The National Building Research Institute (NBRI) is fast‑tracking technical inspections to support the resettlement of families living in high landslide‑risk areas of Badulla District following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

According to officials, NBRI has already examined lands across 15 Divisional Secretariat divisions, with detailed technical reports submitted to the respective local offices.

Out of 177 land plots requested for inspection under the government resettlement program, NBRI has cleared 113 plots covering nearly 280 acres as safe and suitable. Technical reports for all these plots have been handed over, enabling development and construction to proceed without obstacles.

For families opting to purchase lands or houses individually, NBRI field officers inspected 552 out of 630 requests. 

Of these, 423 lands and houses were confirmed as technically suitable, with recommendations forwarded to Divisional Secretariat offices. Resettlement on these sites can also move ahead unhindered.

The NBRI stressed that by expediting construction and project implementation through Divisional Secretariats and related institutions, resettlement efforts can be completed swiftly. (Newswire)

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The inaugural ceremony of the “Ceylon Tea Village 500” National Program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure, was held on Wednesday (15) at Uwaparanagama, Lucky Land Estate in the Badulla District. 

The event drew wide participation, with Kapila Jayasekara, Governor of Uva Province, the Chairman of the Uwaparanagama Pradeshiya Sabha, senior ministry officials, and the local community joining Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe at the launch.

The initiative builds on the global prestige of the Ceylon Tea brand, aiming to establish model tea villages that will attract international visitors through Tea Tourism and Agro‑Tourism experiences. 

By blending traditional industries with modern tourism trends, the program is designed to deliver direct benefits to the rural economy and uplift the living standards of grassroots communities.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe said that such community‑centered initiatives reflect a vision to strengthen livelihoods, enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as a sustainable tourism destination, and ensure that the fragrance of Ceylon Tea continues to enrich both the nation and the world. (Newswire)

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Plans are underway to transform Badulla into a full‑fledged sports city, with phased development of its main playground into a modern sports complex.

Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage led a special inspection tour and discussions on upgrading facilities, including rapid improvements to football and rugby grounds starting next year. 

Proposals also include converting the existing garbage ground into an indoor sports venue and preparing a center pitch at the Badulla cricket ground to host competitive matches.

The Minister and his team inspected the Vincent Dias playground, Badulla football ground, cricket ground, basketball court, and swimming pool.

“We came here today to look into the shortcomings of the main playground in Badulla town. We saw that there are many shortcomings. Accordingly, together with the Mayor of Badulla Municipal Council and all officials, we plan to fix these shortcomings and create a good sports complex for Badulla. We expect to take several necessary initial steps within this year itself,” Minister Gamage said, speaking to the media after the tour. (Newswire)

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The Railway Department has announced that passenger train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya will recommence from June 20, following the completion of restoration work on the line damaged by Cyclone Ditwah last year.

A landslide between the Nanu Oya and Ambewela stations had forced services to operate only between Ambewela and Badulla. 

According to the railway Department, repair work has now been fully completed, with a successful trial run conducted yesterday (17) at the affected site.

The National Building Research Organization, working in collaboration with the private sector, restored the damaged section under the supervision of the Railway Department. 

With the reopening, trains will once again run from Nanu Oya to Badulla, reinstating a vital transport link for passengers. (Newswire)

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The first stage of cheque distribution under the government’s relief programme for families affected by Cyclone Ditwah was carried out today in the Badulla Divisional Secretariat Division.

A total of 23 families received housing assistance cheques during a ceremony held at the Uva Provincial Council. 

The initiative marks the beginning of financial support aimed at helping affected households rebuild homes damaged or destroyed by the cyclone.

According to officials, families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive Rs. 500,000 each, while those whose homes were partially damaged will be granted Rs. 50,000, the minimum compensation amount provided without formal estimation.

Today’s distribution represents the initial phase of the relief programme, with further support expected as reconstruction efforts continue. (Newswire)

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A female Police Constable attached to the Badulla Division Crimes Investigation Unit has been arrested in Badulla town on charges of possessing narcotics.

She was taken into custody last afternoon (26 Jan) during a raid carried out by the Ambagasdowa Police.

Police said they recovered 4.2 grams of heroin from the suspect at the time of arrest.

Investigations have been launched to determine whether she had been keeping the drugs for distribution.

The arrested Constable is scheduled to be produced before the Badulla Magistrate’s Court today. (Newswire)

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It has been decided to close all schools in the Uva Province at 11:30 am today (09 Jan), due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. 

The Uva Provincial Director of Education stated that, as such, all 892 schools will be closed.

It was further said that, depending on the situation, full authority has been vested in all principals to make future decisions.

Previously, instructions were issued to close all schools in the Badulla District at or before 11.00 am, taking into consideration the prevailing weather conditions. 

According to a notice issued by the Uva Provincial Director of Education, it was instructed to take necessary steps to release students and teachers.

