<ul><li>Dep. Min. T.B. Sarath says people now understand perils of building/construction activities in hazardous areas&nbsp;</li><li>NBRO issuing pre-return inspection-based recomms. per DSs priority lists&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul> The Housing, Construction and Water Supply Ministry is preparing to engage the general public in discussions regarding the permanent relocation of individuals from hazardous areas officially identified as risky by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).Deputy Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister, T.B. Sarath told The Daily Morning that the recent disaster of a cyclone and related floods and landslides, which has wrought widespread havoc, both on a human and material scale, has brought about a grave realisation of the situation’s gravity and severity in the mind of the public. "With that realisation, the Government is going to discuss with the public not to return to the risky areas," he stated, adding the authorities are in the process of identifying alternative locations for relocation.This initiative follows urgent warnings from scientists from the NBRO. On Monday (01), a senior scientist at the NBRO, Dr. Wasantha Senadeera stressed that residents from highly vulnerable zones - particularly those now residing in temporary safe locations - must remain in place until officials provide clear guidance and confirm safety for return. He appealed to those who previously lived in severely unsafe conditions and locations to continue staying at the evacuation centres and safe shelters.The NBRO meanwhile confirmed that it is actively issuing recommendations for areas damaged by floods and landslides, based on a priority list from the relevant District Secretaries (DSs). Speaking to The Daily Morning, Dr. Senadeera elaborated on the current efforts: "By this time, all our officers of the NBRO are actively working in the affected areas.’’ He also noted specific guidance for displaced residents. He pointed out that people who left their homes purely on suspicion of a landslide - without signs of visible cracks or related evidence - can safely return as the risk gradually decreases. However, he issued a stern warning to those who have observed clear signs of cracking or severe signs of potential landslides, advising them not to return. This caution is based on Meteorological Department predictions of expected rainfall in the coming days. Dr. Senadeera warned that if these already-compromised areas receive rainfall of 100 millilitres or more, the locations could once again become extremely dangerous.

Relocating from hazards: Housing Ministry. to discuss with enlightened public 

&nbsp;<ul><li>387,964 domestic water supply connections including in Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam yet to be restored, may take several days to fully restore all systems, public urged to use sparingly, no impact on water quality&nbsp;</li></ul> With the ongoing flood situation in several parts of the country, there is a potential risk of an outbreak of infectious diseases in the coming days, the Public Health Inspector’s (PHI) Union has warned. The Union Secretary, Chamil Muthukuda noted that there is a serious risk of the spread of dengue, chikungunya and leptospirosis. “Due to the recent emergency disaster situation that affected the country, we in the health sector expect a possible risk of severe communicable diseases spreading in the coming days. Accordingly, there is a high risk of the spread of dengue, chikungunya, and leptospirosis. We also expect some increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) conditions. Especially, the treatment of patients who receive care for diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer has now become disrupted. Their medication may have been lost due to the disaster situation. Therefore, we are paying special attention to these patients.”Meanwhile, a total of 156 out of 343 water pumping stations schemes across the country suffered partial or complete damage due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has confirmed. The NWSDB Chairperson, Chandana Bandara stated that 126 of the damaged stations have already been restored. Around 30 additional pumping stations are currently undergoing repairs. The Meewathura water pumping station was expected to be operational within the course of yesterday (03). Commissioning this station would allow for the water supply to Pilimathalawa and Geli Oya. The supply of water to Kandy City has commenced. Although the supply to the City limits will initially be provided at partial capacity, arrangements have been made to ensure a full water supply to the Kandy National and Peradeniya Teaching Hospitals. Restoration work has also commenced at the Katugastota water pumping station, and the NWSDB expects a 100% water supply once the remaining inoperative stations are repaired in the coming days. Additionally, the NWSDB is coordinating with the Road Development Authority and the other relevant authorities to facilitate faster restoration in areas where access to damaged stations has been disrupted due to road blockages or flooding. Out of a total number of 2,947,833 domestic water supply connections across the island, a substantial portion was damaged owing to the disaster situation, and 387,964 connections that were disrupted due to landslides and flooding in recent days have not been restored thus far, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi said in a statement. The Districts that are most affected by the loss of water connections that are yet to be restored are: Kandy - 66.8%, Kegalle - 75.09%, Kurunegala - 41.34%, and Puttalam - 52.82%.Moreover, the general public has been urged to use water sparingly, as some water supply systems in Kandy, Puttalam, Kurunegala and several areas are not operating at full capacity. Adverse weather conditions across the country have disrupted the operations of several water supply systems nationwide. Retired NWSDB staff have voluntarily come forward to assist in these efforts. Due to flooding, road blockages, damage to water pipes, power outages, the submersion of water intake points and damage to electrical and mechanical equipment, it may take several days to fully restore all water supply systems to normal operation. However, all water supply schemes in the Western Province are now operating at full capacity.The quality of the water has not been affected in any way despite the disaster situation in the country, the NWSDB stated.Bandara claimed that an uninterrupted water supply has been assured to 13 of the 22 Districts affected by the disaster.

