December 21, Colombo (LNW): India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, marking a continuation of India’s engagement with its neighbour in the wake of one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent decades.
The visit comes after India’s rapid humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah, which struck on November 27, 2025, causing widespread flooding and landslides that have claimed over 500 lives and displaced millions. Within hours of the cyclone making landfall, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying specialised disaster response teams to affected areas. Indian naval ships already docked in Colombo, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, delivered initial relief supplies, setting the pace for subsequent operations.
In the days that followed, Indian Air Force aircraft transported tonnes of essential aid—ranging from tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and medicines to modular trauma units called BHISHM Cubes. National Disaster Response Force teams, supported by search dogs, carried out rescues in severely affected regions such as Badulla and Gampaha, evacuating more than 450 people trapped by floods and landslides.
Helicopters from INS Vikrant and Mi-17s airlifted vulnerable populations and delivered emergency supplies to isolated locations, while an Indian Army field hospital in Badulla provided medical treatment to thousands. Engineers also airlifted Bailey bridges to reconnect damaged road networks, and naval vessels transported hundreds of tonnes of dry rations, including contributions from Tamil Nadu, to ports at Colombo and Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan officials have commended the speed and coordination of India’s relief efforts, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake describing the cyclone as the most challenging disaster in recent history.
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar is expected to discuss ongoing reconstruction support and future collaboration, underscoring India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the shared maritime and strategic interests of both nations.India’s Foreign Minister to Visit Sri Lanka Following Cyclone Relief Efforts
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week, marking a continuation of India’s engagement with its neighbour in the wake of one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent decades.
The visit comes after India’s rapid humanitarian response to Cyclone Ditwah, which struck on 27 November 2025, causing widespread flooding and landslides that have claimed over 500 lives and displaced millions. Within hours of the cyclone making landfall, India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu, deploying specialised disaster response teams to affected areas. Indian naval ships already docked in Colombo, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, delivered initial relief supplies, setting the pace for subsequent operations.
In the days that followed, Indian Air Force aircraft transported tonnes of essential aid—ranging from tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and medicines to modular trauma units called BHISHM Cubes. National Disaster Response Force teams, supported by search dogs, carried out rescues in severely affected regions such as Badulla and Gampaha, evacuating more than 450 people trapped by floods and landslides.
Helicopters from INS Vikrant and Mi-17s airlifted vulnerable populations and delivered emergency supplies to isolated locations, while an Indian Army field hospital in Badulla provided medical treatment to thousands. Engineers also airlifted Bailey bridges to reconnect damaged road networks, and naval vessels transported hundreds of tonnes of dry rations, including contributions from Tamil Nadu, to ports at Colombo and Trincomalee.
Sri Lankan officials have commended the speed and coordination of India’s relief efforts, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake describing the cyclone as the most challenging disaster in recent history.
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar is expected to discuss ongoing reconstruction support and future collaboration, underscoring India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the shared maritime and strategic interests of both nations.
India’s Foreign Minister to Visit Sri Lanka Following Cyclone Relief Efforts
Legal Framework for Combating Online Child Abuse: Balancing Punishment, Prevention, and Provider Responsibility
By: Nalinda Indatissa, PC
Modern technology has made it possible for serious harm, especially harm to children, to occur through online platforms. Recognising this reality, the law creates a system that both punishes offenders, stops harmful content quickly, and fairly defines the responsibility of internet service providers and intermediaries. Sections 21, 24, and 27 together form this legal framework.
Section 21 creates the main criminal offences relating to online abuse of children. It applies to any person, whether inside or outside Sri Lanka, who uses an online account or an online location to commit, or to aid and abet, offences against a child that are already recognised under specified provisions of the Penal Code. The physical location of the offender is therefore irrelevant; what matters is the use of the internet or online platforms to commit the offence. Liability under this section extends not only to the person who directly commits the act, but also to those who assist, facilitate, encourage, or enable the offence through online means.
Section 21 also specifically criminalises the publication of photographs, audio, or video of an abusive or pornographic nature relating to a child. Publishing includes uploading, sharing, forwarding, or otherwise making such material available online. Each act of publication causes continuing harm to the child, and the law treats such conduct as a grave criminal offence punishable with imprisonment, a fine, or both. In addition to punishment, the court may order the offender to pay compensation to the affected child or group of children, recognising the need for protection and restoration.
