The President’s Fund has allocated over Rs. 1.9 billion to support schoolchildren in districts affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

A total of Rs. 1,925,010,000 has been set aside to provide a Rs. 10,000 grant per student, with funds already transferred from District Secretaries to Divisional Secretaries for distribution.

This grant forms part of a broader government initiative to provide Rs. 25,000 per affected student — Rs. 15,000 from the General Treasury and Rs. 10,000 from the President’s Fund— to ensure the continuity of education.

Disbursements from the President’s Fund have been completed for students in the Ampara, Hambantota, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala, Mannar, and Vavuniya districts.

Remaining allocations are expected to be distributed soon, the PMD said. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today launched the national programme ‘Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda’ to restore religious sites damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, vowing to preserve their historical and cultural value.

The launch event took place at Sri Bodhirukkarama Viharaya in Doragala, Gampola, one of six religious sites in the Kandy and Udapalatha areas that were completely destroyed.

Another 15 sites sustained partial damage. The President said nearly 1,350 religious, cultural and archaeological sites across the country were affected by the cyclone and will be restored under this initiative.

“The bond between villages, temples, and religious sites is vital to daily life. Rebuilding them is essential for restoring normalcy,” President Dissanayake said.

In parallel, the President announced the creation of a new Authority to protect and manage the Central Highlands, citing serious environmental risks highlighted in a recent Asian Development Bank report. A legal framework has been established to support this initiative.

Full statement:

Our country recently faced a massive disaster one of the largest natural catastrophes in recent Sri Lankan history. On average, nearly two thousand landslides were reported. We also lost a large number of human lives. We lost a large number of properties, homes and economic opportunities. In restoring normalcy, the government, along with public officials, faced a tremendous challenge. I believe that, to a significant extent, we have successfully overcome that challenge. Yet, there is still much work ahead. Homes must be rebuilt for those who lost theirs and economic opportunities must be recreated. Comprehensive plans have been put in place to restore all sectors and rebuild the livelihoods of our people, ensuring that the nation not only recovers but emerges stronger.

Villages, temples and religious sites share a deeply rooted and intimate connection with the lives of the people. To fully restore normalcy and rebuild communities, these religious sites must be carefully rehabilitated and re-established in harmony with the daily lives of the people. Currently, approximately 1,350 religious and cultural sites across the country have suffered varying degrees of damage. Recognizing that the bond between communities and their temples is essential to the fabric of daily life, this restoration programme has been launched to ensure these sacred sites are rebuilt and the vital connection between people and their religious heritage is fully restored.

It was noted that many rural temples are sustained under extremely challenging conditions. In response, a rapid development programme has been planned to select and enhance these rural temples, with the initiative being coordinated by the Ministry of Buddhasasana.

The Asian Development Bank recently presented a survey report, which highlighted the current condition of the Central Highlands compared to its historical state. The report also projected potential future scenarios, indicating risks such as severe soil erosion and exposed rock surfaces if no intervention is undertaken. It further noted that several water reservoirs in the highlands are increasingly silted and at risk of degradation. In response to these findings, a new legal framework has been established to protect the Central Highlands, accompanied by the formation of a dedicated Authority to implement it. This Authority will consolidate all efforts across the highlands under a single management structure. Accordingly, a comprehensive programme for the restoration and preservation of the Central Highlands has been initiated, ensuring urgent and coordinated action to safeguard this vital ecological region.

In the aftermath of this disaster, significant efforts are being made to restore livelihoods by creating the necessary economic foundations and infrastructure. Under the Prajashakthi Programme, a total of LKR 24,000 million has been allocated for this purpose. The development of the road network is particularly critical. For this year alone, the Road Development Authority has allocated LKR 24,000 million specifically for the construction and improvement of minor roads at the provincial level. In addition, more than LKR 8,000 million has been earmarked for provincial councils. Local government institutions are also contributing a portion of their own revenue to improve these roads. With these resources in place, it is expected that reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road network will commence promptly, facilitating the rapid restoration of connectivity and economic activity.

Programmes to improve the livelihoods of the people are being actively implemented. Plantation workers will, for the first time in history, receive a daily wage of LKR 1,750 starting February 10. Efforts are being made to gradually increase this further. To facilitate this increase of LKR 400 per day, the government decided to contribute LKR 200, recognizing that we cannot move forward by completely dismantling those institutions and companies. This marks the initial step in ensuring that workers on plantations are protected and receive the support they need.

