- In his Christmas Message President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says “Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great reverence by Christians worldwide. Jesus Christ, who came into this world to bring salvation to all, saw no divisions among people, be they rich or poor.”
- The Director of Public Relations for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha, has reassured Catholic devotees and the public of their safety as they attend church services for Christmas celebrations, urging them to participate without fear or doubt.
- The Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha says that a salary increase for public sector employees ‘must’ take place in 2025. He made this statement during a media briefing , emphasizing the government’s commitment to easing the economic hardships faced by the public.
- Sri Lanka is set to achieve a significant milestone in its tourism sector as the country prepares to welcome its two millionth tourist for 2024 on December 26th. This landmark occasion will take place at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) through the Silk Route, highlighting the success of ongoing tourism promotion efforts.
- Sixty-two employees of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), suspended for participating in protests against its privatization during the previous government, have been reinstated with compensation. These employees were suspended following a protest campaign launched by CEB trade unions last January, opposing alleged privatization efforts.
- A rare genetic disorder, Congenital Methemoglobinemia, has been diagnosed for the first time in Sri Lanka, affecting a child from the Medawachchiya area in Anuradhapura. The condition, which causes the skin to turn blue and severely impairs breathing, was identified by a specialist at the premature infant unit of the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.
- Dr. Senesh Bandara Dissanayake, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), has announced his resignation just three months after assuming the role under the new National People’s Power (NPP) government.In a statement shared on social media, Dissanayake clarified that his tenure was always intended to be temporary.
- Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has received death threats from ISIS terrorists and LTTE groups, according to Manoj Gamage, Vice President of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Lawyers’ Association. Speaking to the media Gamage revealed that, the Ministry of Public Security withdrew the remaining military officers assigned to Rajapaksa’s security detail.
- Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that necessary steps will be taken to curb the resurgence of underworld activities. Addressing the Cabinet press briefing, Dr. Jayatissa highlighted the commitment of security forces to address this issue effectively.
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and UAE. The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.
