- A special police investigation has been launched to probe the potential misuse of the Presidential Fund. Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct the inquiry following a complaint about individuals misusing the fund: It was revealed that 34 former Members of Parliament received millions of rupees for non-official purposes, with the misuse estimated to exceed Rs. 12.25 billion.
- The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has decided to take legal action over the reduction of security for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa: SLPP National Executive Member Ravindra Jayasinghe criticised the move, stating that security cuts for economic reasons are unacceptable: He also rejected claims made by NPP Parliamentarian Nilanthi Kottahachchi, calling them baseless and misleading.
- Wasantha Handapangoda, a trade union activist of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former chairperson of the SLPP Teachers’ Union, has passed away in the United Kingdom: She died due to a sudden illness while visiting her daughter.
- The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has reported a surge in online scams during the festive season: Chief Information Security Officer Nirosh Ananda highlighted complaints about scammers calling consumers, claiming they have won prizes, and other frauds involving AI technology: He urged the public to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from such scams.
- Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasised the urgent need to resolve issues in medicine supply, urging the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), and Medical Supplies Division (MSD) to ensure a continuous supply of quality medicines: He highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system and implementing a stable, long-term national policy for healthcare improvement.
- The Police Special Task Force (STF) will be deployed to prevent the theft of power cables on the Katunayake-Colombo expressway, according to the Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Ministry: Following instructions from Minister Bimal Rathnayake, the Road Development Authority (RDA) requested Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala’s support: STF personnel will patrol the expressway at night to combat thefts, primarily committed by drug addicts.
- The newly appointed Excise Commissioner General, U. L. Udaya Kumara Perera, has proposed a solution to settle Rs. 5.8 billion in tax arrears owed by W. M. Mendis and Co. Ltd., suggesting the company pay 50% (Rs. 3 billion) to reactivate its suspended production licence: This approach aims to safeguard the livelihoods of 600 employees and their dependents, while allowing the company to resume operations.
- A group of suspects, aged 19 to 26 and from Jaffna, has been arrested by the Galaha Police in Kandy for breaking into over 21 houses and jewellery shops across multiple areas, stealing valuables worth millions: The group is linked to 24 thefts spanning four years, with nine arrest warrants pending from Jaffna: Most of the stolen money has been spent, and some gold ornaments were recovered: They will be presented in court.
- As Sri Lanka marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, the nation reflects on the immense loss of over 35,000 lives, the resilience shown by survivors, and the lessons learned: The disaster, one of the deadliest in history, devastated coastal communities, yet global aid and support helped in recovery: Efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and early-warning systems followed, making Sri Lanka more resilient: However, the emotional scars remain, with survivors continuing to rebuild their lives: The anniversary serves as both remembrance and a reminder of the need for vigilance against future natural disasters.
- Sri Lanka has secured direct qualification for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, marking their first such achievement since 2008: The team, led by Chamari Athapaththu, earned this spot after Australia’s series win against New Zealand confirmed Sri Lanka’s place: Despite a poor showing in the recent T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s strong ODI performances secured their qualification for the prestigious event.
