- The government will amend the Oath of the Public Service, effective January 1, 2025, in line with the launch of the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme: Chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s social and economic sustainability and improve government efficiency: A Presidential Task Force with 18 members will oversee its implementation.
- General Shavendra Silva is set to retire as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and from active service in the Sri Lanka Army on January 1, 2025: Appointed CDS in June 2022, he has had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years, including key roles such as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Chief of Staff: Known for his leadership during the Wanni Humanitarian Operation in 2009, he is the recipient of numerous gallantry awards and distinguished service medals, marking an exceptional military legacy.
- Thisara Iroshana Nanayakkara, the brother of former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara, has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over the allegation of defrauding about Rs. 3 million from individuals by promising career opportunities in Finland: The arrest took place in Bibile: Nanayakkara has been remanded until January 6, 2025.
- The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to ensure its officials are granted access to inspect the welfare of 115 Myanmar asylum seekers, including over 40 children, detained in Mullaitivu: The HRCSL’s attempts to visit the site were blocked by Air Force officials, citing instructions from the Immigration Department: The Commission emphasised its statutory mandate to monitor detention conditions and protect the rights of all individuals in Sri Lanka, urging the President to direct relevant authorities to facilitate access for a thorough investigation.
- Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Upali Pannilage said a special rural poverty alleviation programme will be launched in January 2025: It aims to implement a development plan for each village, involving active participation from local residents: The programme will be a joint effort between ministries, local governments, provincial councils, and both private and public sectors across all districts.
- The MSME Chamber of Sri Lanka has called for the immediate removal of a circular issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), which states that the suspension of ‘Parate’ law execution will end by March 31, 2025: Media Secretary Susantha Liyanaarachchi criticised the CBSL for aligning with the Sri Lanka Bank Association’s view and urged the issuance of a new circular reflecting the Deputy Minister of Finance’s statement on debt repayment and legal actions: The Chamber warned of potential consequences for banks if the circular is not revised.
- As of December 29, Sri Lanka Customs has cleared 75,000 metric tonnes of imported rice, following the government’s decision to allow rice imports without permits: This includes 32,000 metric tonnes of Samba rice and 43,000 metric tonnes of Nadu rice: Customs spokesman Seevali Arukgoda added that efforts are ongoing to expedite the release of additional shipments.
- The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has proposed a Rs. 2.4 billion initiative to enhance conservation efforts at Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site: Under the supervision of Sri Lanka’s Central Cultural Fund and Department of Archaeology, the project includes upgrading access roads, constructing an alternative route, and developing facilities like a museum and restaurant: An MoU between KOICA and the Central Cultural Fund is expected: A meeting on the project was held on December 27, chaired by Deputy Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
- The Archdiocese of Colombo has called for an investigation into a complaint filed by activist Namal Kumara, accusing him of defaming Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith through a voice recording circulating on social media: Rev. Fr. Jude Krishantha condemned the complaint, alleging that Kumara, an alleged abettor of the Easter Sunday bombings, is plotting another scheme at the behest of a third party: The Archdiocese has requested the Inspector General of Police to investigate and uphold justice for the Cardinal.
- Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu has been nominated for two prestigious ICC 2024 awards: T20I Women’s Cricketer of the Year and ODI Cricketer of the Year: Her consistent batting and leadership have propelled her to global prominence: Other nominees include Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Smriti Mandhana, and Babar Azam, highlighting the competitive field across categories.
