December 02, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Northern and Southern provinces.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva, North-Central and Eastern provinces after 2.00 p.m.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, North-western and Southern provinces and in Ampara district during the early hours of the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at a few places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Mannar via Kankasanthurai and from Kalutara to Pottuvil via Galle and Matara.
Winds:
Winds will be South-westerly and speed will be (25-35) kmph.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island may be slight to moderate. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Several spells of showers to occur: Misty conditions expected (Dec 02)
RDA Reports Widespread Damage to Road Network Following Torrential Rains
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority has announced that extensive rainfall in recent days has caused severe disruption across the national road network.
According to the Authority, flooding, earth slips and unstable ground conditions have affected at least 108 roads, leaving several key routes either partially blocked or entirely inaccessible.
In its latest update issued today (01), the RDA noted that transport services in multiple districts remain hampered, with some areas experiencing repeated inundation as water levels rise and recede.
Emergency crews are currently deployed to assess the stability of slopes, clear fallen debris and restore safe passage where possible, though officials cautioned that continuing adverse weather may delay full reopening of certain stretches.
The Authority confirmed that a detailed list of roads impacted by the disaster has been made available through its official communiqué.
Sharp Downturn Hits CSE as Key Indices Slide
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Stock Exchange endured a turbulent trading session today, with both of its benchmark indices suffering steep declines amid heightened investor caution.
By the end of the day’s dealings, the All Share Price Index had retreated by nearly 700 points, settling at 22,022.06 — a drop of just over three per cent. Market analysts described the fall as one of the more pronounced single-day dips in recent weeks, reflecting a blend of global uncertainty and local profit-taking.
The S&P SL20, which tracks some of the largest and most liquid companies on the exchange, also recorded a substantial setback. It shed 181.16 points to conclude at 6,085.87, signalling widespread weakness across heavyweight counters.
Brokers noted that selling pressure intensified in the latter half of the session as institutional investors trimmed positions in key sectors including banking, diversified holdings and manufacturing.
Despite the downturn, trading activity remained brisk, with total turnover surpassing Rs. 5.23 billion. Several market watchers suggested that the high turnover indicates not only exits from certain stocks but also strategic repositioning by investors seeking bargains in the midst of the volatility.
Authorities Warn of Disease Threat as Flood-Stricken Communities Receive Expanded Emergency Support
December 01, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have urged residents in flood-hit regions to remain alert to the heightened danger of water-borne and mosquito-related illnesses, as stagnant pools and contaminated surfaces continue to spread across affected districts.
Health officials emphasise that the combination of standing water, disrupted sanitation and overcrowded shelters could accelerate the transmission of infections unless people take extra precautions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo today (1), Assistant Secretary of the National Disaster Relief Services Centre, Jayatissa Munasinghe, outlined a series of measures activated to support communities in distress. He confirmed that each Divisional Secretariat has been granted an advance allocation of Rs. 50 million, enabling them to deal swiftly with urgent needs without being hampered by lengthy administrative procedures.
According to Munasinghe, these funds have already begun to flow to the grassroots level, covering emergency food provisions, temporary shelter needs and essential supplies. Alongside the established system for distributing dry rations, Divisional Secretaries have been given the authority to approve additional food deliveries depending on conditions in their respective areas. Local committees will assess requirements daily as floodwaters shift and more households become isolated.
The dry-ration packages are intended to sustain families for a week, with extensions available if conditions worsen. The current scale of assistance provides Rs. 2,100 for an individual, Rs. 4,200 for couples, Rs. 6,300 for families of three, Rs. 8,400 for those with four members, and Rs. 10,500 for larger households. Officials noted that these allocations aim to prevent shortages while transport routes remain disrupted.
Munasinghe also stressed the importance of restoring homes to safe living conditions. Many dwellings, he said, are inundated with mud, silt and debris that must be cleared promptly to prevent disease outbreaks. To support this effort, an amendment to Section 5(2) of Circular 1(2025) now permits a Rs. 10,000 grant for every affected home, regardless of ownership status, to fund essential cleaning and basic repairs. The revised directive was issued yesterday by the Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired).
In areas where road access and communications have been severely disrupted, restoration work is progressing, though conditions remain challenging. Munasinghe appealed to the public to cooperate fully with relief officers, who he noted are working long hours in difficult circumstances to reach all those who require assistance.
Air Force Calls for Strict Limits on Drones amid Ongoing Disaster Response
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Air Force has appealed to the public to refrain from sending drones into areas currently grappling with natural disasters, stressing that such devices can disrupt crucial airborne relief missions.
According to officials, unauthorised drone activity has the potential to interfere with low-flying rescue aircraft, complicating efforts to deliver aid, evacuate victims and assess damage.
