Category: Daily Financial Times

Daily contributions continue to flow into the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Yesterday, the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association and Pragathi Lanka International Ltd., made financial donations amounting to Rs. 10 million each to support the ongoing relief efforts.

On 30th November 2025 in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Army rescue boats transported villagers stranded near the Kelani River to safer locations. People boarded the boats carrying their essential items, hoping to escape the dangerous flood levels surrounding their homes/UNICEF/UNI908620/InceptChange

While the institutional architecture for early-warning and preparedness existed, proactive, structured early evacuation did not occur at the scale or speed required to limit loss of life or mitigate the worst outcomes of Cyclone Ditwah. The lack of major pre-emptive action warrants closer investigation.

It is the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that is responsible for early warnings of weather systems in the North Indian Ocean, which includes the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Both the IMD and Sri Lanka’s own Meteorological Department identified a strengthening low-pressure system near the island, forecast its intensification, and noted risks of heavy rainfall, rough seas and flooding from as early as 24 November. The IMD bulletin is publicly available on its website.

Statutory framework and bulletins

Sri Lanka’s statutory framework provides mechanisms for anticipatory deployment of resources under the Disaster Management Act. The system includes a national early-warning apparatus centred on the Department of Meteorology and the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), established protocols for inter-agency coordination, pre-identified evacuation centres, and published hazard maps for floods, landslides and storm surges.

Yet these tools did not translate into timely, population-level protective measures during the crucial 24-48 hour window between confirmation of a strengthening weather system and the onset of widespread flooding.

The IMD bulletin of 24 November noted the ‘likely formation of a low-pressure area over Comorin and adjoining areas of southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka. around 25 November.’ Its ‘Summary of dynamic and thermodynamic features’ likewise concluded that ‘a low-pressure area is likely to form over Comorin and adjoining Sri Lanka around 25 November.’ Under the section on ‘Probability of cyclogenesis,’ the report designated an ‘Intense Observation Period (IOP)’ for the Sri Lanka-Tamil Nadu coasts from 24 to 29 November. Although the bulletin did not yet predict a storm or guarantee a landfall, it formally flagged likely development near the island and placed the Sri Lankan coast under heightened monitoring, an early-warning alert under the regional system.

Flood-risk districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam, Kegalle and Badulla, together with the low-lying districts of the Eastern Province such as Batticaloa and Ampara, are well recognised within the disaster-management framework for recurrent flooding and, in central districts, frequent landslides. Local authorities in these areas have standing instructions to monitor hydrological triggers. Yet none of these districts appear to have issued early evacuation orders or begun staged relocation while conditions were still favourable and before rivers, reservoirs or lagoons began to spill.

Bi-lingual public communication

The lag was also evident in public communication. Although national-level warnings were issued, residents in several of the worst-affected localities reported receiving no hyper-local alerts, no loudspeaker announcements, no coordinated SMS warnings and no door to door mobilisation. In predominantly Tamil speaking districts, community accounts and media reporting indicate that early official warnings were either not disseminated in Tamil across all platforms, reducing their effectiveness for at-risk populations. Many households only realised the severity of the situation once water entered their homes or slope failures had already begun. This breakdown in ‘last-mile’ communication is critical because Sri Lanka’s disaster-management model depends on district and divisional authorities activating community-level early-warning chains, particularly during rapid onset flooding.

Structural preparedness was similarly weak. Evacuation centres existed on paper but were inconsistently resourced, and their activation lagged behind the unfolding pattern of destruction. In Puttalam, Badulla and Kegalle, districts that ultimately recorded large numbers of displaced persons, safety centres began receiving significant inflows only after flooding and landslides were already causing casualties. In several locations, subsequent assessments found that communities had never rehearsed evacuation drills despite being situated in repeatedly affected basins. According to post-event reporting, some local officials hesitated to order evacuations until receiving central clearance, reflecting persistent ambiguity over authority and responsibility under the Disaster Management Act.

The critical issue is how early warnings translated into on-the-ground deployment. During the 25-27 November window, technical warnings on rainfall and river levels were issued, but there is no corresponding evidence of large-scale, pre-emptive evacuation from well-known high-risk locations

By the morning of 25 November, IMD’s National Bulletin reported that a low-pressure area had formed over the Comorin region and the southwest Bay, including Sri Lanka, and was ‘very likely’ to become a well-marked low within 24 hours and a depression thereafter. It warned of rough to very rough seas along and off the Sri Lankan coast from 27-30 November and advised fishermen not to venture out. Special Tropical Weather Outlooks issued the same day indicated that most models showed a low or well-marked low near Sri Lanka, predicted intensification to a depression within 24 hours, and stated that the system would skirt the island and strengthen over the next 72 hours.

