November 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Parliament this (27) morning for a special discussion with Members of Parliament from districts grappling with the recent spell of destructive weather.
The meeting, convened as heavy rain and flooding continue to impact several regions, is aimed at streamlining relief efforts and identifying immediate needs on the ground.
Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake noted that the briefing is open to every MP representing an affected locality, regardless of party affiliation. He stressed that, during a crisis of this scale, cooperation across the political spectrum is essential to ensure communities receive timely assistance.
President Meets MPs to Coordinate Emergency Response to Severe Weather
President Calls for Stronger Local Cinema and Wider Access to Global Films
November 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that a vibrant film industry is vital to a nation’s cultural and emotional enrichment, noting that Sri Lanka must both protect its home-grown cinema and allow audiences to experience high-quality films from around the world.
He expressed these views during a meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of film distributors and producers, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division. The discussion, which ran for an extended period, focused on a range of challenges faced by the industry, from regulatory hurdles to structural limitations that hinder growth. The President reportedly offered practical responses to the concerns raised.
Industry representatives drew particular attention to complications surrounding VAT payments, pointing out inconsistencies that have affected theatre operators and producers alike. They also highlighted that the sector achieved record revenues in 2025, underscoring what they described as a renewed enthusiasm for cinema among the public. With this momentum in mind, they appealed for continued government support to consolidate the industry’s progress.
Attending on behalf of the Government were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, along with National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa and General Manager Ruwan Premaweera.
A broad cross-section of the film community was present, including veteran actor Sanath Gunathilake and senior representatives from major production houses and cinema chains such as Lyca Productions, JP Ceneplex Kandy, LFD, EAP, Lite Cinema, CEL, Ceylon Theatres and PVR. Together, they urged the Government to help foster an environment in which Sri Lankan cinema can modernise, expand and better compete on the international stage.
Eastern Province Shuts All Muslim Schools Amid Severe Weather
November 27, Colombo (LNW): Muslim schools across Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province have been ordered to close from today (27) until conditions improve, as heavy rain and strong winds continue to disrupt daily life in the region.
The announcement was made by Eastern Province Governor, Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, who said the decision was taken in the interest of student safety, with several areas experiencing localised flooding and difficult travel conditions.
Authorities noted that some schools had already reported access roads becoming unsafe, prompting a province-wide suspension as a precaution.
Authorities Extend Flood Alert as Deduru Oya Waters Continue to Rise
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has extended its warning of potential major flooding for communities living in low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya Basin, following sustained rainfall and increasing water release from the reservoir.
Heavy downpours over the past day in the upper and mid-catchment zones have pushed water levels sharply upwards, prompting the controlled release of roughly 33,000 cubic feet of water per second through the Deduru Oya Reservoir spill gates. Officials caution that this surge significantly heightens the risk of flooding downstream.
Based on the latest gauge readings and field observations, several Divisional Secretariat divisions—including Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawewa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Halawatha, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura—are considered particularly vulnerable to rising waters. Local authorities have been monitoring small inundations already reported in a few pockets, although no major evacuations have yet been ordered.
The initial warning issued on November 23 at 6.30 a.m. has now been prolonged by a further 48 hours, with officials stressing that conditions may intensify if rainfall persists.
Residents in the affected regions, as well as motorists passing through, have been urged to remain extremely cautious, especially during the night when rapidly rising water may be harder to detect. Disaster management teams have been asked to stay on standby and implement protective measures as required.
Court Seeks Psychiatric Evaluation in Money-Laundering Case Involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Grandmother
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has directed that an expert psychiatric assessment be carried out to determine whether Daisy Forrest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, is mentally capable of taking part in ongoing legal proceedings.
Forrest and Rajapaksa are facing charges brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with the Attorney General alleging that the pair unlawfully obtained assets valued at around Rs. 73 million. Both accused, who remain on bail, were present when the matter was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.
Forrest’s legal representatives previously informed the court that, at 98 years old, she suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, making her unable to properly engage in the trial. They noted that a medical report concerning her cognitive condition had already been submitted to the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court in 2017. On this basis, the defence has asked that she be excused from further participation in the case.