Ensuring rural prosperity remains a key priority. New economic opportunities must be created for these communities. For this purpose, substantial small- and medium-scale credit schemes have been prepared this year, with LKR 96 billion allocated to support rural development and uplift the livelihoods of the people.

Many rural underprivileged families still lack homes suitable for living. This year’s budget has allocated provisions for the construction of 31,000 new houses. In addition, approximately 20,000 new homes are being built to replace those destroyed in the Ditwa disaster. As a result, a total of 51,000 new homes are planned for construction this year. It is believed that with the active involvement of government machinery, these initiatives can be successfully implemented. The support and cooperation of Divisional Secretaries will also be essential to achieve these targets.

Rural poverty alleviation also prioritizes education. A transformative era in education is essential, as it represents the primary pathway to liberate rural communities from the cycle of poverty. Consequently, special attention is being given to strengthening the education sector.

Currently, around 38,000 students drop out of school before sitting for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination. Nearly 74% of individuals who have been imprisoned lacked education beyond Grade 10 and became involved in crime or substance abuse. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent school dropouts prior to the O-Level examination. Even after the examination, a significant number leave school, though some proceed to the G.C.E. Advanced Level and successful students gain entry to universities. Education remains the cornerstone of the nation’s path forward.

However, the educational path we have chosen is not just about access, it is about ensuring every child receives a full 13 years of compulsory education, a responsibility of the government. Today, we have launched a programme to enforce this. If a child fails to attend school, parents will receive a short notification indicating the absence. Accordingly, teams of officials will be appointed at the Divisional Secretariat level to investigate. If a child misses school for two or three consecutive days, these officials will determine the cause. Not a single child should be left without completing the full 13 years of education this is our expectation.

Furthermore, in our educational reforms, we have identified several critical factors. The out-dated curricula must be modernized and connected with contemporary global knowledge. To achieve this transformation, we have structured education into four continuous stages. Grades 1–5, 6–9, 9–11 and 11–13. These stages are designed to ensure continuity and a seamless learning experience for every student.

Through this educational reform, it is expected that the first students will graduate in 2032. By that time, the country will have established highly recognized vocational training centres nationwide. To achieve this, plans are underway to amend the relevant legislation, increase the salaries of instructors, and provide the necessary tools and equipment. For the first time, a budget allocation of 8 billion has been set aside specifically for vocational education.

Meanwhile, there were some who were waiting for an opportunity to create disruption, attempting to build false narratives. If that happens when we building a road, we would build the road. We cannot let such attempts halt progress. However, when it comes to decisions regarding children’s education, there must be no doubt or mistrust. Therefore, the reforms for Grade 6 have been scheduled for next year. Full confidence and support from parents are essential and it is our expectation that these reforms will be implemented with the complete trust of society. The new educational reforms for Grade 1 will commence on the 29th of this month, while the Grade 6 reforms are postponed until next year, accompanied by a comprehensive programme of awareness campaigns and parental engagement.

What is needed is a responsible and conscientious citizen, one capable of succeeding on the global stage. Even more importantly, we need a child who can build and uplift their own family. Poverty today is often determined by the level of education received. One of the key objectives of these educational reforms is to lift rural communities out of poverty.

At present, many of the fundamental human relationships in society have been severely weakened. What is needed is a society built on ethical, positive human connections. The relationships between government officials and the public they serve, between the Maha Sangha and Dayaka Sabha and between teachers and students have all deteriorated significantly. To rebuild the country socially, all these vital connections must be restored. In this effort, the responsibility entrusted to religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, is immense.

As our Maha Sangha have emphasized, what is needed is a generation that fosters social harmony and brings positive contributions to society. It should not be groups that create conflict, but religious institutions that guide society in a constructive direction. Today, the role of these institutions has become more essential than ever. Our Maha Sangha is fulfilling this significant responsibility. I express my gratitude and appreciation for the role they play.

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi

It has been two months since the country faced the devastating Ditwa cyclone. Today marks the launch of the national programme “Godanagamu Adhishtanaye Sanhinda”, aimed at rebuilding all religious sites damaged by the cyclone. The programme is being inaugurated from Kandy. This Doragala area is home to Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities and religious sites representing the four major religions Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam suffered varying degrees of damage. The government has prioritized restoring all these sites, guided directly by the President.

