Dec 17 (DM) SL's Chief Scout Commissioner Janaprith Fernando was awarded the 'Silver Elephant Award' at the Raj Bhawan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India by the Governor Amandi Ben Patel recently. The Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) which has a membership of over 6.8 million at present confers the Silver Elephant Award the Highest National Distinction of BSG in recognition of Most Exceptional Service to the Scout/Guide Movement. The citation of the Award states more..

Dec 17 (Island) PM Harini Amarasuriya was the chief guest at the Graduation Ceremony of the Defence Services Command and Staff College Course 19 held at the Nelum Pokuna Theater on 16th of Dec. The Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), the highest seat of military learning, marked the graduation of Course 19 by recognizing 149 graduates, including 26 Foreign Course participants, whose presence underscored the growing international engagement and more..

Dec 17 (EN) SL’s real GDP estimated for nine months at 9,866 billion in constant rupees has almost reaching the 9,751 billion calculated for 2021, based on the latest data released by the state statistics office. After a 30-year civil war Sri Lanka went though serial currency crises and inflationary policy blew the balance of payments apart, prompting foreign borrowings and serial stabilization measures which slowed growth and more..

Dec 17 (CT) The Court of Appeal was informed yesterday that a petition filed against the removal of a portion of the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee is likely to be settled amicably. The petition, filed by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Kalyanawansa Tissa Thera, challenged an order issued by the Coast Conservation Dept directing the removal of a specific section of the temple premises. When the matter was taken up before a Court of Appeal Bench more..

Dec 17 (NW) Construction work has already begun in Puttalam to install a state‑of‑the‑art Doppler radar system to enhance SL’s capacity to forecast severe weather events, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. He revealed that SL plans to acquire the Doppler radar with support from the Govt of Japan and that the radar is expected to be operational by 2027. He described the initiative as a major upgrade to Dept of Meteorology, which will also be equipped with additional essential instruments. more..

Dec 17 (NF) In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, which unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, claiming lives and destroying homes and infrastructure, Canada has stepped forward with a major humanitarian pledge. On 16th December, Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), announced over CAD $2 million in emergency funding to support relief efforts for thousands of families affected by the disaster. The funding is allocated as follows: more..

Dec 17 (AD) Minister Vijitha Herath today accepted US$ 2.5 million grant assistance from Govt of Japan. Foreign Minister received the grant from Akio Isomata, the Ambassador of Japan to SL to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. This was followed by prompt deployment of a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team and provision of emergency relief material to SL. Minister Herath also thanked the govt and people of Japan for the continuous more..

Dec 17 (PMD) Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Mr. Wang Dongming, stated that China would extend its full support to the Govt’s efforts to rebuild the lives of the SL people and overcome the challenges posed by Cyclone Ditwah, expressing confidence that Sri Lanka will recover rapidly under the leadership of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Mr. Wang made these remarks when he, more..

Dec 17 (NW) SLC has reportedly instructed national players currently participating in the ILT20 tournament in Dubai to return to the country by Dec 20, despite having earlier granted permission for them to compete in the league until early January. The recall was communicated to the players via email, according to sources, though SLC has not officially stated the reason for the directive. Reports indicate the move is linked to preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and more..

Dec 17 (EN) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the general public of ongoing scams attempting to swindle money from potential investors in share market. The market regulator has already identified Bule Ocean Securities Limited and Gladius South Asia involved in scams. Tushara Jayaratne, deputy director general of SEC said the Blue Ocean has been involved in asking investors to start trading through an app named BOMate. “From this app, you can’t trade shares. more..

Dec 17 (AD) Investigations have been launched into a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a man torturing and setting fire to a wild elephant in the Ambagahawala area of Seeppukulama, Mihintale, according to the Dept of Wildlife Conservation. Dept stated that details surrounding the death of the elephant are scheduled to be presented to court today. Dept noted that the suspect responsible for more..