When the matter was heard yesterday, the court considered the Attorney General’s stance on the defence’s request. Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara argued that a fresh evaluation was necessary and recommended that Forrest be examined by a specialist psychiatrist through the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, the judge ordered that an updated psychiatric report be obtained to assess whether Forrest is presently fit to appear before the court, allowing the case to proceed with greater clarity regarding her mental state.
Severe Weather Forces Postponement of 2025 A/L Examinations
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has confirmed that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations, set to take place today and tomorrow, have been temporarily suspended due to the worsening weather-related emergency unfolding across the country.
Commissioner General of Examinations, AKS Indika Kumari Liyanage, said the decision was made after assessing the widespread disruption caused by heavy rain and flooding, noting that the safety of students and examination staff must take precedence. She assured candidates that revised exam dates will be announced once conditions stabilise.
In addition, the Department has instructed provincial and zonal education authorities, along with those overseeing regional collection centres and examination coordination hubs, to take extra precautions to safeguard all examination materials.
Officials have been asked to ensure that question papers already distributed to centres remain secure and protected from any potential weather damage.
Authorities emphasise that updates will be communicated promptly as the situation evolves.
Rising Fatalities as Heavy Rains Trigger Multiple Landslides in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The number of people confirmed dead following a series of landslides across Sri Lanka’s Badulla District has climbed to eleven, as relentless rains continue to batter the hill country.
Local officials report that seven residents are still unaccounted for, with emergency responders intensifying search efforts despite challenging conditions.
Badulla District Secretary Panduka Abeywardena said that yesterday’s severe weather had destabilised slopes in several areas, resulting in numerous earthslips. He added that the situation remains unpredictable, with further incidents possible if the rain persists.
Rescue teams, supported by community volunteers, have been working through the day to locate the missing and provide assistance to families displaced by the shifting ground.
In a separate development, the National Building and Research Organisation has issued its highest-level landslide alert—Level 3—in parts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya. Residents in vulnerable zones have been urged to move to safer ground immediately. The warning is scheduled to remain active until 8:30 p.m. local time.
Low-pressure area intensifies into depression: Very heavy falls above 200 mm expected (Nov 27)
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The low-pressure area southeast of Sri Lanka has intensified into a depression and is centred near latitude 5.9°N and longitude 82.6°E, about 210km southeast of Batticaloa, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (27).
It is very likely to move nearly north-northwestwards and intensify further into a Deep Depression during the next 12 hours.
Due to the influence of this system, prevailing heavy showers and strong winds over the island are expected to continue further. The general public is kindly requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island and showers or thundershowers will occur at times.
Very heavy falls above 200 mm are likely at some places in North-central, North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district and above 150mm are likely at some places in North, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva, Western provinces and in Galle, Matara and Batticaloa districts.
Heavy falls above 100 mm are likely at some places in the other areas of the island.
Very strong winds of about (60-70) kmph can be expected at times over the most parts of the island.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by heavy showers and strong winds.
Marine Weather:
Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture to the sea areas around the island, until further notice. Navel and fishing communities are requested to pay attention in to further advisories issued by the Meteorological Department in this regard.
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas around the island. Very heavy showers are likely at some places.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly to northerly in the sea areas around the island. Wind speed will be (40-50) kmph in the sea areas around the island and wind speed can increase up to (60-70) kmph at times.
State of Sea:
The sea areas around the island will be rough to very rough at times.
The swell waves (about 2.5 – 4.0 m) height (this is not for land area) may increase in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Sri Lanka–US Defence Pact Unveiled After Transparency Concerns Rise
The long-awaited Sri Lanka–United States Defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), previously criticised for being withheld from the public, has now been officially released, offering clarity on the nature and objectives of the agreement signed earlier this month. The disclosure comes after several civil society groups and political commentators questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the pact, prompting the government to publish the complete document.
Signed on 14 November 2025, the MoU formalises enhanced defence cooperation under the US State Partnership Program (SPP), linking Sri Lanka’s Armed Forces with the Montana National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard District 13. The agreement was executed at the Ministry of Defence, with US Ambassador Julie Chung and Brigadier General Trenton Gibson signing on behalf of Washington, while Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha represented Sri Lanka.
