- Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into deep and shallow sea areas from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankesanthurai due to rough conditions caused by cyclonic storm ‘Fengal’: Wind speeds may reach 60-70 km/h, with heavy showers and swell waves up to 3 metres: The storm is expected to move westward, and its impact on Sri Lanka’s weather is diminishing.
- UNP Leader and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to decide on the National List parliamentary seat allocated to the New Democratic Front (NDF) upon his return from India: The NDF will finalise this decision after discussions with coalition leaders: Additionally, the appointment of Ravi Karunanayake to the seat will depend on a report from a four-member evaluation committee.
- The government plans to develop Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) into a health tourism hub: During a recent meeting, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa decided to place the hospital under the Health Ministry’s oversight, with all staff, including specialists, reassigned: A committee, led by the Director General of Health Services, will submit proposals for the hospital’s future development by December 2024.
- Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe stated that if Laugfs Gas fails to import and supply LP gas, the government will intervene: He emphasised there is no shortage of gas from Litro Gas, but Laugfs Gas must address the shortage in the market: The government may consider changing gas cylinders or other measures to resolve issues faced by consumers if Laugfs Gas does not act.
- As a cyclonic storm affects Sri Lanka, health experts warn of a rise in waterborne and communicable diseases due to heavy rains and flooding: Diseases like diarrhoea, leptospirosis, dengue, and typhoid are expected to increase: Dengue cases have already surged, with over 45,000 cases reported in 2024: Experts advise preventive measures, including drinking boiled water and improving sanitation, to reduce the spread of infections.
- The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has revised fuel prices, effective from November 30: Petrol 92 Octane price has decreased by Rs. 2 to Rs. 309 per litre, while Kerosene has increased by Rs. 5 to Rs. 188 per litre: Prices for Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged: The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) will match these price changes.
- Marine pollution experts at the 2024 South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) Symposium in Sri Lanka highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and preparedness in addressing marine disasters, following the X-Press Pearl and New Diamond shipwrecks: They emphasised the need for effective response programmes, despite funding challenges, and revisited the 2015 marine pollution-response framework to improve regional collaboration and readiness for future incidents.
- The Sri Lanka Navy has deployed 10 relief teams to Ampara, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura districts to assist communities affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall: The teams are providing transportation, distributing meals, and conducting rescues in inundated areas: Additionally, 125 relief teams remain on standby to respond to emergencies in other flood-affected regions across the country.
- A 41-year-old Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Commander was killed in a wild elephant attack near the Punewa Navy camp: The officer, from Nittambuwa, was returning to the camp after buying a meal when the attack occurred: He was rushed to Vavuniya Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival: Police are investigating the incident.
- Tharushika Senaratne and Manuthi Irugalbandara, two young competitors from Anuradhapura Central College, won medals at the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championship in Durban, South Africa: Tharushika secured a silver medal in the under-21 50kg weight class, while Manuthi earned a bronze in the under-18 59kg weight class: Their achievements highlight Sri Lanka’s success in the competition.
