Author: Buzzer Editorial

The Kaduwela exit of the Southern Expressway has been reportedly inundated, causing disruption to motorists travelling from the Kadawatha direction. Accordingly, the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development has advised motorists to use alternative routes.

The heavy rainfall currently affecting the Kalu Ganga basin, along with data analysis conducted by the Irrigation Department, indicates that a major flood situation is likely to occur within the next few hours.Accordingly, low-lying areas in the Ratnapura District, including Pelmadulla, Nivitigala, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Ayagama, and Elapatha, as well as the Kalutara District, covering the Kalutara, Ingiriya, Horana, Dodangoda, Millaniya, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Madurawala, and Angalawatte Divisional Secretariat Divisions, are expected to be affected.The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) urges residents, drivers, and passengers living in or traveling through these areas to exercise extreme caution.

Police Headquarters has announced that all leave and days off for police officers have been cancelled due to the adverse weather conditions affecting the island.This directive will remain in effect until November 30, Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F. U. Wootler stated.The Police Media Spokesperson further noted that if any officer is unable to report to the police station to which they are assigned due to the prevailing disaster situation, they must report for duty at the nearest police station.In case of emergencies, the public may contact the following hotline numbers: 117, 119, 1990 Suwaseriya, 110 Fire…

A bus carrying around 70 passengers, which became stranded on the Kalawewa Bridge along the Anuradhapura–Puttalam road, is reportedly facing rising floodwaters, reaching the waist level of passengers onboard. A passenger inside the bus told Ada Derana that six people have been rescued so far by a Navy boat.“No one has come… I called everywhere for about one and a half hours,” the passenger added.Member of Parliament Ajith P. Perera informed Parliament today (28) that the bus has been stuck at the location for approximately one and a half hours.

The Department of Meteorology announced that the deep depression which had formed near the Sri Lankan coast in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclone a short time ago today (27). The cyclone has been named “Ditwa”.The name was suggested by Yemen and refers to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island, known for its distinct coastal ecosystem. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the UN ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones follow a pre-approved list of names contributed by member countries. “Ditwah” represents Yemen’s coastline and marine heritage within this shared naming system.Earlier, the Meteorology Department said the depression…

HIV infections in Sri Lanka have increased despite a decline in cases globally, according to data released by the National STD/AIDS Control Programme.Venereologist Dr. Vino Dharmakulasinghe made this revelation during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau to announce the programmes organized in view of World AIDS Day, which falls on December 1.Dr. Dharmakulasinghe further said that the increase in HIV infections is particularly evident among young adults between the ages of 20 and 24 in Sri Lanka.Commenting further, she stated,“This year’s World HIV Day theme is ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.’ According to current estimated data,…

The number of deaths reported owing to adverse weather conditions across the country since November 17 has increased to 31, the Disaster Management Centre said. A further 10 persons have sustained injuries while 14 persons are reported missing. Over 4,000 persons have also been affected owing to heavy rains, flooding and gusty winds across the country.

Train services along the upcountry line have been restricted owing to the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Department of Railways said. It is reported that an earthslip has occurred between Great Western and Watagoda stations on the upcountry railway line due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.Accordingly, measures have been taken to operate trains on the upcountry line only between Colombo and Hatton.It has also been further informed that the night mail train to Badulla, which was scheduled to run today (27), will run only up to the Nawalapitiya station.Meanwhile, train services between Kandy and Matale have also been disrupted.Train services…

The Kandy-Mahiyanganaya main road has been temporarily closed for vehicular traffic between Medamahanuwara and Hasalaka until further notice, the Kandy District Secretary has announced.The decision has been taken considering the prevailing adverse conditions.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to chair a special meeting within the Parliament complex to discuss the prevailing disaster situation in the country.Leader of the House Minister Bimal Ratnayake confirmed that the President has invited all Members of Parliament from affected districts for the discussion.In response to a question raised in Parliament by the Chief Opposition Whip Member of Parliament Gayantha Karunathilleka, regarding the measures taken by the government in response to the disaster situation in the country, Speaker of House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne and Minister Bimal Ratnayake provided the update.He further stated that by this afternoon, the Minister…