Category: Breaking News

In the wake of severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, which caused significant casualties and widespread property damage across Sri Lanka, the Chinese government and its people have stepped forward in solidarity.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that the Red Cross Society of China has disbursed USD 100,000 in emergency cash aid to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society.

Additionally, emergency assistance from the Chinese government is already underway.

Further strengthening the relief efforts, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Overseas Chinese Association in Sri Lanka have launched donation drives, collectively raising Rs 10 million to support affected regions.

In a statement, the Embassy expressed confidence in Sri Lanka’s resilience:

“Under the firm leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and with the collective support of the international community, the valiant Sri Lankan people will undoubtedly overcome the disaster, stand united in solidarity, and rebuild their homes in the near future.”

Two Indian Navy helicopters rescued eight people trapped by floodwaters in Pannala on 29 November, as India’s aerial support to Sri Lanka’s disaster response continued to increase amid the ongoing emergency.

Authorities confirmed that four Indian helicopters are currently deployed for rescue missions across the country, including two aircraft operating from the Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant.

The helicopters carried out multiple sorties in the Pannala area, where rising waters had cut off access to several homes. The rescued individuals were brought to safer locations and handed over to local authorities.

Indian air assets are working alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force, Navy, Army, Police, and other first responders conducting evacuations, supply drops, and emergency assistance in flood-affected districts.

The Government of Japan has announced it will provide emergency assistance to Sri Lanka in response to the massive damage caused by the recent cyclone, underscoring both humanitarian concerns and the close bilateral relationship between the two nations.

An assessment team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), consisting of four members including JICA staff and medical personnel, departed Japan (30).

Their immediate tasks involve monitoring medical needs on the ground and coordinating the possible future dispatch of a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) team.

In addition to the assessment team, the Government of Japan also approved the provision of emergency relief goods to the affected population.

These supplies, which include tents and blankets, will be delivered through JICA.

Sri Lanka is grappling with one of its most severe flood crises in recent years, as the Disaster Management Center reports that 968,304 individuals from 266,114 families have been impacted across 25 districts as of 12:00 p.m. today (30).

The situation has claimed 193 lives, with 228 people still missing, and forced thousands into temporary shelters.

The worst-hit districts include Gampaha (211,719 people), Colombo (174,255), and Puttalam (135,922), where floodwaters have inundated homes and disrupted transportation.

Polonnaruwa and Kilinochchi have also reported significant damage, with thousands displaced.

Currently, 1,094 safety centers are operational, sheltering 41,005 families (147,931 people). Emergency teams, including the Sri Lanka Air Force, are conducting rescue missions and delivering essential supplies to isolated communities.

The Department of Examinations has announced that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination, along with all other examinations scheduled to be held, has been postponed indefinitely.

The decision has been taken in view of the prevailing disaster situation in the country, Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Liyanage stated.

The Commissioner further noted that, due to ongoing power outages and communication difficulties, the department has been receiving a high volume of inquiries regarding the examinations.

Accordingly, the decision has been re-announced for public awareness.