The instructions were given based on the latest weather forecast issued by the Department of Meteorology and the special landslide warning issued by the National Building Research Organisation to the Badulla District. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy is contributing to the initiatives focused on rehabilitating schools and pre-schools in the Badulla and Passara Zones of Education that sustained damage from Cyclone Ditwah.

According to a statement from the Sri Lanka Navy, naval personnel are providing essential technical expertise and support for renovations at Bibilegama Maha Vidyalaya in Badulla, Maussagolla Maha Vidyalaya, Wellagolla Maha Vidyalaya, Al Abim Vidyalaya, Sri Ganeshan Tamil School, Vigneshwaram Tamil School and Mihindu Pre-school.

Moreover, the Sri Lanka Navy, a key partner in the Presidential Task Force for the “Clean Sri Lanka” national project, is contributing to the development of infrastructure facilities at selected schools across the island under the theme “A School Full of Happiness.” (Newswire)

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A media briefing to raise awareness about the One Million Volunteers programme conducted by the National Youth Services Council was held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports today (26).

At the briefing, details were shared about the programmes scheduled to take place in the Badulla District under the One Million Volunteers initiative. 

Accordingly, on tomorrow (27) and the day after (28), nearly 1,000 youth volunteers are expected to carry out a series of programmes in the Badulla District.

During these two days, activities will include repairing schools affected by disasters, cleaning irrigation systems and roads, conducting entertainment programmes for people at relief centres, and distributing essential items to residents and children at those centres.

Speaking at the media briefing, Chairman of the National Youth Services Council and Director General of Youth Affairs in Sri Lanka, Supun Wijerathna said that following the labour operation carried out recently in the Chillaw area, the second programme of the One Million Volunteers initiative will be conducted in the Badulla District.

He further stated that nearly 1,000 youth volunteers are expected to participate in the programmes scheduled in Badulla.

Supun Wijerathna also noted that registration for the One Million Volunteers programme is open, and interested individuals can register by visiting the website volunteer.nysc.lk. (Newswire)

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Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited the Meegahakiula National School in the Badulla District today (24 Dec) to inspect schools affected by disasters. 

In a statement, Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna said that, during the visit, discussions were held regarding the damage caused to the school by the recent Cyclone Ditwah.

Minister Samantha Vidyarathna further said that discussions were also held on the plans to resume educational activities.

On this occasion, Uva Province Governor, Attorney Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Dinidu Saman Henanayake, the Chief Secretary of Uva Province, along with provincial council officials, teachers, students, and local residents, also participated. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe, has announced that the Badulla-Haputale train service, which was affected due to Cyclone Ditwah, is ready to resume service after 18 days. 

In a post on social media, Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said that an inspection train successfully travelled from the Badulla Railway Station to the Haputale Railway Station yesterday (15), marking the successful effort to restore train operations post-disaster. 

He further said that the restoration of this heavily damaged railway line in such a short time is a significant step in strengthening the backbone of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

“​We extend our gratitude and admiration to the dedicated workers of the Sri Lanka Railway Department, the National Building Research Organisation, and all the volunteer organisations who worked tirelessly to accomplish this challenging task,” he added. (Newswire)

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The ‘Beyond Recovery’ flagship initiative, organized under the Clean Sri Lanka programme, was launched in the Badulla district yesterday (10) to support the mental health and well-being of children and elderly people residing in relief centres following Cyclone Ditwah. 

The launch took place at temporary shelters established at Morahela Maha Vidyalaya and Kanugolla Sumanarama Viharaya, under the Meegahakivula Divisional Secretariat. 

At present, 279 people from 118 families are temporarily residing at Morahela Maha Vidyalaya, while 288 individuals from 101 families are staying at Kanugolla Sumanarama Viharaya. 

According to the President’s Office, a key focus of the ‘Beyond Recovery’ project is to provide psychological support and encouragement to help displaced people rebuild their lives. 

As part of the launch, a special musical event was organized with the participation of volunteer artists, bringing joy and a sense of renewal to both children and elderly residents.

In addition, essential items such as school supplies, books and toys, donated by generous individuals and organizations to the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, were distributed to children at the centres. 

Specialists with expertise in mental health, child psychology, public health and creative skills development, along with international volunteers, participated in the project and conducted practical activities for the children.

Following its launch in the Badulla district, the ‘Beyond Recovery’ programme is scheduled to be implemented at several additional relief centres today (11). (Newswire)

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A group of 826 individuals from Matara arrived in Badulla yesterday (01), intending to rebuild the affected areas in the Badulla District due to Cyclone Ditwah. 

According to the Badulla District Secretariat, showing solidarity with the affected people, the group brought not only their labour but also essential machinery and tools for reconstruction, including:

• Backhoe Loaders
• Excavators
• Chainsaws
• Water Bowsers
• Cleaning equipment

The relief team included members of the Red Star Organization, various volunteer groups, social activists, and media teams. (Newswire)

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Eleven (11) persons have been reported dead due to adverse weather conditions experienced in the Badulla district, in the last 24 hours ending at 06.00 am today.

