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Cyclone Ditwah has rapidly transformed into the most severe political and administrative crisis facing President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s JVP-led NPP Government, as public anger rises sharply over mounting deaths and what many describe as glaring failures in disaster preparedness.With 153 confirmed dead and 191 missing, the storm’s aftermath has touched almost every district, leaving the Government scrambling to defend itself against accusations of ignoring expert warnings and allowing systemic lapses that worsened the tragedy.

The most politically damaging revelation concerns early alerts. The Department of Meteorology had reportedly flagged Ditwah’s escalation as early as 12 November, urging immediate activation of a coordinated disaster-response mechanism.

 Instead of mobilising state machinery, authorities assumed the cyclone would follow the trajectory of previous storms an assumption now castigated as fatal. Critics have compared this lapse to the 2019 Easter Sunday intelligence failure, where warnings were available but insufficiently acted upon.

When rains intensified by 27 November, the situation further deteriorated. The Government’s sudden decision to declare a nationwide public-sector holiday on 28 November, without clearly defining essential services, created administrative paralysis at the worst possible moment.

Thousands of distressed residents rushed to divisional secretariats and grama niladhari offices seeking emergency assistance, only to discover shuttered offices or absent officials.

Some Divisional Secretaries even refused emergency procurements fearful of corruption allegations while being technically “on leave”resulting in delayed evacuations in several heavily affected localities.

Initial internal estimates compiled by the Treasury and provincial administrations suggest an economic blow in the range of LKR 120–300 billion, depending on the accuracy of district-level assessments now underway.

 These figures were alluded to indirectly by senior UNP figure Vajira Abeywardena, who warned that mismanaging the crisis could “set the economy back by years.”

The agricultural sector is among the hardest hit. More than 35,000 hectares of vegetables, paddy, and smallholder cash crops across Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Southern provinces have been severely damaged translating into LKR 20–40 billion in direct losses. Economists caution that this could trigger renewed pressure on food inflation in the coming months. The fisheries sector reports losses exceeding LKR 10–15 billion, with damaged boats, disrupted landing sites, and destroyed cold-chain infrastructure crippling coastal livelihoods.

Tourism already fragile is now absorbing further shocks, with over 70 hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in river-valley and hill-country corridors reporting structural damage, cancellations, and supply chain disruptions.

Housing and public infrastructure have sustained heavy destruction. Rough field assessments indicate 14,000-18,000 homes fully or partially damaged. Rural bridges, culverts, feeder roads, and irrigation canals have taken a severe hit, with engineering units estimating a LKR 40–60 billion reconstruction requirement.

Analysts project the cumulative economic toll-including agricultural losses, reconstruction costs, supply disruptions, and service-sector shocks-could reach LKR 300 billion at the upper range.

In the vacuum created by slow official action, ordinary citizens stepped up. Community kitchens emerged overnight, doctors provided free online consultations, and volunteers used private vehicles to rescue stranded families. Yet the conspicuous absence of the JVP’s traditionally active Red Star volunteer force drew public criticism and discomfort within the NPP leadership.

Communication missteps worsened tensions. Tamil-language disaster alerts were issued far too late, leaving affected communities feeling neglected by a government that had pledged equality and modernised state communication.

Only by midday on 29 November, under intense pressure, did the President declare a state of emergency and restore essential services via Gazette.

Beyond the politics, the material damage is staggering: devastated paddy fields, ruined agricultural land, damaged telecom towers, severed road networks, collapsed bridges, affected hotels, and even industrial losses including a major apparel facility in Thulhiriya.

With Sri Lanka already carrying Rs. 30.93 trillion in public debt, the reconstruction burden could force the Government to seek urgent external assistance.

Opposition parties have moved quickly. The UNP highlights its own past disaster-management record, while SJB leader Sajith Premadasa has appealed to the IMF to relax certain programme conditions in light of the “national calamity.”

As waters recede, the Government faces its most difficult task: rebuilding public trust. Cyclone Ditwah has exposed serious weaknesses in institutional coordination and crisis governance. To recover politically and economically the NPP Government will require transparency, rapid action, and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes, qualities the public now demands more strongly than ever.

Three women who became stranded on the Malwathu Oya Railway Bridge in Anuradhapura have been successfully rescued in an aerial mission conducted by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The operation was carried out using a Bell 412 helicopter from the SLAF’s No. 4 Squadron, which airlifted the women from the bridge and transferred them to the Anuradhapura Air Force Base for their safety. Authorities confirmed that the rescue was completed without complications.

The Nepali government on Sunday announced financial aid of 200,000 U.S. dollars for Sri Lanka to support relief and recovery efforts for people badly affected by recent floods.

Heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah in the past few days have resulted in the deaths of at least 334 people, with 370 still missing, as the island nation grapples with one of its worst weather-related disasters in years, according to the Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Sri Lanka.

While announcing the assistance package, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its “profound sorrow and deepest sympathies” to the government and people of Sri Lanka over the devastating floods that caused extensive loss of life and widespread damage across the South Asian island nation.

