All government schools in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts will reopen tomorrow (05), the Central Province Director of Education announced today.

The schools were closed yesterday (04) due to adverse weather conditions and continuous heavy rainfall, which had raised safety concerns for students and teachers.

The closure was ordered under the instructions of the Secretary to the Central Provincial Ministry of Education, with the primary aim of ensuring the safety of schoolchildren and staff.

With weather conditions easing, authorities confirmed that schools in both districts will resume normal operations from Wednesday. (Newswire)

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The highest rainfall recorded during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am today (04) has been reported in Nuwara Eliya. 

• Norton (Nuwara Eliya) – 258.6 mm
• Canyon – 234.6 mm
• Laxapana – 208.4 mm

The Department of Meteorology urges the public to remain alert as heavy rainfall continues in several areas. (Newswire)

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The decision on whether schools in the Hatton and Nuwara Eliya education zones of the Central Province will remain open amid adverse weather has been entrusted to the principals of the respective schools.

According to the Provincial Director of Education, principals have been authorized to determine whether classes should be conducted under the prevailing heavy rainfall and unsafe conditions.

The Chief Secretary of the Central Province has also instructed that schools in the affected zones be closed as necessary, citing the severe rainfall and deteriorating weather. (Newswire)

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The inauguration of the “Ceylon Tea Village” program, which aims to establish 500 cluster tea villages across Sri Lanka, will be held on July 15 at Halgolla Hapugastalawa in the Kotmale area of the Nuwara Eliya District. 

Addressing the media on Thursday (09), Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne announced that in its initial phase, work will begin in 144 tea villages covering 11 districts.

Launched by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, the program seeks to raise national tea production to 400 million kilograms and boost export revenue to USD 2.5 billion by 2030. 

The program is being implemented with the leadership of the Small Tea Plantation Development Authority, the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute, the Sri Lanka Tea Board, and the National Plantation Management Institute.

Commenting on the program, Minister Samantha Vidyaratne said Ceylon Tea has long strengthened Sri Lanka’s economy with its globally recognized flavor. He emphasized that through the establishment of 500 tea villages, production will rise significantly, increasing export revenue by USD 1 billion and strengthening both tea growers and the national economy.

Currently, 95% of Sri Lanka’s tea production is exported, while only 5% is consumed locally. Small tea plantation owners contribute 75% of total output. The program aims to improve small growers’ income, introduce value‑added tea products, integrate tea with tourism, promote modern and sustainable cultivation methods, develop infrastructure in identified villages, and establish cooperative societies.

Minister Samantha Vidyaratne stressed that the selection of the 144 villages scheduled for launch in 2026 was carried out scientifically and technically by officials of the Tea Research Institute and the Small Tea Plantation Development Authority, without political interference.

The “Ceylon Tea Village” program is expected to benefit smallholders and all stakeholders in the tea industry, while contributing to Sri Lanka’s national development goals by 2030. (Newswire)

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The Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today imposed fines totalling Rs. 600,000 on two traders found guilty of overcharging consumers in the tourist town.

One shop was fined Rs. 500,000 for selling a 750ml drinking water bottle at Rs. 30 above the stipulated price. 

Another trader was fined Rs. 100,000 for selling rice above the government‑regulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

The cases were filed following raids conducted by officers of the Nuwara Eliya District Office of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).

The CAA reminded consumers to always check the printed MRP when purchasing essential goods, request receipts, and report violations to the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) handed over three vital water and sanitation facilities to the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and community members this week (12).

According to the UN-Habitat Sri Lanka, this concludes an impactful four-year, multi-sector, community resilience project in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Government of Sri Lanka.

These facilities were established by UN-Habitat together with the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council as part of the USD 5.5 Mn KOICA project “Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka”.

Implemented by UN-Habitat Sri Lanka from 2022-2026 in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts, the overall project benefited 106,000 people through health, agriculture and water and sanitation interventions. These included the upgrading of 47 field maternal and child health care centres, establishment of 11 community water supply schemes, upgrading of three hospital sewerage facilities, including hospital waste management systems, establishment of 20 polytunnels and 16 rain shelters for farmers, and provision of home gardening support to 200 households.

Deputy Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka Office, Yunsoo Jeon officially handed over the improved water purification facility in Haddon Hill, the water recycling facility at Lake Gregory and the upgraded community sewerage system at the Srinagar settlement. 

