Category: Breaking News

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the British Royal Family has released a message from King Charles III expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the people of South and Southeast Asia affected by the recent devastating storms and floods.

In his statement, King Charles noted that he and Queen Camilla were “deeply saddened” to learn of the widespread destruction across the region, acknowledging the immense anguish faced by communities whose homes, livelihoods and loved ones have been severely impacted.

The King extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disasters.

“We wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have so tragically lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many whose homes have been destroyed and to all who are awaiting news of loved ones missing,” he said.

Paying tribute to first responders, King Charles commended the “extraordinarily brave emergency personnel” and all those providing essential assistance during the ongoing recovery efforts.

He further emphasised that he and Queen Camilla hold all affected communities “firmly in their hearts,” offering prayers for strength and solace to people in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

The King also underscored the urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of nature, highlighting how these disasters serve as a stark reminder of growing environmental challenges.

Heavy rains coupled with the cyclone Ditwah that lashed across the country for nearly a week wreaking havoc to life, livelihoods and properties have cost an arm and a leg to the affected families and the economy.

Flash floods that swept across all districts are estimated to have destroyed around 600,000 acres of rice and vegetable crops, raising concerns over a shortage of vegetable in the coming days and sharp surge in prices of many commodities in the run up to the festive season.

National Farmers’ Union Chairman Anuradha Tennakoon said last week that the Eastern Province has been the most affected, with a large extent badly damaged, while vegetable crops in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts had been hit badly by the inclement weather.

According to weather reports from the Meteorology Department and the Disaster Management Centre, heavy rainfall, flood waters and landslides had disrupt daily lives of many across multiple districts.

Sandya and Sumanasiri Siriwardena, a farming family in Anuradhapura, said that their cultivations were completely destroyed by the floods as paddy fields were inundated with water for days leaving them now in the lurch, having no means to depend on five mouths ahead. “We hope that all those suffering from the adverse weather will receive adequate compensation for the loss of crop,” Sandya Siriwardena said. Global and local agriculture experts have been saying that promoting the use of drought-resistant, flood-tolerant, and heat-tolerant crop varieties (including traditional local types) reduces vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Diversifying crops and practising intercropping also mitigates risk compared to monoculture farming.

Starlink announced emergency relief measures for communities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka devastated by severe flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.

The company said it is providing free service to all new and existing customers in the affected regions through December 2025, as both countries struggle with rising death tolls and widespread damage.

Starlink said it is working with the Indonesian government to rapidly deploy terminals and restore connectivity in the hardest-hit parts of Sumatra, where infrastructure has been severely impacted. It is also coordinating with Sri Lankan authorities to extend additional support as the nation battles continued disruption.

For active customers, free service credits are being automatically applied, requiring no action. Suspended or paused customers will also receive credits, allowing them to reactivate their connections immediately.

New customers in the impacted zones will be eligible for free service after activation and must submit a support ticket citing “Indonesia Flood Support” or “Sri Lanka Flood Support.” Credits can be viewed in the billing section of user accounts.

The relief announcement comes as the human toll from the disaster climbs sharply.

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency reported that the death count from floods and landslides in Sumatra has surged to 303, up from an earlier 174.

The region, along with parts of Malaysia and Thailand, has endured a week of cyclone-fueled torrential rain, including a rare tropical storm forming in the Malacca Strait.

Across the strait, Thailand has also been hit hard. The government said deaths in the country’s southern provinces have risen to 162, compared with 145 previously.

Source: CNBC TV

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sukanya docked at the Port of Trincomalee today (1), carrying critical relief supplies for flood-affected communities across Sri Lanka.

The arrival marks the latest phase of India’s rapid humanitarian assistance mission as the island nation battles one of its worst flood disasters in decades.

INS Sukanya, an offshore patrol vessel, brings essential food items, and emergency equipment to support ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

The ship’s arrival follows the deployment of Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters and earlier naval assets, underscoring the scale and urgency of the operation.

According to officials, the relief mission is part of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, reaffirming its commitment to assist Sri Lanka during times of crisis.

This humanitarian gesture comes as Sri Lanka faces staggering numbers: over 1.1 million people affected, 355 confirmed deaths, and 366 missing across 25 districts.

With floodwaters still rising in areas such as Kelaniya, Malabe, and Kadawatha, evacuation orders remain in force, and safety centers are overwhelmed.

Earlier, Indian naval ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri and Chetak aircraft had delivered emergency consignments.

In a solemn address to the nation yesterday (30), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described the ongoing natural calamity as the “largest and most challenging” in Sri Lanka’s history, declaring a state of emergency to expedite relief and reconstruction efforts.

President Dissanayake acknowledged the unprecedented scale of the disaster, noting that for the first time, the entire island—from end to end—has been struck. However, he emphasized the strength of the national character in the face of such adversity.

“While our small island could be shaken by this merciless natural disaster, the humanity and resilience of our people cannot, in any way, be shaken,” President Dissanayake affirmed.

“We recognise that what we are undertaking is the most difficult rescue operation in our nation’s history,” the President stated, expressing deep sympathy for the families of those who have lost their lives. “Every life lost is not merely a number; every life carried a name, a face, and a story.”

Emergency Measures and Financial Relief

To combat the crisis, the government has enacted emergency regulations and appointed a Commissioner-General of Essential Services to centralize operations. Key institutions and essential service offices have been directed to operate 24 hours a day. Addressing concerns about these extraordinary measures, the President offered a personal guarantee regarding their application.

“I assure every citizen that these emergency powers will not be misused for any other purpose,” he promised, stating they are strictly for legal and financial safeguards for efficient reconstruction.

In a move to cut through red tape, the President announced significant financial deregulation for relief efforts:

Rs. 30 Billion Released: Approximately Rs. 30 billion from previous budget allocations has been made available for immediate expenditure without the need for Parliamentary approval.

Divisional Authority Increased: Divisional Secretaries have been empowered to spend up to Rs. 50 million directly for emergency purposes, easing prior financial constraints that obstructed rapid relief.

Supplementary Estimates: The President vowed to seek supplementary estimates through Parliament if the 2025 budget allocations prove insufficient.

Infrastructure and International Aid

The disaster has caused severe damage to critical infrastructure, including electricity, water, communication systems, and access roads. The President assured the public that a plan is already in motion to restore these services, praising the comprehensive response of the public sector.

“From our Ministry Secretaries to Grama Niladharis at the local level, the entire state machinery has been fully engaged in rescuing affected people,” he noted, adding that “The Armed Forces and Police carried out heroic acts, risking their lives without hesitation.”

International support has also been mobilized, with friendly nations deploying helicopters and relief forces to assist in rescue operations. A reconstruction fund is being established, managed by a joint committee comprising representatives from the private sector, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and the Presidential Secretariat.

President Dissanayake concluded his address with a strong appeal for political unity, urging all parties to set aside differences.

“There is ample time for politics, but there is little time to face this disaster,” he said. “Let us unite, free from distinctions of ethnicity, religion, party, or colour.”

Expressing hope for the future, he rallied the nation with a message of optimism: “We believe that every dark cloud has a silver lining. We believe that these dark days will pass… Let us heal this tear-stained paradise. Let us build a radiant island.”

The President expressed confidence that despite the devastation, the resilience of the Sri Lankan people and the support of the international community would allow the nation to rebuild better than before.