November 29, Colombo (LNW): Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has raised fresh concerns over the number of families still choosing to remain in homes along the Kelani River, particularly in areas such as Kaduwela, Colombo, and Kolonnawa, despite the growing threat of severe flooding.
He cautioned that once the river begins to spill over further, evacuation becomes far more dangerous and at times impossible, stressing the importance of moving to safer ground without delay.
Authorities expect water levels to surge unpredictably throughout the night, prompting renewed calls for public cooperation. Several neighbourhoods in Kotte have also been identified as being at heightened risk, with officials warning residents to stay vigilant.
In response to the developing situation, the Kotte Divisional Secretariat has set up a dedicated Disaster Management Operations Centre, while seven temporary shelters have been prepared to accommodate those displaced.
These include community halls and schools in Obeysekarapura, Moragasmulla, Bandaranaikepura, and Rajagiriya. Police have been stationed at each site to maintain security and support orderly evacuations.
Grama Niladhari officers and local council members are working closely with relief teams to distribute meals, medical supplies, and other essentials to families already relocated. Discussions held earlier today brought together government and opposition figures, along with community leaders, to review the response strategy. Participants collectively agreed that the Divisional Secretariat would oversee the release of necessary funds, with the Municipal Council stepping in to meet additional costs.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Arosha Atapattu, MP Harsha de Silva, and representatives from across the political spectrum, who emphasised the need for unified action as the situation continues to evolve.
Officials Urge Residents Near Kelani River to Evacuate as Flood Threat Intensifies
Flooding and Power Outages Trigger Major Telecom Disruptions Nationwide
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Telecommunications across several regions have been thrown into disarray after crucial fibre-optic lines were reportedly damaged in areas such as Kadugannawa and Wattala, the Digital Ministry confirmed.
The disruption has resulted in patchy or completely unavailable mobile and internet services in numerous districts, complicating communication at a time when many residents rely heavily on digital updates.
Officials say the situation has been worsened by widespread power cuts and persistent flooding, which have affected backup systems and made certain relay points inaccessible. Some communities have been left virtually cut off, with only limited connectivity available in higher-lying or less-affected areas.
Teams from the Ministry and major telecom providers are currently working under difficult and often hazardous conditions to mend the damaged infrastructure. Rising water levels, debris, and restricted access to key sites have slowed progress, though emergency crews are prioritising the most severely impacted zones.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain understanding while repairs continue, stressing that full services will be restored as soon as weather and safety conditions permit.
Main Line Railway Services Suspended Amid Adverse Weather
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Railway authorities have suspended all scheduled Main Line services this morning after floodwaters swept across several stretches of track, particularly in the Daraluwa and Gampaha areas. The overnight deluge caused water levels to surge unexpectedly, leaving parts of the line submerged and posing a significant safety risk.
Engineering crews have already been sent to the affected locations to evaluate the damage and prepare for restoration work once conditions improve. However, officials caution that clearance can only begin when the water starts to drain away, and further disruptions are possible if rainfall continues.
Passengers have been urged to seek alternative means of travel until further notice, with the Railways Department emphasising that services will resume only after the tracks are inspected and declared secure for operation.
Thousands Moved to Safety as Kelani River Swells to Dangerous Levels
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Authorities in Colombo have relocated more than 6,000 residents to designated shelters this morning as the Kelani Ganga continues to rise, heightening the threat of widespread flooding across the district.
The Colombo District Secretary confirmed that over 1,200 families had been moved by 9 a.m., with officials working through the night to establish additional safe centres.
Latest situation reports indicate that nearly 100,000 people from more than 25,000 households have been affected in some way by the worsening conditions, with several low-lying communities already experiencing water encroachment.
Emergency services have urged the public to remain alert as conditions are expected to fluctuate throughout the day.
The Irrigation Department has warned that the river is edging closer to a critical stage. Water levels at the Nagalagam Street gauge reached approximately 6.4 feet earlier today—already classified as a major flood threshold.
Engineers say that if the river climbs beyond the 7-foot mark, the situation could escalate rapidly, prompting more evacuations and possible disruptions to essential services. Authorities are monitoring the river around the clock while urging residents in vulnerable areas to be prepared for sudden advisories.
40 Saved After Bus Becomes Marooned on Flooded Bridge
November 29, Colombo (LNW): Security forces have managed to bring at least 40 passengers to safety—among them a foreign national—after they sought refuge on the roof of a nearby house when their bus was engulfed by rising waters on the Kalawewa Bridge along the Anuradhapura–Puttalam route.
According to the Navy’s spokesperson, rescuers are still working to reach the remaining travellers, with teams attempting to navigate fast-moving floodwaters that continue to hamper efforts.
