December 12, Colombo (LNW): The government has announced the postponement of the first-ever national ‘Sri Lankan Day’, originally scheduled from December 12 to 14, due to the ongoing aftermath of the severe cyclone that has impacted large parts of the country.
The festival, planned to take place at the Colombo Municipal Council Grounds, Viharamahadevi Park, and adjacent main roads, was intended as a multi-zone celebration bringing together public and private sector participants.
It was designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse communities, traditions, and industries in a large-scale, nationwide event.
Proposed during the 2025 Budget Speech by the President in his role as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the initiative aimed to promote social harmony and strengthen cultural understanding across the island.
The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs had been coordinating the programme, which was set to feature local cuisine, traditional arts, exhibitions of homegrown industries, retail stalls, and platforms for new product innovations. Cabinet approval for the event had been secured in October.
Officials explained that holding a major public festival at present would be inappropriate, given that thousands of residents remain displaced, critical infrastructure has been damaged, and emergency services are still heavily engaged in relief operations across cyclone-hit districts.
Authorities have confirmed that revised dates for the ‘Sri Lankan Day’ celebrations will be announced once conditions stabilise and disaster recovery efforts reach a more manageable stage.
Inaugural ‘Sri Lankan Day’ Postponed Amid Cyclone Recovery Efforts
CIABOC Opens Probe Into Former MPs Over Alleged Contempt
December 12, Colombo (LNW): The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has initiated a formal inquiry into former parliamentarians Nandana Gunathilaka and Udaya Gammanpila, following allegations that their recent statements or actions may have shown contempt towards the commission.
The investigation stems from a complaint lodged by the civil society group Citizens’ Power Against Bribery, Corruption and Waste, which claimed that remarks attributed to the former MPs could potentially erode the authority and credibility of CIABOC.
Commission officials confirmed that the probe is examining whether the conduct of Gunathilaka and Gammanpila constitutes a breach of legal or ethical standards relating to contempt of the commission.
Director General Ranga Dissanayake previously emphasised that any concerns regarding his conduct should have been formally submitted to the Judicial Service Commission with appropriate evidence, rather than being aired publicly. He characterised the unverified claims as attempts to weaken public confidence in CIABOC.
The current inquiry follows recent allegations by Gunathilaka suggesting links between Dissanayake and the JVP Legal Committee, claims which the commission says are unsubstantiated.
In connection with the investigation, the Chairman of the Bribery Commission has been summoned to provide a statement before CIABOC on December 16.
Private Aviation Firm Donates Essential Lubricants to Boost SLAF Relief Operations
December 12, Colombo (LNW): Blue Skies Aviation Solutions (Pvt) Ltd has stepped in to support nationwide relief efforts by contributing aviation lubricants valued at Rs. 5 million to the Sri Lanka Air Force, which has been heavily engaged in disaster-response missions in recent weeks.
The handover took place on December 10 at the Defence Ministry, where the company’s Managing Director, Wing Commander Don Asitha Manage (Retd), presented the consignment to Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd).
The ceremony, though modest, underscored the private sector’s growing involvement in strengthening emergency operations.
The donation comprises high-performance AeroShell 500 lubricants used in the upkeep of Bell 412 and Bell 212 helicopters—two aircraft types currently at the forefront of the Air Force’s humanitarian sorties.
These helicopters have been flying continuous missions, from evacuating stranded families to airlifting medical supplies, prompting an increased demand for reliable maintenance materials.
Defence officials noted that sustaining the airworthiness of the fleet is paramount at a time when air support remains one of the fastest and safest means of reaching remote communities affected by the recent calamity.
They also welcomed the contribution as an example of meaningful collaboration between the armed forces and Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, particularly during periods of heightened national need.
Colombo Dockyard Wins Crucial Reprieve as Indian Takeover Moves Forward
December 12, Colombo (LNW): Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDL) has gained a vital breathing space after regulators granted a six-month extension that allows its shares to continue trading while the company prepares for a major ownership transition involving India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.
The shipyard confirmed on Wednesday that the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) had postponed a trading suspension—initially expected to take effect on December 11, 2025—until June, 11, 2026.
The threatened suspension stemmed from the company’s prolonged presence on the Watch List, a consequence of auditors flagging concerns over CDL’s long-term financial viability.
