January 04, Colombo (LNW): Prime Group has made a significant contribution of Rs. 200 million to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, offering major corporate backing to the country’s recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The donation is widely regarded as one of the largest commitments made by a private sector entity towards post-disaster reconstruction.
The Group said the contribution reflects its belief that businesses have a responsibility that goes beyond commercial success, particularly during times of national hardship. Prime Group has long positioned itself as a corporate citizen with a strong focus on social responsibility, especially in the areas of education and healthcare.
Co-Chairperson of Prime Group, Sandamini Perera, reiterated this philosophy, noting that the company views investment in education as an investment in the nation’s future, while strengthening healthcare is seen as a moral obligation to society. She emphasised that these values continue to guide the Group’s long-term initiatives.
In the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, Prime Group also stepped in to support families directly affected by the disaster. Special assistance was extended to the children of police officers impacted by the cyclone, with full school supply kits provided for the new academic year to ensure their education continued without interruption. The Group highlighted its solidarity with frontline officers who serve communities under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Prime Group’s contributions to healthcare have also had a lasting impact across the country. The donation of three dialysis machines to Kegalle Hospital has improved access to essential treatment for patients suffering from kidney disease. In addition, the Group is preparing to deliver a specialised radiation bunker with advanced chemical leak protection to the Apeksha Hospital, a critical facility required for the operation of Linear Accelerator machines used in cancer treatment. This development is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for radiotherapy and improve patient outcomes.
Further strengthening public healthcare services, Prime Group continues to support and maintain Ward 38 at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, enhancing the hospital’s ability to provide care to a growing number of patients.
Reflecting on the Group’s three decades in operation, Chairman Premalal Brahmanage said that true leadership is defined by the positive difference made in people’s lives. He added that Prime Group remains committed to contributing to the nation’s wellbeing, rebuilding communities and creating a more secure and hopeful future.
With a 30-year history marked by sustained social investment and nation-building efforts, Prime Group says it remains steadfast in its mission to support Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term development.
Prime Group Pledges Rs. 200 Million to National Recovery Effort After Cyclone Ditwah
Ex-Sathosa Transport Manager Detained in Probe Over Alleged Vehicle Misuse
January 04, Colombo (LNW): The Financial Crimes Investigation Division has taken into custody a former transport manager of Sathosa as part of an ongoing inquiry into the alleged improper use of a state-owned vehicle, police sources confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Indika Ratnamalala, was arrested in connection with accusations that a lorry belonging to Sathosa had been unlawfully utilised for private purposes.
Investigators are examining claims that the vehicle was used by Johan Fernando, the son of former minister Johnston Fernando.
State Drug Manufacturer Plans Major Expansion with New Products in 2026
January 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) has announced plans to roll out ten new medicines this year, signalling a further expansion of its domestic production capacity and product range.
In a statement, the state-owned manufacturer said it is aiming to produce around four billion tablets and capsules over the course of the year, building on steady growth achieved in recent times. At present, the corporation manufactures about 70 different pharmaceutical items that are supplied mainly to the public health sector.
Last year marked a record-breaking period for the SPMC, with output reaching an all-time high of more than 3.6 billion tablets and capsules. The corporation also reported its strongest monthly performance in March, when production peaked at approximately 385 million units.
During 2025, five new pharmaceutical products were added to the local market, while the corporation maintained an uninterrupted supply of medicines to meet all requirements issued by the Medical Supplies Division, despite ongoing challenges faced by the health sector.
Financially, the SPMC closed 2025 on a strong note, generating revenue of over Rs. 27 billion.
Minister Criticises Wildlife Authorities Over Elephant Intrusions in Villages
January 04, Colombo (LNW): Public Administration Minister Chandana Abeyratne has voiced strong criticism of wildlife officials, accusing them of neglecting their duties as wild elephants continue to wander into villages, placing rural communities at risk.
