain Dasun Shanaka emerged as the highest overseas buy at the auction of the 12th edition of the 2026 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) held on Sunday (30 Nov), drawing a price of LKR 16 million (US$ 55,000) for Dhaka Capitals. Shanaka who led Sri Lanka at the recently concluded T20I tri-series in Pakistan which also included Zimbabwe, and where the Lankans emerged runners-up, was also among seven SL players who were bought at the auction. more..

Dec 3 (CI) Pakistan will begin their build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup with a three-match T20I series in SL next year, during early January. The Salman Agha-led side will travel to Dambulla in SL, where all three matches will be played on Jan 7, 9 and 11. The short tour is Pakistan's first white-ball assignment of the new year, and the PCB said it "will provide the side with valuable match practice ahead of next year's global event". Pakistan are playing all their World Cup games in SL. more..

Dec 3 (FT) Govt is in talks with the insurance and banking sectors to help households, SMEs and businesses hit by Cyclone Ditwah while keeping the 2026 macroeconomic trajectory and reform agenda intact, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma told the SL Economic & Investment Summit. He acknowledged concerns that the poorest households, those who have lost homes and small and medium enterprises are less more..

Dec 3 (AD) The SJB has decided to nominate Naina Thambi Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir to fill the vacancy created in Parliament following the resignation of Ismail Muththu Muhammathu last week. Accordingly, the Election Commission has issued a gazette extraordinary declaring Marrikkar Mohamed Thahir a MP under Section 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No. 1 of 1981, as amended by Section 6 of the Elections (Special Provisions) Act, No. 35 of 1988. more..