Although Section 21 does not expressly mention the removal or takedown of online content, it is based on the concept of unlawful publication and communication. Where abusive or prohibited content continues to remain accessible online, the offence and the harm continue. Courts therefore have the authority, as part of enforcing this section, to direct the offender to remove, delete, or stop further communication of such content in order to prevent ongoing victimisation.
Section 24 complements Section 21 by providing a fast preventive procedure. It allows any person affected by the communication of a prohibited statement to apply to the Magistrate’s Court by way of a petition supported by an affidavit. The purpose of this procedure is not punishment, but the immediate stopping of harmful online content. This enables victims or affected persons to seek urgent relief without waiting for the conclusion of a full criminal investigation or trial.
Upon considering such an application, the Magistrate may issue a conditional order directing the person responsible for the communication, or the Internet Service Provider or internet intermediary on whose platform the content appears, to stop the circulation of the prohibited statement. A conditional order requires immediate compliance unless the recipient appears before court within the specified time to show cause as to why the order should not be made final. The law recognises electronic realities and allows such orders to be served by email, social media accounts, or directly on service providers and intermediaries, in addition to traditional modes of service.
A person against whom a conditional order is made must either comply with it or appear before the Magistrate within two weeks. If the person ignores the order and fails to appear, the order becomes absolute and the person commits an offence. If the person appears, the Magistrate conducts a prompt inquiry and may confirm, modify, or set aside the order. Failure to comply with a final order is itself a serious offence punishable with imprisonment or a fine. In addition, the Magistrate may order steps to be taken to block access to the online location in Sri Lanka or to remove the prohibited content from the platform.
Section 27 addresses an important and sensitive issue: the liability of Internet Service Providers and intermediaries. This section recognises that service providers often act as neutral conduits or platforms and should not be automatically blamed for unlawful content created by users. Accordingly, it provides that persons who provide services such as internet intermediary services, telecommunications services, public internet access, computing resources, email, messaging services, or one-to-one voice communication services generally have no liability for prohibited statements communicated through their platforms or networks by third parties.
This protection, however, is not absolute. Section 27 makes it clear that the immunity applies only where the service provider remains neutral. If the provider initiates the communication, selects the recipient, selects or modifies the content, or fails to comply with the provisions of the Act, regulations, rules, or the Code of Practice issued by the Commission, the exemption from liability is lost. In such cases, the service provider may be held responsible for its conduct.
Section 27 also recognises practical realities such as third-party interference, hacking, or misuse. Where prohibited material has been uploaded or interfered with by third parties, or where certain content has been removed within the specified period after the Act comes into operation, the owner of the online account or the service provider will not be held liable. At the same time, failure to adhere to the applicable Code of Practice, resulting in wrongful loss to another person, may give rise to civil liability in the form of compensation.
When read together, Sections 21, 24, and 27 create a balanced legal structure. Section 21 identifies and punishes serious online offences against children and those who assist in such offences. Section 24 empowers courts to act swiftly to stop harmful online content and prevent further damage. Section 27 protects neutral service providers from unfair liability while ensuring that protection is withdrawn where they actively participate in wrongdoing or disregard their legal responsibilities.
In simple terms, the law punishes offenders, stops harm quickly, and protects responsible service providers, while holding accountable those who misuse online platforms or knowingly allow serious harm to continue.
Police Probe Launched After Alleged Assault Involving Ratnapura Ruling Party MP
December 21, Colombo (LNW): An investigation has been launched following allegations that a police constable attached to the Sooriyakanda Police Station was assaulted by a group that reportedly included a Ratnapura District Member of Parliament from the National People’s Power (NPP).
According to police sources, the officer was attacked late on Tuesday night while returning home after completing his duties. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Embilipitiya Hospital for injuries said to have been sustained during the incident.
In his complaint, the officer claims the confrontation followed his involvement in a recent raid targeting an illegal cannabis cultivation. The operation had been carried out by Sooriyakanda Police on land reportedly linked to the family of the MP’s spouse.
The officer has alleged that MP Shantha Pathma Kumara Subasingha, accompanied by several others, arrived at the location in a vehicle, physically assaulted him and issued threats. Police confirmed that a counter-complaint has also been lodged by the Parliamentarian in connection with the same incident, and that statements from all parties are to be recorded.
