United News of Bangladesh

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday (November 29) and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 132, with a further 176 people reported missing. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency laws, granting him wide powers to respond to the devastation following a week of torrential rain across the island. “We have 132 confirmed dead and another 176 missing,” DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said, adding that relief efforts had been strengthened with the deployment of the army, navy and air force. Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are in temporary shelters, the South Asian country's disaster management center said. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka The death toll is expected to rise. Social media posts on Saturday showed several areas affected by overnight mudslides that authorities have yet to reach. Sri Lanka has been battered by severe weather since last week. Conditions worsened Thursday, with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides mainly in the tea-growing central hill country. The government closed schools and offices and postponed examinations. Most reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks. By Friday, water flowing downstream from severely affected areas began to inundate areas around the capital, Colombo, which experienced comparatively less rainfall. Authorities say that Ditwah, which developed in the seas east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move toward India's southern coast by Sunday. Read more: Sri Lanka shuts schools, offices as floods and landslides kill 56 Neighboring India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the country's embassy in Colombo said Saturday. With inputs from agencies.

Sri Lanka closed government offices and schools Friday (November 28) as the death toll from widespread floods and landslides climbed to 56, with over 600 homes reported damaged, officials said. The country has been facing severe weather since last week, which intensified Thursday (November 27) with heavy rainfall that submerged homes, farmland, and roads, and triggered landslides nationwide. At least 25 people were killed Thursday in landslides in the central mountainous tea-growing districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, roughly 300 kilometers east of the capital Colombo. In these areas, another 21 people are missing and 14 were injured, according to the government’s disaster management center. Additional fatalities occurred in landslides elsewhere in the country. As conditions worsened, the government ordered all schools and government offices to remain closed Friday. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka Overflowing rivers and reservoirs have blocked many roads, forcing authorities to suspend passenger train services and close roadways in several regions. Landslides and floodwaters, along with fallen rocks, mud, and trees, disrupted both roads and railway lines. Local television footage showed an air force helicopter rescuing three people stranded on a flooded rooftop Thursday, while the navy and police used boats to evacuate residents. Another video showed a car swept away by floodwaters near the eastern town of Ampara, killing three passengers.

More than 20 people have died and 14 others are missing after days of heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding across Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities have suspended passenger train services and shut down several roads as severe rainfall continues to unleash deadly landslides and floods, officials reported Thursday (November 27). According to the government’s disaster management center, 18 of the confirmed deaths were in the central highland districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, well-known tea plantation areas located about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Colombo. Read more: Over 220 dead as floods and landslides devastate Northwest Pakistan The center also stated that 14 people remained unaccounted for Thursday following landslides in the same region. Since last week—when the country first began experiencing the intense weather—the overall death toll has climbed to 31. Torrential rains over the weekend inundated roads, farmland, and homes, causing widespread disruption. Train services in some mountainous areas were halted after landslides sent rocks, mud, and fallen trees onto rail lines. Local television footage showed crews working to clear the debris. Several roads were also closed because of deep flooding. Roughly 4,000 families have been affected by the severe weather, officials said. Read more: Tidal waters inundate low-lying areas as embankment collapses in Khulna

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka hits a fifty after they lost four wickets before reaching 100 in the first ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh in Colombo.  After 32 overs, Sri Lanka were batting at 154 for five. Bangladesh strike early to remove Sri Lankan openers Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, but they failed to lay a good foundation as the Bangladeshi pacers sent back their openers in just five overs with only 11 runs on the board.  Two of Sri Lanka’s top four batters, including Pathum Nissanka who was Sri Lanka’s main star in the Test series, suffered a duck each.  Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib bagged the first two wickets. Tanzim later added more, and debutant Tanvir Islam also joined, taking one wicket.  Najmul Hossain Shanto, a part-timer, scalped the fifth wicket for Bangladesh. He dismissed Janith Liyanage for 29, with Tanzim taking a good catch.  Both teams have fielded three pacers each in this match.  While Bangladesh have two debutants- Tanvir and Parvez Hossain Emon, Sri Lanka also has a debutant— Milan Rathnayake. 

