Dec 18 (FT) Govt said the proposed Rs. 500 billion Supplementary Estimate for post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery will be funded through reallocated capital spending, excess revenue, Treasury resources, and external assistance, while remaining fully within the 2026 debt ceiling and the available fiscal space. Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha said the scale of destruction caused by the worst natural disaster in over two decades more..

Dec 18 (NW) Three people were arrested after a wild elephant died from severe burn injuries sustained when villagers attempted to chase it away using fire, police said. The 40-year-old elephant, known as Amba Bo, was found critically injured on Monday morning lying in the front yard of a house near the Abagaha Wela junction in the Seepukulama area. Wildlife veterinarians from the Anuradhapura Pandulagama division rushed to treat the animal, but it succumbed to its injuries later. more..

Dec 18 (DN) Health Services Director General Dr. Asela Gunawardena stated that Health authorities have launched investigations into two deaths reported at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), and stressed that it has not yet been conclusively established that the incidents were caused by the drug Ondansetron. NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama stated that on December 12, following information received indicating possible contamination in the drug, immediate steps more..

Dec 18 (TM) Govt plans to expedite the programme to provide plots of land to families living in estate housing, taking into account the difficulties faced by the estate community sector, particularly in the aftermath of recent natural disasters, stated the Plantations & Community Infrastructure Ministry. Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said that long-discussed proposal to allocate land to estate sector more..

Dec 18 (DM) Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF), Northern SL’s largest multitrade exhibition, would be held from Jan 23 to 25, 2026, marking its 16th consecutive year as a key commercial platform for the region, the organisers said. Organised by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlpanam, the event will take place at the Muttraweli Ground in Jaffna. The organisers said the fair aims to deepen business connectivity, more..

Dec 18 (DN) Minister Kumara Jayakody said that attention has been drawn to develop energy sector and related fields with Vietnam, a close friend of SL, which is maintaining rapid economic growth. “Vietnam, which has gone through difficult and challenging times like SL, is experiencing the fastest economic growth and a country that we can also take as an example. Therefore, it is our hope to further develop new investment and technology exchange relations in energy sector with more..

Dec 18 (FT) The Govt has decided to convene an international donor conference in January to mobilise additional financial support for the country’s post-disaster recovery following Cyclone Ditwah. Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando told journalists yesterday the decision was taken at the most recent meeting of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative, as authorities assess the scale of damage and financing needs arising from the cyclone. more..

Dec 18 (NW) Cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara on Wednesday urged international travelers to return to SL, framing tourism as a vital engine for the island’s recovery following its worst flooding in decades. In a video message shared across social media, the former national captain addressed the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck in late November. The storm triggered widespread landslides and flooding that affected 2.2 million people across all 25 districts and more..

Dec 18 (FT) Govt expressed confidence in securing $ 200 million from IMF under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), as it moves to manage urgent foreign exchange needs following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, whilst keeping its broader debt restructuring program on track. Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha said SL is confident of receiving around $ 200 million under the RFI, stressing that the request is fully justified more..

Dec 18 (Island) Norway is providing more than USD 2.4 million to assist those affected by severe flooding in SL. “Norway is contributing emergency assistance to people who have lost both their homes and livelihoods in SL. A rapid response is crucial to ensure that those affected have shelter, food, healthcare and support to rebuild their communities,” said Norway’s Minister of Int'l Development, Åsmund Aukrust. UN estimates that nearly 11 million people have been impacted by catastrophic floods more..

Dec 18 (AD) PM Harini Amarasuriya has expressed her appreciation for the timely assistance extended by the Govt of China during SL’s recent disaster response efforts. This was conveyed during an official meeting held between Wang Dongming, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China and PM Amarasuriya at the Parliament complex. During the meeting, the long-standing bilateral relations between SL and China and areas for more..

Dec 18 (SO) Only about 40% of tourist accommodations in Sri Lanka operate within the formal sector, while nearly 60% remain informal, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Buddhika Hewawasam told the Sunday Observer recently. He said the authorities have stepped up efforts to regulate informal accommodation providers as part of a broader push to improve standards and support the tourism sector’s recovery. more..

Dec 18 (DN) During the period from May to Nov 2025, Waters Edge has achieved stable and robust growth in profitability compared to the corresponding period in 2024. The statement notes that this monthly performance is a result of the proper implementation of business plans and the optimal utilization of market opportunities. Notably, the 264% increase in profitability from June to Nov 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 is highlighted as a factor reflecting the economic strength more..

Dec 18 (FT) Capital market regulator is in discussion with the Finance Ministry on mobilising long-term funding through infrastructure bonds to support large-scale reconstruction following Cyclone Ditwah, SEC Chairman Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara said. He said the Govt’s limited fiscal resources had heightened the need to leverage capital market instruments to finance infrastructure rebuilding. “Govt has limited resources to more..

Dec 18 (ST) Some government bodies are discarding waste in a manner that is detrimental to the environment disregarding instructions by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), in the aftermath of the trail of destruction left behind by cyclone Ditwah. The Sunday Times observed that some municipal councils had dumped waste in wetland areas, with the latest being the Kurukupaluwa mangrove, in Puttalam District. more..

Dec 18 (FT) The Ceylon Biscuits Ltd (CBL) products were officially launched in Saudi Arabia by the Ambassador of SL to the Kingdom Ameer Ajwad on 10 December 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh. SL’s CBL Group in collaboration with Aamalcom Trading Ltd, of Saudi Arabia brings CBL’s popular range of biscuits, chocolates, confectioneries, and snacks to consumers across the Kingdom. Launching the CBL products, Ambassador Ajwad pointed out that more..

