Dec 10 (Island) On Friday, 5th Dec, ITN’s Hathweni Peya turned its spotlight on road safety, a subject as urgent as it is lethal. True to the grand tradition of SL television panels, the discussion featured a consultant neurosurgeon and a professor representing the road safety subcommittee. Yet, conspicuously absent were voices that could have grounded the debate in lived reality: a traffic police representative, a Transport Ministry official armed with hard statistics, more..

Dec 10 (GV) While climate change is a long term global challenge, its impact on Sri Lanka is both severe and immediate. Researchers point out that the increase in sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea caused by global warming has significantly raised the frequency and intensity of cyclones. Due to its geography and population density, SL’s terrain is highly vulnerable to monsoon related floods and landslides. In recent decades, frequency and magnitude of flood more..

Dec 10 (CT) The University of Peradeniya, known for its quiet charm along the Mahaweli, found itself unexpectedly overwhelmed when heavy rains caused the river to rise rapidly, and therefore much of the campus slipped into a state of disruption that few students or staff had anticipated. Although flooding in the area is not unheard of, the scale of this situation brought a level of displacement and uncertainty that more..

Dec 10 (SO) There is no correct post-mortem of a natural disaster. People would inevitably have different opinions on what happened in the aftermath, and what happened immediately before the tragedy that befell SL last week. Asia is reeling. At the time of writing, the collective death toll from the floods in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka was over 1,100. By the time this article appears, people would have, in the best way they can, tried to resume their daily routines more..

Dec 10 (CT) Was the Ditwa disaster preventable? Unfinished World Bank Flood-Resilience Program 2016, No One Wants to Talk About. When Cyclone Ditwah hit SL in late Nov 2025, the Opposition’s immediate reaction was to blame the AKD govt. Failure of preparedness, they shouted in Parliament. Lack of mitigation, they proclaimed on television. Social media echoed the same chorus — as if eight months of governance could undo or rebuild decades of structural vulnerability. more..

Dec 10 (TM) After the devastating floods & landslides, Minister Susil Ranasinghe observed that many people who had previously resisted relocation from risk-prone areas had now themselves requested to be moved. “When we attempted policies to remove unauthorised constructions around tanks, forests, and riverbanks in the past, there was resistance. Now, after the disaster, people themselves have come more..

Dec 10 (DM) The recent floods in Sri Lanka have left individuals and communities facing profound emotional, psychological, and practical challenges. Beyond the visible destruction, many survivors are navigating shock, loss, fear, grief, and uncertainty about the future. These reactions are normal responses to an overwhelming event. When homes, livelihoods, belongings and loved ones are lost, a person’s sense of safety and identity is shaken. In the immediate aftermath of the floods, more..

Dec 10 (DM) As SL assesses the scale of the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah, the worst-ever natural disaster since the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, it should also plan for the next phase of reconstruction in earnest. And given the scale of destruction, the govt should organise an international conference to harness international assistance. The Tokyo donor conference of 2003 may offer the template—and India, with its elevated global profile, should be the partner. more..

Dec 9 (TM) SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa today claimed that the difficulties faced by the public during the recent disaster have been worsened by the lack of coordination among govt institutions. Speaking during a visit to the Gatambe Sri Rajopawanaramaya in Peradeniya, Rajapaksa said that field officers at the village level were doing their best to support families affected by adverse weather, but gaps in communication among state agencies were causing further inconvenience. more..

Dec 9 (TM) Construction mobilisation at the BIA Terminal II project site is expected to be delayed until June 2026 as SL needs to negotiate gap financing with the JICA, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation. Deputy Minister Janitha Kodithuwakku revealed that they were currently awaiting the concurrence of JICA on the technical evaluation of the two prospective Japanese contractors who had submitted bids to serve as the main contractor for completing BIA Terminal II more..

Dec 9 (AD) A total of 143.03 km of SL's coastline have been polluted due to heavy flooding caused by the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, according to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA). MEPA Chairman Samantha Gunasekara stated that the severe flooding caused by the intense rainfall has significantly affected both the SL sea area and the coastline, and that an estimated 5,280 man-hours will be required more..

Dec 9 (Island) SL is facing an environmental catastrophe of unprecedented scale in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, with leading experts warning that the real extent of the ecological destruction remains dangerously under-assessed. Professor Siril Wijesundara of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) issued a stark warning that SL may be confronting one of the worst biodiversity losses in its recent history, yet the country still lacks a coordinated, scientific assessment more..

Dec 9 (AD) European Union has released €1.8 million in emergency assistance for SL, in response to the devastating landslide and floods in recent days. The funding will serve to provide essential relief to the most vulnerable communities, European Commission has announced in a statement. Up to €1.8 million will support relief efforts in SL, including €500,000 channelled via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. more..

Dec 9 (AD) The National Audit Office is scheduled to conduct a total of 3,508 audits in 2026. According to the 2026 Annual Work Programme, the office is expected to conduct 3,484 Financial Audits, 12 Special Audits, 11 Performance Audits and an Environmental Audit. These were revealed during a meeting of the COPF. The COPF considered several important matters, including the regulations issued under more..

Dec 9 (EN) The year 2025 has been disastrous for Sri Lanka’s agriculture, especially after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe destruction through heavy rains, landslides, and crop damages in different agro-ecological zones. While the immediate physical devastation was evident in the destruction of houses and infrastructure, the deeper and far-reaching consequence are the hidden agricultural toll which will shape food availability and farm incomes well into 2026. more..

