December 23, Colombo (LNW): A senior Chinese delegation, led by Wang Junzheng, a member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region, arrived in Sri Lanka earlier today (23).

The group, consisting of 11 officials, touched down at approximately 9.45 a.m. on a SriLankan Airlines flight, according to local reporters. The delegation was formally welcomed at the airport by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka.

In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinese Embassy in Colombo highlighted that the visit is intended to strengthen friendship between China and Sri Lanka, foster mutual understanding, and expand areas of practical cooperation, including trade, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.

🇨🇳🇱🇰To promote China-Sri Lanka friendship, deepen mutual understanding and enhance practical cooperation, Hon. Mr. Wang Junzheng, Member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China(CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Committee of Xizang Autonomous Region, will lead a… pic.twitter.com/DUNrzGC57s

— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) December 21, 2025

December 23, Colombo (LNW): India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has announced a substantial financial assistance package worth US$ 450 million to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing reconstruction and recovery initiatives.

The package includes US$ 350 million in concessionary credit, aimed at funding development post-Ditwah catastrophe, along with a US$ 100 million grant to provide direct support for urgent needs.

Indian officials indicated that the assistance is designed to help strengthen infrastructure, restore essential services and ease economic pressures as Sri Lanka continues its recovery process.

My remarks alongside FM @HMVijithaHerath of Sri Lanka in Colombo. #NeighbourhoodFirst #VisionMAHASAGAR

🇮🇳 🇱🇰 https://t.co/pj1ORYEqXn

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 23, 2025

December 23, Colombo (LNW): A police constable attached to the Sooriyakanda Police Station, who was taken into custody following a reported altercation involving National People’s Power (NPP) parliamentarian Shantha Pathma Kumara, has been released on bail, police confirmed.

The officer was produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday and released on two sureties of Rs. 200,000 each. The matter has been scheduled to be taken up again on January 26, 2026.

Police said the incident stems from complaints filed by both parties on the night of 20 December. The constable initially reported that he had been assaulted near the Kalugala Temple by the MP and several others, and claimed that his motorcycle had been forcibly removed during the confrontation.

Later that night, MP Shantha Pathma Kumara submitted a separate complaint, alleging that the officer had blocked the road by positioning a motorcycle in front of his cab and had attempted to attack him.

Following the incident, the constable was admitted to hospital for treatment. Medical notes recorded the presence of alcohol on his breath, according to police. While urine tests reportedly showed no evidence of narcotic substances, blood samples have been sent to the Government Analyst’s Department to determine whether alcohol was consumed.

Subsequently, the constable was arrested in connection with the incident on multiple charges, including wrongful obstruction, as investigations into the conflicting accounts continue.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The National Disaster Relief Services Centre has confirmed that a significant portion of the Rs. 25,000 assistance package allocated to families affected by recent disasters has already been distributed.

Assistant Secretary Jayathissa Munasinghe said that around 77 per cent of the approved payments have been made so far, with the remaining balance expected to be settled within the coming days. He noted that the disbursement process is now in its final phase.

According to official figures, relief funds have been released to 342,952 eligible households, while payments to a further 113,294 homes are still pending. To date, a total of Rs. 8,573 million has been paid out under the programme.

Munasinghe has urged Divisional and District Secretaries to give priority to completing the outstanding transfers and ensure that all eligible recipients receive their allowance by the end of the week, allowing affected families to move forward with recovery efforts without further delay.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has called on candidates sitting for postponed subjects of this year’s G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to promptly report any changes to their place of residence resulting from recent disasters.

Commissioner General of Examinations, Indika Kumari, said students are required to inform either their school principal or the Department of Examinations if they have relocated. She added that the department has made dedicated contact lines available to facilitate this process and ensure affected candidates are properly assisted.

She explained that students who are unable to attend the examination centre originally allocated to them due to relocation must notify the authorities in advance. Based on the information provided, alternative arrangements will be made to assign an examination centre closer to their current location or within their new district, particularly for those displaced by adverse conditions. The same arrangements will apply to private candidates.

The Commissioner General also advised students to immediately seek guidance if essential documents, such as admission cards or National Identity Cards, have been lost or damaged. In such situations, candidates will be permitted to sit the examination by submitting two certified photographs. For school candidates, the photographs must be endorsed by both the relevant Zonal Education Officer and the school principal to confirm their identity.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, who arrived in Sri Lanka last night (22), is due to hold discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning as part of a short but high-profile official visit.

During his stay, Dr Jaishankar is also expected to meet Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasooriya as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, with talks likely to focus on bilateral cooperation and regional priorities.

The Indian Foreign Minister arrived on the evening of December 22 aboard a special Indian Air Force aircraft, travelling as a Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sri Lankan officials noted that the visit reflects India’s continued emphasis on its Neighbourhood First policy.

The timing of the visit is also linked to Operation Sagar Bandhu, India’s regional initiative aimed at assisting countries affected by Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage across parts of the region. Discussions are expected to include ongoing support and coordination related to disaster response and recovery.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Dr Jaishankar is scheduled to conclude his engagements and depart Sri Lanka later today.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): Well-known Sri Lankan actor Sathischandra Edirisinghe passed away earlier today (23) at the age of 84, marking the end of a long and respected career in film and television.

Edirisinghe, who was the elder brother of renowned vocalist Sunil Edirisinghe, earned widespread recognition for his distinctive performances that resonated with audiences across generations.

With a screen presence that blended restraint and depth, he became a familiar and trusted face in both cinema and television.

His film work included notable appearances in productions such as Sadol Kandulu and Kristhu Charitjaya, while television viewers particularly remember him for roles in popular teledramas of the 1980s, including Palingu Menike, Tharadevi, Susima, Rathu Rosa and Sudu Paraviyo. These performances helped shape the golden era of local television drama.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): A section of employees at the Ceylon Electricity Board has appealed to the Minister of Energy, raising concerns over prolonged delays affecting their retirement following the organisation’s restructuring.

In a letter sent to the ministry, the employees said they had applied for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme after failing to secure placement in the new entities created under the restructuring framework outlined in the Extraordinary Gazette issued on 26 August 2024.

They explained that their applications were submitted in good faith, with the expectation that the process would be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

According to the group, nearly 2,200 workers who opted for the scheme remain in limbo, as no official retirement date has yet been communicated. They claim the process has stalled due to administrative inefficiencies and what they describe as deliberate obstructions, resulting in repeated postponements.

The absence of clarity, they say, has made it difficult to make informed decisions about their finances, careers and family commitments. The employees have therefore called on the Minister to step in, announce a definitive retirement date for those who have applied under the scheme, and ensure that the process is finalised without further setbacks.

December 23, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo Municipal Council has voted down its proposed 2026 budget in a closely contested decision, dealing a setback to the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) administration at City Hall.

During the council session, 57 members backed the budget, while 60 councillors voted against it, resulting in the proposal being defeated by a slim margin of three votes.

The outcome hinged on the votes of two representatives from the Sarvajana Balaya group, whose opposition proved decisive.

This marked the first budget presented by the NPP-led council since it took control of the CMC. The result has drawn attention given the party’s recent political gains in the capital.

At the most recent local government elections, the NPP secured control of the Colombo Municipal Council, and its mayoral nominee, Vraie Cally Balthazar, was elected Mayor of Colombo with the support of 61 councillors. The narrow rejection of the budget now raises questions about consensus-building within the council ahead of future policy decisions.