IGP instructs police to prevent forcible seizure of relief goods
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has instructed all police units to take maximum measures to prevent incidents of forcible seizure of relief items being transported to disaster-affected areas, following a letter issued by the Commissioner General of Essential Services…
IRD extends deadline for submitting income tax returns
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has extended the deadline for filing Returns of Income for the 2024/2025 assessment year, following widespread disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah and severe weather across the country. Although returns were originally due by November 30,…
Weather today: Afternoon showers in several provinces
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 06 DECEMBER 2025 Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 06 December 2025 The Northeast monsoon condition is gradually establishing over the island. Several spells of showers will occur in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale…
Govt issues new circular outlining disaster relief payments
Government issues new circular outlining disaster relief payments The Ministry of Finance has issued Budget Circular No. 08/2025, detailing financial assistance for families affected by the recent disaster. The circular provides a range of one-time allowances for housing, livelihoods, agriculture,…
Full text of President’s statement on budget, disaster relief and criticism
President’s Address in Parliament during the Third Reading of the 2026 Budget In particular, today we have presented to Parliament subjects concerning the Ministry of Finance, the supplementary estimate and the regulations introduced for the imposition of a State of…
Sri Lanka requests USD 200 million IMF emergency funding
Sri Lanka has sought urgent financial support of USD 200 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou confirmed today. He stated that the request is currently…
Moragahakanda Reaches 97.87% Water Level; Public Urged to Stay Alert
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in Polonnaruwa has warned that the Moragahakanda Reservoir is currently at a critically high level, reaching 97.87 percent of its storage capacity. Officials say that any significant rainfall over the next few days could push…
Budget 2026 passed with amendments: 158 in favour, only 1 against
The third reading of the 2026 Budget was passed in Parliament today with amendments, receiving an overwhelming majority in favour. According to the final vote count, 158 Members of Parliament voted for the Budget, while only one voted against it….
Rehan Jayawickreme resigns from SJB
Rehan Jayawickreme has resigned from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), stating that his personal views no longer align with the party’s direction. Jayawickreme, the SJB’s Weligama organiser and former Mayor of Weligama, announced his decision in a letter dated 6…
Govt announces sweeping relief for rebuilding homes after floods & landslides
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today announced a comprehensive housing assistance package for families affected by the recent floods and landslides, unveiling a series of financial grants and long-term support during his address to Parliament. He stated that the government will…