November 28, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Navy evacuates 37 persons trapped due to landslide
The Sri Lanka Navy has evacuated 37 persons who were trapped by a landslide in the Unuwinna area of Maoya-Kosgalanda, Hanguranketha, yesterday (27).
According to the Navy, the collapse of an earth mound had blocked the only road to the Unuwinna Village in Maoya, stranding 17 families.
The Navy relief team, assisted by local residents, safely guided all the individuals, including 18 children, to secure locations. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Air Force rescues man trapped on coconut tree (Video)
A group of persons who had been trapped following flooding in Anuradhapura and in Polonnaruwa have been rescued by the Sri Lanka Air Force.
One person who had been trapped on a coconut tree since yesterday (27), following flooding caused by the overflow of the Kalawewa in Anuradhapura, and six persons stranded this morning (28) on the Manampitiya bridge in Polonnaruwa, were safely rescued by a Bell‑212 helicopter.
According to the Air Force, the helicopter used belongs to the No. 7 Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force base at Hingurakgoda.
The rescued persons have been transferred to safe locations. (Newswire)
Man trapped on a coconut tree since yesterday due to rising floodwaters from the Kala Wewa in Anuradhapura was safely rescued this morning by the Sri Lanka Air Force using a Bell-212 helicopter pic.twitter.com/guA6lNXENR
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) November 28, 2025
November 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Rs. 1.2B allocated for disaster relief; Rs. 30B set aside for emergencies
A sum of Rs. 1.2 billion has already been allocated for disaster relief services in Sri Lanka, the Government Information Department said.
According to the Director General of the Department, H.S.K.J. Bandara, in addition, Rs. 30 billion has been set aside in the 2025 budget for emergency requirements.
During an online discussion held with all District Secretaries, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has informed them to request funds as needed.
The President has further instructed all parties to carry out disaster relief activities efficiently and without any hindrance. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Road closure on the Colombo-Kandy main road
The Colombo-Kandy main road between the 88 and 89 km posts in Meepitiya in Kegalle has been temporarily closed.
According to the DMC, the road closure is due to the risk of landslides as a result of the prevalent inclement weather conditions.
The DMC requests drivers to use alternative roads. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Kalu River Basin : Flood warnings issued to Ratnapura and Kalutara Districts
The Irrigation Department has warned of a major flood risk within the next few hours in low-lying areas of the Kalu River Basin due to heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
According to the department, areas at risk include;
- Ratnapura District: Pelmadulla, Nivithigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, Elapatha
- Kalutara District: Kalutara, Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Madurawala, Agalawatta
Residents and road users in these areas are urged to remain highly vigilant, move to safer locations if necessary, and follow instructions issued by authorities. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 09:55 AM
Highest rainfall in 24 hours reported in Matale
The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours, ending at 06.00 am today, has been reported in the Gammaduwa area in Matale, with 540.60 mm.
According to the Disaster Management Centre, between 403 mm and 442 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the Alkaduwa and Kandenuwara areas in the Matale District, Kotmale area in the Nuwara Eliya District, Dotheloya Estate in the Kegalle District, and in the Nillambe and Marassana areas in the Kandy District.
Between 300 mm and 399 mm of rainfall has been recorded in some areas in the Matale, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy Districts.
The DMC reports that between 231 mm and 295 mm of rainfall has been recorded in some areas of the Kandy, Badulla, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, and Kurunegala districts. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 09:23 AM
Cyclonic Storm Ditwah in SL : 8.00 am Update
November 28, 2025 at 09:14 AM
SriLankan Airlines urges passengers to check flight status
SriLankan Airlines has advised passengers booked to travel today (28) to check the latest flight status before proceeding to the Katunayake Airport.
Flight status can be checked via www.srilankan.com or via the hotline 1979 (within Sri Lanka) or +94117 771979 (international).
Meanwhile, it is reported that the Katunayake Airport is experiencing delays in both arriving and departing flights due to adverse weather in Sri Lanka.
According to the Airport Duty Manager, several aircraft have been diverted to Kochi, Trivandrum, and Mattala. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 09:10 AM
Landslide warning to 13 districts extended until tomorrow
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the landslide warnings issued to 13 districts, effective until 02.00 am tomorrow.
