Dec 16 (DM) The govt is planning to call for an international 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. World Bank is carrying out the assessment at the moment. In addition, govt agencies are carrying out the task at the moment. Asked whether the govt will conduct an international donor conference, more..

Dec 16 (FT) The 16th meeting of the National Council for Disaster Management was held yesterday morning at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the meeting, a Cabinet Memorandum was presented on the establishment of a National Integrated Disaster Management Mechanism and on proposed amendments to the SL Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005. Attention was also drawn to reducing landslide risks more..

Dec 16 (ST) Under the proposed Terrorism Act, those who commit an act of terrorism will be handed hefty penalties ranging from a twenty-year jail term with fines to life imprisonment after a High Court trial. The new law titled Protection of the State from Terrorism Act, No. of 2026 has been published by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration and will replace the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). The proposed bill also defines an offence of terrorism as more..

Dec 16 (DM) National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has temporarily withdrawn four batches of the Ondansetron injection, a critical medicine used to prevent vomiting and nausea in young children, pregnant women, and patients undergoing surgery or anesthesia, with immediate effect. According to an official letter dated Dec 12, 2025, issued by the Executive Director of the NMRA, the withdrawal follows reports of complications and adverse reactions linked to use of the drug. more..

Dec 16 (NW) Former SL leg-spinner D.S. de Silva, who played in the country’s inaugural Test match in 1982 and later served as Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, has passed away at the age of 83. De Silva died in London following a brief illness. A respected figure in SL cricket, De Silva represented the national team during the early years of Test cricket and went on to captain SL in two Test matches. After his playing career, he continued to serve the game in multiple capacities, including as a coach, 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 GDP grew by 5.4% in 3Q 2025, up from 4.9% in 2Q, and more..

Dec 16 (TM) The DMC reported that over 20,000 families affected by the recent disaster caused by cyclone Ditwah are still sheltered in relief centres. A total of 70,055 people from 22,522 families are currently sheltered in 762 relief centres across the country. The majority of these centres are located in the Kandy District, where 17,437 people from 5,427 families are staying in 222 relief centres. Large numbers of relief centres are also located in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts, more..

Dec 16 (DM) Disaster-affected people in Polonnaruwa area are now facing the danger of wild elephants, a crisis worsened after the forest reserves in the low-lying areas of the Mahaweli B Zone, including Polonnaruwa were submerged after heavy rain. Herds of wild elephants in the forest reserves under water are roaming into the villages. Representatives of farmer organisations said that human–elephant conflict has aggravated and that the marauding herds are destroying houses more..

Dec 16 (DN) Hiruki de Silva of Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA) produced a stunning swim to break a decade-old women’s 100m individual medley national record on the final day of the HNB National and Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship, which concluded at the Isipathana College Swimming Pool Complex in Colombo yesterday. De Silva erased the long-standing women’s 100m short course individual medley senior national record by clocking 1:05.82, winning gold medal in style. more..

Dec 16 (DN) Opener Viran Chamuditha (62) and Chamika Heenatigala (51 n.o) made superb half centuries as SL U-19s fought back to record 2 wickets win over Afghanistan U-19s with 4 balls to spare in their Asia Cup cricket fixture played at ICC Cricket Academy grounds in Dubai yesterday. Back to back victories in the series propel SL U-19s led by Vimath Dinsara to reach top of the group ‘B’ entering the semi final in a grand style. SL U-19s chasing a target of 236 started with openers more..

Dec 16 (DM) The Court of Appeal, in its judgement, observed that rape remains a widespread and growing issue in Sri Lanka, casting a long shadow over the nation’s social fabric. While dismissing an appeal filed by a man convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl, the Court of Appeal emphasised the growing prevalence of sexual violence in SL and its devastating impact on society. Court of Appeal Justice Amal Ranaraja, more..

Dec 16 (NW) SL could face a major economic crisis by April 2026 if the fallout from the Cyclone Ditwah disaster is not managed properly, UNP Deputy General Secretary Harin Fernando warned. He said the economic damage caused by the cyclone was severe, accusing the govt and the Prez of lacking a clear plan to deal with the crisis. Fernando said the govt has so far failed to present a proper damage assessment, warning that demand for US dollars would increase sharply due to losses in more..

Dec 16 (DM) Softlogic Holdings has successfully concluded negotiations to restructure debt amounting to over Rs.42 billion, securing critical grace periods of six to 18 months for capital repayments, according to its latest annual report. This strategic financial engineering has begun to reshape the conglomerate’s balance sheet, which remains weighed down by a massive debt load of Rs.122.8 billion as of Sept 30, 2025. The impact of the restructuring is already visible in more..

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) 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, jewellery enthusiasts from around the world. 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. 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 more..

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

Dec 16 (Island) Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has said the Greek bond case against former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and four others, recently withdrawn by the CIABOC, cannot be refiled. Rajapaksa is of the view that the manner of withdrawal has deprived CIABOC of any legal right to revive proceedings. Contrary to media reports, no court condition required Cabraal to pay Rs 1.84 b 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 (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 President who can be in the midst of people when they are suffering and in sorrow is a true leader. 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 (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..