Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politbureau Member and District Organizer of Jaffna, Geethanath Cassilingham has accused newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Northern Province representing the National People’s Power (NPP) of failing to assist people affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Fengal.

“The newly elected MPs from the North from the NPP have failed to assist the affected people,” Cassilingham said, highlighting that over 250,000 individuals across the country, including thousands in Jaffna, are reeling from severe floods. The disaster has already claimed 10 lives, leaving many families in dire need of food, shelter, and medical aid.

“When a natural disaster strikes, it is the government’s duty to provide immediate assistance, such as food, medicine, and other essentials. However, despite days of heavy rains and severe floods, the newly elected MPs from the North have done little more than show up for photo opportunities,” he alleged.

Cassilingham emphasized that no significant aid had been dispatched to the affected areas by the NPP representatives, leaving victims reliant on parties like the SLPP, which he claimed has been actively delivering food and medicine. “We have been on the ground day and night, planning ahead and responding promptly to Met Department warnings,” he said.

Criticizing the NPP further, he said, “They won a landslide victory in the North, with people expecting responsible governance. Yet, within weeks, they have failed to fulfill their duties, leaving affected families to suffer.”

He also blamed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for authorizing relief only after districts were inundated. “The heavy rainfall was predicted weeks ago. Instead of preparing, the NPP MPs were celebrating their success and taking selfies in Parliament,” Cassilingham remarked.

The SLPP leader concluded by calling for responsible governance, saying, “The country needs lawmakers who are committed to their people, not those who abandon their duties during times of disaster and need.”

A 43-year-old man from Kilinochchi, who holds British citizenship, was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) due to a travel ban imposed on him in 2009.

Special Commodity Levy on imported big onions will be reduced from Rs.30 to Rs. 10 per kilo till December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development said. The Ministry said the Special Commodity Levy on imported potatoes will remain unchanged at Rs. 60 per kilo.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) arrested three individuals for disturbing public peace by promoting LTTE Mahaviru commemorations.

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has revised fuel prices with effect from midnight (30).

The death toll due to the inclement weather experienced across Sri Lanka has increased to 17, as of 06.00 am today. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 11 of the deaths are reported from Ampara, and one each from Badulla, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Jaffna.

Airmail services to Canada have been suspended due to a trade union strike by Canada Post, a senior official of the International Postal Service said. The official said trade union action was launched on November 15, and would continue until further notice. The protests are driven by workers’ demands for a wage increase and the ability to work weekends with overtime pay.

Japan will consider new projects in Sri Lanka only after examining any request from the Sri Lankan authorities and its economic status first, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

As a cyclonic storm sweeps over Sri Lanka, health experts warn of the spread of waterborne and communicable diseases in regions experiencing heavy rains and flooding.

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera has clarified the process and policies regarding the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and the allocation of official residences.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong defended China-funded projects, stating that they were developed at the request of previous Governments.

A 41-year-old naval officer attached to the Punewa Navy camp was killed in a wild elephant attack last night, Police said. The victim is identified as a Lieutenant Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy and a resident of Nittambuwa.

A 75-year-old man died due to severe burns caused by a fire at his home in the Silawatta area of Mullaitivu yesterday (29). The deceased, a resident of Silawatta, lived alone in a house near his son’s residence. According to preliminary investigations, the fire may have started due to flames lit in the house to combat the cold, which subsequently spread and caused the fatal accident. Further investigations are being conducted by the Police.

Sri Lanka must not bow to external pressure and must maintain an independent foreign policy, especially at a time when some ‘parties’ are trying to take advantage of its economic situation, China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong told a group of journalists in Colombo last evening.

Applications have been called for to fill the vacancies for the posts of members in the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Communications Department of Parliament said.

The deep depression that caused significant disruption in Sri Lanka’s northeastern regions over the past few days has intensified into Cyclone Fengal, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution level indicated in Sri Lanka's atmosphere is still at risk and the country will experience unhealthy air quality conditions.

The Colombo High Court today ordered the acquittal and release of two accused, including former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, in the controversial White Van press conference case.

In a coordinated operation between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy, two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted and seized with 500 kg of narcotics (Crystal Meth) in the Indian Ocean.

Considering the candidates affected by the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the Examinations Department has decided to postpone the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations till December 3, Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara announced.

The A-9 main road to Jaffna at Omanthai, which had been closed for traffic due to flooding, has been cleared for vehicle movement again, police said.