Accordingly, the nationwide programme to rebuild the damaged religious sites is being implemented with strong oversight and commitment. The blessings and guidance of religious leaders provide significant strength and support to these efforts.

At this event, Venerable Bowala Wimala Dhamma Nayaka Thera, former Registrar of the Udapalatha Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya and Chief Sanghanayaka of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Maha Nikaya, delivered a special sermon.

Venerable Siva Siri Selvam Kurukkal, representing the Tamil religious community, also delivered a religious discourse.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders of the province, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Gamagedara Dissanayake, Central Province Governor, Professor S.B.S. Abayakoon and political representatives including Members of Parliament from the Kandy District. Also present were Mr. W.P. Senadheera, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, District Secretary of Kandy, Mr. Indika Udawatta as well as Divisional Secretaries, government officials and a large gathering of local residents. (Newswire)

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Eighty-eight percent of those affected by Cyclone Ditwah have received the government’s Rs. 25,000 cleanup allowance, according to K.G. Dharmathilaka, Additional Secretary of the Disaster Management Division at the Ministry of Defence.

According to state television ITN the payment is part of a broader relief program under the government’s rebuilding initiative, aimed at restoring and improving the lives of impacted communities.

In addition to the cleanup allowance, the government is providing Rs. 25,000 per student to support schoolchildren in affected areas, the report said.

Families whose homes sustained partial damage will receive Rs. 500,000, while those who lost both their homes and land are eligible for Rs. 1 million in compensation, distributed under official supervision. (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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Sri Lanka’s post-default fiscal consolidation is likely to be hindered by increased spending to address damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, Moody’s Ratings said in a recent statement.

Moody’s said several tropical cyclones since mid-November, combined with unusually heavy monsoon rains, have caused severe flooding, landslides and the loss of hundreds of lives across South and Southeast Asia.

Moody’s said the economic, fiscal and credit impact is likely to be most significant for Sri Lanka, which holds a Caa1 stable rating.

“While we do not expect a reversal in the government’s commitment to the ongoing International Monetary Fund program and related reforms, the economic impact of the cyclone and spending to deal with the aftermath will stymie post-default fiscal consolidation,” Moody’s said.

The cyclone caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, rail networks and power grids, disrupting supply chains and economic activity across the country.
Tourism, agriculture and manufacturing, key sectors that drive economic output and employment, were among the most affected, according to the agency.

Moody’s noted that while Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam all face high credit exposure to physical climate risks, Sri Lanka has significantly weaker fiscal capacity to build climate resilience.

“Effective governance is also key in mitigating such risks and often correlates with lower physical climate risk vulnerability in regions of high exposure,” the agency said.

Despite some recent improvements, Moody’s assigned governance issuer profile scores of 4 to both Sri Lanka and Vietnam, indicating high credit exposure to governance-related risks. (Newswire)

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The United Nations has allocated US$4.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on 28 November. 

The funds will enable the UN to rapidly scale up emergency food assistance, shelter support, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for the communities most severely affected by the floods and landslides that have impacted the country. 

Communities across Sri Lanka are continuing to grapple with the widespread impacts of the cyclone, with thousands of families still displaced after extensive damage to housing and infrastructure. Even as response efforts are underway, latest assessments indicate that the effects of the cyclone are broader and more severe than initially understood, leaving many communities in urgent need of sustained support to fully recover from Cyclone Ditwah.

“This funding comes at a critical moment for Sri Lanka,” said Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka. “Cyclone Ditwah has upended lives across the country, and many families are still struggling to meet their basic daily needs. The UN was quick to provide support with urgent relief items and equipment. We are working closely with the Government, civil society partners and the humanitarian community in Sri Lanka to ensure a coordinated response guided by evidence and priority needs. This emergency funding will help us reach those most severely affected with the support they urgently need.”

The UN’s global emergency fund CERF enables rapid funding to humanitarian responders to help support life-saving, humanitarian activities in the initial stages of a sudden-onset crisis.

As the full scale of the devastation becomes clearer, the UN will expand its life-saving assistance to the hardest-hit communities through a broader Humanitarian Priorities Plan, expected to be announced this week. (Newswire)

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Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has accused the government of failing to act on early warnings about Cyclone Ditwah, despite having prior knowledge and publicly acknowledging it in Parliament.