Bangladesh off-spinner Nayeem Hasan registered a five-for in the Galle Test and helped Bangladesh to secure a 10-run first innings lead against the hosts on Friday. At the end of day three, Sri Lanka were at 368 for four. On the fourth day, they added another 117 runs, losing all other wickets, ending their innings at 485. Pathum Nissanka was the star for the hosts, crafting a magnificent 187 runs, while Kamindu Mendis provided strong support with a valuable 87. Galle Test: Nissanka's epic ton propels Sri Lanka's solid reply to Bangladesh For Bangladesh, Hasan Mahmud proved effective, claiming three wickets to go along with Nayeem's contributions. Despite taking the crucial first wicket, Taijul Islam couldn't add any more to his tally. Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain hit centuries to guide Bangladesh to 495 in the first innings after winning the toss.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harinia Amarasuriya on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok and sought Sri Lankan support in the Interim Government's efforts to bring back billions of dollars. The two leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and vowed to expand trade and cooperation between the friendly South Asian countries. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister narrated the efforts made by her country to recover stolen money. She said the Sri Lankan parliament has ratified a new law to expedite the recovery process. The two leaders also discussed various aspects of the July uprising and stressed the importance of people-to-people contacts between the two nations. Hasina’s extradition, border, water issues featured in Dr Yunus-Modi first-ever talks The Chief Adviser described the reform agenda of the Interim Government and his administration's plan to hold elections between this December and June next year. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin were also present during the meeting.

Jeewanthi Adikari initially aspired to a career in accounting but found her calling in hospitality after a three-month training program. Now, with over two decades of experience, the 42-year-old manages Sri Lanka’s first resort fully operated by women—a bold initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities in the tourism sector. Located in Dambulla, Amba Yaalu resort provides women with opportunities to develop careers in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite making up 52% of Sri Lanka’s population, women hold only 10% of jobs in the country's hospitality sector. Situated 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo, Amba Yaalu employs 75 women who oversee all aspects of operations, from housekeeping to security—where a team of seven former military personnel ensures safety. The resort also offers training programs to help women build skills in hospitality. The concept was developed by hotelier Chandra Wickramasinghe, inspired by his mother’s resilience as a single parent raising eight children. “I knew what these women could achieve. We put together a strong team, and it worked,” he said, emphasizing the need for female leadership in the industry. Professor Suranga Silva of the University of Colombo highlighted barriers such as social stigma, language constraints, work-life balance challenges, and inadequate training, which have kept many Sri Lankan women from entering the hospitality industry. However, he noted a shift, with more young women showing interest in tourism careers. Millions of Muslims in Indonesia observe the beginning of holy month of Ramadan Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, once the country’s third-largest foreign exchange earner, has faced setbacks due to the 2019 Easter bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic. While the sector contributed 2.3% to the economy in 2023—down from 5% in 2018—female representation remains low. Kaushalya Batagoda, executive chef at Amba Yaalu, pointed out the shortage of trained female professionals in hospitality but noted growing enthusiasm among young women to pursue culinary careers. Women’s rights activists have praised the resort’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of safe employment opportunities. Silva stressed the need for collaborative training programs to improve women’s employability in tourism. At Amba Yaalu, some of these challenges are already being addressed. “This is purely about empowering women,” Adikari said. “We invite them to join, enhance their skills, and contribute to the industry.”

Steve Smith hit his 36th test century and shared an unbeaten 239-run partnership with Alex Carey as Australia powered to 330-3 at stumps on day two of the second cricket test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Friday. With a lead of 73 runs and seven first-innings wickets in hand, the tourists are in control. Smith anchored the innings with a sublime 120 not out off 239 balls, while Carey took the attack to Sri Lanka with a fluent 139 not out off 156. It was Smith's second ton of the series, while Carey notched up only his second test hundred in style. Australia had slumped to 37-2 before Smith and Usman Khawaja (36) steadied the innings with a crucial 54-run stand for the third wicket. Khawaja, who got a double hundred in Australia's huge win in the first test of the two-match series, looked solid against spin. However, an ill-judged pull shot saw him trapped leg before wicket to off-spinner Nishan Peiris, (2-70 off 21 overs) cutting short his promising start. BPL final: Fortune Barishal need 195 to win 2nd title Smith, too, took time to settle and had a nervy moment on 24, given out lbw before successfully overturning the decision on review. Once past that, he shifted gears and put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure. Carey remained a picture of confidence, stroking elegant shots on both sides of the wicket. His sweeps were particularly effective, while Smith, in contrast, relied on his trademark pulls and drives. Smith reached his century with a controlled pull to mid-wicket, while Carey brought up his ton with yet another assured sweep shot. Though Carey outscored Smith and looked the more fluent batter, Smith was ready to grind it out for the long haul. Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar tops the most test tons list with 51. Smith moved into a three-way tie for fifth with England's Joe Root and India's Rahul Dravid. “We know that Steve Smith is someone who has scored runs all over the world,” said Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis. “His numbers in Asia are unbelievable.” Carey was pushed up to No. 5 as Josh Inglis was unable to bat, having spent time off the field unwell. The wicketkeeper-batter seized the opportunity, smashing 13 fours and two sixes in his knock, while Smith’s patient effort included nine boundaries and a six. Earlier, Sri Lanka had been dismissed for 257 after opting to bat first, a total that looked below par on a decent surface. Kusal Mendis hit a fighting 85 not out. With the new ball due in the morning, Sri Lanka’s bowlers will be fresh and desperate Saturday to make an early breakthrough. “The new ball is around the corner and we need to nullify that and then go on and get as much as possible,” Carey said. “The quality of a player like Steve Smith is that he is a problem solver. He played some risky shots and executed them well.”

