Dec 16 (CT) SL’s latest natural disaster – Cyclone Ditwah – once again exposed deep structural weaknesses not only in disaster preparedness but also in governance economic resilience and regional connectivity. Amid this crisis India’s response stood out for its speed scale and restraint. India’s immediate humanitarian assistance extended across the entire island was not merely a gesture of goodwill. It reaffirmed India’s Neighbourhood First policy and its commitment to regional stability. more..

Dec 16 (CT) While the entire island is working to rebuild after the disastrous flooding that took place in many parts of the island, another disaster prevention initiative has been mobilised in response to the oil spill reported off the Colombo Port, and without swift action, could spell significant ecological crises for the island’s western coast. From what we know, efforts to contain the spill are already underway, in an operation conducted jointly with the Marine Environment Protection Authority, more..

Dec 16 (TM) In the wake of the Cyclone Ditwah disaster, SL's ability to weather its impact has become a point of discourse as the national economy is still recovering from a major economic crisis. According to Dept of National Budget Director General Jude Nilukshan, 2026 Budget does not contain specific disaster management allocations. He said: “2026 Budget does not include separate provisions for disaster management. more..

Dec 16 (ST) As receding storm waters reveal the frightening magnitude of devastation Cyclone Ditwah left behind, with her footprint stamped on the very heart of the island’s terrain, the people of Lanka must brace themselves to confront the massive challenge of rebuilding in brick and mortar a brave new Sri Lanka after the govt fiddled while the country flooded. After the political blame game is over, they must come to terms that the halcyon days of a nanny state are gone, more..

Dec 16 (SO) In the sodden aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, as rescue teams dredge the Mahaweli’s banks for the 639th body on December 11, 2025, fishermen from Batticaloa stare at the horizon where their nets once danced. Most people affected by Ditwah are still trying to recover from the tragic devastation, but the disaster has also brought some opportunities to undo the island nation’s past sins, mainly caused by politicians because of their blunders and undiplomatic moves. more..

Dec 16 (SO) In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, India again demonstrated its role as SL’s first responder, swiftly mobilising relief efforts under the humanitarian framework of Operation Sagar Bandhu. The mission, part of India’s broader Neighbourhood First policy, underscores a long-standing pattern of support that stretches back for decades. India’s High Commissioner, Santosh Jha reflected on India’s enduring commitment more..

Dec 16 (TM) The recent accident involving the former Speaker and incumbent NPP MP Ashoka Ranwala has sparked an important national conversation about road safety, accountability and the responsibilities of public officials. Jeep driven by Ranwala collided with a car and a motorcycle, injuring him and three others including a six-months-old infant. Ranwala was subsequently arrested for dangerous driving and the failure to prevent the accident and was enlarged on bail. more..

Dec 16 (DM) Around 7000 people affected by floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah which made landfall in SL on Nov 27 are said to be still staying in welfare centres, while over 6000 houses have been completely destroyed. The majority of people affected by the floods have returned to their homes, except landslide-hit people who lost their homes. Those who escaped death when their houses were covered by earth, or when their houses sank hundreds of metres downhill have more..

Dec 15 (NF) World Bank Group has announced up to US$120 million in emergency support for Sri Lanka, responding to the Govt’s urgent request following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. This funding, repurposed from ongoing projects, will accelerate recovery and restore essential services and infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas—including health care, water, education, agriculture, and connectivity. more..

Dec 15 (NW) Ministry of Education on Monday announced a revised school calendar covering the period from December to March, outlining reopening dates, examination-related closures and special measures introduced following recent natural disasters. Schools in the Western, Southern, Northern, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and North Central provinces will reopen on Tuesday (16). However, 640 schools in the Uva, North Western and Central provinces will remain closed more..

Dec 15 (BBC) A brother and sister from Sheffield are hoping to bring Sri Lankan coffee to the UK and give something back to the country of their ancestors. Samantha and Sampath Erabadda said the lightbulb moment for their fledgling venture came during a visit to the tiny village of Erabadda where their father, Eric, grew up. On a family holiday in 2019, they discovered a coffee tree growing in their grandparent's garden, sparking a business idea they hope can support farmers in Sri Lanka more..

Dec 15 (AD) A defect in the braking system has been observed in the vehicle of former Speaker and NPP MP Asoka Ranwala which was involved in an accident on Thursday in Sapugaskanda. Medical report of MP Asoka Ranwala, who was involved in the accident in which at least three people sustained injuries, has not yet been received by police according to Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler. more..

Dec 15 (DM) SL should not delay in organizing an int'l Donor Conference in the aftermath of one of the worst natural calamities the country has experienced in its modern history—an event now widely considered to be more devastating than the 2004 tsunami. Initial assessments estimate the damage at over USD 7 billion, with the figure expected to increase as comprehensive evaluations continue. Former Envoy stressed that while the international community has responded with immediate more..

Dec 15 (FT) Hettigoda Group has been honoured with two prestigious accolades for the groundbreaking project, Exploring the Bioactivity of Siddhalepa Asamodagam Spirit, at the recent SLTC Research and Innovation Awards 2025, highlighting the company’s dedication to scientific rigour and advancement in traditional medicine. Siddhalepa was honoured with the coveted Outstanding Research Collaboration Award in Healthcare, Wellness and Life Science Research. more..

Dec 15 (PA) Emirates and Dubai Humanitarian have established an airbridge to Sri Lanka, transporting urgent relief aid to support those affected by the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. For the next two weeks, Emirates will offer over 100 tonnes of cargo space free of charge across its daily passenger flights to SL, enabling Dubai Humanitarian and its associates to transport emergency supplies across affected areas, via Colombo. The first shipments departed Dubai Int'l Airport on Tuesday (9) more..