The incident unfolded yesterday when a bus carrying roughly 70 people became stranded as the water level surged unexpectedly, cutting off escape routes and leaving passengers with little option but to climb to higher ground.
Authorities say the operation is ongoing, with additional personnel and equipment being deployed to expedite the rescue.
Indian Search Team Touches Down to Boost Sri Lanka’s Relief Operations
November 29, Colombo (LNW): A specialised Indian disaster response unit landed in Sri Lanka early this morning, extending a fresh wave of support as the island grapples with the aftermath of severe weather.
The contingent, transported aboard an Indian military aircraft, consists of 80 personnel — 76 men and four women — along with a trained team of four rescue dogs. They arrived equipped with a range of technical gear designed for swift search-and-rescue missions, from inflatable boats to cutting tools and communications equipment.
According to officials, the team’s arrival is aimed at strengthening efforts to reach communities isolated by flooding and to speed up ongoing relief work. Their deployment is expected to enhance coordination on the ground, particularly in hard-hit districts where local teams have been stretched by days of unrelenting rain.
Showers Expected to Ease as Weather Gradually Improves
November 29, Colombo (LNW): The Meteorology Department has indicated that the spell of unsettled weather experienced across the country is likely to ease significantly by tomorrow (30).
Officials say the current bands of rain are expected to taper off, offering a brief respite after several days of persistent downpours.
Nonetheless, scattered rainfall and occasional thunderstorms are still forecast for parts of the Northern, North-Central, Central, and North-Western provinces. In a few isolated areas, downpours could intensify, with rainfall totals possibly exceeding 100 mm.
Authorities advise residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious, particularly in locations prone to flooding or landslips, as conditions may fluctuate before improving fully.
Disaster Situation: India Airlifts Fresh Relief Supplies to Sri Lanka
November 29, Colombo (LNW): An Indian Air Force transport plane touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake early this morning, delivering a fresh batch of emergency relief materials. India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, confirmed the arrival of the shipment, which is estimated to weigh around a dozen tonnes.
According to officials, the cargo comprised a wide range of essentials intended to support communities affected by recent hardships.
The supplies included temporary shelter materials, warm bedding, hygiene provisions, and packs of food that can be consumed without cooking. The delivery forms part of India’s ongoing efforts to assist its neighbour during a period of heightened need.
Sri Lanka needs you now, more than ever
By Krishantha Prasad Cooray
Floods and landslides, people trapped on rooftops, vehicles submerged, residents without electricity or unable to cry out for help, cyclonic winds and endless rain thwarting rescue and relief operations. This is
Sri Lanka today, facing a devastating natural calamity, one of the worst in decades.
True to character, the entire country, especially ordinary folk, have responded admirably. Each and every one of us have demonstrated yet again our enormous resources of resilience. And our almost genetically engraved trait to reach out to and support those in dire need of help. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder without hesitation, putting aside all differences, political or otherwise. We are doing this even as I write.
While diplomatic missions based in Colombo have expressed their solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s government during this challenging time, there’s still a lot that our friends abroad can do.
Led by the President, government officials, volunteers and countless ordinary citizens are working tirelessly. They are often risking their lives to rescue the stranded, comfort the grieving and deliver urgent essentials to those who have lost everything.
This unity is the strength of our nation. This compassion is the soul of our people.
And yet, it must be acknowledged that when the scale of this disaster is so enormous even the strongest nations sometimes need the hand of a friend. Sri Lanka needs the support of all her friends.
It is in this spirit, with humility but also with dignity, that I appeal to our friends overseas, neighbouring countries, humanitarian agencies, corporates and well-wishers around the world to stand with Sri Lanka at this difficult time. Your support, whether through relief supplies, medical aid, logistical assistance, or financial contributions, will directly help families who are suffering and accelerate the country’s recovery.
Sri Lanka has had its share of calamities, natural and otherwise. And yet, the island nation has always come through with its signature smile that says so much about our courage, grace and equanimity. We treat strangers like family. We rush to help the unfortunate and distressed with no thought of reward or cost.
Today, we hope the world will extend that same hand to us. Every act of compassion, however small, restores hope. Every act of solidarity strengthens resolve. Every gesture of friendship helps rebuild devastated lives.
To those who have already reached out with support and concern, thank you! To those who wish to help this is the moment your compassion will truly matter.
President Orders Unrestricted Flood Relief & Faster Response Measures
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed authorities to provide immediate and unrestricted relief to communities affected by ongoing floods and disasters, emphasizing that financial limitations must not hinder rescue or support efforts.
A new circular will be issued promptly to eliminate administrative delays, ensuring faster action on the ground. Additionally, the management of relief centres has been handed over to the Sri Lanka Army to ensure quicker coordination, efficient resource distribution, and improved care for affected families.