Asith Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana shared six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 150 runs in 29.4 overs to win the third one-day international by 140 runs Saturday. Fernando took 3-26 and Theekshana 3-35 to jointly knock the top off the New Zealand innings as it chased 291 for victory. Eshan Fernando also contributed 3-35 as Sri Lanka completed a comprehensive victory. New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1 in its last matches at home before the ICC Champions Trophy begins in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates next month. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka made 66 in an innings of two parts as Sri Lanka compiled 290-8 after choosing to bat first. New Zealand then slumped to 21-5 inside seven overs as Fernando helped Sri Lanka unpick the New Zealand top order. “It's a huge confidence boost for me and for the team as well because we haven't played well in the first two games. It's a pleasure to play like this,” Fernando said. McSweeney returns to Australia squad for Sri Lanka tour “We identified a few areas to be improved (after the first two games). Now we are going straight back to work to continue improving day by day.” Mark Chapman was the only New Zealand batter to stand against the chaos, making 81 at a run a ball. Chapman's 51-run partnership with Nathan Smith (17) for the eighth wicket was New Zealand's hope of making a game of it. The run rate never got away from New Zealand but it lost too many wickets early to seriously challenge Sri Lanka's total. Nissanka reached 50 from 31 balls but almost immediately fell to the ground in pain from an apparent groin or hip strain. He tried to bat on but was clearly impaired while running between wickets and was 50 not out when he was summoned from the field by Sri Lanka coach Sanith Jayasuriya to receive medical treatment. Matt Henry took 4-55 for New Zealand.

Nathan McSweeney was recalled to Australia’s test squad on Thursday to tour Sri Lanka, less than three weeks after being dropped from the top order. Australia’s selectors announced their squad Thursday for the two-test tour, with several fresh faces added to the group that played India in Sydney last week. Australia won the five-test series 3-1 a nd clinched a spot in the World Test Championship against South Africa at Lord's in June. Steve Smith will lead the squad to Sri Lanka while regular skipper Pat Cummins is on leave as his wife awaits the birth of the couple’s second child. Australia’s selectors concentrated on spin for the two Sri Lanka tests, with uncapped 21-year-old Cooper Connolly among the seven full or part-time slow bowling options in the 16-man squad. Connolly, a left-arm allrounder, has represented Australia in limited-overs cricket and has been called up for his maiden test campaign along with specialist spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann. New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 113 runs in rain-hit 2nd ODI to win series McSweeney scored 72 runs at an average of 14.4 in his first three tests against India, before being replaced by Sam Konstas for the Melbourne Cricket Ground test starting Dec. 26. The 25-year-old McSweeney has batted at No. 3 for South Australia state this season — averaging 97 — but has previously batted further down the order. Cricket Australia also said Cummins was “focusing on an ankle issue which was managed through the test summer" and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood was continuing his recovery from a calf injury. Mitchell Marsh was omitted for the tour, joining Hazlewood in focusing on the 50-overs Champion’s Trophy in Pakistan which immediately follows the test tour. The first test begins Jan. 29 and the second Feb. 6, both at spin-friendly Galle International Stadium. A one-off one-day international is scheduled for Feb. 13, also at Galle. “Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions players may be presented with," selector George Bailey said. “This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on what type of wickets we may encounter in each match.”