In a significant parallel development, the SEC has also approved the transfer of CDL’s controlling interest. Onomichi Dockyard Company Limited, which has held the dominant stake for decades, has now been authorised to sell its entire shareholding to Mazagon.
The handover is to be completed after Mazagon carries out a Mandatory Offer following the conclusion of CDL’s pending Rights Issue.
CDL clarified that the regulator’s green light comes with firm conditions: Mazagon must successfully participate in the Rights Issue and proceed with the mandatory offer in line with Sri Lanka’s Takeovers and Mergers Code.
The dockyard has endured a bruising few years. Onomichi’s withdrawal from management in 2024 came after the pandemic and domestic economic turmoil choked the company’s access to financing, undermining its efforts to compete for international contracts.
After reviewing several potential investors, CDL selected Mazagon—one of India’s leading state-owned shipbuilders—to inject new capital and technical capacity aimed at revitalising the shipyard.
Despite these upheavals, CDL has continued to deliver on key projects. The firm recently handed over the third vessel in a hybrid bulk-carrier series to a Norwegian client, completing the job ahead of schedule on 27 November 2025. Work on the fourth vessel is reportedly advancing smoothly, with a launch anticipated before the end of the month.
In addition, CDL has inked agreements to design and construct two cable-laying and repair ships for Orange Marine, though these contracts depend on meeting several financial requirements. The company maintains that, with Mazagon’s backing, it is poised to reclaim stability and pursue larger international orders in the coming years.
EU Pledges Fresh Aid as Sri Lanka Steps Up Post-Disaster Recovery
December 12, Colombo (LNW): Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has voiced his appreciation to the European Union for committing EUR 1.8 million towards the country’s ongoing recovery following the recent spell of destructive weather.
Writing on X, the Minister said he had personally conveyed his thanks to EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno and to a number of European envoys stationed in Colombo, including representatives from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Romania.
He described the financial commitment as a welcome boost at a moment when communities across the island are grappling with damaged homes, disrupted livelihoods and strained public services.
A portion of the EU’s support is to be routed through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund run by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Additional assistance will be delivered via the EU’s humanitarian arm, ECHO, which is already involved in relief interventions across the region.
According to the Minister, the union is also dispatching technical experts and providing essential supplies to help national authorities assess structural damage and develop longer-term strategies to mitigate future risks.
Herath said the package of assistance underscored what he called the “enduring friendship” between Sri Lanka and the EU, noting that such cooperation has played a steady role in Sri Lanka’s development agenda over many years.
In a separate announcement on X, the Minister revealed that the diplomatic corps in Colombo had contributed a further LKR 3.6 million to support relief efforts. The donation was formally presented by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing, accompanied by several other envoys.
Herath remarked that the gesture reflected the “genuine solidarity” shown by Sri Lanka’s international partners at a particularly testing moment for the country.
Today, I thanked Ambassador Carmen Moreno of the European Union to Sri Lanka, and the Ambassadors & Representatives of the EU countries present in Sri Lanka (Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Romania) for the commitment of Euro 1.8 million from the European Union in support… pic.twitter.com/ZkNHj6Xmit
— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) December 11, 2025
Former Speaker Ranwala Injured in Late-Night Three-Vehicle Crash in Sapugaskanda
December 12, Colombo (LNW): New details have surfaced about a road accident involving a jeep driven by former Speaker and sitting MP Asoka Ranwala, after it collided head-on with a car in the Denimalla area of Sapugaskanda on Tuesday night.
Police said the collision left three occupants of the car—a 25-year-old woman, her six-month-old baby, and the woman’s 55-year-old mother—injured. All were rushed to hospital shortly after the incident, and the infant was later transferred to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children for more specialised care.
Mr Ranwala, who was at the wheel of the jeep, also sustained injuries and has been admitted to Ragama Hospital. Officers at the scene noted that although the roadway was not particularly busy at the time, visibility may have been reduced due to intermittent showers earlier in the evening.
Alongside the damaged jeep and car, a motorcycle that became entangled in the aftermath has been seized as part of the inquiry. Sapugaskanda Police have opened a full investigation to establish how the three-vehicle crash unfolded and whether further action is required.
Widespread Rains Prompt Controlled Reservoir Releases Across Several Districts
December 12, Colombo (LNW): The Irrigation Department has reported substantial rainfall across several river catchments over the past day, with a number of basins recording in excess of 50 millimetres.
