News
Lanka deposits instruments of ratification of Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN Mohan Peiris deposited the instrument of ratification by Sri Lanka of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) at a ceremony held at the Treaty Section of the United Nations on Tuesday.
The ratification comes after approval by the Cabinet of Ministers and completion of the domestic ratification process by Sri Lanka. The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau is the focal point in Sri Lanka for data transmission with the International Data Centre of the CTBT Organization.
The Comprehensive-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits “any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion” anywhere in the world and has a network of detection stations in place to detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world. Sri Lanka also operates an auxiliary seismic station AS100 in Pallekele as part of this network. The ultimate objective is to ban nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions in any environment (air, land, sea) in an effectively verifiable manner.
Sri Lanka supported the draft treaty by participating in the negotiations of the CTBT in the conference on Disarmament in Geneva and signed the Treaty on 24 October 1996. Ratification further reaffirms Sri Lanka’s contribution to global non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament objectives. As the 178th ratifying party to the CTBT, Sri Lanka’s ratification contributes to confirming the status of the CTBT as a norm-setting instrument against the use of nuclear weapons.
Ratification also allows Sri Lanka’s line agencies to engage in the decision-making discussions and consultations. It also presents further opportunities to access technical benefits and expertise in many areas related to potential civil and scientific applications; including in earthquake and Tsunami warnings, volcanic eruption and monitoring movement of hazardous volcanic ash which can impede aviation, use of IMS data for climate change studies, aircraft crash investigations and others.
Sri Lanka has traditionally played an important multilateral role in international security issues related to nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. Sri Lanka’s position has been strongly supportive of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament, as well as the promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear technology, in line with founding priorities of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
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