The incident is believed to be connected to an earlier police operation on 16 December, when officers arrested a 24-year-old resident of Thalagahawatte for cultivating two cannabis plants hidden within a cassava and maize plot. The suspect was later produced before the Embilipitiya Additional Magistrate and fined Rs. 3,000.
Investigators say the land in question had allegedly been leased to the suspect for farming purposes and is believed to belong to the MP’s father-in-law. Police have stated that inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding both the cultivation case and the alleged assault.
GovPay Crosses Rs. 2 Billion Mark as Digital State Payments Gather Pace
December 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s national digital payment platform, GovPay, has recorded transactions worth more than Rs. 2 billion so far this year, signalling steady growth in the government’s push towards cashless public services.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne said the platform is now linked to over 223 state institutions, covering more than 3,400 individual government services. Payments have been facilitated through more than 70 digital channels, allowing citizens to settle a wide range of fees and charges without visiting offices in person.
He noted that GovPay has been used extensively for traffic fine payments across six provinces, significantly reducing processing times and administrative delays. The platform also played a key role during Cyclone Ditwah, enabling the public to contribute over Rs. 14 million to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” relief fund through secure digital transactions.
According to the Deputy Minister, plans are underway to further broaden the reach of GovPay by onboarding additional institutions and services, while encouraging greater public adoption. With continued expansion, the government expects the platform to comfortably surpass the current transaction volume on an annual basis, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s digital economy drive.
Railway Ticket Refunds to Be Offered at More Stations from Christmas Day
December 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka Railways is set to widen access to its ticket refund services, extending the facility beyond Colombo with effect from December 25, Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake announced.
Until now, passengers seeking refunds were required to visit either Fort or Maradana railway stations. From Christmas Day, the service will be made available at several key stations in the up-country region, including Badulla, Ella, Bandarawela, Haputale, Nanu Oya and Hatton, easing the burden on travellers outside the capital.
In addition, the Ministry of Transport plans to roll out the refund facility on a trial basis at Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Batticaloa, with a view to assessing demand and operational feasibility in other parts of the island.
The Minister also confirmed that Kandy railway station is expected to be incorporated into the system in January, as part of a broader effort to improve passenger convenience and decentralise railway services.
Starting Dec 25,Sri Lanka Railways expands ticket refunds beyond Colombo!
— Bimal Rathnayake (@BimalRathnayake) December 20, 2025
For decades,refunds were only at Fort & Maradana.From Dec 25,
✅ Badulla,Ella,Bandarawela, Haputale
✅ Nanuoya,Hatton
✅ Anuradhapura,Jaffna,Batticaloa (Pilot)
Kandy joins d list in Jan! #SriLanka #Railway
RDA Revises Toll Ticketing at Kerawalapitiya to Ease Expressway Traffic
December 21, Colombo (LNW): The Road Development Authority has announced a revised toll ticketing arrangement at the Kerawalapitiya Interchange on the Outer Circular Highway, with the new system set to come into effect from noon on December 22, 2025.
Under the updated procedure, motorists accessing the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway via Seeduwa or Peliyagoda will no longer receive entry tickets at Kerawalapitiya. Instead, tickets will be issued directly at the Seeduwa and Peliyagoda interchanges when vehicles enter the expressway.
The RDA explained that vehicles travelling from the Outer Circular Highway onto the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway will also see a simplified process. Drivers will no longer need to collect an exit receipt and then obtain a fresh entry ticket at Kerawalapitiya. As before, exit receipts will only be issued to vehicles leaving the expressway at Kerawalapitiya Interchange, where the applicable toll will be charged.
Accordingly, all vehicles entering the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway must secure their entry tickets at Seeduwa or Peliyagoda. Vehicles arriving from the Outer Circular Highway will be permitted to merge onto the expressway without taking an entry ticket, while those exiting at Kerawalapitiya will settle toll payments at that point.
The authority further clarified that electronic toll payment options will remain available solely for travel on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway. Motorists using e-toll facilities to access the Outer Circular Highway will still be required to use cash payment lanes.
Officials said the changes are intended to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and enhance overall efficiency at one of the country’s busiest interchanges.
Young Sri Lanka Look to the Future as India Series Gets Under Way
December 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka are set to give emerging talent an extended run when they face India in a five-match Women’s T20 international series beginning in Visakhapatnam, signalling a clear shift towards long-term planning ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With several experienced campaigners either stepping away or being given a break, the visitors will rely on a youthful core under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu. The tour is expected to provide valuable exposure to new combinations, with changes likely behind the stumps as Kaushini Nuthyangana is tipped to take over wicketkeeping duties following Anushka Sanjeewni’s omission. Veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera is expected to offer guidance to a relatively inexperienced bowling group, while uncapped players such as Nimasha Madushani are in line for opportunities.