According to Eng. L. S. Sooriyabandara, who heads Hydrology and Disaster Management, the heaviest precipitation was observed in the upper sections of the Gin, Kalu, and Kelani rivers, as well as the Yan Oya basin. Parts of the Batticaloa District also experienced similarly intense showers.
While water levels in a few rivers have climbed noticeably as a result, authorities say they remain comfortably below thresholds that would trigger flooding. Even so, engineers are monitoring the situation closely, given the continuing unsettled weather.
Nearly three dozen major reservoirs are currently at capacity and spilling. To ease pressure and maintain safe operating levels, spill gates are to be opened at several key reservoirs, including Deduru Oya, Rajanganaya, Nachchaduwa, Yan Oya, Padaviya, Lunugamvehera, and Senanayake Samudraya.
Officials emphasise that these controlled releases are routine measures taken during periods of sustained rainfall to prevent structural strain and ensure downstream safety.
Showers, thundershowers to continue across SL: Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm expected (Dec 12)
December 12, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern and North-Central provinces and in Puttalam and Trincomalee districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (12).
Fairly heavy falls about 50 mm are likely at some places in Northern province.
Several spells of showers will occur at Uva province and in Matale, Kurunegala, Ampara and Batticaloa districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m.
Fairly heavy falls about 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces during the early hours of the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershower.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Mannar, Kankasanthurai and Trincomalee.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly. Wind speed will be (30-40) kmph.
Wind speed can increase up to (50-55) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mullaittivu via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Mullaittivu via Puttalam and Kankasanthurai will be rough at times.
The other sea areas around the island will be moderate.
Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
Government Secures Major World Bank Facility to Boost Grassroots Health Services
December 11, Colombo (LNW): The Government has entered into a new financing arrangement with the International Development Association of the World Bank Group, unlocking US$150 million to overhaul and modernise the country’s primary healthcare network.
The initiative, which will run from 2024 through 2028, will be rolled out nationwide and is designed to sharpen the country’s response to non-communicable diseases, expand services for older citizens, bolster palliative and home-based care, and strengthen community-level health capacity.
Officials also noted that the project places particular emphasis on preparing the health sector for increasingly frequent climate-related shocks.
One obstacle repeatedly highlighted in early assessments is the shortage of suitable transport for frontline health workers. Public Health Midwives, nurses, inspectors and surveillance teams often struggle to reach remote households, especially during adverse weather, limiting the consistency of community outreach.
In response, the Cabinet has endorsed a proposal from the Minister of Health and Mass Media to purchase a substantial fleet of vehicles to support district-level operations. The approved list includes:
– 26 lorries for transporting clinical waste
– 26 double-cab vehicles
– 5 ten-seater vans
– 2 buses with 42 seats
– 2,891 scooters for Public Health Midwives
– 200 scooters for Public Health Nurses
– 1,350 motorcycles for public health inspectors
– 200 scooters for laboratory services
– 20 refrigerated trucks for the Medical Supply Division
– 8 forklifts for the Medical Supply Division
– 1 crew cab for the Divisional Health Office in Puttalam
– A new ambulance complement for the Jaffna district
Health officials say the expanded fleet will significantly speed up fieldwork, improve consistency in home-visits, and ensure more reliable delivery of medical supplies. They also expect the effort to enhance the reach of community health teams and strengthen the country’s primary care foundation at a time when the demand for accessible, preventive services is rapidly increasing.
Government Clears Recruitment Drive to Strengthen Public Sector Workforce
December 11, Colombo (LNW): The government has authorised a major round of public-sector hiring, giving the green light for 2,284 new appointments to address long-standing staffing gaps across several ministries and state institutions.
This decision follows an earlier Cabinet move to adopt recommendations from a review panel tasked with examining the efficiency and coherence of government recruitment. In line with that mandate, a high-level committee—led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister—was established to assess workforce needs, prioritise essential roles and create a realistic timetable for filling vacancies.
The group is said to have carried out an extensive evaluation of current staffing patterns, identifying areas where shortages were beginning to undermine service delivery.
Ministries subsequently submitted detailed requests highlighting vacancies within their own departments and affiliated agencies. After examining these submissions, the committee endorsed a proposal from the Prime Minister to begin a targeted intake of new personnel.
