News
CVW asks govt. not to create conditions for redeployment of IPKF
Full implementation of 13A:
By Dinasena Ratugamage
Tamil Makkal Thesiya Kutani (TMTK) leader C.V. Wigneswaran, MP, has warned the government not to create an environment that may lead to the re-deployment of the Indian Army here.
The Jaffna District MP issued the warning at a media briefing held in Jaffna on Monday (04).
Declaring that the outcome of the ongoing efforts to settle the North-East problem on the basis of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution could be dangerous, the retired Supreme Court Judge warned that India could redeploy its forces here in case of fresh troubles in the region.
The former Northern Province Governor was referring to the deployment of Indian forces (July 1987-March 1990) in terms of the Indo-Lanka Accord signed on July 29, 1987 under pressure from New Delhi.
Pointing out the activities of other external powers here, the MP said that in case India sent its Army here, it wouldn’t be easy to send them back.
Acknowledging that there was no likelihood of a repetition of July 1983 type violence, MP Wigneswaran expressed fears of destructive incidents in case the government tried to devolve powers in terms of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
Sri Lanka enacted 13th Amendment in late 1988 as literally ordered by India.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported yesterday that 211 people had gone missing following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The disaster has left 639 individuals dead, and 84,674 people from 26,563 families are sheltered in 866 safety centres across the country.
The DMC also confirmed extensive damage to houses. It said about 5,588 had been destroyed and 102,246 others damaged.
Authorities continue to coordinate relief efforts as they assess the full scale of the destruction and work to provide shelter and aid to thousands of displaced persons.
by Chaminda Silva
The government has decided to convene Parliament on 18 December to secure legislative approval for emergency funding for disaster relief.
The special session has been called to allocate funds for relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah and for repairs to infrastructure and property damaged by the severe weather.
Officials said the government would submit a supplementary estimate seeking parliamentary approval for the required funds.
A debate will be conducted before the estimate is endorsed by the House.
Parliament adjourned until 06 January, 2026, following the passage of Budget 2026.
by Akitha Perera
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has urged the public to avoid non-essential travel this weekend. It has done so in response to numerous phone inquiries from people planning leisure trips.
Red alerts remain in effect for 33 Divisional Secretariat areas across four districts due to landslides, following heavy rainfall exceeding 75 mm in recent days in the Badulla and Kandy districts.
“Landslides were reported on Thursday (11) in Meegahakivula and Demodara,” said Dr. Vasantha Senadeera, Senior Geologist at NBRO.
“The public should remain vigilant, monitor weather forecasts closely, and follow Stage 2 warnings carefully.”
Stage 1 alerts remain active for 17 divisions across three districts, while Level 3 warnings and red alerts cover Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matale districts. Level 2 warnings apply to Badulla, Kegalle, Kurunegala (Polgahawela and Alawwa), Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura, while Level 1 warnings and yellow alerts advise caution in certain areas of Gampaha, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura.
Dr. Senadeera emphasized that, given the ongoing disaster situation, people should reconsider weekend trips and stay indoors wherever possible. “We have received several calls asking whether it is safe to travel,” he said. “The answer is to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement in high-risk areas.”
by Pradeep Prasanna Samarakoon and Sujeewa Thathsara
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