On 26 November, Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 1 was formally addressed ‘TO: STORM WARNING CENTRE, COLOMBO (SRI LANKA).’ It identified a ‘well-marked low-pressure area’ near southeast Sri Lanka and assessed that it was very likely to intensify into a depression within 24 hours while moving north-northwestward. An accompanying Tropical Cyclone Forecast Program (TCFP) report kept Sri Lanka within the Intense Observation Period and reiterated high confidence in further intensification. At this point, Sri Lankan authorities had been explicitly informed that a well-marked low was present near the island and was expected to strengthen while moving along or near its coast.

From the night of the 26 into 27 November, the DMC issued flood warnings for key river basins; including Deduru Oya, the Kelani and Badulu Oya; alongside water-level updates. Between 28 and 30 November, Met Department bulletins explicitly referred to ‘cyclonic storm Ditwah in the vicinity of Sri Lanka,’ and DMC situation reports began labelling ‘affected flood areas: Cyclone Ditwah.’ Taken together, these records show that national agencies recognised and communicated the evolution from a low-pressure system to a significant storm affecting the island.

Absence of major pre-emptive action

The critical issue is how early warnings translated into on-the-ground deployment. During the 25-27 November window, technical warnings on rainfall and river levels were issued, but there is no corresponding evidence of large-scale, pre-emptive evacuation from well-known high-risk locations.

Under the Disaster Management Act, the state is required to address ‘impending disasters’ as well as ongoing ones, operate an effective early-warning dissemination system and take preventive steps under the National Disaster Management Plan. Read against IMD’s alerts from 24-26 November and Sri Lanka’s own bulletins, the record suggests that the forecasting and legal architecture was in place and that warnings were issued. What did not occur with comparable speed was the systematic conversion of this warning lead-time into early, pre-impact evacuation and protection for at-risk communities.

This absence of major pre-emptive action warrants close examination. This is not a criticism directed solely at the NPP Government; rather, it reflects long-standing structural weaknesses across many state institutions. Decades of underfunding, institutional inertia, unclear lines of authority and a lack of sustained strategic direction have left critical agencies without the capacity or agility required for rapid anticipatory action. Ditwah exposed these systemic deficiencies, and many of the poorest Sri Lankans paid the price.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement officers arrested Sumith Gunasekera, a criminal illegal alien sex offender from Sri Lanka, in Detroit on 12 November 2025. During processing, Gunasekera claimed to be employed as an associate professor for Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan.

Gunasekera’s criminal history includes:

On 28 August 1998, Gunasekera was arrested by the Peel Regional Police in Brampton, Ontario for uttering death threats. He was arrested again just three days later again for invitation to sexual touching and sexual interference. Gunasekera admitted to officers that this charge was related to a minor.

On 12 November 1998, a criminal court in Brampton, Ontario convicted Gunasekera for utter threat to cause death or bodily harm and sexual interference and sentenced him to 1 month of incarceration and 1 year of probation.

On 25 September 2003, the Metropolitan Police Department in Las Vegas arrested Gunasekera for open and gross lewdness.

On 16 January 2004, the Las Vegas Justice Court convicted Gunasekera of disorderly conduct and sentenced him to fines.

‘It’s sickening that a sex offender was working as a professor on an American college campus and was given access to vulnerable students to potentially victimise them,’ said US Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. ‘Thanks to the brave ICE law enforcement officers, this sicko is behind bars and no longer able to prey on Americans. His days of exploiting the immigration system are OVER. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminals are not welcome in the US’.

Gunasekera entered the US in February 1998, left for Canada, and returned later that year on a student visa. It was later discovered, when he applied for a change of status with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2012, that he was convicted of crimes in Canada.

In response to the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah, the US has provided $ 2 million in emergency life-saving assistance for people in need in Sri Lanka, the US State Department said.

In a statement, it said that the US will also leverage the Department of War’s strategic airlift capabilities to support US Government disaster response efforts.

‘Representatives from the Department of State are working closely with the Sri Lankan Government and relief organisations to ensure that assistance is distributed efficiently and reaches the communities most affected by the disaster,’ the statement said.

‘We are committed to ongoing coordination with the Government of Sri Lanka as it undertakes the critical work of recovery and reconstruction after Tropical Cyclone Ditwah. The US expresses its sincere condolences for the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.’