He said authorities had at least three days to prepare between the initial alerts on November 24–25 and the cyclone’s landfall on the 28th, but failed to activate Sri Lanka’s disaster response mechanisms in time.

In a televised interview, Ranawaka claimed that the Meteorological Department had data indicating the potential for a cyclone to enter Sri Lanka as early as November 24 or 25. He said this information was acknowledged by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala in Parliament.

“The cyclone made landfall on the 28th, giving authorities three days to prepare,” Ranawaka said, acknowledging however, that there had already been significant rainfall even before the 25th.

He stressed that under standard protocol, the Meteorological Department is required to share such data with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), which is then expected to coordinate with relevant authorities.

“The data they received should be shared with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), which is the protocol. The DMC must then discuss with relevant authorities, they should have understood the seriousness of this, if so, they should inform the President through the President’s Secretary of this situation,” Ranawaka said.

He further claimed that data may have been available as early as November 10, and noted that the name “Ditwah” was assigned by Yemen earlier in November. “Satellite data is constantly received by the Met Department about such things,” he added.

Ranawaka also referred to comments made on November 12 by the Director General of the Department of Meteorology, Athula Karunanayake, who had discussed the possibility of cyclonic development during a televised talk show.

“His speech during the talk show suggests that he was fully aware of what was going to happen,” Ranawaka said.

When questioned about a statement made by Meril Mendis, Deputy Director of Weather Forecasting and Disaster Management, who claimed that Karunanayake’s comments were not in reference to Cyclone Ditwah.

“Mendis said that the risk was identified on the 23rd. By the 25th, the development into a cyclone was noted. He also says that forecasting cannot be done, as it developed rapidly,” the journalist questioned.

Ranawaka, however, argued that all weather forecasting systems had pointed to possible cyclone development and warranted early preparation. “In 2020, there was Cyclone Burevi which made landfall in Sri Lanka. There were big preparations here, although it did not cause much damage. Preparation is important,” he said.

It was also noted that the Indian Meteorological Department had issued regular updates every three hours on the developing depression and possible cyclonic activity.

Ranawaka stressed that Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Act grants significant authority to the Disaster Management Council, chaired by the President and including the Prime Minister, representatives of line ministries, governors, chief ministers, and opposition members including opposition leader.

He argued that once early warnings were issued on the 25th, the council should have been convened, a national disaster situation declared, and emergency regulations activated.

“From the 25th to 28th — a period of three days — should have been sufficient. With past experiences Sri Lanka has seen with disasters, the country has the necessary mechanisms in place to prevent large-scale destruction,” Ranawaka said. (Newswire)

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Recent tropical cyclones in southeast and south Asia, along with heavy rains and flooding, have claimed at least 1,800 lives, displaced over a million people and affected close to 11 million more. 

In the past weeks, one tropical cyclone known as Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, triggering landslides and what is believed to be the worst floods in the country’s recent history. Another called Koto caused havoc in the Philippines and Vietnam, and a third dubbed Senyar caused flooding and landslides across three countries.

Senyar was considered rare because it formed over the Strait of Malacca — a narrow stretch of water between Peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. 

Climatologist Fredolin Tangang, emeritus professor at the National University of Malaysia, who served as vice-chair of a working group on the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) described it as  “very unusual.”

It is just the second documented case of a tropical cyclone forming in the strait, according to NASA. 

Earlier in November, the Philippines were hit by Fung-wong, the most powerful cyclone to make landfall in the country in 2025, with a diameter of 1,800 kilometers (about 1120 miles) affecting 16 out of the country’s 18 regions. 

What exactly are tropical cyclones?

Cyclones are massive storms formed over tropical waters. They have different names depending on where they appear.In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, they are referred to as hurricanes, in East Asia, they are called typhoons, and in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, they are simply named cyclones — the umbrella term for all such storms.

There are different classifications for different strengths.At speeds of around 119 kilometers per hour, or km/h (74 miles per hour), a storm is referred to as a tropical cyclone. And depending on the exact wind speed, they are designated as Category 1, 2 or 3 on what is known as the Saffir-Simpson scale .

In the northern hemisphere, the season for cyclones usually lasts from June to November, while that in the southern hemisphere is usually from November to April — however, there can also be outliers. 

