Pakistan started their tour of Sri Lanka with a commanding six-wicket victory in the first T20 match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The visitors chased down a target of 129 runs with 20 balls to spare, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series under captain Salman Agha. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the chase with a composed 51-run innings.

Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs. Janith Liyanage top-scored with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka contributed 18 each. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the innings, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed taking three wickets apiece. Mohammad Wasim and Shadab Khan claimed two wickets each, with Shadab later named player of the match.

The win gives Pakistan early momentum in the series, putting pressure on the hosts ahead of the remaining two T20 fixtures.

Sri Lanka’s government has announced a large-scale recovery plan to rebuild infrastructure and homes destroyed by Cyclone Dithwa, which left at least 607 people dead and 214 missing. The disaster, compounded by ongoing flood and landslide risks, has affected around two million people—nearly 10 percent of the country’s population. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared the situation a national disaster and pledged continued government efforts to assist affected communities.

According to the Finance Ministry, families who lost their homes will receive up to 10 million rupees (about USD 33,000) to purchase land and rebuild. Compensation of 1 million rupees will be provided to families of the deceased and those left permanently disabled. The Disaster Management Centre reported that over 71,000 houses were damaged and 5,000 completely destroyed, with 150,000 people still in shelters.

The cyclone struck as Sri Lanka was recovering from its 2022 economic crisis, intensifying fiscal pressures. Authorities have warned of further rainfall and landslide risks in coming days, urging displaced residents not to return home prematurely.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday evening to express gratitude for Bangladesh’s assistance and solidarity following the recent devastating cyclone and floods in Sri Lanka. According to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s office, the conversation took place at 6:45 p.m. local time. Amarasuriya thanked Bangladesh for its empathy and support amid the disaster that caused hundreds of deaths and widespread damage across Sri Lanka. In response, Dr. Yunus conveyed deep condolences to the victims and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to stand by Sri Lanka, offering additional emergency aid and expert disaster-response teams if needed. He emphasized that Bangladesh is ready to provide whatever assistance is required. During the call, Yunus invited Amarasuriya to visit Bangladesh in the coming months and expressed interest in learning from Colombo’s political experiences. Senior officials from the Chief Adviser’s office and the Foreign Ministry were present during the discussion.

The Indian Air Force, in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, has rescued more than 50 people from severe flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. Among those rescued are three Bangladeshi nationals, along with citizens from India, Belarus, Iran, South Africa, Poland, Germany, Slovenia, the UK, Australia, and Pakistan. India launched 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' on November 28 to provide emergency assistance, deploying naval ships and aircraft to deliver over 40 tons of relief materials, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Additionally, 80 members of the National Disaster Response Force and a five-member medical team were sent to assist in rescue operations. The cyclone has left at least 474 people dead and 356 missing, affecting around 450,000 families. Large parts of the country remain without electricity or safe water, and authorities continue to face difficulties reaching remote areas due to ongoing floods and landslides.

Pakistan has dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka via sea after India denied permission to use its airspace. The aid is intended for victims of Cyclone Dithwar, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka, leaving at least 465 people dead and 366 missing. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international assistance. A farewell ceremony for the relief ship was held in Islamabad, attended by Pakistani officials and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the Sri Lankan president and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the neighboring nation. Over 1.5 million people have been affected, and rescuers fear the death toll could rise as communication and power remain cut off in many areas. The cyclone, along with heavy monsoon rains, has also impacted parts of Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, with total regional deaths exceeding 1,300. Experts attribute the intensifying storms to climate change.

At least 212 people have been confirmed dead and more than 218 remain missing after Cyclone Ditwah battered Sri Lanka, triggering heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across the island. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that nearly one million people have been affected, with around 200,000 displaced and taking shelter in 1,275 relief centers. The central region suffered the most damage, while Colombo’s northern areas were inundated after the Kelani River overflowed. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving over 24,000 personnel from the police, army, and air force. The air force has evacuated more than 120 people by helicopter from the eastern Mavil Aru reservoir area, where a dam breach caused severe flooding. Authorities warn that floodwaters in Colombo may take another day to recede, although the weather department forecasts drier conditions ahead. Cyclone Ditwah has since moved toward India, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.

