Cyclone Ditwah causes US$4.1 Billion damage to Sri Lanka says World Bank

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November, has caused an estimated US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage to buildings and contents, agriculture and critical infrastructure, according to a World Bank Group Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) report released today (December 22).



NPP’s first CMC budget defeated by three votes

The 2026 inaugural budget of the Colombo Municipal Council, controlled by the National People’s Power (NPP), was defeated today (December 22).



Sri Lanka’s IRD hits record Rs. 2,203 Billion revenue target for 2025

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reached the Government’s annual revenue target of Rs. 2,203 billion for 2025, achieving the milestone by December 19, 2025, according to Commissioner General Rukdevi P. H. Fernando.



Sri Lanka’s exports reach US$ 15.78 Billion in first 11 months of 2025

Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 15,776.36 million during the first 11 months of 2025, marking a notable 5.8% year-on-year growth, according to the latest data from Sri Lanka Customs.



Police constable granted bail in MP Shantha Pathma Kumara assault case

The police constable who was arrested in connection with the assault incident involving National People’s Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, also known as Shantha Padmakumara, has been granted bail by the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court.



Police constable arrested over assault involving NPP MP Shantha Pathma Kumara

Police have arrested a police constable in connection with an assault incident involving Ratnapura District National People’s Power (NPP) Member of Parliament Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, also known as Shantha Padmakumara.



Electronics showroom Manager killed in Ambalangoda shooting

A manager of an electronics showroom in Ambalangoda was shot dead by two individuals on a motorcycle this morning (December 22).



Special operations room to ensure safety during festive season

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has instructed the activation of a special Operations Room at the Army Headquarters to ensure public safety during the ongoing festive season.



MP Shantha Pathma Kumara, Police Constable clash near Kalugala temple

According to police, a constable attached to the Sooriyakanda Police Station was reportedly attacked near the Kalugala Temple on December 20, 2025, at around 8:40 p.m., while returning home after completing his duties.



Sri Lanka Police investigate threats and assaults on PickMe and Uber drivers in Ella

The Sri Lanka Police have launched investigations following complaints of threats and assaults against hired vehicle drivers operating through PickMe and Uber services in the Ella tourist area.



Restoring Lives: ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ discussion held under Sri Lanka President’s patronage

A special discussion was held yesterday (December 20) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo under the patronage of Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to review district-level plans aimed at restoring the lives of citizens under the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ programme and to address challenges faced during implementation.



Sri Lanka rolls out mental health support initiative for cyclone victims

The foundational workshop for the new “Beyond Recovery” program, aimed at improving the mental well-being of people affected by the recent cyclone in Sri Lanka, was held on December 19, 2025, at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo under the leadership of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.



Suspect arrested at BIA with 42,000 illegal cigarettes

A suspect was arrested at the arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake for possessing 42,000 cigarettes (210 cartons) that had been illegally brought into the country on the night of December 20, 2025.



HL-FRAC holds fourth session at Parliament on foreign disaster aid coordination

The fourth session of the High-Level Committee for Foreign Relief Aid (Supplies) Coordination (HL-FRAC) was held on December 19, 2025, at the Parliament complex, focusing on the effective management, security, and timely distribution of foreign disaster relief aid, under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).



Sri Lanka expresses gratitude to UAE for humanitarian assistance

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed the country’s deep appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for its swift humanitarian assistance to communities affected by recent floods and heavy rainfall across the country.



Sri Lanka President assures historic Rs. 500 Billion relief fund without raising debt ceiling

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament that the government has presented the largest supplementary estimate in recent history, Rs. 500 billion without increasing the debt ceiling, and that claims the economy will collapse by April are incorrect.