To ensure that emergency operations proceed without additional hazards, the Air Force has asked drone operators to provide prior notice before launching or landing their equipment.
Individuals wishing to fly drones are encouraged to make contact through the dedicated telephone lines—011-2343970, 011-2343971—or the general 115 emergency hotline.
Authorities added that, while drones can be useful for surveying conditions, coordination is essential during a crisis. Maintaining clear airspace, they noted, helps rescue teams move swiftly and safely, particularly when weather conditions or terrain make operations more challenging.
GovPay Launches Easy Donation Platform for Flood Relief in Sri Lanka
December 01, Colombo (LNW): A new digital facility has been introduced via GovPay to support Sri Lankans affected by the ongoing severe weather. The initiative is designed to make contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund, managed by the Ministry of Finance, both simpler and fully transparent.
The Ministry of Digital Economy confirmed that donors can now make instant contributions through the state payment portal at any time, with funds credited to the Disaster Relief Fund in real time. This allows individuals to provide support conveniently from home or on the go.
The platform is connected to a network of commercial banks and authorised FinTech applications, giving the public multiple options to contribute. The Ministry emphasised that all transactions are tracked transparently, ensuring that donations directly aid communities impacted by the floods and landslides.
For a complete list of supported banks and FinTech services, donors can visit: https://govpay.lk/si/supported-banks-fintech
Sri Lanka Flood Toll Rises to 355, Hundreds Still Missing
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has confirmed that the recent extreme weather has claimed 355 lives across Sri Lanka as of 9:00 a.m. today (01).
Authorities also report that 366 individuals remain unaccounted for amid ongoing search and rescue operations.
The severe flooding and landslides, which have struck multiple regions, continue to disrupt communities and impede relief efforts.
Emergency teams are working around the clock to locate missing persons and provide aid to those displaced by the disaster.
China Pledges Support to Sri Lanka with Flood Relief Aid
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has received emergency financial assistance of USD 100,000 from the Red Cross Society of China to aid ongoing relief operations following the recent devastating floods and landslides.
The Chinese Embassy in Colombo confirmed that additional support from the Chinese government is being arranged to assist those affected by the disaster. The Embassy highlighted that the extreme weather, triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and stressed that the Chinese people “stand in solidarity” with Sri Lankans during this crisis.
Local Chinese community groups in Sri Lanka have also contributed, with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Association organising fundraising initiatives that have already raised approximately LKR 10 million for flood-impacted communities.
The Embassy expressed optimism that, guided by national leadership and bolstered by international assistance, Sri Lanka will recover from the catastrophe, rebuild affected areas, and emerge stronger in the coming months.
Rail Services Adjusted as Debris and Flood Damage Disrupt Key Routes
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Railway Department has issued an updated schedule for train operations today, following continued blockages and safety concerns on several key railway corridors in the wake of recent severe weather.
On the Main Line, only a limited service will run, with 19 trains operating in both directions between Colombo Fort and Ambepussa. Authorities noted that services cannot proceed beyond this stretch for the moment, as crews are still working to clear fallen trees, earth slips, and other debris further up the line.
Meanwhile, 34 trains are expected to run along the Coastal Line, with officials confident that this route can maintain its regular timetable despite minor disruptions in a few low-lying areas.
Services on the Puttalam Line will also be partly restored, with 18 trains operating between Colombo Fort and Kochchikade via Negombo. Commuters have been advised to allow additional time for travel, as temporary speed restrictions remain in place on certain sections.
In the Kelani Valley corridor, 10 trains will be in operation, offering at least a basic level of connectivity to passengers who have been facing several days of uncertainty.
Railway officials said that engineers and maintenance crews are continuing round-the-clock work to restore full services, but cautioned that further changes may be announced depending on weather conditions and progress in clearing the affected tracks.
Government Sets Up Central Hub to Coordinate Overseas Aid for Flood-Hit Sri Lankans
December 01, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has created a dedicated Emergency Coordination Unit to manage relief efforts for Sri Lankans affected by the recent floods, bringing a more structured approach to both assistance and communication during the crisis.
According to the Ministry, the new unit will act as the main channel for receiving and organising contributions sent from Sri Lankan missions abroad, foreign diplomatic offices based in Colombo, and a range of other international partners. Officials emphasised that all donations will be handled with full transparency, ensuring that support reaches those most severely impacted by the flooding.
Beyond overseeing aid, the unit will also help Sri Lankans living overseas reconnect with relatives in flood-stricken regions, providing a reliable point of contact at a time when communication links in several areas remain disrupted. The Ministry added that the team would facilitate the movement of overseas assistance so that supplies and funds offered by well-wishers can be delivered swiftly and responsibly.
The Emergency Coordination Unit is already working alongside the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, and other key agencies to maintain a coordinated national response as the country continues to recover from the widespread devastation.