According to the NBRO, red alerts have been issued to several areas in the Badulla, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Matale, Monaragala, and Nuwara Eliya districts.
Meanwhile, amber alerts have been issued to some areas in the Badulla, Colombo, Galle, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Monaragala, and Ratnapura districts.
Yellow alerts have been issued to areas in the Gampaha, Hambantota, Matara, and Ratnapura districts. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 7:48 AM
All train services suspended
The Railway Department has suspended all train services on every route from 6 a.m. today (Nov. 28), due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions across the country.
Additional General Manager (Operations) Chandrasena Bandara said the decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, with continuous heavy rain increasing the risk of landslides, flooding, and fallen trees along multiple railway lines. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 6:38 AM
RED ALERT : Flood Warning for Kelani River Basin
A Red Level Flood Warning has been issued for the low-lying areas of the Kelani River valley within the next 48 hours due to heavy rainfall and increased water release from upper catchment reservoirs, the Irrigation Department said.
Areas at risk include Eheliyagoda, Norwood, Yatiyantota, Galigamuwa, Ruwanwella, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Seethawaka, Dompe, Padukka, Homagama, Kaduwela, Biyagama, Kolonnawa, Kelaniya, Wattala and Colombo.
Residents in these areas are urged to remain highly vigilant, take necessary precautions, and prioritise safety. Motorists and commuters are also advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling through affected areas. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Extreme Weather : 56 deaths, 21 missing
A total of 43,991 individuals from 12,313 families have been affected by the extreme weather conditions caused by Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.
According to the latest update, 56 people have died, 14 have been injured, and 21 remain missing due to incidents related to the adverse weather.
The DMC also reported four houses fully destroyed and 666 partially damaged across affected districts. (Newswire)
November 28, 2025 at 2:30 AM
Cyclonic Storm Ditwah in SL : 2.00 am Update
Heavy Wind and Rain Sweep Across Colombo
Extreme weather : Hotlines introduced to report disasters in Colombo
The government has introduced hotlines for reporting emergency disaster situations arising in the Colombo District due to the prevalent adverse weather conditions.
A set of emergency contact numbers was introduced to the public of the Colombo District for the immediate reporting of urgent situations.
Accordingly, the 24-hour official emergency hotline 117, the Colombo District Disaster Management Coordinating Unit at 0112434028, and the Disaster Management Coordinating Unit at 0112136136 were announced.
Notice for all tourists
Sri Lanka remains safe and fully open for travel and tourism despite seasonal rainfall affecting certain parts of the country, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said in a media release issued today.
The SLTDA assured international visitors that major tourist destinations across the island continue to operate as normal, with hotels, transport services and tourist attractions functioning without disruption. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and have implemented comprehensive safety measures in coordination with tourism partners and relevant state agencies to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers.
Tourists have been encouraged to rely on official weather updates to plan their journeys with confidence. The SLTDA also highlighted that the Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline – 1912 – remains active 24 hours a day to assist visitors affected by prevailing weather conditions, working in coordination with the Tourist Police, Disaster Management Centre and other authorities island-wide.
Reaffirming its commitment to the tourism sector, the SLTDA said Sri Lanka continues to welcome travelers to experience its beaches, cultural heritage, wildlife and renowned hospitality. (Newswire)
November 27, 2025 6.00 PM
Extreme weather : 30 deaths in two days
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has reported that 30 deaths occurred over the two days of November 26 and 27 as a result of the adverse weather conditions affecting Sri Lanka.
According to the DMC, 19 of the deaths were reported in the Badulla District, 01 each in the Kurunegala and Galle Districts, 04 in the Nuwara Eliya District, and 05 in the Ampara District.
The deaths have occurred due to landslides, flooding, and other weather-related disasters reported in the said areas.
Meanwhile, a total of 40 disaster-related deaths have been reported across Sri Lanka due to the adverse weather conditions experienced between November 16-27.
Twenty-one (21) persons are reported missing, while 10 have sustained injuries during this period.
A total of 5893 individuals from 1729 families in 20 districts have been severely affected due to inclement weather in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)