News
EU steps up humanitarian assistance for Lanka with additional €1 million
The European Union has allocated an additional Euro 1 million (over LKR 370 million) to address the continuing humanitarian impact of Tropical Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
With this additional funding, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to supporting affected communities and strengthening ongoing relief operations across the country. Delivered through humanitarian partner organisations, this funding will support the provision of basic services.
This new funding comes in addition to the coordinated humanitarian aid and civil protection assistance that the European Union immediately mobilised when Tropical Cyclone Ditwah struck in late November 2025, triggering widespread flooding and landslides across all 25 districts, and causing extensive damage to homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. Previous assistance included €2.35 million in emergency humanitarian funding, delivered through EU partner organisations, as well as engineering expertise and in-kind assistance offered by France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg, to support the national emergency response and on-the-ground coordination efforts.
It has been reported that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne has been found dead at his residence in Athurugiriya this morning (17)
it is suspected that he may have taken his own life.
A heated argument broke out between Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan and Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar during the Kilinochchi District Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday (16).
A video footage of the incident shows the MP and the Minister engaging in a heated verbal exchange, following which a physical confrontation appeared to develop when the Minister attempted to grab files reportedly in the possession of MP Ramanathan.
“If you lay a hand on me, I’ll lay a hand on you too… got it?” Ramanathan is heard telling the Minister during the exchange.
Police and officials present at the meeting intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The circumstances that led to the confrontation were not immediately clear.
Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has filed an intervening petition before the Court of Appeal in connection with a petition filed by former head of the State Intelligence Service, Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, challenging his arrest and detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act over investigations into the Easter Sunday terror attacks.
The Cardinal has sought permission from the court to make submissions in relation to Sallay’s petition and requested that it be dismissed.
Magnitude 7.3 earthquake quake strikes off Mexico coast
Can Argentina and Messi beat Spain and Yamal to defend World Cup?
Anushka Sanjeewani, Vishmi Gunaratne return for Pakistan ODIs
Lennox stars again as New Zealand take series lead after West Indies collapse
Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne found dead at his residence
Venezuela earthquake: Number of known dead rises to nearly 5,000 victims
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features6 days agoPrison riots and politics: NPP’s biggest challenge and Sri Lanka’s biggest opportunity
-
Editorial7 days agoWhat’s the world coming to?
-
Features3 days agoDirty Money
-
Editorial6 days agoMuch ado about crime: Fish or cut bait
-
Features6 days agoMore on Saudi Arabia: ARAMCO and beyond
-
Midweek Review3 days agoThe sordid tale of theft and tragedy at Finance Ministry
-
Latest News3 days agoOil prices hit 1-month high as US-Iran attacks dim Strait of Hormuz outlook
-
Features5 days agoDeepening Democracy – Constitutions and Constitutionalism