Under what conditions can cyclones form?

Cyclones are formed over warm tropical oceans with a temperature of at least over 26 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit) to depths of 60 meters (197 feet).  

“This warm ocean is really the fuel of a tropical cyclone,” said Sebastien Langlade, head of operations at the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center La Reunion, a small French overseas department island off the coast of East Africa.

In addition to warm temperatures, the air needs to hold enough moisture. The wind’s direction and speed have to be similar around the water’s surface and up to heights of 15 to 20 kilometers. 

Cyclones usually don’t form too close to the equator because what is known as the Coriolis force being too weak there to generate a vortex. That’s why cyclones usually only build up at a latitude greater than 5 degrees. 

They start out as a low pressure system that causes warm, moist air to rise. When there is a cluster of thunderstorms over a warm low pressure area, it can grow and draw in more warm, moist air from evaporation. This air rises and cools down and forms more clouds. 

“The tropical cyclone will be able to capture all the fuel from the ocean and transform it into wind and rainfall, so basically a tropical cyclone is like a thermodynamic engine,” Langlade said.

What other risks go along with cyclones?

In addition to the dangerous winds, tropical cyclones cause torrential rains, flooding and storm surges

“The storm surge is the increase of the sea level and top of that you will have some battering waves, so this is why the sea is also very dangerous when speaking about extremely intense tropical cyclones,” Langlade said. 

Where are the hot spots?

There are seven regions that frequently experience tropical cyclones, however, the western North Pacific has historically been home to most tropical cyclone clusters. The Philippines are in the middle of the so-called “typhoon belt” with an average of 20 typhoons per year. 

Langlade points to a chart that tracks every path of a cyclone: “This area east of Philippines and also east of Taiwan and South for Japan, it’s the hottest spot on earth.”

Many super typhoons are formed here, some seasons have seen more than 26 cyclones, he added.  

That’s down to the favorable conditions that make cyclones possible. 

Over 70% of tropical storms form in the Northern Hemisphere.

A study published in scientific journal nature this summer found that recent global warming patterns “induce major shifts in tropical cyclone cluster hotspots from the western North Pacific to the North Atlantic.”

What role does climate change play?

“The science is clear that the warmer it gets, the more extreme events you’ll get,” said Tangang. 

Hotter oceans due to human-caused climate change will lead to more intense tropical cyclones in more severe categories. As the world continues to heat up, the proportion of very intense Category 4 and 5 tropical cyclones is projected to rise globally, according to the latest IPCC report. 

While the frequency of the cyclones might not increase, the severity of the fallout will, meaning potentially greater wind speeds, higher storm surges, more rainfall.

“This is quite concerning,” Langlade said. 

Can cyclones be prevented?

There are currently no known ways of stopping or weakening cyclones. 

“A typhoon is something that you cannot avoid, but you can lessen the impact, for example, through systematic adaptation, building up flood mitigation and so on,” said Tangang.

That view is echoed by Langlade, who says it is crucial to keep a high enough level of awareness among the population so they are prepared. 

If there are a few years of no cyclone risk, people forget about it, he said. But there are crucial things to take care of at the beginning of the tropical cyclone season, such as cutting back trees or clearing out drains, so that floodwaters can run off. 

Tangang says building up adaptation capacity by increasing flood mitigation to minimize impact is key. And “when it comes to climate change, we have to limit global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), and to do this, the world must act together in reducing greenhouse gases rather rapidly.” (DW)

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The National Housing Development Authority (NHDA)  says, according to preliminary assessments, 1,289 houses have been completely destroyed in Sri Lanka due to Cyclone Ditwah.

Officials from the authority said that approximately 44,500 houses have sustained partial damage due to landslides and related impacts. 

The information was disclosed during a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of the Ministry of Finance and NHDA at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (04). 

During the meeting, the President instructed the Ministry of Finance and NHDA to ensure that the identification of fully and partially damaged houses affected by adverse weather conditions is carried out according to a proper and transparent methodology.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further directed them to establish a special mechanism to gather accurate data efficiently, which is essential for the compensation process. 

The discussion was convened to review the damage caused to houses by Cyclone Ditwah and to assess the progress of the compensation process. 