The Mayor of Nuwara Eliya, Upali Wanigasekara, the Senior Assistant Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, K.P.K.N. Alagalla, Government Agent, Badulla, Sunil Galagama, Commissioner of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, Bandara, and Country Programme Manager of UN-Habitat Sri Lanka, Harshini Halangode, senior officials from the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council and the KOICA Sri Lanka office were present at the events. 

Discussing the successful conclusion of the project, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka office, Yunsoo Jeon, said: “This project reflects KOICA’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive, resilient, and people-centred development in Sri Lanka. Beyond responding to the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative was designed to strengthen long-term community resilience by improving access to essential services, enhancing institutional capacities, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.”

UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager, Harshini Halangode, extended her appreciation to all project partners and community members for their dedication, insights, and commitment towards implementing the project. She further stated, “We are grateful to our funding partner, KOICA. Your timely support made it possible for us to reach vulnerable communities and create impact where it was most needed.”

A lessons learned workshop was also held in Nuwara Eliya on the same day with key project partners and community members to discuss and document the good practices and lessons learned from the project. (Newswire)

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Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited Nuwara Eliya this morning (20) to inspect progress on the Indian Housing Project, which is being implemented for the estate Tamil community of Indian origin.

“Delighted to arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, today to visit sites of the Indian Housing Project for the Indian-origin Tamil community,” he said in a post on ‘X’. 

The visit formed part of his two‑day official trip to Sri Lanka. 

On Sunday (19), Vice President Radhakrishnan held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. (Newswire)

Delighted to arrive in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, today to visit sites of the Indian Housing Project for the Indian-origin Tamil community. pic.twitter.com/ZvudRUpPr2

— CP Radhakrishnan (@CPR_VP) April 20, 2026

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According to the Bribery Commission, the Chairman approved a construction plan for government‑owned land in the Magoda Grama Niladhari Division without following the proper procedures outlined under Sections 8 and 21 of the Urban Development Authority Act No. 41 of 1978. 

The approval, granted in 2021, is said to have provided undue benefit to the applicant, constituting an act of corruption.

As such, the Chairman of the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested at around 9:10 am today and is scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development has announced that the sustainable redevelopment of roads damaged by Cyclone Ditwah has officially commenced in the Nuwara Eliya district, the area most severely affected by the disaster.

Minister Bimal Ratnayake yesterday (25) inaugurated the redevelopment of a 2.1 km stretch of the Peradeniya–Badulla main road at Kotmale- Gerandi Ella valued at Rs. 383 million. 

According to the Ministry, the project is scheduled for completion within six months, with construction carried out by local companies selected through competitive tendering under the consultancy of the Road Development Authority.

The Ministry stated that this initiative forms part of the government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” national programme, aimed at restoring critical infrastructure to safer and more standardized conditions. 

Alongside the Kotmale project, three additional road developments have begun in the Nuwara Eliya district:

• Tawalantenne–Talawakele Road (B 412) – Rs. 296 million
• Harangala–Kalapitiya–Kumbaloluwa Road (B 148) – Rs. 302 million
• Nuwara Eliya Town Road (B 331) – Rs. 205 million

The Ministry states that these projects symbolize the government’s commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the transport network, ensuring resilience and safety for communities in disaster‑affected regions. (Newswire)

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A joint special operation to inspect vehicles unfit for road use was carried out within the Nuwara Eliya Police Division on Wednesday (25 Feb), during which 49 vehicles were found unsuitable for travel. 

According to the Police, the operation took place along the Nuwara Eliya–Badulla road in the Haggala area and the Nuwara Eliya–Udupussellawa road in the Boralanda area.

The inspection was carried out by officers from the Nuwara Eliya Police Station, working together with officials from the Department of Motor Traffic.

During the inspections, prohibition orders were issued against 49 vehicles found unsuitable for travel due to poor maintenance and excessive black smoke emissions.

These included 18 passenger buses, 21 lorries, 8 dual-purpose vehicles, and 2 three-wheelers.

Police took custody of the drivers’ licenses and issued temporary licenses in their place. 

Drivers were instructed to repair and present their vehicles in roadworthy condition by March 27, 2026. (Newswire)

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Reliable access to safe drinking water has been restored in cyclone-hit communities of Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya, through targeted interventions by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) and its international partners. 

