December 08, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply has confirmed that a comprehensive survey of homes damaged in the recent disaster will commence today.
The task will be overseen by a committee appointed by the Presidential Secretariat, with officials expected to visit affected communities over the coming days.
According to the ministry, households whose properties were inundated or structurally damaged will be offered a cleaning allowance of Rs. 25,000 to help them make their homes habitable again.
In addition, every affected family will receive a one-off payment of Rs. 50,000 to assist with resettlement needs and the replacement of essential items, regardless of whether they own or rent their home.
For those who have lost both their residence and means of income, further financial support will be available for up to three months. Smaller families of two members or fewer are to be provided Rs. 25,000 per month, while larger households will receive Rs. 50,000.
The ministry also announced that families unable to return to a permanent home will be eligible for a rental allowance of Rs. 25,000 per month, payable for a maximum of six months. Officials say the assistance package is designed to ease immediate hardship while longer-term rebuilding plans are put in motion.
Government Launches Nationwide Survey of Disaster-Hit Homes, Announces Relief Payments
IMF Moves to Fast-Track Emergency Funding as Sri Lanka Seeks Post-Cyclone Relief
December 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is poised to receive crucial financial support after the International Monetary Fund signalled that it is expediting the country’s request for emergency assistance through the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).
The appeal comes in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which inflicted heavy economic and infrastructural damage across the island.
An IMF spokesperson confirmed on Sunday that the organisation’s Executive Board has placed Sri Lanka’s request at the top of its agenda, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The emergency package will be offered alongside the country’s existing Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which continues to underpin wider economic reforms and fiscal stabilisation efforts.
“The authorities’ request for rapid assistance is receiving priority consideration, and an IMF delegation is due to visit Sri Lanka in early 2026 to resume the Fifth Review of the EFF,” the spokesperson noted. They emphasised that the RFI is intended to help bridge immediate financing gaps without delaying the longer-term programme already under way.
A separate statement from Evan Papageorgiou, the IMF’s Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, extended condolences to communities devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. He acknowledged the widespread hardship caused by the storm and reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to staying closely engaged with national authorities during the recovery phase.
The government has formally sought around US$200 million under the RFI—about a quarter of Sri Lanka’s IMF quota—to help stabilise essential services and support reconstruction. The request is now awaiting Executive Board approval.
Papageorgiou added that the IMF stands ready to support the country’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its resilience, stressing that the path to recovery will require both international backing and sustained domestic commitment.
Rapid Repair Efforts Under Way on Flood-Damaged Railway Stretch
December 08, Colombo (LNW): Emergency restoration work is progressing on the section of railway between Kuda Oya and Nattandiya along the Colombo–Puttalam line, after severe weather left parts of the track unusable.
Engineers reported that flooding had not only damaged the line itself but had also undermined the ground surrounding an ageing iron bridge situated roughly half a kilometre from the Walahapitiya sub-station. The affected area is now being stabilised and rebuilt to ensure trains can resume operations safely.
Teams from the Chilaw–Bolawatta Railway Maintenance Unit, supported by personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy, are working around the clock to complete the repairs.
Their efforts are being coordinated and supervised by the Sri Lanka Railways Department, which has indicated that train services will be restored as soon as the route is deemed secure.
Public Urged to Seek Mental Health Support Following Recent Disaster
December 08, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s health authorities are encouraging anyone struggling emotionally in the aftermath of the recent disaster to reach out for professional help through the National Institute of Mental Health’s 1926 hotline.
Dr Miyuru Chandradasa, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital in Ragama, said it is entirely natural for people to feel unsettled or overwhelmed after experiencing such traumatic events. He explained that acknowledging emotional strain is an important first step towards recovery, followed by seeking suitable support.
Individuals facing severe distress were advised to visit their nearest government hospital for clinical assistance. Dr Chandradasa also stressed the importance of restoring a sense of normality for children affected by the crisis. Creating opportunities for play, familiar routines, and time with friends can help young people regain a feeling of safety and stability.
He noted that signs of psychological stress can vary widely, ranging from irritability and sleeplessness to reduced appetite and persistent tiredness.
Reflecting on the nation’s past, Dr Chandradasa observed that Sri Lanka has weathered many hardships, including previous natural disasters, and has consistently found strength through collective resilience.
He urged those affected not to lose heart, saying that moments of shock, disbelief, and profound sadness are common but can be overcome with support.
