November 30, Colombo (LNW): The Disaster Management Centre has confirmed that the number of people who have lost their lives in the severe weather battering the country in recent days has risen to 193. The Badulla District has suffered the greatest tragedy, with 71 fatalities reported so far.
Authorities are still searching for at least 228 individuals who remain unaccounted for, as rescue teams continue operations across several hard-hit districts. The scale of the disaster has widened steadily, with the latest figures showing that 968,304 people from 266,114 families in 25 districts have now been impacted by the effects of Cyclone Ditwah. According to officials, numerous communities are still struggling with persistent flooding, landslides and relentless downpours.
The DMC added that 147,931 people belonging to 41,005 families have sought refuge in 1,094 emergency shelters established nationwide, many of which are operating around the clock to accommodate the steady influx of displaced residents.
In its most recent update, the Department of Meteorology reported that Cyclone Ditwah is positioned near latitude 11.1°N and longitude 80.6°E, approximately 170 kilometres north-northeast of Jaffna, and is expected to continue drifting northwards, gradually moving away from Sri Lanka.
However, the system is still exerting a significant influence on maritime conditions. Very strong winds of 50–60 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h, are forecast over the sea areas stretching from Trincomalee to Puttalam via Kankesanthurai and Mannar, rendering these waters extremely rough at times. Winds over other sea regions are anticipated to range between 30–40 km/h.
Meanwhile, fairly strong winds of around 50 km/h may affect the coastal waters from Puttalam to Colombo via Negombo, and from Trincomalee to Hambantota via Pottuvil, making these areas fairly rough periodically. The remaining sea regions surrounding the island are expected to experience moderate conditions, the Met Department noted.
Death Toll Rises to 193 as Cyclone Ditwah Leaves Trail of Destruction
All Exams Including 2025 A/L Exam Put on Hold Indefinitely Amid Widespread Disruptions
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has declared that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, together with every other assessment scheduled for the period, has been postponed without a new date being set.
The announcement comes as the country continues to grapple with severe weather-related devastation.
Commissioner General of Examinations, Indika Liyanage, explained that the decision was unavoidable, given the scale of the disaster currently unfolding across multiple regions.
He noted that persistent power cuts and interruptions to communication networks have left students, parents, and teachers struggling to obtain reliable information, resulting in a surge of calls and messages to the department.
In light of the confusion and the ongoing challenges, the department has reiterated the postponement publicly to ensure that all candidates are fully aware of the situation.
Liyanage added that fresh dates would be announced only when conditions stabilise sufficiently to conduct examinations safely and uniformly across the country.
Fuel Prices to Remain Steady Throughout December 2025
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has confirmed that motorists and households will not face any change in fuel costs during December 2025, despite speculation that global market fluctuations might prompt an adjustment.
CEYPETCO Chairman Janaka Rajakaruna stated that all existing pump prices will be carried forward into the new month without alteration, noting that the decision was made after internal reviews of supply conditions and financial forecasts.
He added that the Corporation intends to provide stability for consumers at a time when many are already dealing with increased seasonal expenses.
The current price structure, which will remain in effect for December, is as follows (per litre):
Auto Diesel – Rs. 277
Super Diesel – Rs. 318
Petrol 92 Octane – Rs. 294
Petrol 95 Octane – Rs. 335
Kerosene – Rs. 185
A Government That Let the Public Down by Ignoring the Warning
By Adolf
The Government’s response to Cyclone Ditwah has triggered unprecedented public anger—and rightly so. Sri Lankans expected leadership, coordination, and urgency. Instead, they witnessed delay, confusion, and a disastrous lack of preparedness that cost lives, livelihoods, and public confidence. From the very outset, the administration failed to grasp the scale of the crisis, and by the time meaningful action was taken, the damage was already beyond control.