Highlighting the importance of providing long-term, stable solutions to people living in high-risk and disaster-prone areas so that they are not repeatedly affected by such calamities, the President instructed officials to prioritize the collection of reliable data to support these efforts. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Tourism has announced the reopening of several tourist attractions, reporting the country’s return to normalcy following Cyclone Ditwah.

Issuing a statement, Sri Lanka Tourism said utilities, transport networks, and essential services have largely been restored. 

Tourism attractions, accommodations, and supporting infrastructure are reopening, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome international visitors.

Several wildlife sites, national parks, marine tourism, forest sites, and cultural sites have reopened, as of now. 

Tourism zones across the country, such as Negombo, Kalutara, Passikudah, Hikkaduwa, Bentota/Beruwala, Ella, and Arugam Bay, are experiencing favourable weather conditions. 

Ella is accessible via the Wellawaya route, while road networks connecting major cities and tourism zones are accessible, including key highways. (Newswire)

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The Justice for All collective has called for inclusive and accountable political leadership in responding to the humanitarian crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which has left hundreds dead, missing, or displaced across Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the group questioned whether all necessary disaster preparedness mechanisms, including those outlined in the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, were fully operational. It also expressed concern over the scope and relevance of emergency regulations imposed after the state of emergency was declared on Nov. 28.

The collective urged the government to uphold President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s commitment to limit the use of emergency powers strictly to disaster response, warning against any infringement on democratic rights.

While acknowledging that rescue and relief efforts remain the immediate priority, the group stressed the need for equitable, conflict-sensitive recovery plans and long-term structural reforms. It called on all political parties to set aside divisions and collaborate on a national recovery strategy.

Parliamentarians were also urged to exercise effective oversight of public spending and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the response.

“We also call on all political parties and actors not to politicise this catastrophic humanitarian tragedy for partisan political campaigns. Finally, we urge the government and all political parties to come together without further delay to deliberate and agree upon measures that need to be taken in the interest of all people in the country,” the statement said. 

The appeal was signed by a group of civil and political leaders, including Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC, Eran Wickramaratne, M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Saliya Peiris PC, MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Bhavani Fonseka, Ermiza Tegal, Nadishani Perera, Jerusha Crosette-Thambiah, Ravinthran Niloshan and Benislos Thushan. (Newswire)

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Japan has sent a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team to Sri Lanka, reinforcing emergency humanitarian operations in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah and underscoring its continued solidarity with the nation.

The 27-member team, comprising doctors, medical experts, relief personnel and rescue specialists, arrived in Colombo last night (03), marking a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s ongoing disaster-response and medical-assistance efforts. 

According to the President’s Office, with four members having been deployed earlier, a total of 31 JDR personnel are now engaged in supporting Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone relief efforts. 

The Japanese delegation was officially received by Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena, Director General of the East Asia and Oceania Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Savitri Panabokke and Director General of Health Services of the Ministry of Health Dr. Asela Gunawardane. 

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, ISOMATA Aki,o along with Mr. Kiichiro Iwase, Head of the JDR Medical Team, formally handed over the 27 deployed personnel, including Medics, Doctors, Relief/Rescue Personnel, and others, to Sri Lankan authorities. 

The medical team will be working in coordination with national agencies to provide critical on-ground medical support, bolster relief operations, and assist in areas where health services have been severely disrupted due to the cyclone. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology states that the rumours spreading about a possible new cyclone in Sri Lanka in the coming days are false.

Meteorologist Malith Fernando said that while rainy weather conditions can be expected on December 4th and 5th, no significant impact is anticipated.

Meanwhile, health authorities have requested parents not to take children to view flood‑affected areas.

Specialist at Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, Dr. Deepal Perera, emphasized that following floods, various diseases may spread, and therefore, children’s safety must be protected. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red Alert’ warning for Naval and Fishing communities in the South-eastern Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal effective for the next 24 hours from 11.00 am today. 

The cyclone storm named “Remal”, which is over the North Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclone storm at 05.30 a.m. today. It is located near 19.5°N and 89.3°E, to the north-east of Sri Lanka, and 1500 km away from Kankasanthurai. 

It is very likely to move nearly northwards, intensify further, and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal (India) coasts by midnight today. 

During this period, very strong winds of about 60-70 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfalls and very rough seas, are likely over the sea areas around Sri Lanka, over the South- Eastern Arabian Sea areas, and the Bay of Bengal Sea areas. (Newswire)

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