Dec 18 (FT) Regen Renewables Ltd, has successfully completed a 450 kW solar power initiative implemented across 47 community, religious, educational, and public service institutions. Awarded through a competitive tender process, this project represents a significant advancement in strengthening clean energy integration within SL’s public sector and community infrastructure. The initiative forms part of a broader Govt effort to accelerate renewable energy adoption, more..

Dec 18 (CI) R Sridhar has been appointed SL men's fielding coach until the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, which runs from February 7 to March 8. Sridhar had been the senior India men's team's fielding coach from 2014 to 2021. A Level 3 certified BCCI coach, Sridhar had also conducted a 10-day fielding programme for Sri Lanka's top teams, in Colombo, in May last year. "Sri Lankan players have always stood for instinctive brilliance, resilience, and collective spirit," Sridhar said, more..

Dec 18 (TM) Broadcasting began on an experimental basis by the colonial Telegraph Dept in Ceylon (now SL). The first broadcast featured gramophone music, with a transmitter built using salvaged radio equipment from a captured German submarine. Regular broadcasting service, initially called Colombo Radio, was launched on Dec 16, 1925. This made it the first radio station in Asia and second oldest in the world. more..

Dec 18 (DN) Bangladesh U-19 produced an outstanding all-round performance to record a 39-run victory over SL U-19 in their Asia Cup group match played at the ICC Academy Grounds in Dubai yesterday. With this win, Bangladesh finished top of the group with an unbeaten record, while SL suffered their first defeat after two successive victories. They successfully defended their total of 225 as SL were bowled out for 186 in 49.1 overs, with only a late contribution from the lower order delaying more..

Dec 18 (FT) David Pieris Group continues to strengthen its int'l presence with the acquisition of 50% ownership in Navire Logistics Services, a reputed logistics company based in Dubai and Oman. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Group’s journey towards expanding its operations beyond SL and positioning itself in the international markets. In SL, Group’s logistics arm DP Logistics (DPL), has already established itself as a comprehensive logistics solutions provider more..

Dec 18 (TM) Cyclone Ditwah, a significant tropical storm originated as a low-pressure system near the Sri Lankan coast on 26 November. It rapidly intensified into a cyclonic storm by 27 November. While meteorological forecasts accurately predicted very heavy rainfall exceeding 200 mm, the actual devastation revealed a critical, under-appreciated factor which was translational speed. Moving at a crawl of three-eight km/h over land, Ditwah became a relentless, stationary rain machine. more..

Dec 18 (Island) Serious concerns raised by medical professionals over the quality of some batches of the Ondansetron injection, manufactured by Maan Pharmaceuticals, India, and the subsequent withdrawal of them from hospitals here, have shed light on a bigger issue. The use of nine other parenteral products has been suspended with immediate effect. They will be subjected to quality assessment, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has said. more..

Dec 18 (SO) Nov 15 marked 77 years since Sinhala, Tamil & Muslim leaders united to strip Malaiyaha plantation workers of their citizenship in the aftermath of independence from British colonial rule. Even before freedom was achieved, the leaders of the UNP, unwilling to support the representatives of plantation workers or the Leftists who stood by them, had curtailed their voting rights. Today, new generation of those same political more..

Dec 18 (CT) On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), this article highlights the party’s positions on constitutional matters. When the LSSP was founded, it had two primary objectives: obtaining complete political independence for SL and building a socialist society. The first of these was achieved in two stages. LSSP directly contributed to achieving semi-independence in 1948 through its anti-imperialist struggle and full political independence in 1972. more..

Dec 18 (CT) When the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development met in Parliament on 11 Dec, the figures placed on the table were stark enough to silence any lingering complacency. An estimated Rs 75 billion in losses to the RDA, Rs 20 billion to the CEB, hundreds of millions more to LECO, and Rs 5.6 billion in damage to water supply schemes together painted a sobering picture of the true economic toll of the recent disaster. more..

Dec 18 (GV) Sri Lanka has been hit with one of the worst natural disasters in its history due to the impact of the cyclonic storm Ditwah. With over a million people displaced and over 400 people dead, approximately 330 people still remain missing according to a report by the WHO. While flood waters in many parts of the country have receded and relief efforts are underway, Sri Lankans continue to respond to the needs of those affected with remarkable speed and solidarity. more..

Dec 18 (ST) My good friend, Prof. Mihir Pandey, recently retired from his distinguished career at Ramjas College, Delhi Uni. I first met Mihir in 2004, when together we launched the South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) in New Delhi. SAESM was a pioneering initiative that gave Economics students from across South Asia the opportunity to present research papers on shared regional issues and to build networks around a common vision: integration for One South. more..

Dec 18 (TM) Much like during the 2004 tsunami and the Covid-19 pandemic, Police Department was among the institutions that worked on the frontlines when the island was thrown into chaos as Cyclone Ditwah battered the country, triggering floods and landslides in its wake. As the disaster unfolded, the Police rose above their traditional role of maintaining and enforcing the law to support rescue, evacuation and more..

Dec 18 (DM) The devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in SL cannot be understood in its entirety unless it is seen in the light of economic inequality in the country, and indeed in the comity of nations. Over half of the people in the flooded areas were living in households already facing multiple vulnerabilities before the cyclone, including unstable income, high debt, and limited ability to cope with disasters, UNDP said in a report. Hydrologists estimate that nearly 13b cubic metres of more..

Dec 18 (DM) Another heartbreaking elephant death was reported from Seeppukulama, Mihintale on Tuesday (16). Villagers have attempted to chase this elephant that had suffered a previous injury in one leg and was blind in one eye by throwing burning torches at it. The elephant is suspected to have succumbed to burn injuries. While the Wildlife Conservation Dept is trying to identify the perpetrator(s). There’s a video being circulated on social media, and animal welfare groups more..