“In the spirit of close bilateral relations, Nepal stands firmly with Sri Lanka in this difficult time,” the statement reads. “The Government of Nepal offers its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a swift and complete recovery of the injured.”

( Source: adaderana.lk)

Police have confirmed that a landslide in the Monroviyawatte area of Thulhiriya, Warakapola, has left at least 21 people missing.

Authorities have initiated a search and rescue operation to find the individuals who disappeared following the incident. Emergency teams are currently working in the area to assist affected residents and gather further details about the situation.

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has issued a heartfelt statement recognising the bravery of the pilot who lost his life while conducting rescue and relief work for flood-affected communities near Lunuwila in Wennappuwa.

The tragedy occurred yesterday (30) when a Bell-212 helicopter engaged in distributing food and emergency items attempted to make an emergency landing close to the Lunuwila Bridge. According to the SLAF, the presence of people gathered on the bridge caused instability in the area, contributing to the mishap as the crew tried to land safely.

The co-pilot and three other SLAF personnel on board survived the crash and are being treated at the Marawila Hospital.

Despite intensive medical efforts, the pilot—Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya—succumbed to his injuries. The SLAF noted that he was a seasoned aviator with more than 3,000 flying hours and an exemplary record of service.

Following directives from Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, a board of inquiry has been appointed, and an official investigation into the incident is now underway.

Floods and landslides, people trapped on rooftops, vehicles submerged, residents without electricity or unable to cry out for help, cyclonic winds and endless rain thwarting rescue and relief operations. This is Sri Lanka today, facing a devastating natural calamity, one of the worst in decades. True to character, the entire country, especially ordinary folk, have responded admirably.

Each and every one of us have demonstrated yet again our enormous resources of resilience. And our almost genetically engraved trait to reach out to and support those in dire need of help. We have always stood shoulder to shoulder without hesitation, putting aside all differences, political or otherwise. We are doing this even as I write.

While diplomatic missions based in Colombo have expressed their solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s government during this challenging time, there’s still a lot that our friends abroad can do. Led by the President, government officials, volunteers and countless ordinary citizens are working tirelessly. They are often risking their lives to rescue the stranded, comfort the grieving and deliver urgent essentials to those who have lost everything. This unity is the strength of our nation.

This compassion is the soul of our people. And yet, it must be acknowledged that when the scale of this disaster is so enormous even the strongest nations sometimes need the hand of a friend. Sri Lanka needs the support of all her friends.

It is in this spirit, with humility but also with dignity, that I appeal to our friends overseas, neighbouring countries, humanitarian agencies, corporates and well-wishers around the world to stand with Sri Lanka at this difficult time. Your support, whether through relief supplies, medical aid, logistical assistance, or financial contributions, will directly help families who are suffering and accelerate the country’s recovery. Sri Lanka has had its share of calamities, natural and otherwise.

And yet, the island nation has always come through with its signature smile that says so much about our courage, grace and equanimity. We treat strangers like family. We rush to help the unfortunate and distressed with no thought of reward or cost. Today, we hope the world will extend that same hand to us. Every act of compassion, however small, restores hope. Every act of solidarity strengthens resolve. Every gesture of friendship helps rebuild devastated lives. To those who have already reached out with support and concern, thank you! To those who wish to help this is the moment your compassion will truly matter.

Krishantha Prasad Cooray

The Department of Meteorology reports that the Deep Depression positioned near latitude 12.3°N and longitude 80.6°E—approximately 300 km north-northeast of Kankasanthurai—is gradually moving northward, away from Sri Lanka, and is expected to weaken over time.

As the system shifts, intermittent showers are forecast in the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, as well as in the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts.

The Met Department further notes that isolated showers or thunderstorms could develop in parts of the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa and Ampara districts after 2 p.m.

Authorities urge the public to exercise caution, particularly regarding sudden strong winds and lightning associated with evening thundershowers.

Sri Lanka’s external sector delivered a mixed and increasingly complex picture in October 2025, underscoring the delicate balance the new NPP government must maintain as it navigates the post-crisis recovery phase.

While some key indicators show continued resilience, the latest Central Bank data reveals emerging pressure points that could test the administration’s economic governance strategy in the months ahead.

The country recorded a current account deficit for the second consecutive month, reversing the earlier trend of steady monthly surpluses.

Yet, cumulatively, the first ten months of 2025 still reflect a US$1.7 billion surplus, indicating that gains from earlier stabilisation measures continue to cushion the economy.

The NPP government has highlighted this surplus as proof of improved fiscal discipline and strengthened governance, but analysts caution that the underlying structural vulnerabilities remain far from resolved.

A primary concern is the widening merchandise trade deficit, driven largely by a surge in imports. Most notable is the dramatic spike in vehicle imports, which reached US$261 million in October alone, pushing cumulative imports for the year to US$1.46 billion.

After years of restrictions, the reopening of imports has released pent-up demand, but without a parallel increase in export earnings, this trend risks re-inflating external imbalances.

Further adding to the challenge, Sri Lanka’s terms of trade deteriorated in October, with import prices rising faster than export prices. This shift increases pressure on the rupee and potentially deepens the trade deficit if left unaddressed.