Dec 17 (DM) Doctors at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital launched a strike this morning, citing serious concerns over their personal safety following the discovery of several empty bullet casings within the hospital premises earlier this week. Doctors said the incident, which occurred three days ago, had heightened fears regarding security at the hospital. They stressed that the strike action would continue until adequate protection is provided. The strike caused significant inconvenience more..

Dec 17 (AD) The Yellow Anaconda hatchling which was reported missing from the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens recently, has been recovered. The hatchling was found inside an iron box within the Reptilium of the zoo, less than 24 hours after the zoo keeper in charge of the relevant section was interdicted in connection with its disappearance. The hatchling, measuring between 1.5 and 2 feet in length, was the only Yellow Anaconda in the Dehiwala Zoo. more..

Dec 17 (FT) It is a well-established principle that income tax is imposed on net income, after allowing deductions for expenses incurred in the production of income, losses and outgoings, as well as qualifying payments, including donations made to the Govt, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017 (the Act). Accordingly, people affected by Cyclone Ditwah may claim deductions for losses arising from the disaster for income tax purposes under Sec 19 of the Act. more..

Dec 17 (FT) Sri Lanka is confronting a moment of profound national crisis. The devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, marked by widespread flooding, landslides, and the displacement of more than a million people, has collided with the pressures of a sovereign debt crisis and a fragile post-default recovery. As in many countries facing climate-induced disasters, the scale of the emergency has reignited debate about what a Govt can afford to do, how it should pay for it, and more..

Dec 17 (FT) Three major State agencies face an estimated Rs. 216 billion infrastructure funding requirement following damage caused by the Ditwah-related natural disasters, officials told a Parliament Oversight Committee. Three agencies are RDA, CEB & Water Board, highlighting the scale of the recovery challenge confronting public finances. Govt has asked Parliament to approve a supplementary estimate more..

Dec 17 (NW) Turkish Airlines flight TK 733 from Colombo to Istanbul landed safely at BIA at 12:28 a.m. following the reported technical issue. Airport authorities confirm all passengers and crew are safe. Airport officials say there is no disruption to other flights at BIA, despite the emergency situation involving the Turkish Airlines aircraft. A Turkish Airlines passenger flight bound for Istanbul reported a landing gear malfunction shortly after departing BIA on Tuesday night, more..

Dec 17 (Island) The govt has granted special leave to state officials who were unable to report to work due to floods, landslides, and road blockages. The relevant circular was issued yesterday by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Admin, PCs and LG to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Depts. Accordingly, special leave will be granted to officials who were unable to report to work due to disruptions to public transport services between their place of more..

Dec 17 (TM) In an attempt to address the concerns raised about overcrowding, the lack of privacy and safety related concerns of females in evacuation centres established following the cyclone Ditwah and associated disasters, the authorities are moving from large, crowded shelters to temporary, family-based housing units, said Deputy Health Minister, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni. He stated that evacuation centres are no longer more..

Dec 17 (FT) Cabinet on Monday approved a near-doubling of the cost estimate for the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project to Rs. 47.18 billion and extended its completion deadline to 31 Dec 2030, underscoring both the scale of the country’s development ambitions in the Northern Province and the fiscal realities reshaping long-delayed infrastructure projects. Originally launched in 2016, project was designed to address chronic water scarcity in Lower Malwathu Oya Valley, more..

Dec 17 (TM) In the wake of calls by the Electricity Consumers Association (ECA) for Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) to announce clear deadlines for electricity tariff revision proposals, the latter stated that there is no scope for it to impose such requirements by law. PUCSL Director Jayanat Herat said that tariff revisions are guided by Govt policy and that the Commission’s role begins only after a proposal is submitted. “We have not received a tariff revision proposal so far. more..

Dec 17 (AD) A foreign-manufactured firearm and a stock of ammunition have been recovered based on information revealed during the interrogation of an underworld gang member known as Kehelbaddara Padme, who is currently being held under a detention order. Officers of the CID uncovered that a firearm and other property belonging to the suspect had been concealed in the country under the custody of another organized criminal who is currently overseas. more..