PHIs warn: Communicable diseases, NCD conditions outbreak 

The North-East (N-E) monsoon condition is expected to gradually establish over the island during the next few days, the Meteorology Department stated. Due to its impact, rainy conditions over the island, particularly in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central Provinces are expected to be enhanced from today (04).Meanwhile, the general public has been requested to be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the Department in this regard.

N-E monsoon from today  

Island-wide: Don’t visit Anuradhapura today for religious activities 

<ul><li>Draws criticism from HR activists about the suppression of criticism&nbsp;</li><li>CID probing 57 complaints of misleading/false/malicious rumours/statements aimed at disrupting public confidence and undermining emergency ops.</li><li>Summonses issued, eventual arrestees to be treated as accused – not suspects - under law&nbsp;</li></ul> The Public Security Ministry has informed Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Police stations to strictly enforce the Emergency Regulations (ERs) issued by the President and to take action against those spreading baseless allegations on social media as part of defamatory campaigns, including those targeting the President and several political authorities and figures such as Government Ministers.The Deputy Public Security Minister, attorney Sunil Watagala said this during a meeting with OICs, where he warned that online smear campaigns including extremely malicious attacks on social media had intensified in recent days and could become normalised if left unchecked.&nbsp;However, the move drew criticism from Human Rights activists and Opposition members of parliament.&nbsp;He added that it is important for the Police to take firm action and not allow anyone to exploit the situation for personal political gain. “Right now, everyone is working together to overcome this crisis, regardless of political differences. But, there are groups that cannot accept that unity. They are looking for ways to break it, and they are the ones trying to use this moment for narrow political advantage.”He said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had imposed ERs under the Public Security Act on 28 November of this year (2025), by Gazette 2464/31, adding that these Regulations include provisions which cover propaganda that spreads false claims about the ongoing national crisis. He noted that such content, whether shared physically, online, or through artificial intelligence (AI), falls under the scope of public security.“Currently, individuals who are abroad are especially using social media for this. If this continues for another day or two, under Section 5 of the said Act, the orders issued by the President and ERs clearly cover this situation. Practically, no one is allowed to spread false information, distort facts, or conduct any propaganda that undermines this situation via online platforms or using AI technology. When you look at social media today, the attacks directed at the President are such that, as human beings, it is impossible to bear them. There is a group operating with distorted intentions and a warped mindset to destabilise the society. As a Government, we have set the highest and best standards for public security. Within such a context, these actions are aimed at manipulating public opinion. Therefore, we say that the country has a law, and that all citizens are bound to act according to it. Those who do not comply will face the strictest legal actions from us.”"Under these Regulations, High Courts or Magistrate’s Courts can impose a prison term of up to five years for those who engage in such acts. In some instances, offences may carry sentences of up to 10 years. Complaints have so far been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and summonses have been issued under the Criminal Procedure Code. Further legal action will follow once statements are recorded," he added. Watagala pointed out a key difference under the new Regulations, saying: "Those taken into custody under the Regulations imposed through the said Gazette are treated as accused rather than suspects. Under the ordinary law, we arrest suspects. This time, it is an accused who is arrested, and the case proceeds after the arrest.”The Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police and attorney F.U. Wootler declared that stern legal action will be taken against individuals circulating false or misleading information during the state of emergency currently in effect across Sri Lanka. In a statement, he said that the President has imposed a state of emergency to ensure the safety and welfare of all citizens, and that the Government is committed to maintaining essential services and public security during this period. He revealed that a special unit established by the CID has identified 57 instances of misleading rumours, false statements, and malicious content aimed at disrupting public confidence and undermining ongoing emergency operations. “It has now been observed by a special desk established by the CID that around 57 misleading rumours, and false and malicious statements have been made against the ongoing operations and commitments by this Government,” he said. Wootler emphasised that such actions constitute a serious offence under Section 20 of the Gazette Extraordinary, which prohibits the communication, publication, or dissemination of any false statement likely to cause public alarm or disorder.&nbsp;Meanwhile, former Human Rights Commission Member/Commissioner, attorney Ambika Sathkunanathan took to social media, questioning Watagala’s statement as a contradiction to the President’s statement that the ERs will not be misused by anyone. “(Watagala’s) statement shows the danger of declaring a state of Emergency and will be viewed by the Police as a license to arrest anyone criticising the Government. Contradicts the President’s statement,” she posted, adding, “The Government needs to stop being thin-skinned and stop taking offence at criticism.”