However, the services sector continued to provide crucial support. Tourism arrivals increased on both a monthly and annual basis, boosting earnings, which rose 4.9% cumulatively over the first ten months of the year.

 Meanwhile, workers’ remittances recorded their highest monthly inflow since December 2020, bringing the year-to-date increase to 20.1%. These inflows remain essential pillars of foreign exchange stability and household financial security.

Foreign investment patterns revealed a mixed sentiment: while government securities attracted net inflows, the Colombo Stock Exchange experienced net outflows, signalling cautious investor behaviour despite the political transition.

By end-October, gross official reserves stood at US$6.2 billion, inclusive of the PBOC swap facility. Although this level is broadly stable, it remains insufficient to fully insulate the country from future external shocks. The rupee’s 5% depreciation by end-November reflects lingering currency pressures.

For the NPP government, October’s performance is a reminder of both progress and persistent risk. Governance reforms and tighter fiscal controls have enhanced credibility, but the widening trade deficit and deteriorating terms of trade highlight the urgent need for an export-led strategy. Without decisive action, Sri Lanka risks drifting back toward pre-crisis vulnerabilities.

The death toll of Cyclone Ditwah is 193 and counting. Hundreds more have gone missing. Tens of thousands have been rendered homeless. People have lost their lives. Thousands mourn the loss of friends and families. And an entire population grieves and wonders when and how livelihoods will be restored, the displaced provided alternative housing. They wonder how long food, medical, power and communications infrastructure will remain disrupted. This is not the first tragedy that has struck Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has known floods, droughts, landslides although none of it in the scales unleashed by Cyclone Ditwah. Sri Lanka was hit hard by the tsunami of 2004. This time it is a freshwater tsunami engulfing the entire country. What is unique about this disaster is that not a single district has been spared. Sri Lanka has lived through a devastating war that lasted 30 years. Through it all, as a nation, Sri Lanka survived and this is mostly thanks to a remarkable determination to come together to help one another. Volunteerism is truly extraordinary. Generosity and solidarity have seen us through many terrible times.

Wijerama Community Kitchen

This is clearly evident even today. Ordinary citizens, as individuals or in groups, have stepped forward to do their utmost and ensure that no one goes hungry, no one suffers without water and indeed no one is left without shelter. They work together and in conjunction with relevant state institutions and officials. They are tireless. They epitomise the resilience of the island nation.

Nevertheless, the tragedy is of such monumental proportions that it is clear that their efforts alone will not bring back normalcy. We simply cannot do it alone. Sri Lanka is a small island nation and one that has been struggling to get its economy back on track after an unprecedented collapse a few years ago. However, despite Sri Lanka's own trials and tribulations, Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans have always done their best to help friendly nations whenever they were in distress. Today, we are in desperate need of empathy, kindness and support. The victims have suffered unimaginably. We cannot abandon them. We strongly believe that the international community will not forsake us in this, the hour of our greatest tragedy in recent times. There are, or will be shortages of food, medicine, shelter and essential supplies. Sanitation and fresh water supplies will need to be restored. Communication lines will need to be urgently repaired and upgraded.

Looking a little further into the future, it is inescapable that more permanent repairs related to this disaster including restoration of infrastructure, relocating people and rebuilding lives offers a challenge that is formidable and will obviously come at a high cost, one that Sri Lanka will struggle to bear as we are just climbing out of another economic crisis. I call upon our donors and international partners to extend their patience and compassion in the weeks and months to come. The government will need the support and fiscal headroom to look after its people and rebuild their infrastructure even as we continue to honor our obligations. You can help and we sincerely hope you will. As for my fellow Sri Lankans, especially elected representatives of all parties, past and present, be there with your people. We are blessed to have a president of impeccable integrity who is leading the recovery and has the humility to accept your help with gratitude. Do whatever you can for your friends near and far. Support the Divisional Secretaries and others are doing their utmost to provide relief. In short, do what you can to help galvanize and coordinate aid to those who need it the most. Sri Lanka has been through a lot, but we have always prevailed when history wrote us off. No war, no tsunami, no default, no flood or no terror attack or coup has ever or will ever change that.

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray

Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed as the Commissioner General of Essential Services, the President’s Media Division announced.

The appointment has been made under the powers vested in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake through the Emergency (Various Provisions and Powers) Regulations No. 11(1) issued under Emergency Regulations No. 1 of 2025.

As Commissioner General, Chandrakeerthi will be responsible for implementing and coordinating all activities related to the provision and maintenance of essential services across the country.

He currently serves as the Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure.

From NOW....

Leaving aside the blowing up and exaggerations web media do in creating panic and all media forgetting North-East, rational reading of weather reporting indicate,

1. a definite reduction in cyclonic threats from early morning today (29 Nov)
2. down river low lying areas, especially in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara will have flooding and people will have to move out
3. Government should also be ready to provide safe places and necessities
4. lack of focus on North - East damages are too apparent, needs to be immediately attended to.

Expect media to be rational and non-speculative too.

Kusal

2025 Nov.29/09.15 am