At the heart of the criticism is the appointment of a Defence Secretary who lacks both the command experience of a full force and the institutional respect required to lead a national disaster response. A catastrophe of this magnitude demands crisis-management expertise, battlefield discipline, and the trust of the armed forces. Instead, Sri Lanka was left with an official ill-equipped to coordinate multi-agency responses or inspire confidence among field officers. This weakness became apparent within hours of the cyclone’s landfall.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further undermined the national response by sending two of the most unpopular ministers—Sunil Handunnetti and Wasantha Samarasinghe—to the frontline. To the public, their presence resembled a political performance rather than genuine leadership. Their inability to offer clarity, direction, or reassurance deepened national frustration. For many Sri Lankans, it was a tragic side-show in the midst of a national emergency. PM Harin handling the press conference with all smiles showed similar disrespect.
Cyclone Ditwah has now claimed at least 153 lives, with 191 people still missing. The scale of destruction continues to rise. The JVP/NPP Government finds itself in a political storm far more severe than the cyclone itself. Public sympathy—once the NPP’s strongest asset—is evaporating. A government that came to power promising competence and integrity cannot afford such failures, especially during its first true national test.
One of the most damning shortcomings was the Government’s disregard of early warnings. Meteorological authorities reportedly alerted the administration as early as 12 November, urging the establishment of a joint preparedness mechanism. The Director General of the Department of Meteorology even reiterated these warnings on television weeks before the cyclone intensified. The Government, however, assumed the storm would pass with minimal impact. This complacency mirrors the infamous 2019 admission that authorities knew of an impending Easter Sunday attack but underestimated its scale. Sri Lankans are now experiencing a painful déjà vu.
A further failure was the lack of coordination among State institutions. Declaring Friday the 28th a public holiday—without clearly identifying essential services—resulted in administrative paralysis. Grama Niladharis, divisional secretaries, and key officials were unavailable when the public needed them most. In heavily affected areas, some divisional secretaries even refused emergency procurement out of fear of future corruption accusations. Evacuations were delayed, and critical supplies—water, food, medicine—were not procured in time.
As the State machinery stalled, ordinary citizens stepped in. Communities formed volunteer teams, prepared meals, provided transport, rescued families, and offered medical assistance. Sri Lankans demonstrated unity and compassion while the Government struggled.
To make matters worse, authorities failed to disseminate warnings in all three national languages. Tamil-speaking communities received vital updates far too late—an unnecessary and unacceptable breach of the country’s trilingual communication policy.
President AKD issued the gazette naming essential services only by midday on the 29th—long after the crisis had peaked.
Cyclone Ditwah exposed more than a gap in preparedness; it revealed a profound leadership vacuum. If the Government does not act swiftly, transparently, and decisively, it risks losing the trust that brought it into power. People are running out of patience with President Anura’s media theatrics, attacks on the opposition, and the remanding of individuals as political optics.
The private sector figures within the administration—Hans Wijesuriya, Sarath Ganegoda, Arjuna Herath, Pravir Samarasinghe, Duminda Hulangamuwa, and Yosef Haniff—must now lead from the front. If they fail to assert competence and discipline in governance, they too will face the public’s wrath in the days ahead.
Railways Issues Updated Timetable as Bad Weather Disrupts Regular Services
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Railways has released an adjusted schedule for services operating today (30), following continuing heavy rainfall and difficult travel conditions across several parts of the country.
Officials said the revised timetable aims to maintain essential connectivity while ensuring passenger safety.
Train operations for the day are set out as follows:
Coastal Line
Aluthgama to Maradana – 5.30 a.m. (slow service)
Galle to Maradana – 6.00 a.m. (slow service)
Aluthgama to Maradana – 6.30 a.m. (slow service)
Panadura to Maradana – 7.00 a.m. (slow service)
Kalutara South to Maradana – 10.30 a.m. (slow service)
Aluthgama to Maradana – 1.50 p.m. (slow service)
Beliatta to Maradana – 3.15 p.m. (express service)
Kalutara South to Maradana – 3.30 p.m. (slow service)
Maradana to Panadura – 5.50 p.m. (slow service)
Maradana to Beliatta – 6.10 a.m. (express service)
Maradana to Kalutara South – 8.35 a.m. (slow service)
Maradana to Aluthgama – 11.10 a.m. (slow service)
Maradana to Kalutara South – 1.30 p.m. (slow service)
Puttalam Line
Colombo Fort to Negombo – 6.00 a.m. (slow service)
Colombo Fort to Negombo – 9.35 a.m. (slow service)
Colombo Fort to Negombo – 2.35 p.m. (slow service)
Negombo to Colombo Fort – 7.35 a.m. (slow service)
Negombo to Colombo Fort – 5.10 p.m. (slow service)
Kelani Valley Line
Padukka to Colombo Fort – 7.30 a.m. (slow service)
Railway authorities have advised commuters to plan ahead as further alterations may be introduced if weather conditions worsen, and they thanked the public for their patience as efforts continue to keep essential routes running.
