- During his three-day visit to India, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met key officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval: Discussions focused on boosting Indo-Sri Lankan economic cooperation, expanding investment, enhancing tourism, modernising agriculture, and strengthening regional security: Sri Lankan officials also participated in the meetings.
- SJB MP Nalin Bandara says the stepping down of Asoka Ranwala from his position as the Speaker of Parliament following false claims of possessing a doctorate is not enough, stressing that he should be stepping down from his position as an MP as well: He added that the Opposition no longer feels credibility from the government’s end in appointing a speaker representing the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP): He criticised the government for misleading the public by making such false claims.
- Former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa stated that a doctorate or educational certificate is not necessary to become Speaker of Parliament, emphasising that anyone elected to Parliament can assume the role: He noted that the issue would arise only if former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala had falsely claimed to have a doctorate: Rajapaksa praised Ranwala for resigning amid the controversy, calling it “not a big issue”.
- The Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) announced that public consultations on the proposed electricity tariff revision for January to June 2025 will begin on December 17 and continue until January 8: The public can submit comments via email or WhatsApp: After consultations, the Commission will review the proposal and publish a draft for further feedback.
- The Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC) is facing a crisis amid corruption scandals and leadership failures, as it marks its 46th anniversary: A forensic audit is underway, revealing financial mismanagement, unethical practices, and corruption over the past 12 years: Suspended General Manager, irregular recruitment, unauthorised discounts to large corporates, and destruction of crucial audit documents have exposed deep-rooted issues: Probes suggest systemic corruption persists despite efforts for reform, raising concerns about the corporation’s future in supporting Sri Lanka’s export sector: Staff and whistleblowers urge an immediate audit to restore SLECIC’s integrity.
- The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has identified over 300 traders violating rice price control regulations during recent raids since December 10: CAA Director of Information Asela Bandara announced that these traders will face legal action, with proceedings beginning from December 15: The operations aim to enforce compliance with rice pricing regulations.
- The All Ceylon Egg Traders’ Association has announced a significant reduction in egg prices for the festive season, with retail prices ranging from Rs. 30 to 35: Regular eggs under 50 grams will cost Rs. 30-32, while larger eggs will be priced at Rs. 33-35: This follows increased egg production, leading to a market surplus and stabilised prices, after prices reached Rs. 65-70 last year.
- The United Nations has pledged support for Sri Lanka’s development, focusing on peace, unity, and sustainable progress: UN Resident Representative Marc-André Franche made this commitment during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday (15): The UN’s support aims to contribute to the country’s overall development goals.
- The Department of Railway has launched an investigation into a collision at Beliatta Railway Station on December 15, involving the ‘Rajarata Rajina’ and ‘Sagarika’ trains: The collision occurred when the ‘Rajarata Rajina’ engine collided with the stationary ‘Sagarika’ train, causing significant damage: As a result, the ‘Sagarika’ train will not operate on December 16, and the ‘Rajarata Rajina’ service has been delayed.
- The government has introduced a new requirement for all local and foreign NGOs, including those registered under the Companies Act, to re-register with the National Secretariat for NGOs: This directive, under the Volunteer Social Service Organisations Act, aims to centralise registration and enhance oversight of NGOs operating in Sri Lanka: NGOs must comply with the new regulations by re-registering with the Secretariat.