According to the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management, Sri Lanka, in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, access to safe drinking water quickly emerged as one of the most urgent humanitarian needs across Sri Lanka. Floodwaters contaminated water sources, disrupted supply systems, and left thousands of families, schools, and communities vulnerable to water-borne diseases during a critical period of recovery.

Responding to this need, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL), together with international partners, implemented targeted water security interventions in Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring reliable access to safe drinking water for vulnerable populations.

In Puttalam, A-PAD SL implemented a household and community water intervention in the Karuwalgaswewa Divisional Secretariat Division of Puttalam District, one of the areas hardest hit by flooding. With the generous donation of family and community water filters from Aquabox, and logistical coordination provided by Airlink, A-PAD distributed 360 family water filters to flood-affected households and installed 20 community filtration units at schools and public gathering centres. Each community unit can serve up to 400–500 people daily, contributing to sustained access to safe drinking water for communities.

In the Nuwara Eliya District, A-PAD SL partnered with Wine to Water, with logistical support from Airlink, to distribute 500 DROP water filters to schools across the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Nuwara Eliya, Walapane, Nildandahinna, and Kotmale. Post-cyclone assessments identified schools as priority locations, where limited access to clean water placed students and teachers at heightened health risk. Ensuring safe drinking water within schools not only protects health but also supports educational continuity, creating safer learning environments as communities recover. Training sessions with principals, teachers, and students ensured sustainable use and long-term impact.

The initiatives were carried out in close coordination with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), and local government authorities, whose support enabled efficient delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Through strong partnerships and community engagement, A-PAD SL continues to advance early recovery efforts – ensuring that access to safe water remains a foundation for health, dignity, and long-term disaster resilience. (Newswire)

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Motorists in the Nuwara Eliya and Hatton Police Divisions can now pay traffic fines online through the Gov Pay system, introduced jointly by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay.

The official inauguration and awareness program took place on Feb. 2, 2026, at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat.

The event was held under the patronage of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for the Nuwara Eliya District, Priyantha Chandrasiri, and DIG of the Traffic and Road Safety Range, W. P. J. Senadheera.

Representatives from ICTA and LankaPay provided technical instruction to police officers on implementing the online payment system.

ICTA Project Manager Udari Withanage, Technical Officer Inuka Mayakaduwa, and LankaPay Project Manager Amila Ekanayake led sessions on system usage and public awareness efforts. DIG Senadheera delivered the keynote address.

During the program, smartphones were symbolically issued to officers to support the rollout of the digital payment process.

The Gov Pay system allows motorists to pay fines online and immediately reclaim their driving licenses upon completion. Officers in the Central Province are available to assist the public with using the system. Users may also choose to pay fines later by following directions provided on the Gov Pay platform. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology reported that Sri Lanka’s lowest minimum temperature today (23 Jan) was recorded at 5.0 degrees Celsius in Nuwara Eliya, according to early morning observations.

The department said minimum temperatures across the country were recorded from regional meteorological stations during the early hours of the day, with cooler conditions prevailing in the central highlands.

Nuwara Eliya had recorded an even lower minimum temperature of 3.5 degrees Celsius on the previous day, highlighting the unusually cold conditions affecting the upcountry region in recent days.

Other parts of the central hills, including Badulla and Bandarawela, also recorded relatively low minimum temperatures, while coastal and lowland areas reported higher overnight temperatures.

The Meteorology Department advised the public, particularly in the central highlands, to take necessary precautions against cold weather conditions. (Newswire)

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Nuwara Eliya recorded the lowest temperature in the country, dropping to 3.5°C during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. today (22 Jan), according to the Department of Meteorology.

The minimum temperature was observed at the Nuwara Eliya meteorological station, while the maximum temperature there reached 20.7°C, highlighting the sharp overnight drop in the hill capital.

Most other parts of the country experienced warm conditions, with maximum temperatures exceeding 30°C in several areas, including Ratnapura (33.5°C), Hambantota and Ratmalana (32.7°C), Katunayake (32.0°C) and Colombo (31.8°C).

Rainfall was minimal across the island, with most stations reporting no measurable rain. The highest recorded rainfall was 1.2 mm at Mellawa in the Kurunegala District.

