Seven individuals, including five children have gone missing after the tractor they were in was swept away by floodwaters today

A minor flood situation was witnessed in Gampaha and Colombo Districts. Roads were seen inundated due to torrential showers​. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

All spill gates of the Deduru Oya, Rathkinda Reservoirs, Polgolla Diversion Dam, Rajanganaya Reservoir, Iranamadu Tank, Ulhitiya Reservoir and Parakrama Samudra have been opened due to the heavy rainfall in these areas.

Due to the heavy rainfall across the country, 77,670 persons belonging to 22,532 families have been affected, with one death reported, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) today (26) issued early landslide warnings for ten districts.

The Examinations Department has decided to suspend the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations on November 27, 28 and 29 due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.

The 24th edition of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will take place on January 28 and 29, at Shangri La Hotel, Colombo.

Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Thero has been appointed as the Mahanayake Thero of the Amarapura Nikaya.

The night mail train scheduled to depart from Colombo Fort to Badulla has been cancelled due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Railways Department said

Steps have been taken to close the wildlife tourist bungalows located in the Yala and Wasgamuwa National Parks due to the current adverse weather and flood conditions prevailing in the country, the Wildlife Conservation Department said.

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption recorded a statement from former MP Maithripala Sirisena today.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration apprehended 26 foreign nationals this morning, who have been allegedly engaged in an illegal call center in Colombo.

As the only CEB trade union representing the government, they are confident that the government will fulfill their demands, including providing the bonus, said Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union General Secretary, Ranjan Jayalal.

While condemning claims that Viyathmaga members are backing the National People’s Power (NPP) government, Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa today assured that no one from Viyathmaga has been appointed as Ministers or Ministry

The Cabinet has approved the purchase of four shipments of diesel (0.05%, M.S) for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 14, 2025.

Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa claimed that the previous government was not only responsible for importing substandard medicines but also failed to place medicine orders for the upcoming year.

Supporters seeking the release of imprisoned Pakistani former premier Imran Khan broke through a ring of shipping containers locking down the capital Islamabad, while at least six people have died in protest-related violence.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant for the arrest of newly elected Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr Ramanathan Archchuna for failing to appear before the court in connection with a traffic accident that occurred in 2021.

The government was not involvement in the excavations for treasure near Wandurawa Rajamaha Vihara in Veyangoda, Cabinet spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today issued a notice directing former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran to appear before the court on February 25, 2025.

In the wake of bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in the US, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said that the Sri Lankan government was taking the matter seriously.

In response to concerns raised on the lack of Muslim representatives in the recent Cabinet appointments, Cabinet spokesman and Media Minister Nalinda Jayathissa stated that the Cabinet was not formed based on race, religion or caste.

China has invited President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for an official visit, Cabinet spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa said the 2025 Budget proposals will be presented to Parliament on January 9, 2025.

A Gazette Extraordinary has been published detailing the subjects, functions, Departments, Statutory Institutions and Public Corporations under new Ministries.

The upcountry railway line has been disrupted between Badulla and Bandarawela due to landslides and falling rocks, the Railways Department said.

The Department of Examinations today advised Advanced Level (A/L) candidates to report to the nearest examination centres if they are unable to reach their assigned centres due to disasters caused by the heavy rains.

Due to heavy rainfall received last night, there is a possibility of flooding in low-lying areas around the Mahaweli River and Heda Oya basins, the Irrigation Department said.

A total of 55,416 persons from 15,670 families have been affected across ten districts due to natural disasters such as flash floods, strong winds and falling trees, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported.

The depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal was located approximately 410 km southeast of Trincomalee last night.