- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to take immediate action against drug trafficking and underworld activities in prisons: He emphasised expediting legal proceedings for involved inmates, proposed online methods for judicial processes, and called for improved infrastructure: The meeting also addressed the involvement of officials in irregular activities, with directives for disciplinary and legal actions, and discussed filling vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department.
- Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Manoj Gamage has been appointed as the official spokesperson for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, effective from December 20, 2024: The appointment letter was handed over at Rajapaksa’s official residence in Colombo 07.
- Former Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was involved in an altercation at the CH & FC Club in Colombo, where he was heard swearing and yelling before being escorted out, drawing boos from other guests: A video of the incident was edited to remove swear words to meet social media standards: The Cinnamon Gardens Police confirmed no complaints had been lodged: Fernando, who has faced controversy in recent times, is experiencing a decline in public trust.
- Sri Lanka Police announced a special traffic plan for Colombo on New Year’s Eve, anticipating heavy crowds and vehicles at Galle Face Green to celebrate the arrival of 2025: The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in areas like Pettah, Fort, Kompanna Vidiya, and others: Parking will be restricted on Galle Central Road, with vehicles redirected to designated free and private parking areas.
- A Gazette notification issued by Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, prohibits the use of children under 12 years old in food advertising, effective January 1, 2025: This regulation, made in consultation with the Food Advisory Committee under the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980, amends the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2022, as previously updated in December 2023.
- To support vulnerable schoolchildren affected by the economic crisis, the government has decided to provide a Rs. 6,000 allowance for purchasing school stationery at the start of the 2025 school year: A survey revealed that 55% of schoolchildren, especially in rural and estate areas, have been impacted, with many reducing or stopping stationery purchases: Funds will be disbursed through Aswesuma bank accounts, and further allocations will be made in 2025 to extend the allowance to other eligible children: This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure educational continuity.
- Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has requested the Judicial Service Commission to appoint another magistrate to handle the bribery case involving his brother, former Provincial Council member Salochana Gamage, arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs. 9 million bribe: Gamage emphasised it would be inappropriate for him to preside over the case and clarified that neither he nor the court were involved: Salochana Gamage and another individual were remanded until January 6, 2025.
- The Parliament of Sri Lanka has announced the call for applications for the appointment of members to the National Commission on Women under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024: The Constitutional Council seeks applicants with proven knowledge and experience in various fields: Applications and nominations must be submitted by January 20, 2025, via registered post or email to the Constitutional Council: Forms are available on the Parliamentary website.
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed new commanders for the Sri Lankan Army and Navy: Major General Lasantha Rodrigo has been named the 25th Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, succeeding Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, who retires today (31): Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda has been appointed the 26th Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, replacing Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, who is set to retire today (31).
- New Zealand secured a 45-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 at Mount Maunganui, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series: New Zealand posted 186-5, with Mitchell Hay’s 41* off 19 balls, while Jacob Duffy claimed 4 wickets for 15 runs: Sri Lanka, chasing 187, were all out for 141, with Duffy dismissing key batsmen Kusal Perera (48) and Pathum Nissanka (37): Sri Lanka struggled with New Zealand’s bouncy pitches, and despite a steady start, they collapsed after key wickets fell, including Perera and Nissanka.