Dec 17 (TM) A Police Sergeant has been interdicted for allegedly maintaining close contact with the female suspect, Nanda Kumar Thakshee, who is currently being held under a 90-day detention order (DO) in connection with the murder of organised crime figure Sanjeewa Kumara Samararatne, also known as Ganemulla Sanjeewa, at the Aluthkade court complex. Police investigations revealed that the Sergeant and the suspect exchanged gestures and communicated using sign language, more..

Dec 17 (TM) Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry stated Govt has a comprehensive plan to support estate sector families affected by Cyclone Ditwah and assured that all forms of relief and assistance would be provided without delay. Deputy subject Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep said that the Govt was already extending financial support to affected children through existing allowance schemes, more..

Dec 17 (NW) Minister of Power Kumara Jayakody says SL has prepared a draft National Electricity Policy as part of a broader national energy strategy aimed at meeting current and future needs while addressing sector challenges. A committee of experts,consisting of Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, Prof. Arulampalam Atputharajah, Prof. Wijendra Bandara, Dr. M.M. Gunathilaka, Engineer Shavindranath Fernando, and President’s Counsel Milinda Gunatilaka, was appointed by the Cabinet more..

Dec 17 (DM) SL construction sector recorded a robust double-digit growth of 12.2% in the third quarter of 2025, maintaining its recovery momentum and catalysing broader activity across the real estate and professional services sectors. According to provisional estimates, the construction industry generated Rs. 499.9 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices during the quarter ending Sept 30, 2025. This performance secured a 6% share of SL’s total GDP for the period. more..

Dec 17 (DN) SL Under-19 team, captained by Vimath Dinsara, looks to maintain its winning momentum against Bangladesh in the final Group match of the Asia Cup today at the ICC Academy Grounds in Dubai. Both SL and Bangladesh recorded back-to-back victories to secure semi-final spots. SL tops the points table with a net run rate of 1.848, while Bangladesh sits second with 1.558. This match will decide the group leader ahead of the semi-finals. SL’s narrow two-wicket victory more..

Dec 17 (Island) The second edition of the National Short ‎Track Athletics Championships will be held at the 200 metres track of the Sugathadasa Stadium on Jan 3, 2026. The event scheduled for a 1 pm start is limited to a few track and field events generally held at indoor stadiums. It will be the first track and field event of the year and will be held when Sri Lanka Athletics is governed under a convening committee. ‎Sri Lanka Athletics is without an elected body after Sports Ministry’s attempt to conduct election more..

Dec 17 (FT) The anticipated tourism rebound is edging into its final, decisive stretch of 2025 with arrivals now firmly above 2.2 million as of first half of the month, but the arithmetic of the final weeks suggests the industry will need an exceptional December to meaningfully exceed its lower-end ambitions. SL welcomed 93,031 visitors in the first 2 weeks of Dec, a 4.2% increase from 89,317 recorded over the same period last yr. more..

Dec 17 (DM) Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Wealth Trust Securities Limited (WTS) opens today, inviting the public to subscribe for 71,548,244 Ordinary Voting Shares at an Issue Price of Rs. 7 per share. Through the Issue, WTS seeks to raise a total of Rs. 500,837,708, with the Company’s shares expected to be listed on the Diri Savi Board of the CSE. WTS is a Primary Dealer authorised by the Central Bank of SL, and is also licensed by the SEC as a Stock Broker (Debt) and Stock Dealer (Debt). more..

Dec 17 (ST) An elite 8-member team from the 2nd Commando Regiment of the SL Army spearheaded a dramatic rescue of a 3-month-old infant under extremely challenging conditions from the remote Meemure area. This 8-member team had found a 3-month-old infant and her grandmother while searching a house in the Karambaketiya village on Dec 3. Infant was in an extremely weak state at the time she was found as she had been separated from her mother and was in need of mother’s milk. more..