Social media political ‘defamation’:  Govt. calls on Police to use ERs 

<ul><li>Consume cooked food donations immediately&nbsp;</li></ul> Children under the age of 14 years with chronic illnesses, who are from flood affected areas, obtaining treatment for the same from State hospitals island-wide, can avail of a new treatment option provided for by the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Such children can contact the LRH’s Quality Management Unit and seek information regarding the medical assistance that they require for any chronic illness for which they obtain treatment from State hospitals, the Deputy LRH Director, Dr. Santhushitha Senapathi explained to The Daily Morning. This initiative has been introduced as a measure to prevent a massive and sudden influx of patients, which would impact child care service delivery. However, according to Dr. Senapathi, children who obtain treatment for such illnesses from private sector health institutions should first register at the LRH as one of its patients before they can avail of the said service.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Consultant Paediatrician at the LRH, Dr. Deepal Perera called for patients in disaster affected parts of the island to beware of the risk of the spread of dysentery and typhoid, and hence urged parents to ensure that their young drank boiled and cooled water or bottled water at the most. Also, children above 12 years of age who are exposed to floodwater should be given 200 milligrams of the prophylaxis Doxycycline once a week. He also warned against the possible spread of influenza and other viral infections. Medical specialists have also urged people in camps to consume food parcels that are donated to them as soon as they receive it rather than delaying consumption.&nbsp;

Health: LRH provides new child health option  

<ul><li>Badulla, Kandy, Col. and K’galle most affected&nbsp;</li></ul> The Litro Gas Lanka Company has confirmed&nbsp; the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is taking place to all parts of the island. Accordingly, the amount of gas cylinders supplied daily, which was 75,000 on an ordinary day, has been increased to 91,000, and steps have been taken to overcome the shortages that existed in the previous days, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services, B.K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi noted. However, due to delivery route blockages in 48 local areas across the Badulla, Kandy, Colombo and Kegalle Districts, the distribution of gas has been disrupted, he stated.&nbsp; He said that Litro Gas Lanka is prepared to promptly distribute gas cylinders as soon as the access blockages are restored.Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers had granted approval to award the procurement for the supply of 380,000 (plus/minus 20 per cent) metric tonnes (MT) of LPG for the 12-month period commencing in January of next year (2026) to Geo Gas Trading S.A. The decision has been taken based on recommendations of the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeal Board regarding the evaluated bids. Technological and financial bids were called to supply LPG for the Litro Gas Lanka for 2026 under the double cover procedure as per the provisions of the Procurement Guideline – last year (2024).&nbsp;Accordingly, five bidders submitted their bids, and two bids qualified for the financial bid evaluation after the technological evaluation.&nbsp;Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Minister, to award the procurement to Geo Gas Trading S.A. to supply 380,000 (+/- 20%) MT of LPG for the 12-month period starting from January 2026.

LPG cylinder distribution affected by rd. blockages 

<ul><li> Passengers who booked can reschedule via 1315/0703110506 for no extra charge&nbsp;</li></ul> Nearly 1,500 bus journeys operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) have been cancelled due to roadblocks caused by the disaster situation resulting from cyclone Ditwah.Meanwhile, the company responsible for seat reservations for SLTB buses stated that around 15,000 passengers had previously reserved seats on these cancelled buses. The company handling the seat reservation service confirmed that passengers who booked seats would be able to reschedule their reservations for any other preferred date.Passengers can contact via the 1315 hotline or 0703110506 to obtain an alternative date. No additional charges would be applied for rescheduling, the SLTB noted.At present, bus services to destinations such as Nuwara Eliya, Nawalapitiya, Route 87 to Jaffna, Walapane, Muttur and Bible remain suspended. However, services to other destinations have resumed, and seat reservations for those routes are available again, he added.

1,500 reserved SLTB bus journeys cancelled 

<ul><li>PM says recovery depends on acting strategically, keeping econ. stable and resilient, implementing the right policies, ensuring proper funds allocation, creating right investment environment/conditions&nbsp;</li></ul> Certain adjustments have to be made to next year’s (2026) Budget in order to respond to the present challenges, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.Attending the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit in Colombo, Dr. Amarasuriya said the country needs to act strategically in the face of the current situation. The Premier stressed that the recovery from the recent devastation depends on keeping the economy stable and resilient, and therefore, implementing the right policies and ensuring the proper allocation of funds, remain essential.Without creating the right environment and conditions for investment, Sri Lanka will not be able to rebuild or reach the long-term goals, Dr. Amarasuriya added further.

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PHIs warn: Communicable diseases, NCD conditions outbreak

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N-E monsoon from today

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LPG cylinder distribution affe ...

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1,500 reserved SLTB bus journe ...

2026 Budget: Need adjustments for disaster challenges

2026 Budget: Need adjustments ...

PHIs warn: Communicable diseases, NCD conditions outbreak

PHIs warn: Communicable diseas ...

N-E monsoon from today

N-E monsoon from today

Island-wide: Don’t visit Anuradhapura today for religious activities

Island-wide: Don’t visit Anura ...

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Health: LRH provides new child health option

Health: LRH provides new child ...

LPG cylinder distribution affected by rd. blockages

LPG cylinder distribution affe ...

1,500 reserved SLTB bus journeys cancelled

1,500 reserved SLTB bus journe ...

2026 Budget: Need adjustments for disaster challenges

2026 Budget: Need adjustments ...

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PHIs warn: Communicable diseases, NCD conditions outbreak

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N-E monsoon from today

N-E monsoon from today

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Island-wide: Don’t visit Anuradhapura today for religious activities

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Social media political ‘defamation’: Govt. calls on Police to use ERs ...

Social media political ‘defama ...

Health: LRH provides new child health option

Health: LRH provides new child ...

LPG cylinder distribution affected by rd. blockages

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