Members of all ranks of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force have collectively donated one day’s basic salary to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The construction of the Kadawatha to Mirigama section of the Central Expressway has been completed by nearly 40 percent, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake said.

A 20-year-old man was shot dead and two others were injured in a shooting carried out by suspects who arrived on a motorcycle and a three-wheeler at a rented house along Menikagara Road, Koratota, Nawagamuwa, in the Kaduwela area last night (January 01), Sri Lanka Police said.

Laugfs Gas Company has increased the prices of domestic LP gas cylinders, effective from January 1, 2026.

Sri Lanka has received humanitarian assistance from 22 foreign countries and the World Food Programme (WFP) to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Defence said.

Bus services on 40 economically unviable rural routes in Sri Lanka will begin today (January 01) under a Rs. 2,000 million allocation proposed in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Budget Speech to provide transport facilities to vulnerable rural communities.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, in Kandy this morning (January 1), where he paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings for the New Year.

A Sub-Inspector of Police attached to the Kinniya Police Station was arrested on 31 December 2025 in connection with an alleged bribe demand.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (December 31) issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification establishing the Presidential Task Force for Rebuilding Sri Lanka to coordinate disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said in her 2026 New Year message that 2025 marked a year of decisive and people oriented progress, with steps taken to strengthen transparency, good governance and a corruption free public service.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in his 2026 New Year message that the country entered the new year after achieving major economic milestones in 2025, including the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest government revenue since 2007 and the highest tourist arrivals ever recorded.

Sri Lanka has gained global recognition after being featured in the prestigious Happiness List 2026 by G Adventures, based on feedback from more than 8,000 international travelers who praised the country for inspiring joy, connection, and long-term happiness through meaningful travel experiences.

Bank of Ceylon has made a financial contribution of Rs. 500 million to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, which was established to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Johan Fernando, the son of former Minister Johnston Fernando, who was arrested yesterday (December 30), was remanded until January 9, 2026, by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court today (December 31).

The Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Nalaka Kaluwewe, has lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (December 31) after an unsuitable website reference was found in a newly printed Grade 6 English language module.