The Meteorology Department said prevailing dry weather conditions continue to dominate much of the country, with cooler nights expected in high-elevation areas such as Nuwara Eliya. (Newswire)

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The Department of Meteorology states that the lowest temperature in the country was recorded at 7.4°C in Nuwara Eliya this morning (21 Jan).

It further notes that the minimum temperature recorded in Bandarawela this morning was 11.5°C, while in Badulla it was 15.2°C.

In Mahailluppallama, the minimum temperature recorded this morning was 17.4°C.

Meanwhile, in Anuradhapura, the minimum temperature recorded this morning was 18.6°C, according to the Met Department.

The Met Department also mentioned that the minimum temperature values reported from regional data‑collecting centres are displayed on the map below in degrees Celsius. (Newswire)

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The “Labour Mission of Determination,” aimed at rebuilding the disaster‑affected Nuwara Eliya District, commenced today (16 Jan), focusing on the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Walapane, Hanguranketha, Mathurata, and Nildandahinna.

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna said in a statement that more than 5,000 volunteers from the Badulla District joined the initiative, contributing their labour, dedication, and compassion.

The inaugural ceremony was held today at the Walapane Youth Corps Grounds, with the programme continuing until January 19.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha representing various religious groups, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Infrastructure Facilities, Uva Province Governor Attorney Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Members of Parliament representing Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts from the National People’s Power, the Chief Secretary of Uva Province along with provincial ministry secretaries and heads of institutions, as well as the District Secretary of Nuwara Eliya and Divisional Secretaries.

The participation of over 5,000 individuals united by one dream and one determination marked the occasion as a historic moment in the effort to rebuild the affected district. (Newswire)

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A seaplane crashed while attempting to land on Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya due to strong winds, the Sri Lanka Police said.

The Police Media Spokesperson said only the two pilots were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.

Both pilots were injured and admitted to the hospital for treatment.

No other casualties were reported, and investigations into the incident are underway. (Newswire)

Seaplane crashes during landing at Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya, due to strong winds.

Only two pilots were on board and both have been hospitalised, police said. pic.twitter.com/2g8OJFwMPt

— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) January 7, 2026

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A District Coordinating Committee meeting to review the damage to irrigation channels in the Nuwara Eliya District and the urgent measures required was held this morning (08) at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

During the meeting with the relevant officials, the President questioned them about various opinions circulating in the country regarding the Kotmale Reservoir due to adverse weather conditions. 

Officials explained that the highest volume of water in history entered the Kotmale Reservoir on November 27 and that the spill gates were opened scientifically according to the standard procedure in order to protect the Kotmale Dam. 

Officials further stated that 4,700 acres of paddy fields in the Nuwara Eliya District had been damaged and that, apart from 500 acres, the remaining paddy fields could be cultivated during the Maha Season. 

Having examined the causes of flooding in the Nuwara Eliya District, officials noted that unauthorised constructions, the blockage of canals and the insufficient expansion of the reservoir’s spillway were contributory factors. 

The President instructed officials to assign supervision and technical services related to Gregory Lake to the Irrigation Department and to enter into an agreement with the Municipal Council regarding economic activities. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to expedite the allocation of funds for the repair of damaged roads, culverts, and embankments in the Nuwara Eliya District, and to ensure that all restoration work is completed before the end of this year.

He made these remarks during a discussion held to assess the damage to roads in the Nuwara Eliya District and to determine the urgent measures that need to be taken in response.

The discussion was held this morning (08) at the Nuwara Eliya District Secretariat between the President and the relevant officials.

During the meeting, lengthy discussions were held on the time required to repair all roads in the district that were damaged due to Cyclone Ditva.

The President inquired from officials about the roads that cannot be reopened through ordinary repairs, and requested that a detailed report be submitted on the matter.

Officials also pointed out that reports from the National Building Research Organization should be taken into consideration when constructing certain roads and bridges in the Nuwara Eliya District. (Newswire)

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Police have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of a 27-year-old man whose body was discovered on Tuesday night (28) in the Kikiliyamana Reserve within the Nuwara Eliya Police Division.

The deceased, a resident of Shanthipura, Nuwara Eliya, had been reported missing since October 8. Following a tip-off, police located the body at the reserve, which is currently secured pending the magistrate’s examination.

Authorities are probing whether the death was due to natural causes or foul play. Nuwara Eliya Police are conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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