Cargills has once again extended its support to the people of Sri Lanka in a time of national hardship, stepping forward to assist families affected by the recent floods through its Heart for the Nation program.

As an immediate relief measure, Cargills has dispatched 10,000 dry-ration packs to the most severely impacted areas, ensuring that essential supplies reach the families who need them most. All distributions are being carried out in close coordination with government agencies and local authorities to ensure delivery to the hardest-hit communities.

Building on this initial effort, Cargills will soon open the initiative to its customers, giving the public the opportunity to join this worthy cause. Through this program, customers will be able to contribute towards the provision of essential food and hygiene items, which Cargills will distribute on behalf of the customer, using its extensive island-wide store network and logistics capabilities. This next phase aims to broaden the reach of relief efforts and bring hope to even more families during this critical period.

The Sri Lankan powerlifting delegation returned to the country after delivering one of their strongest-ever performances at the 2025 Pro League World Powerlifting Championship held at Pattaya, Thailand, securing a total of 21 medals – 16 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze.

The championship brought together top lifters from more than 20 countries, offering a highly competitive field across junior, open, and masters divisions.

This year’s group was also the largest Sri Lankan powerlifting delegation to compete at the Pro League World Championship, marking a significant milestone for the sport domestically and highlighting the depth of talent emerging nationwide.

A standout performance came from Hiruni Jayasinghe, who won Gold in the 48kg Open Powerlifting category and was awarded the Female Best Lifter Award, recognising her as one of the most dominant athletes in her division.

Another notable achievement was recorded by 13-year-old Akindu Fernando, who secured Gold in Powerlifting and Gold in Bench Press in the Teen 48kg category, underscoring the potential of Sri Lanka’s next generation of strength athletes.

The team’s medal-winning performance across multiple categories demonstrates significant progress in Sri Lanka’s powerlifting standards and highlights the sport’s growing reach among youth, women, and masters-level athletes.

The delegation, led by Head Coach Mothilal Jayathilake, noted that the results reflected the dedication of athletes competing across diverse weight classes and age groups.

Sri Lanka’s strong showing in Thailand further positions the country as an emerging contender in international strength sports, with athletes now looking ahead to future regional and global competitions.

The Colombo stock market yesterday fell sharply to the lowest point in two months, losing Rs. 143 billion in value from the previous close.

The ASPI was down 1.87%, or 414.98 points, to 21,826.59 and the active S and P SL20 fell 1.75%, or 107.13 points, to 6,030.66. Turnover was nearly Rs. 3.78 billion on over 171.2 million shares traded.

NDB Securities said the ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Melstacorp, and Commercial Bank.

High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Hemas Holdings, and Hatton National Bank.

Mixed interest was observed in Access Engineering, Colombo Dockyard, and Tokyo Cement Company, while retail interest was noted in SMB Leasing nonvoting, SMB Leasing, and Industrial Asphalts.

The Capital Goods sector was the top contributor to the market turnover, driven by John Keells Holdings, Access Engineering, Hemas Holdings, and Colombo Dockyard, with the sector index losing 1.51%.

The share price of John Keells Holdings decreased by Rs. 0.30 to close at Rs. 21.50 and Access Engineering ended down Rs. 1.30 at Rs. 71.30. Hemas Holdings gained Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 34.90, while Colombo Dockyard recorded a loss of Rs. 16 to end at Rs. 412.75.

The Banking sector was the second highest contributor to the market turnover due to Hatton National Bank, with the sector index decreasing by 1.72%. Hatton National Bank ended down Rs. 5.75 to close at Rs. 390.

First Capital Research attributed yesterday’s slide to adverse weather forecasts. It said the Colombo bourse recorded a sharp drop from the early start of the day’s session, driven by uncertainty surrounding weather forecasts that warn of persistent heavy rainfall in the days ahead.

Investor activity was muted, with both retail and HNW showing notably lower participation. CINS, MELS, COMB, SFCL, and BUKI emerged as the top negative contributors to yesterday’s bear-market performance.

The Capital Goods sector generated 38.6% of the day’s turnover, while the Banking and Materials sectors together accounted for 26.7%.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, posting a net outflow of Rs. 295.5 million.

One thing that is crystal clear in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah is that Sri Lanka’s public sector workers and members of the tri-forces and Police rise to the occasion when the country is in dire need for their services.