Sri Lanka has declared a nationwide state of emergency after relentless rains caused by Cyclone Ditwah led to catastrophic flooding across the island. At least 132 people have died and 176 remain missing, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). More than 15,000 homes have been destroyed, and over 78,000 residents have been relocated to emergency shelters. The military, navy, and air force are conducting joint rescue operations, including a 24-hour mission in Anuradhapura that saved 69 passengers, among them a German tourist. Central districts such as Badulla and Kandy have been severely affected, with roads and bridges washed away, isolating many villages. Power and water supplies have been disrupted in about one-third of the country, and communication networks remain unstable. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has appealed for international assistance and urged Sri Lankans abroad to send financial aid. Meanwhile, Cyclone Ditwah is moving north toward India, prompting flight cancellations in Chennai and warnings of heavy rain and strong winds.

At least 56 people have been killed and 21 remain missing after Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, triggering severe flooding and landslides across the island. Heavy rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters in several regions has caused widespread destruction, particularly in the eastern and central districts. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that 21 people died in a landslide in the tea-producing district of Badulla. Over 44,000 people have been affected nationwide, with homes destroyed and many residents stranded. Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed, and several international flights have been canceled. Authorities have issued a red alert for low-lying areas along the Kelani River, including parts of the capital Colombo, urging residents to move to higher ground. Rescue operations are ongoing, though access to remote areas remains difficult due to continuous heavy rain and damaged infrastructure.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo has issued an urgent advisory for Bangladeshi tourists in Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides that have killed at least 56 people, according to Al Jazeera. The High Commission expressed deep concern for the safety of Bangladeshi nationals and said it is maintaining close contact with Sri Lankan authorities to monitor the situation. Tourists facing difficulties, being stranded, or in need of assistance have been urged to contact the mission through two emergency hotlines: +94 71 760 6394 and +94 71 368 0461. The advisory also urged all Bangladeshis in affected areas to remain calm, stay indoors or in safe shelters, and follow instructions from local authorities and disaster management officials. The mission emphasized that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi citizens remains its top priority amid the ongoing natural disaster.

At least 31 people have died and 14 others remain missing in Sri Lanka following severe floods and landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall this week, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC). The worst-hit area is the hilly Badulla district, where 16 people were killed after being buried by landslides, while four more deaths occurred in nearby Nuwara Eliya. More than 400 homes have been submerged, affecting over 4,000 people across 17 districts. Authorities have evacuated over 1,100 families to temporary shelters and issued red alerts for landslides in eight mountainous districts. The DMC warned that river levels are rising rapidly and urged residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground. The government has suspended national examinations for two days due to the extreme weather. Meteorologists attribute the intensified rainfall to a low-pressure system over the island’s east, with some regions recording over 300 millimeters of rain. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency of such disasters in the country.

The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, according to ESPNcricinfo. Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament alongside India, will host the high-voltage encounter at a neutral venue agreed upon by both cricket boards. The World Cup is expected to take place between February and March 2026. India may open their campaign against the United States, though it is not confirmed as the opening match. The tournament’s opening and final matches are likely to be held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, but if Pakistan reaches the final, it will be shifted to Colombo. One semifinal is planned for Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, while the other venue remains undecided. Pakistan will play all its matches in Sri Lanka. The 2026 T20 World Cup will feature 20 teams, including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the USA, West Indies, New Zealand, Pakistan, and others.

Colombo: Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has been admitted to the ICU at Colombo National Hospital after falling ill in prison.
The 76-year-old leader was remanded on August 22 over allegations of misusing state funds. A day later, his health condition worsened due to severe dehydration, compounded by diabetes and high blood pressure.
Opposition MPs who visited him in prison last week said he appeared in good spirits at the time. Doctors now say his condition requires intensive monitoring.

Sri Lanka has revoked a $442 million power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy for two wind power projects following US allegations of bribery against the Indian conglomerate. The decision, marked as “Urgent & Confidential,” was finalized in early January by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s cabinet. Adani denies the cancellation claims, stating it’s a tariff review process. The scandal, involving $265 million in alleged bribes, has triggered global scrutiny of Adani’s projects.