Dec 15 (NW) SLC today declared open a new Indoor Training Complex at the National High Performance Center, marking the completion of another key facility at the country’s Elite Training Center of Cricket. The state-of-the-art, seven-wicket indoor facility has been built to international standards and comprises two wickets dedicated to Spin bowling, two wickets for Fast bowling, and three general-purpose wickets. Designed to facilitate uninterrupted training under varying climatic conditions, more..

Dec 15 (AD) SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) has issued a warning to the general public regarding a rise in frauds conducted via social media. Over the past few weeks, there has been an increase in attempts to commit online and financial scams through social media platforms. Therefore, the public has been urged to exercise extreme caution when using social media. CERT highlights that cybercriminals more..

Dec 15 (TM) Govt Radiological Technologists’ Association (GRTA) said the damage caused to medical imaging equipment by floods triggered by Cyclone Ditwah is being assessed, with preliminary estimates indicating losses amounting to several million rupees. GRTA President, Chanaka Dharmawickrama said that several medical equipment have been severely affected at major hospitals, and that the possibility of repairing them is currently under review. more..

Dec 15 (AD) Special police security arrangements have been made in urban areas and places of worship in view of the upcoming festive season, Police Media Spokesperson, ASP F.U. Wootler stated. An additional 2,500 police personnel have been deployed for the operation in the Western Province alone. In view of the festive season, IGP has issued a special directive to all police stations to ensure security in cities, at places of worship and in areas with large public gatherings, more..

Dec 15 (Island) Newly appointed SL Ambassador to South Korea, M.K. Pathmanaathan, has thanked President Lee Jae Myun for hosting over 37,000 Sri Lankan workers who make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy, noting their satisfaction with employment opportunities in Korea. Pathmanaathan expressed SL’s deep appreciation to the Republic of Korea when he had the opportunity to speak with the South Korean leader after presenting his Letter of Credence on 11 December. more..

Dec 15 (AD) The Rs. 5,000 nutrition allowance proposed for expectant mothers in view of the prevailing disaster situation and the upcoming festive season will be disbursed from tomorrow. The distribution ceremony of the nutrition allowance will be symbolically held under the leadership of Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow at the MOH office in Wellawatta. The allowance, which will be provided only once, will be given to expectant mothers who were registered at more..

Dec 15 (Island) Civil society activist Oshala Herath has said that regardless of the political party one represents, all MPs should abide by the law of the land. Herath said so when The Island sought his response to a report that he was planning to move court against Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, accused of holding the top positions at Omobio (Pvt) and Eimsky Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, more..

Dec 15 (NF) To keep the public informed and safe during ongoing disaster recovery efforts, the Ministry of Transport and Highways has unveiled a new digital platform: road-lk.org. This initiative comes at a critical time when several roads across the country remain under repair following severe floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage caused by recent extreme weather events. Portal offers real-time updates on the status of roads nationwide, including those currently under development, more..

Dec 15 (Island) SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman yesterday complained of a bid to intimidate him. Rahuman said that there had been several instances of unidentified persons, sometimes posing as CID as well as intelligence personnel, visiting his house, as well as the residences of his relatives, and inquiring whether he was there. Responding to The Island query, Rahuman said that he brought the matter to the notice of senior DIG Asanka Karawita, head of the CID and FCID and would take up this matter more..

Dec 15 (NW) Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism is undergoing a structural shift, with visitor spending moving beyond traditional urban centres toward emerging destinations, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Economic Outlook 2026. Commenting on the findings, Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager for SL and Maldives at Mastercard, said the data shows a clear evolution in travel patterns when comparing 2025 with pre-pandemic 2019 levels. more..

Dec 15 (Island) George Keyt Foundation (GKF) has extended meaningful support to the Govt of SL’s disaster relief efforts following the severe devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The text of the press release issued by the GKF: “In 2023, Foundation undertook its first major fundraiser in recent years by issuing 30 numbered limited edition prints of Kangodi Rangi, a painting by George Keyt entrusted to the Foundation. Twenty-eight prints were acquired by donors to support more..

Dec 15 (AD) Former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO), Dammika Ranatunga, who was arrested by the CIABOC earlier today has been granted bail. The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama after considering submissions made by the officials of the Bribery Commission and the counsels representing lawyers Dammika Ranatunga. Magistrate ordered Dammika Ranatunga more..

Dec 15 (NF) Pakistan handed over a sea consignment of 200 tons of humanitarian relief goods to the Govt of SL, reaffirming the enduring friendship and strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The shipment, dispatched by Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), arrived at the Colombo Int'l Container Terminal (CICT) at Colombo Port. The relief package includes family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, camping lamps, more..

Dec 15 (Island) The govt has appealed to India for immediate help to overcome the serious shortage of life-saving drugs and injections. SL High Commission in New Delhi confirmed the appeal made by the govt. The following is the text of statement issued by the SL mission in New Delhi: “The Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, over the weekend handed over a consignment of urgently required essential medicines to SL’s HC to India, Mahishini Colonne, in New Delhi. more..

Dec 15 (DN) Ransalu Handloom Industry National Awards, organized by the Dept of Textile Industries with the aim of promoting the local handloom industry, was held on Friday at the BMICH in Colombo under the patronage of Minister Sunil Handunnetti. Dept of Textile Industries, which operates under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, organizes this national handloom textile competition annually in collaboration with the 9 Provincial Industries more..

Dec 15 (FT) Unilever Sri Lanka pushed back against the long-held argument that the country’s population of 22 million restricts investment opportunities, insisting that the country offers a far more compelling case when viewed through the lens of value generation, consumer behaviour, and category development. Unilever SL Marketing Director Imeshika Kariyawasam said despite economic turbulence, Sri Lanka continues to be viewed positively within Unilever’s global system. more..