- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has set new maximum prices for various rice types following a meeting with rice traders: Nadu rice will be sold at Rs. 225 wholesale and Rs. 230 retail per kilo: The President instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority to monitor compliance and enforce regulations: He also emphasised affordable rice access, urging traders to cooperate with the government.
- A US delegation led by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Colombo: The talks, also attended by Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kaproth and US Ambassador Julie Chung, covered key social, economic, and political issues facing Sri Lanka: The meeting included representatives from USAID and prominent members of Sri Lanka’s opposition parties.
- The government will introduce new regulations prohibiting the use of minors under 12 in advertising starting January 1, 2025: Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni announced this in Parliament, stating that a Gazette notification is being prepared to formalise the prohibition: The move aims to protect children from exploitation in the advertising industry.
- Public Administration Minister Prof. Chandana Abeyratne says the government has no plans to lay off public sector employees but will focus on improving productivity: He emphasised that downsizing could trigger a crisis, but productivity would be considered in future recruitment: Senior Presidential Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa warned of the need to reduce the public sector workforce due to financial constraints, as the sector costs Rs. 1,700 billion annually.
- Sri Lanka Customs has warned the public against falling victim to automobile smugglers as vehicle imports remain banned: Smugglers are attempting to clear dismantled luxury cars through various methods: Customs recently seized a reconditioned Toyota Prius and has previously confiscated a Mercedes Benz, BMW, and several hybrid cars: Authorities caution that buying smuggled cars at lower prices can result in legal consequences.
- Accidents involving tourists engaging in unsafe behaviour on upcountry trains are increasing, prompting calls for stricter safety measures: Tourists often lean out of doors, hold footboard handles, or take selfies, unaware of the dangers: Recently, an Iranian woman sustained critical head injuries after striking a tunnel while taking a selfie, and other incidents have led to severe injuries and fatalities: The Railway Department urges tourists to avoid unsafe behaviour during their stay in Sri Lanka.
- Strong opposition mounts against the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) proposal to maintain current electricity tariffs for the next six months: Critics argue that the public should benefit from increased hydroelectric power generation due to heavy rainfall: Despite recent tariff reductions, the CEB’s proposal suggests minimal adjustments, sparking public discontent: The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) will announce its decision by January.
- Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte who was arrested for causing a road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol was remanded till December 09: The accident occurred near Kollupitiya Junction, and investigations confirmed his intoxication: Ratwatte had been released on bail just days earlier in a separate case involving an illegally imported luxury car.
- Lankeshwara Mithrapala, owner of ‘New Rathna’ Rice Mill, has invited Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe to inspect his rice production facilities following accusations in Parliament about large-scale rice millers stockpiling: Mithrapala defended his operations, stating that his company maintains stocks to ensure a consistent supply until the next harvest: He emphasised that he manages stocks to sustain production and market supply until February 1.
- Kyle Verreynne’s aggressive 100 helped South Africa reach 358, but Sri Lanka fought back strongly on day two: Pathum Nissanka’s 89 and a solid 109-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal put Sri Lanka in a strong position, with Angelo Mathews (40) and Kamindu Mendis (30) unbeaten at stumps: Sri Lanka is well-placed to take the lead, putting pressure on a struggling South African attack.