Those in the public service have diligently taken up the task of providing relief to those affected by the disaster while members of the Armed Forces are assisting people trapped in different places due to landslides and floods while also undertaking the grim tasks for recovering the remains of those who have lost their lives. The Sri Lanka Police has also stepped in to ensure law and order, particularly to ensure that the homes of the people displaced by the natural disaster are safeguarded while they are in shelters.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on the public officials and the Armed Forces and Police to ensure that those affected are given all the necessary funds.

Ironically it is the same President who not so long ago thought it fit to talk down to State sector officials at various gatherings asking those who can’t work according to the Government policies to quit.

As for the NPP Government’s attitude toward the members of the Armed Forces, it has been more indifferent than engaging. The President did not attend the National War Heroes Days commemoration in May this year and only made it at the last minute due to pressure from ex-servicemen organisations that backed the NPP in the last two elections. This is in sharp contrast to him going gung-ho over the commemoration of fallen JVP leaders last month.

After taking office, the NPP decided to do away with the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) saying it was no longer necessary and its duties will be handled by the Defence Ministry. The CDS was responsible for coordinating joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force coordinating much of the work connected to the vaccination program during the COVID-19 outbreak making it a highly successful operation. However, no one has been appointed to the post since its last incumbent General Shavendra Silva retired in December 2024. The Government would do well to rethink its decision not to appoint a CDS given that proper coordination between the to-force is vital at a time of a national calamity.

The Government is in the unenviable position of having to deal with the most unexpected situation. The NPP has been fortunate that those who ruled the country before 2024 December ensured that a 30 year long separatist was ended, a pandemic dealt with, and an economic crisis brought to a manageable level by the time President Dissanayake took power. What comes now is for the Government to manage.

Those in the NPP have been shouting from the rooftops, particularly during the past election campaigns about a 76-year-old curse. If one believes in curses, then it is possible for political opponents to turn around and say that the country could be facing worse curses from its 77th year onward. But logically speaking, natural calamities can happen anywhere, at any time and the country has to have a cohesive disaster management plan without waiting for the next one to strike and then rushing into ad hoc plans.

Climate change is causing havoc across the world and even in the best-case scenario the country has to expect similar disasters will take place and come up with a proper plan of action. But for now, the Government must focus on providing relief to those affected by the disaster and getting the infrastructure in place and stop its motherly treatment toward those working in the State services.

The Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) was the venue where Robin Smith, who died suddenly aged 62, made his first Test century overseas against the likes of spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Jayananda Warnaweera when England played a one-off Test against Sri Lanka in 1993.

Smith, the former South African-born England cricketer, was famous for being one of the world’s best batsmen in an era of fearsome fast bowling. England fans knew him mainly as a brutal slayer of fast bowlers, and three of his nine Test hundreds against the mighty West Indies was testimony to that fact. But he was also a better player of spin that some imagined, averaging 63 against India, 44 against Pakistan, and scoring 128 against Sri Lanka, opening the batting against Murali and Warnay on a SSC turner.

There were murmurs regarding the impartiality of Sri Lankan umpiring and the bowling action of Warnaweera and Muralitharan, but overall England had nothing and no one to blame but themselves for their five-wicket defeat.

England were given a substantial platform by Smith who scored his first century as a Test opener. In partnerships of 112 with Graeme Hick (68) and 122 with Alec Stewart (63), Smith played the anchor role to perfection batting for seven and a half hours and facing 338 balls (20 fours) – a tribute to his stamina as well as his skill. But after he was dismissed at 316-4 bowled by Muralitharan, the England innings simply folded – the last seven wickets falling for 64 runs.

With five of Sri Lanka’s top six batsmen making half-centuries, the home side gained a first innings lead of 89. England once again self-destructed to find themselves 96-5 against some penetrative off-spin bowling by Warnaweera, who took his match tally to eight wickets. Smith (35 bowled Sanath Jayasuriya), Mike Gatting, and Hick all got out when well set to careless strokes. England’s second innings score of 228 left Sri Lanka with 140 to chase. Although there was initial hiccup with Sri Lanka losing their first four wickets for 61, England found Hashan Tillakaratne’s broad bat an obstacle hard to dislodge. The left-hander followed his first innings 93* with 36* to steer his team to their first Test win against England.

Affectionately known as ‘the Judge’ because of his curly hair that resembled a wig, Smith played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4,236 runs at 43.7 with nine centuries, and was described as Hampshire cricket’s ‘greatest hero.’

The circumstances around Smith’s death remained unclear. He died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday.

A humanitarian aid shipment from the United Arab Emirates arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (02) to support communities hit hard by recent disasters.