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.

Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama told Daily Mirror the rainy season generally sees an uptick in diarrhoea, vomiting, leptospirosis, typhoid, and dengue fever. "This is not an immediate problem, as water is flowing due to the rain; however, when stagnant water collects, we will see outbreaks," he said.

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera stated that the total dengue cases for November was 3,024, and 45,373 in 2024. "There could be an increase due to the rainfall; however, we have very good control measures in place since the beginning of this year and the start of the monsoon," he said.

According to the NDCU Weekly Update, 880 dengue cases were reported across 23 districts between November 18 and 24- a 25.5% increase from the previous week.

Leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever, has also surged. Reports indicate over 500 cases in the Gampaha District alone, with more than 5,000 cases islandwide in 2024.

Dr. Wijewickrama urged the public to adopt preventative measures to reduce the risk of infection, including drinking boiled, cooled water to kill harmful bacteria and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

He also noted that exposure to muddy water can lead to - leptospirosis. "Doxycycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is prescribed to farmers exposed to waterlogged environments during cultivation season to treat for leptospirosis," he said. "It is important to increase sanitation and container collection to mitigate the risk of an outbreak through contaminated or stagnant water."

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.

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.

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 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.