- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed condolences on the death of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, praising his leadership and transformative policies like the Right to Education Act: Dissanayake highlighted Singh’s dedication to equity, international collaboration, and his diplomatic achievements, including the Indo-US nuclear agreement, honoring his humility and intellectual legacy.
- Former Kalutara District MP Lalith Ellawala, who switched from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced his decision to end his political career: In a media statement from Panadura, Ellawala resigned from all SJB posts, criticising the party for its lack of unity and accusing it of dictatorship: He also expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s structure, stating that only the Secretary’s name was included in the National List after the Parliamentary Election: Ellawala declared that the SJB would falter and that he would step down from politics.
- Ruling Party MP Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne has filed a complaint with the CID regarding false information and personal attacks circulating on social media, aimed at tarnishing her reputation: She urged authorities to investigate and take action against those responsible, emphasising that such tactics are attempts to discourage women from entering politics: Ariyarathne remains resolute, asserting these attacks will not deter women from political involvement.
- The Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) announced that outstanding funds for Aswesuma payments can be accessed by beneficiaries starting Friday (27): Chairman Jayantha Wijeratne stated that the first phase of the Aswesuma scheme involves transferring payments to 212,423 qualifying families, with over 1,314 million rupees allocated for these funds: The WBB is depositing the payments directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board reported that approximately 80,000 acres of farmland were affected by the November floods: Crop damage assessments have been completed in Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, with compensation payments to follow after final reports: Assessments in Batticaloa, Ampara, and Trincomalee will be finished soon, while those in Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Matale are expected by December 30: The assessments are conducted with the Department of Agrarian Development and agrarian organisations.
- The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange rose by 135.07 points (0.88%) to close at 15,535.60 on December 27: The S&P SL20, tracking the top 20 companies, gained 79.95 points, closing at 4,682.35. The day’s turnover surpassed Rs. 9.8 billion, with over 293 million shares traded.
- The Transport and Highways Ministry plans to improve the quality of passenger transport buses, addressing frequent road accidents caused by both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses: Measures include removing obstructive decorations, improving bus cleanliness, addressing noise issues, and ensuring proper seating standards: Additionally, 1,000 low-floor buses will be imported, and bus timetables will be merged for continuous operations: New standards are expected to be implemented within a month, with compliance monitored during license renewals and random inspections.
- Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all citizens to lead happy, quality lives, free from discrimination: Speaking at the inauguration of the first phase of a Rs. 22 billion housing project in Batariwatta, Moratuwa, funded by China, she highlighted the construction of 1,996 houses for low-income families and veteran artists, expressing gratitude for China’s support.
- Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, an advisor to the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Populations, expressed concern over the current methods used to address elephant-human conflicts: Elephants stuck in Oyamaduwa, including those in the National Livestock Development Board farm, face harmful tactics like firecracker use, which could lead to injury or death: Dr. Nanayakkara criticised the decision to chase elephants into Wilpattu National Park, calling for a national policy developed through collaboration with experts to manage the conflict responsibly without harming the animals.
- The highly anticipated Week 3 clash in the MasterCard Inter-Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament will feature the unbeaten Kandy Sports Club (Kandy SC) against the improved CH and FC on Sunday (29), at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo: Kandy SC, led by head coach Fazil Marija, has been dominant, winning big against Sri Lions SC and Army SC, with key players like Tarinda Ratwatte excelling: CH and FC, coached by Sanath Martis, bounced back from an early loss with a strong win over Police SC: This match promises a thrilling contest between Kandy SC’s potent backline and CH and FC’s experienced forwards.