According to the Badulla District Secretary,  07 persons are also reported missing during this period.

The deaths are reported as a result of several landslides and rockfalls reported in multiple locations of the Badulla District due to inclement weather. (Newswire)

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A disaster preparedness drill was conducted near Ella Town today (16), jointly organized by the Disaster Management Centre and the Badulla District Secretariat, with participation from all government institutions in the district.

According to the Badulla District Secretariat, as a district frequently affected by disasters, preparedness and coordination for emergency response in Badulla have been further strengthened with the aim of improving search and rescue capabilities and saving lives.

Participants of the disaster preparedness drill included Badulla District Secretary Prabath Abeywardena, Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara, the Ella Divisional Secretary, Badulla Municipal Council, representatives from the 112 and Civil Defence Headquarters, the Eladaluwa Army Camp, Badulla Police Station, the Divisional Council, the 1990 Ambulance Service, Badulla Teaching Hospital, and rescue teams. (Newswire)

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A 48-year-old man is currently receiving treatment under police protection at the Badulla General Hospital after being critically injured in a stabbing incident involving his elder brother.

The altercation occurred on the pavement near Royal Road, close to the Badulla bus stand. 

Police Sergeant Nilantha, who was on duty nearby, managed to subdue the attacker despite the risk to his own life, a move that has drawn widespread praise.

The Police said preliminary investigations reveal that the younger brother first attacked the elder brother, who then turned the same weapon on his assailant in retaliation. 

Both sustained injuries and were admitted to Badulla Hospital under police watch. The two men are reportedly residents of Amunupitiya in the Badulla area.

The Badulla Police have launched further investigations into the incident. (Newswire)

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The Colombo-Badulla train journey in Sri Lanka has been ranked among the top 10 train rides in the World for 2025.

Leading Global Travelguide, Lonely Planet has ranked the Colombo-Badulla train journey as the 7th best in the world for 2025. 

The train route’s unparalleled scenic beauty and the immersive cultural experience it offers travellers contribute to this achievement.

Often described as one of the most scenic train rides in the world, it spans over 290 kilometres from Colombo to Badulla and is renowned for its breathtaking views of verdant tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, and picturesque waterfalls. 

The Colombo-Badulla train journey, referred to as the “Ella Odyssey” by tourists, is especially popular for its iconic stops at stations like Ella, Nanu Oya, and Haputale. 

The ranking by Lonely Planet is part of its annual list of the world’s best travel train journeys, which serves as a guide for adventurers seeking the best the world has to offer. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando who was arrested over charges of Election Law violations during the 2024 General Election, has been released on bail.

The Badulla Magistrate’s Court released the former Parliamentarian on a surety of Rs. 500,000 today.

Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of violating the Election Laws of the 2024 Parliamentary Election via his ‘Messi 10’ t-shirt campaign in Badulla Town.  

On 11 November, a tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former minister’s supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning, with the former MP going to the extent of removing his t-shirt.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando has questioned why action was not initiated against the supporters of the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) who were seen campaigning for the 2024 Parliamentary Election violating Election Laws.

Harin Fernando raised the question while speaking to the media after having recorded a statement with the Badulla Police today.

He recorded a statement over the incident of wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’ in Badulla Town, a few days ahead of the General Election.

Showing pictures of NPP supporters wearing red coloured t-shirts during election campaigning, Harin Fernando said the t-shirt he wore did not bear the ‘gas cylinder’ symbol of his party and neither was the number 10 related to his candidacy. 

Stating that the new government was also resorting to old political ways, the former minister said a new law was being followed by the authorities in this case.

Harin Fernando further revealed he was requested to report to the Badulla Police to record a statement regarding the incident, but was not informed of a date, due to which he himself had reported to the Police today.

Following the recording of the statement, Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police on charges of violating election laws via his ‘Messi 10’ campaign. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Harin Fernando was arrested by the Badulla Police today on charges of violating the Election Laws of the 2024 Parliamentary Election. 

During a campaign held in Badulla Town close to the election, the former Parliamentarian had engaged in a heated argument with the Badulla Police, going to the extent of removing his t-shirt.

The Police state that Harin Fernando has been apprehended to record a statement concerning the incident. 

On 11 November, a tense situation was reported in Badulla after the Police attempted to stop political campaigning by Harin Fernando’s supporters.

Fernando and his supporters were seen wearing t-shirts similar to the jersey of international footballer Lionel Messi, bearing the number ‘10’.

Police along with Election Commission officials intervened and requested the former minister’s supporters to remove the t-shirts, stating that it was deemed an indirect campaigning attempt. 

An argument then ensued, with Harin Fernando and his supporters claiming that the t-shirts were not connected to election campaigning.

However, the Police and Election Commission officials stated that it was deemed a symbolic reference to the former minister’s election candidacy and was deceptive political campaigning. (Newswire)

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