The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) and the Examinations Department have initiated a joint programme to mitigate potential disasters during the 2024 Advanced Level examinations.

The Meteorology Department has forecast the possibility of a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal in the coming week.

This initiative aims to create a conducive environment for students to successfully face the examinations by minimising disruptions caused by potential disasters.

An awareness programme was recently held at the DMC, attended by officials from the Examinations Department and other institutions at both national and district levels, DMC Director General Udaya Herath said.

The joint plan also focuses on strengthening emergency response coordination to overcome challenges faced by both candidates and examination officials during the exam period.

In collaboration with disaster management agencies, including the armed forces and the police, necessary guidelines have already been issued to manage potential obstacles during the examinations.

To assist students facing emergencies, several helpline numbers have been introduced. These include the DMC's emergency hotline 117 and the Special Integrated Emergency Operation Cell numbers: 0113 668 020, 0113 668 100, 0113 668 013, 0113 668 010 and 0763 117 117

Additionally, the Examination Department’s emergency number 1911 can be contacted to ensure swift coordination and assistance.

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said.

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva said today that an NPP MP has told him that the Parliament canteen will not be closed but the government will see that no one will abuse the facility.

Two fishermen were seriously injured and hospitalised after a parcel floating on the sea exploded while they were checking it off the coast of Mannar.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka today. Following are 11 key points from the President’s Government Policy Statement;

Speaker Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala informed Parliament that nomination of Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has been accepted as the Opposition Leader of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan refused to move away after he sat on the Opposition Leader's seat inside the chambers despite requests by Parliament staff to move.

National People's Power (NPP) Gampaha MP Dr. Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala was elected as the Speaker of the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka a short while ago. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya proposed his name, and the nomination was confirmed by Vijitha Herath.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake adjourned the Sri Lankan Parliament until 9:30 a.m. on December 3. The adjournment followed the President’s delivery of the government’s policy statement during the inaugural session of the 10th Parliament earlier today.

The Ministry of Health has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Mannar District General Hospital. According to police reports, the deceased, a 27-year-old resident of Mannar, was admitted to the hospital for childbirth on Monday night. In addition, the Mannar Police have also launched their own investigations into the incident.