Dec 9 (AD) The State of Qatar has underscored its commitment to continuing its humanitarian role and supporting its partners in Sri Lanka to ensure an effective and sustainable response to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The assurance was made when Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met the Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando. Their discussions during the meeting focused on advancing cooperation between the two more..

Dec 9 (DM) A businessman who secretly placed a camera in the fitting room of his clothing outlet in the Thalawathugoda area and watched women trying on clothes was arrested by Thalangama Police yesterday. Police examined the suspect’s mobile phone and found 201 video clips of young women changing their clothes. They said the video scenes included young women changing their underwear, and a bare-bodied young woman in a bathroom of a house. 43-year-old suspect is a resident of more..

Dec 9 (NW) SL has thanked the Tamil Nadu govt for sending emergency relief supplies to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Minister Vijitha Herath said he conveyed the govt’s appreciation during a telephone call with TN 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 & Thoothukudi. more..

Dec 9 (AD) All schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North-Central provinces will reopen for academic activities on Tuesday (16), Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe has announced. Accordingly, out of the 10,076 schools in the country, 9,929 schools will be reopened on Dec 16. 147 schools affected by recent landslides and floods are not in a condition to resume more..

Dec 9 (AD) The general public has been requested not to be misled by fraudulent messages and to refrain from sharing personal information with individuals who claimed to be involved in programmes to provide relief to those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Ministry of Women and Child Affairs said it has been observed that numerous short messages are being circulated via WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media platforms, claiming to provide relief to those affected by the recent cyclone and more..

Dec 9 (NW) The Law and Society Trust has urged the govt to reconsider the composition of the newly formed Management Committee for the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, describing its all‑male, corporate‑heavy makeup as a troubling departure from promises of inclusivity and accountability. In a statement, the group welcomed the president’s calls for a comprehensive “rescue, relief, recovery and reconstruction” programme that draws on all sectors of society. more..

Dec 9 (DM) The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has announced a special concession for vehicle importers, offering an additional five free days for clearing imported vehicles in December 2025. Vehicles cleared between December 5 and 15 will now enjoy a total of 15 free days comprising the standard 10 calendar days under the published tariff plus the extra five days under this concession. HIPG stressed that no extensions will be granted beyond this period. more..

Dec 9 (AD) Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) has urged the govt to introduce an immediate concessional relief programme for teachers and principals affected by the recent disaster situation. CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin stated that a significant number of teachers and principals have been severely impacted and are struggling with existing financial burdens, including outstanding loans. He noted that the Secretary to the Ministry of Education has confirmed that nearly more..

Dec 9 (CT) Over 500 x 20ft containers, carrying Raw Non-Iodised and Edible Iodised Salt, remain uncleared at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and a few other terminals in Colombo Port, creating congestion and delays at the harbour. This salt was imported from India to address a local shortage, but the consignments remain stranded at various terminals, for which the Govt has not yet taken the responsibility to more..

Dec 9 (AD) The postponed subjects of the GCE A/L Exam will commence on Jan 12, 2026, Ministry of Education has announced. Accordingly, the remaining subjects of the A/L exam are scheduled to take place from January 12 to 20. Further announcements regarding the A/L are expected to be issued by the Commissioner General of Examinations. The exam was suspended owing to the recent landslides and flooding across SL following Cyclone Ditwah’s landfall last month. more..

Dec 9 (DM) Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation (BMNF), headed by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, has donated Rs. 250 million to the govt fund established to support recovery and resettlement efforts for communities affected by recent natural disasters. Kumaratunga officially handed over the contribution to PM Harini Amarasooriya during a meeting held at the PM’s Office. The funds will be directed toward reconstruction projects and providing assistance more..

Dec 9 (NW) A retired officer of the Govt Analyst’s Department was arrested on Dec. 5 by officials from the CIABOC 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 govt. more..

Dec 9 (AD) Motorcycles account for the highest number of vehicle registrations recorded so far this year. Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, Kamal Amarasinghe noted that 223,423 motorcycles have been registered with the DMT since January. He further noted that 55,338 cars, 13,850 three-wheelers and 35,268 electric vehicles across all categories have also been registered. With the import of these vehicles, the revenue targets given to the DMT for the year have been achieved. more..

Dec 9 (NW) In a candid conversation with Newsweek in the stately bilateral meeting room at the President’s Secretariat in Colombo, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake laid out the realities his nation faces in the wake of a devastating cyclone that left death and destruction in an already fragile economy. He detailed how international partners, from regional neighbors to global powers, stepped in during the crisis, and why Colombo now sees an opening more..

Dec 9 (NW) Twelve SL players have been shortlisted for the upcoming Indian Premier League auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, according to the final player list released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The list features Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana, all positioned in the highest base-price bracket of ₹2 crore. Experienced internationals Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and former captain Dasun Shanaka have also entered auction, more..

Dec 9 (NW) The DMC has informed District Secretaries to take steps to relocate residents living in vulnerable areas of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Matale districts to safe centres. The DMC stated that this directive was issued based on red notices released by the NBRO. With the prevailing rainy weather conditions, the NBRO has issued landslide red notices for identified risk areas within Divisional Secretariat divisions of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala & Matale districts. more..