Drawing attention to the emotional toll of the recent floods and Cyclone Ditwah, he reassured the public that the country stands united in its commitment to helping affected families rebuild. Dr Chandradasa encouraged anyone grappling with loss or despair to lean on their communities and to hold onto hope, even in the face of significant personal setbacks.
Reservoir Levels Ease as Irrigation Officials Report Stable Conditions
December 08, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has confirmed that water levels across the country’s reservoirs have now settled, signalling a gradual return to normal after days of unsettled weather.
L. S. Sooriyabandara, Director of Irrigation (Hydrology & Disaster Management), said readings from monitoring stations show that none of the reservoirs is currently at a critical threshold. He explained that although several key catchment zones recorded notable rainfall over the past day — in some areas between 50 and 100 millimetres — the volumes remain manageable.
According to Sooriyabandara, the Kelani and Kalu Ganga basins experienced the heaviest showers, while the Gin Ganga, Nilwala Ganga and Attanagalu Oya regions also saw around 50 millimetres of rain. Even so, he noted that these levels are unlikely to trigger any significant surge in river flows, and he urged the public to remain calm.
As a precautionary measure and to maintain optimal reservoir balance, spill gates have been opened at close to 30 major reservoirs, including Rajanganaya, Deduru Oya, Nachchaduwa, Senanayake Samudraya, Weheragala and Lunugamvehera. The releases, he said, are being managed carefully, taking into account upcoming weather patterns and the broader needs of the water system.
With further rain expected in the days ahead, Sooriyabandara advised residents to stay alert to official notices. The department, he added, will continue to issue regular updates as conditions evolve.
President Calls for Robust Long-Term Strategy to Curb Future Disasters
December 08, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the need for a comprehensive, long-range strategy to reduce the likelihood of large-scale natural disasters in the years ahead, warning that reactive measures alone will no longer suffice.
He made these remarks during a special coordination meeting held yesterday (07) at the Kurunegala District Secretariat, where officials reviewed ongoing efforts to restore normal life and rebuild key infrastructure across the district.
The area has been grappling with significant disruption, prompting an accelerated response from both local and national authorities.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the President commended the dedication shown by public-sector workers, Police officers, and members of the armed forces who have been engaged in emergency operations. He noted that the collective effort had prevented an already difficult situation from worsening.
The discussion ranged widely, touching on the restoration of damaged services such as electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and irrigation networks. Officials also examined how best to revive agricultural activity, reopen schools safely, restore disrupted medical services, and support families whose homes have been damaged or lost.
President Dissanayake further stressed that unauthorised construction—particularly in environmentally sensitive or high-risk areas—must be halted entirely. He indicated that the government intends to tighten existing regulations to ensure that development is carried out responsibly and with proper oversight.
Staying Relevant: The Indispensable Imperative for Any Potential Ambassador
By Roger Srivasan
In the rapidly shifting landscape of global diplomacy, relevance is no longer a luxury — it is a
lifeline. Nations rise or retreat on the strength of their emissaries, and Sri Lanka—standing at a
pivotal moment in its diplomatic re-emergence—cannot afford to deploy ambassadors who merely
occupy positions rather than embody them.
It is therefore imperative that the Government and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs take
careful heed of the qualities required of any potential ambassador, for the calibre of our envoys is
directly proportional to the credibility our nation commands on the world stage.
1. Why an Ambassador Must Stay Relevant An ambassador who fails to stay relevant quickly
becomes a ceremonial figure — a relic dressed in protocol. Relevance in diplomacy encompasses:
• Intellectual Relevance
• Cultural Relevance
• Political Relevance
• Technological Relevance
To “stay relevant” is not ostentatious. It does not imply parading one’s importance. It means
remaining effective, strategic, informed, and indispensable.
2. The Cost of Irrelevance in Diplomacy An ambassador who does not stay relevant misreads
global priorities, weakens negotiations, falls out of sync with host nation realities, becomes an
invisible presence rather than an influential voice, and ceases to carry weight in representing the
President’s agenda.
3. Why the Government Must Heed This When Selecting Envoys Sri Lanka is entering a new epoch
defined by governance, integrity, and international rebranding. Ambassadors will shape the world’s
perception of the new Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Government must give due heed to:
• Meritocracy in selection
• Mastery of communication
• Diaspora engagement skills
• Diplomatic foresight
• Non-stagnation
4. A Warning Wrapped in Diplomacy A nation that appoints ambassadors without assessing their
relevance risks sending ghosts into the living world of diplomacy — emissaries who speak, but no
one listens.
