Dec 16 (DM) The earnings from tourism rose to US $ 251.6 million in Nov 2025, from the levels in October but the perennial issue of low spending by the visitors of the current day continues to plague the ambitious targets for what the industry could earn from the trade. For instance, the November earnings come amid 212,906 arrivals but a year ago in November, the industry earned US $ 272.9 million from 184,158 arrivals. In Oct 2025, Sri Lanka earned US $ 186.1 million from tourism. more..

Dec 16 (FT) The National Chamber of Commerce of SL (NCCSL) has hosted a Japanese business delegation, headed by Leader of the Delegation Akashi Yasuo, on 12 Dec 2025, for a focused discussion aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in key development sectors. The delegation featured senior representatives from several Japanese industries, including construction, ceramics, apparel, and large-scale manufacturing (petroleum-related vehicles and tanks). more..

Dec 16 (ST) Following the cyclone Ditwah devastation, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues its journey toward a full recovery as daily arrivals increased after a short dip early this month. Although arrivals in the first week of December are slightly higher than in December of last year, the year-on-year arrivals would not rise due to 20-30% of cancellations in the aftermath of the cyclone, industry experts said. Visitor numbers surge around Christmas and New Year, more..

Dec 16 (FT) Omega Line has secured an unprecedented quadruple victory at the Presidential Export Awards 2024/25, claiming the country’s highest export honour alongside three additional national titles in a landmark achievement for SL’s apparel sector. The Oniverse-owned manufacturer was named Best Exporter of the Year and won three further categories: Best Exporter in Product Diversification, Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain, and Best Exporter – Apparel (Large Category). more..

Dec 16 (FT) Sri Lanka is gearing up to host the first international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year as FACETS SL 2026 opens on 3 January. Now in its 33rd year, the exhibition marks a major milestone with its move to The Forum, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, creating the most expansive edition of FACETS to date. Spread across two floors, this year’s exhibition promises an elevated and immersive experience for buyers, traders, collectors and jewellery enthusiasts from around the world. more..

Dec 16 (FT) The Sri Lanka Business Council UAE (SLBC), operating under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, successfully concluded the Sri Lanka Expo Pavilion 2025 at the Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre, marking a significant milestone in the Council’s 35-year history. The two-day event received an exceptional response from exhibitors and visitors alike, with many participants describing it as one of the most impactful and well-curated Sri Lankan showcases ever held in the UAE. more..

Dec 16 (FT) Third Meeting of the Viet Nam–SL Joint Sub-committee on Trade was recently convened under the Co-Chairmanship of Viet Nam Industry and Trade Deputy Minister Phan Thi Thang and SL Trade Secretary K.A. Vimalenthirarajah. The two sides reviewed and evaluated the implementation of the outcomes agreed upon at the Second Meeting, acknowledging the continuous improvement of bilateral trade turnover which reached $ 278.9 million in 2024 and $ 225.4 million in the first 10 months of 2025. more..

Dec 16 (FT) SL’s economy in the third quarter of 2025 has picked up the pace and maintained the upward trajectory for a second consecutive quarter, after losing momentum since 3Q 2024. The encouraging 3Q 2025 GDP growth news is dampened in the wake of the Ditwah-related damages to lives, livelihoods, businesses, and industry. DCS confirmed that the country’s GDP grew by 5.4% in 3Q 2025, up from 4.9% in 2Q, and slightly up in comparison to 5.3% achieved a year ago. more..

Dec 16 (Island) The govt is rebuilding the cyclone-devastated lives, livelihoods and infrastructure in the country after the immense destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been providing exceptional leadership by going into the cyclone affected communities in person, to mingle directly with the people there and to offer encouragement and hope to them. A Prez who can be in the midst of people when they are suffering and in sorrow is a true leader. more..

Dec 16 (Island) It was with shock and dismay that the world received the news about Sunday’s cowardly terror attack on a group of Israelis in Australia. 16 lives were lost and about 40 others injured in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, which followed an increase in anti-Jewish incidents in Australia after Israel’s invasion of Gaza, where 70,000 Palestinians have perished at the hands of the Israeli military. Israel has doubtlessly made Hamas regret its 2023 incursion, indiscriminate killings and 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, that superpower states, 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, Sri Lanka’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: “The 2026 Budget does not include separate provisions for disaster management. more..

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 (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 to SL, Santosh Jha reflected on India’s enduring commitment to SL, more..

Dec 16 (DM) The govt is planning to call for an int'l donor conference to seek assistance for rebuilding the disaster- hit country, Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed. It will be done after the current need assessment is completed. The World Bank is carrying out the assessment at the moment. In addition, the govt agencies are carrying out the task at the moment. Asked whether the govt will conduct an international donor conference, Minister Herath replied, “Yes we have that plan.” 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 lost their properties 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..