Sri Lanka is now facing one of its most disruptive weather emergencies in recent years, as relentless rainfall, rising floodwaters, repeated landslides and a strengthening cyclonic system throw daily life into chaos across the country.
A persistent low-pressure system continues to sit over the island, feeding on moisture-heavy winds from surrounding sea areas. The ground in many districts — especially the Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa regions — is fully saturated, making slopes dangerously unstable. Reservoirs, already near capacity, are edging towards overflow.
This consolidated all-in-one live report brings together every major update from across Sri Lanka, offering the clearest picture yet of how the crisis is evolving hour by hour.
Top Headlines at a Glance
- 47 deaths recorded nationwide since November 17.
- Cyclonic storm ‘Ditwah’ forms near Sri Lanka.
- Multiple districts under landslide red-alerts.
- Government offices, international schools and preschools closed.
- Budget debate suspended.
- Major roads and rail lines shut due to flooding and landslides.
- Air Force rescues trapped families by helicopter.
- 600,000+ acres of crops destroyed — food prices to rise.
Countrywide Disruption: Offices, Schools and Exams Halted
In a rare move, the government declared November 28 a special holiday for all public offices, citing the inability to maintain normal operations.
International schools and all early-childhood centres have also been ordered to close, following mounting safety concerns.
Meanwhile, the crucial A/L examinations have been postponed, affecting thousands of students.
Rising Death Toll & Expanding Disaster Zones
The human cost continues to climb:
- 47 lives lost in floods, landslides and collapsing structures.
- Badulla alone recorded 11 deaths from major landslides.
- Emergency teams warn that the number of missing persons remains uncertain as some remote areas remain inaccessible.
- Kandy has been placed under a full emergency disaster situation, after recording nearly 180 mm of rainfall and facing heightened landslide risk.
Weather System Intensifies: Cyclone ‘Ditwah’ Forms
The deep depression in the Bay of Bengal has now strengthened into Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, named after Yemen’s Detwah Lagoon.
This system threatens to bring:
- Continuous rainfall exceeding 200 mm in several districts.
- More flash floods, reservoir overflows and slope failures.
- Dangerous sea conditions and reduced visibility.
- Meteorologists warn the system is still evolving — meaning the worst could extend over several more days.
- Infrastructure Strained: Roads, Tracks, Bridges Failing
- Travel across Sri Lanka has become treacherous:
- Colombo–Kandy Road remains closed indefinitely.
- Kandy–Nuwara Eliya road blocked at Gerandi Ella.
- Polonnaruwa–Batticaloa route shut due to unstable ground.
- The Bentota Old Bridge’s right side collapsed, prompting a full closure.
- Upcountry and Eastern railway lines face severe delays or full suspension.
At least 75 key roads have sustained heavy damage, slowing down relief convoys and isolating communities.
Air Force & Ground Teams Conduct High-Risk Rescues
Among the dramatic rescue efforts today:
A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter rescued three people trapped on a rooftop in Ella, Mahawa.
In Kumbukkana, 23 bus passengers were saved after their vehicle was engulfed by rapidly rising waters.
Security forces, local authorities and volunteers continue to work under hazardous conditions, often navigating unstable slopes.
Reservoirs Reaching Limits — Flash Flood Warnings
Senanayake Samudra has reached full capacity, triggering a flood warning for downstream areas.
The Maduru Oya Basin flood warning has been extended by 48 hours.
Communities downstream of major reservoirs are urged to prepare for sudden water releases.
Economic Impact: Agriculture Suffers Massive Losses
Preliminary estimates indicate that over 600,000 acres of crops — especially paddy and vegetables — have been destroyed.
Economists warn that this will:
- Push vegetable prices sharply upward.
- Restrict supply of key staples.
- Increase pressure on household budgets already strained by inflation.
Government Response
- The President has ordered Rs. 1 million compensation per disaster victim.
- MPs have been asked to accelerate relief distribution.
- Budget debate postponed for two days to prioritise emergency response.
- Consumer groups are urging ministers to donate one month’s salary to disaster-hit families.
- National Parks are temporarily closed to protect wildlife and visitors.
What This Means for the Public — Critical Safety Guidance
Avoid all non-essential travel.
Many roads are unstable, flooded or undergoing emergency repairs.
If you live in landslide-prone areas:
Stay alert for:
- Cracking sounds
- Sudden earth movement
- Tilting trees, fences or posts
Unusual water seepage
Keep evacuation bags ready.
Prepare emergency essentials:
Clean water, dry rations, medications, ID documents, chargers, torches, radios, first-aid kits.
Farmers and households:
Prepare for temporary shortages and price hikes in vegetables, rice and other staples.
Stay connected:
Follow updates from:
- Disaster Management Centre (117 hotline)
- Department of Meteorology
- NBRO (landslide alerts)
- CEB (CEBCare app for power failures)
- Local authorities
Final Word: Stay Alert, Stay Safe
With saturated ground, overflowing reservoirs and a strengthening cyclone nearby, this is not the moment for complacency. Sri Lanka is navigating a complex, overlapping emergency — one that demands vigilance, verified information and readiness to act quickly.