Travellers Urged to Use Expressway as Poor Weather Disrupts Routes to BIA
November 30, Colombo (LNW): With heavy rains causing difficulties along several approach roads to Bandaranaike International Airport, travellers have been encouraged to rely on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway to ensure a smoother and safer trip to the terminal.
Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited has also appealed to passengers to avoid bringing non-essential visitors into the airport during this period, noting that reduced footfall inside the terminals will help ease congestion while staff manage weather-related challenges.
The authority expressed gratitude for the public’s patience and cooperation, emphasising that these temporary measures are intended to keep airport operations running as reliably as possible amid the unsettled weather.
Türkiye Extends Sympathy to Sri Lanka After Deadly Cyclone Aftermath
November 30, Colombo (LNW): Türkiye has voiced its profound sympathy for Sri Lanka after severe flooding and landslides, triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, claimed multiple lives across the island.
In a message conveyed by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ankara expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered solidarity to the Sri Lankan people during what it described as a deeply troubling moment.
Pokkanai, Kilinochchi reports highest rainfall in the last 24 hours
November 30, Colombo (LNW): Heavy rains have swept across several parts of Sri Lanka, with the northern town of Pokkanai in Kilinochchi bearing the brunt of the deluge.
According to figures released by the Disaster Management Centre, the area was drenched with an estimated 274 millimetres of rain over a 24-hour period — the highest recorded anywhere in the country during that timeframe.
Several other regions also experienced notable rainfall, adding to growing concerns about localised flooding and potential disruptions. Porthkerry in Mannar reported approximately 210 millimetres, while Madu, also in the Mannar district, received around 193 millimetres.
Further south, Dunumalle Estate in Kegalle saw close to 181 millimetres, and Kirindiwela in the Gampaha district recorded about 121 millimetres. Up in the highlands, the Glentilt Factory area of Nuwara Eliya registered roughly 104 millimetres.
Officials are monitoring conditions closely as communities prepare for possible infrastructure strain and travel difficulties. The DMC has urged residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert, noting that further rainfall could intensify over the coming days.
Prevailing rainy weather expected to reduce (Nov 30)
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The Cyclonic Storm “Ditwah” was centered near latitude 10.7°N and longitude 80.6°E, about 130 km North of Jaffna at 11.30 p.m. on November 29, and it is very likely to move nearly northwards parallel to North Tamil Nadu coast, during next 24 hours, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (30).
Prevailing rainy weather condition will be reduced by today (30).
Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North Central, Northwestern, Western, Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.
Very strong winds about (50-60) kmph at times can be expected over Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by strong winds.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttlam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar and from Colombo to Matara via Galle.
Winds:
Winds will be north-westerly to south-westerly in the sea areas around the island. Strong winds about (50-60) kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph at times can be expected in the sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttlam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar. Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture to the aforementioned sea areas until further notice.
Fairly strong winds about 50 kmph at times can be expected in the other sea areas around the island.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Trincomalee to Puttlam via Kankasanthurai and Mannar can be very rough at times.
Other sea areas around the island can be fairly rough at times.
The swell waves (about 2.5 – 3.0 m) height may increase in the sea areas around the island.
Nasheed Calls For Help Sri Lanka IMF Obligations
Former Maldive’s President Nasheed:
When Sri Lanka faced its financial crisis in 2022, the IMF approved a 4‑year Extended Fund Facility after months of negotiation. Yet the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) failed to account for climate shocks.
With recent climate calamities, it is now impossible for Sri Lanka to stay aligned with the IMF programme.
The Climate Vulnerable Forum has long called for reforming the DSA to properly value resilience investments and natural capital, and for a reformed G20 Common Framework that includes automatic debt standstills in response to climate shocks.