Severe weather conditions across Sri Lanka have impacted 230,743 individuals from 66,947 families in 18 districts, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
The turbulent weather has resulted in four deaths, nine injuries, and six missing persons, with 15,586 individuals relocated to temporary shelters.
Key Updates:
Property Damage: Eight houses have been completely destroyed, while 620 have been partially damaged.
Disrupted Infrastructure: A bridge collapse in Oluvil-Kalioda has disrupted traffic on the Akkaraipattu–Kalmunai Road, while several major roads, including the A-9 Road, have been flooded. Train services on multiple lines are suspended due to flooding and technical issues.
Tragic Incidents: Four bodies of schoolchildren swept away by floods in Ampara were recovered, with two still missing.
Alerts & Warnings:
Landslide Risks: The NBRO has issued red alerts for landslides in Kandy, Matale, and Nuwara Eliya districts, advising immediate evacuation. Amber and yellow alerts are in effect for several other districts.
Flood Warnings: Rivers, including Kelani, Nilwala, and Mahaweli, have overflowed, with flood warnings issued for low-lying areas. Minor floods are expected in Colombo and surrounding areas within the next 48 hours.
Emergency Services:
The Police and DMC have set up 24-hour operation centers and hotlines for public assistance, including a Tamil-speaking emergency hotline (107).
The Navy continues to conduct rescue operations, aiding stranded individuals, including tourists in Arugam Bay.
Weather Forecast:
The Meteorology Department predicts that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify, bringing thundershowers exceeding 150mm to several districts.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant, avoid floodwaters, and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath today (May 14) met with the Canadian High Commissioner in Colomno to formally object to Canada’s approval and inauguration of a Tamil Genocide Monument in Brampton, Ontario.
Minister Herath had reiterated the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.The MFA statement issued in this regard is as follows :
Notorious underworld figure – Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, has claimed that he is being detained in Tangalle over his refusal to pay a Rs. 300 million bribe allegedly demanded by former Public Security Minister – Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. He levelled the allegations before reporters today (May 14) while he was being escorted by police from the Colombo Court Complex following a court hearing.
“There are so many things to say… I will reveal them then,” he had said before being taken back into custody.
Popular tuition teacher Hayeshika Fernando, widely known as ‘Teacher Amma,’ was granted bail by the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today (May 14) over allegedly assaulting a young man.
Her husband and the manager affiliated to her institute, who were previously arrested over the incident, have also been granted bail.
Hayeshika, who had been missing afterwards, had surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court today.
(Previous News on 14th May, 2025 at 3:33pm)
Tutor Hayeshika surrenders to court
Popular tutor – Hayeshika Fernando, who had been evading arrest, has surrendered to the Negombo Magistrate’s Court.
President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, appearing on behalf of the accused, informed the court that his client had voluntarily surrendered.
Hayeshika’s husband and the manager of the institution she is affiliated with were recently arrested over the alleged assault of a young man.
However, Hayeshika had remained at large until her court appearance today. Three police teams were also appointed to arrest her.