With the MoU now in the public domain, its provisions outline a wide-ranging framework for collaboration. These include joint military training, maritime security operations, cyber defence, disaster preparedness, military–civil coordination, and professional military education. The MoU emphasises building interoperability between the two countries’ armed forces and boosting Sri Lanka’s operational readiness at a time of evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
One of the key areas highlighted is maritime domain awareness, a priority for both nations given the island’s strategic location along vital sea lanes. The agreement calls for cooperation to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities related to illegal trafficking, irregular migration, and narcotics interdiction. This is expected to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to curb maritime crimes, often exacerbated by regional instability.
The pact also places significant weight on disaster response and humanitarian assistance, recognising Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Joint drills and capacity-building programmes are planned to improve coordination between Sri Lankan forces and U.S. emergency teams during natural catastrophes such as floods, landslides, and cyclones.
US Ambassador Julie Chung described the MoU as a “historic milestone” in Sri Lanka–US relations. She noted that the agreement deepens strategic cooperation while reinforcing mutual trust, long-term security collaboration, and shared interests in safeguarding peace and stability in the wider region.
Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha echoed similar sentiments, stating that the MoU is a “forward-looking” defence partnership that strengthens Sri Lanka’s capabilities and opens new avenues for technical expertise, training, and capacity building. He emphasised that the partnership complements Sri Lanka’s national security priorities without compromising sovereignty.
By entering the pact, Sri Lanka joins a global network of over 115 countries partnered with the United States under the SPP. The first joint activities are scheduled to begin in mid-2026, prioritising disaster management exercises and maritime security operations.
The public release of the MoU is expected to ease earlier concerns and contribute to a more informed national dialogue on Sri Lanka’s evolving defence engagements with international partners.
Sri Lanka’s Service Exports Edge Up as ICT Surge Drives Growth
Sri Lanka’s services exports recorded a modest but significant rise in October 2025, supported largely by the continued expansion of the ICT/BPM industry and strong performance in financial services, the Export Development Board (EDB) announced this week. Total services export earnings increased 0.67 percent year-on-year to 316.14 million US dollars, reflecting the increasing importance of knowledge-based sectors in the island’s external trade portfolio.
According to the EDB, the standout performer was the ICT and Business Process Management (BPM) sector, which posted a 26.71 percent surge, generating 154.50 million US dollars during the month. This sector now accounts for nearly half of Sri Lanka’s monthly services export earnings, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s most resilient, high-growth export pillars.
Industry analysts attribute the expansion to increased global demand for software development, fintech solutions, cloud support services, and remote back-office operations, areas in which Sri Lankan firms have developed competitive strengths. Many companies have broadened their offerings in digital engineering, AI-enabled services, and cybersecurity, helping attract new clients from Europe, North America, and Asia.
Financial services also contributed positively, marking a 47.60 percent increase to 3.81 million US dollars in October. Although still a relatively small share of total services exports, the sector is benefiting from growing regional demand for financial analytics, compliance services, and outsourced credit processing operations undertaken by Sri Lankan firms.
However, the overall performance was dampened by contractions in several traditional service categories. Transport and logistics, historically a major contributor, fell 13.44 percent to 144.50 million US dollars, reflecting reduced transshipment volumes, weaker regional freight movements, and lingering disruptions in shipping routes affecting the Indian Ocean region. The slowdown has raised concerns among port and logistics operators who are already grappling with increased competition from regional hubs.
The construction services segment recorded the steepest decline, plunging 40.98 percent to 13.33 million US dollars. Export-linked construction projects overseas have slowed amid global financing constraints and geopolitical uncertainty affecting foreign investment flows.
Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka’s cumulative export earnings from goods and services reached 14.43 billion US dollars for the January–October period, an increase of 5.99 percent compared to last year. This marks the strongest performance recorded for the first ten months of any year in the country’s export history.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe described the achievement as a milestone, noting that the resilience of service-sector exports demonstrates the country’s shifting economic landscape. “This is the highest-ever export figure recorded for the January–October period in Sri Lanka’s history,” Wijesinghe stated, emphasizing that future growth will increasingly depend on innovation-driven sectors such as ICT/BPM, professional services, and digital trade.
Economists note that while traditional service segments linked to physical trade remain vulnerable to global volatility, Sri Lanka’s digital-driven industries continue to provide stability and long-term growth potential. Strengthening talent development, expanding digital infrastructure, and improving export facilitation are now seen as key priorities to sustain momentum in the services sector.