India, meanwhile, will treat the series as an important tune-up as they build towards next year’s global tournament in England. The hosts have welcomed back pace bowler Renuka Singh after injury, and there is growing anticipation around the possible debut of young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma as selectors assess their depth.
The contest is expected to blend experience with experimentation on both sides, offering competitive cricket while allowing each team to refine plans for the challenges ahead.
Probable Sri Lanka XI: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Manudi Nanayakkara, Inoka Ranaweera or Nimasha Madushani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Malki Madara.
Probable India XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana or Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud or Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, N Shree Charani.
Public Assistance Desk to Operate at Galle Face Amid Seasonal Crowds
December 21, Colombo (LNW): A dedicated Public Assistance Helpdesk will begin operations at the Galle Face Green from December 21, 2025, following instructions issued by the Secretary of Defence.
The facility will be located opposite the Presidential Secretariat and is intended to support the growing number of visitors expected during the festive and holiday period.
The move comes in response to the sharp rise in public activity in the area at this time of year. The Helpdesk will be jointly managed by the Tri-Forces and the Sri Lanka Police, ensuring a coordinated and clearly visible presence to assist the public and respond swiftly to any developing situations.
Officials said the centre will serve as a single point of contact for visitors seeking assistance, information or emergency support. It is expected to improve overall safety, strengthen coordination among security agencies and enable faster action during unexpected incidents.
Medical support will also be available nearby, with ambulance services and basic healthcare facilities on standby to handle emergencies and provide first aid when needed. The Ministry of Defence stated that these measures reflect a broader commitment to public safety while allowing people to enjoy the Galle Face area in a calm and orderly environment.
Members of the public requiring urgent assistance have been advised to contact the Helpdesk via the dedicated hotline on 071 859 5880, which will link callers to emergency coordination, medical services and police support as necessary.
Over a Thousand Sacred and Heritage Sites Affected by Recent Disaster
December 21, Colombo (LNW): More than a thousand places of religious and archaeological significance across Sri Lanka have sustained damage as a result of the recent disaster, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has revealed.
Deputy Minister Muneer Mulafer said assessments carried out so far indicate that 1,054 temples, shrines and heritage locations have been impacted, with 33 of them suffering complete destruction. He noted that the damage spans several regions, highlighting the scale of the impact on the country’s cultural landscape.
According to the Ministry, restoration and rehabilitation efforts have already begun, with priority being given to sites that have been most severely affected. Technical teams are currently evaluating structural damage to determine the scope of work required to return these locations as closely as possible to their original state.
Officials added that coordinated measures are being put in place to document losses, mobilise resources and safeguard what remains of the affected sites. The Ministry emphasised that protecting religious and cultural heritage remains a key focus of the recovery process, alongside broader relief and rebuilding efforts underway nationwide.
Central Bank Chief Urges Caution and Discipline in Using Disaster Relief Loans
December 21, Colombo (LNW): Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe has called on the public to exercise prudence when accessing government-backed relief payments and concessional bank loans extended to those affected by recent disasters.
Addressing a public forum in Kandy yesterday (20), Dr Weerasinghe stressed that financial assistance, while essential in times of hardship, must be managed responsibly by recipients. He noted that the State has committed substantial resources to support recovery efforts and that these funds should be drawn only to the extent genuinely required.
He reminded citizens that relief schemes are designed to reach a wide range of people in need, and that careful and honest use of allocated funds would allow assistance to be channelled to others facing similar difficulties. Sound financial management, he said, is just as important after receiving support as it is in normal times.
Reflecting on lessons from the recent economic downturn, the Central Bank Governor referred to the period when the tourism sector was supported through low-interest loan facilities. He observed that in several cases, businesses—both directly affected and otherwise—borrowed beyond their actual needs, later struggling to service their debts.
Dr Weerasinghe cautioned that such practices could lead to unnecessary financial strain and emphasised that borrowing only what is essential helps avoid future credit difficulties. He concluded by urging individuals and businesses to use relief funds and loans as tools for sustainable recovery, ensuring that public resources contribute effectively to rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening the economy.