- The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to implement urgent legal reforms to restore the rule of law: In a written appeal, the AHRC emphasised the need to address judicial delays, introduce anti-corruption legislation, and reform the Attorney General’s Department for improved independence, efficiency, and transparency in governance.
- The Democratic People’s Front (DPF) appointed Barath Arulsamy as its new Vice President during a politburo meeting led by Party Leader Mano Ganesan in Colombo: The meeting focused on reviewing the party’s progress, discussing strategies for upcoming Local Government elections, and strengthening its organisational structure: Ganesan emphasised enhancing the party’s political and international engagement while reaffirming its commitment to advocating for Tamil and minority rights.
- Former State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe praised the former government’s efforts in steering Sri Lanka from crisis to growth, citing the Fitch Ratings upgrade of the country’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC+’ from ‘Restricted Default’: He highlighted this milestone as a success of debt restructuring, strengthening both local and global confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
- The Election Commission will provide the Police with a list of candidates who have failed to submit their income and expenditure reports since contesting the general election: The Police will take legal action against these candidates: Meanwhile, the names of those who have submitted their reports are displayed at district secretariats and election offices.
- The Education Ministry has instructed all government schools to avoid organising programmes on Sundays to prevent conflicts with Sunday school activities: A letter from the Additional Secretary, P.R. Kariyawasam, noted a request from the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to allow children to participate in Sunday school: Schools were advised to schedule any necessary programs outside Sunday school hours.
- The Central Bank (CBSL) has announced relief measures for SMEs affected by the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent economic conditions: These measures include rescheduling non-performing loans based on the borrower’s ability to repay and a revival plan, with final agreements due by June 15, 2025: SMEs may also receive interest waivers, and new loan applications should not be rejected solely based on adverse CRIB records: SMEs must engage with their bank’s Business Revival Units by March 31, 2025, to qualify for relief.
- The Police will launch a nationwide special traffic operation starting today (23) focusing on passenger buses and other vehicles to reduce road accidents: The operation, continuing through the festive season, will prioritise inspections for alcohol or substance-impaired driving, reckless driving, and technical defects in buses: Traffic officers will conduct 24-hour surveillance, and the public can report violations via hotlines, police stations, or WhatsApp.
- A gazette notification issued on December 20, 2024, extends the compulsory retirement age for various government medical officers to 63 years: This includes Medical Specialists, Grade Medical Officers, Dental Officers, Medical Administrative Grade officers, and Dental Specialists: The new provisions, effective from January 1, 2023, were announced by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government.
- An extraordinary gazette signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has delegated the authority to borrow and issue debt securities, both domestically and internationally, to the Secretary of the Treasury on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka: The Treasury Secretary is also authorised to sign agreements for foreign loans and government guarantees for state corporations or public enterprises seeking foreign loans, as well as any related contracts, bonds, or promissory notes.
- The 13th Defence Services Taekwondo Championship 2024/2025 was successfully held at the SLAF Base Katunayake Gymnasium from December 17-20, 2024: The Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Team claimed the Women’s Championship with five Gold, two Silver, and nine Bronze medals: The SLAF Men’s Team secured second place with four Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze: Aircraftman Prabashwara DPGAM was named ‘Best Player’: The awards ceremony was attended by Air Vice Marshal Chaminda Wickramaratne and senior officers from the tri-services.