5. Conclusion: The Call to the Government Sri Lanka stands at a hinge point in history. To seize
this moment, the Government must weaponise relevance as a core criterion in ambassadorial
selection and appoint envoys who remain intellectually alive, politically attuned, globally aware, and
diplomatically relevant.
Widespread Weather Disruption Forces Schools to Adjust Schedules
December 08, Colombo (LNW): Close to a thousand schools across nine provinces have suffered disruption following a spell of severe weather, according to the Ministry of Education’s Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewe.
He confirmed that roughly 100,000 pupils have been affected, with some facing prolonged travel difficulties while others have seen their classrooms damaged or repurposed for emergency use.
Despite the scale of the impact, the ministry has opted to resume lessons in communities that escaped the worst of the weather, with a phased reopening planned for 16 December. Kaluwewe said an official notice outlining the specific schools and regions involved would be released on Monday or Tuesday.
He added that arrangements are already under way to reschedule the A/L examination papers that were postponed, with the revised sittings expected to take place in January 2026.
Northeast monsoon conditions over the Island: Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm expected (Dec 08)
December 08, Colombo (LNW): The Northeast monsoon conditions are gradually establishing over the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).
Showery weather condition is expected to enhance over Northern, North-central and Eastern provinces from tonight.
Showers will occur at times in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces. Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in Batticaloa and Ampara districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces 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 or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from to Pottuvil to Kankasanthurai via Batticaloa and Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers may occur at few places in the other sea areas around the island.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly or variable in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (25-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to 45 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Pottuvil via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee will be fairly rough at times. The other sea areas around the island will be slight to moderate.
Where Every Hand Lifted in Mercy, One Rose in Malice: The Lone Vote of Shame at the Third Reading of the 2026 Budget
By: Roger Srivasan
The tragedy that struck our nation — a deluge of almost biblical proportion — left millions shattered.
Homes vanished beneath rising waters, livelihoods were swept away, and entire communities were
plunged into despair. As Sri Lanka grappled with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, the President
rose above politics with an act of statesmanship and compassion: a proposal embedded within the
Third Reading of the 2026 Budget to deliver urgent relief to every family devastated by the floods.
In a special statement to Parliament, the President outlined the gravity of the catastrophe and
submitted a supplementary estimate of Rs. 50 billion — a lifeline intended to stabilise and rebuild
shattered communities. It was a moment that demanded unity, humanity, and moral clarity.
Parliament answered that call.
Every single Member of Parliament — across party lines, ethnic identities, and political loyalties —
voted in favour of the relief package.
Every member except one.
Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, with chilling sangfroid and betraying not the faintest flicker of
empathy, cast the lone dissenting vote against providing relief to suffering citizens. Even seasoned
observers of parliamentary drama were stunned. This was not a mere political miscalculation. It
was a moment of profound moral collapse — where indifference triumphed over compassion, and
ego eclipsed humanity.
For a man who claims to champion Tamil rights, it was an unforgivable betrayal.
What makes this moment even more disturbing is that it follows, in rapid succession, another act of
political treachery. Barely a week earlier, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam had provoked the fierce wrath
of the Tamil community for conduct equally tone-deaf, self-serving, and disastrously misaligned with
the people’s suffering. Instead of learning from Shanakiyan’s humiliation, Ponnambalam chose to
walk the same path — as though competing for the honour of who could fall the furthest from the
people’s trust.
Two betrayals. Two reprobates. One week.
Through their arrogance and political blindness, these two Tamil politicians have created a
leadership vacuum. And vacuums never remain empty. New Tamil representatives — emerging
from the President’s movement and demonstrating compassion, unity, and genuine public service
— are poised to rise in their place.
If this trajectory continues, both Ponnambalam and Shanakiyan stand on the brink of losing their
parliamentary seats at the next election. Not because rivals defeated them — but because their
own people abandoned them.
Leadership is sacred. In moments of national tragedy, it becomes a moral obligation.
To vote against relief for a nation in anguish is indefensible. To do so with chilling detachment,
unmoved by human suffering, is monstrous. It reveals a heart untouched by compassion, a mind
clouded by ego, and a soul unmoored from humanity.
History will honour the President for his benevolence. It will remember Parliament for its unity. But it
will not forget the lone dissenter — the man who stood against compassion, against relief, and against humanity itself.
Nor will it forget the one who fell before him.
These two politicians have sealed their fate. When the next parliamentary election dawns, the Tamil
people will deliver their verdict — calm, resolute, and unmistakably clear:
Those who betray us in our darkest hour do not deserve to represent us in the light.