Speaking at a special District Disaster Management Committee meeting in Puttalam, the Minister said there had been repeated complaints from residents about elephants entering residential areas, yet timely action to chase the animals away was often lacking.
He alleged that officers attached to the Department of Wildlife Conservation frequently failed to respond, even when villagers attempted to contact them directly by telephone.
The discussion, held yesterday (03) with the participation of local community members, focused on the growing human-elephant conflict in the district and the urgent need for more responsive and coordinated interventions.
Abeyratne stressed that the safety of villagers must be treated as a priority and called for greater accountability from relevant authorities in addressing the ongoing problem.
Schools Nationwide to Reopen Tomorrow (Jan 05)
January 04, Colombo (LNW): Schools across the country are set to reopen tomorrow (04), marking the start of the first phase of the first term of the 2026 academic year, education authorities have confirmed.
The Ministry of Education said that all government schools, government-approved private institutions and pirivenas will resume classes in line with the new academic calendar. Teaching and related activities will recommence simultaneously, bringing students and staff back after the year-end recess.
Officials noted that the structure of the first school term for 2026 will follow the guidelines outlined in a circular issued on 9 December 2025, which sets out the timetable and key arrangements for the year ahead.
The Ministry also recalled that the previous academic year was formally concluded in late December, with Sinhala and Tamil medium schools closing on December 22 and Muslim schools ending their term on December 26.
Rs. 150 Billion Earmarked for Repair of Disaster-Hit Roads: Minister
January 04, Colombo (LNW): The Government has set aside Rs. 150 billion to restore roads damaged by recent natural disasters, Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake announced, underscoring the priority being placed on rebuilding essential infrastructure.
Speaking on the issue, the Minister said several planned central government programmes aimed at upgrading rural road networks have been temporarily suspended. He explained that resources and manpower are being redirected towards urgent repairs and relief work in areas worst affected by disasters, where transport links are critical for daily life and economic activity.
Rathnayake assured the public that the administration is focused on a swift and effective recovery, with repair work expected to commence in phases to ensure connectivity is restored as quickly as possible across the country.
He also appealed for unity during what he described as a national emergency, noting that while citizens are entitled to support any political party during election periods, the present situation calls for cooperation beyond political differences.
The Minister urged political groups, civil society and the wider public to work collectively and extend their support to recovery efforts, emphasising that rebuilding the country’s infrastructure will require a shared commitment and a sense of national solidarity.
Grade 6 English Textbook Controversy: Preliminary Report Handed Over
January 04, Colombo (LNW): A preliminary report into the controversy surrounding the Grade 6 English learning module has been handed over to the Ministry of Education, as authorities intensify efforts to determine how an unsuitable website reference found its way into official teaching material.
According to Education Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa, the initial inquiry examined the processes involved in preparing and approving the module, with particular attention paid to the source of the questionable content.
Alongside this, the National Institute of Education is conducting its own internal review to assess possible procedural lapses.
Kaluwewa said arrangements are underway to appoint an independent committee to pinpoint responsibility for the error and recommend corrective action. At the same time, subject specialists within the Ministry have been asked to propose urgent revisions to the module so that it can be safely issued to schools without further delay.
Officials indicated that the revised material will be released to students as soon as the recommended amendments are completed and approved, in order to minimise disruption to classroom teaching.
Separately, the Criminal Investigation Department has accelerated its own inquiry after a formal complaint was lodged by the Education Ministry. Investigators have already recorded statements from several individuals, including senior officers of the National Institute of Education. To ensure the investigation proceeds without interference, the Director General of the NIE has temporarily relinquished her duties, pending the outcome of the ongoing probes.
FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 Opens in Colombo, Drawing Global Spotlight to Island’s Gem Trade
January 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s flagship international gem and jewellery exhibition, FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, was formally launched yesterday (03) at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo, marking the return of one of Asia’s most influential trade showcases for the industry.
The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. The three-day event, which continues until January 05, has been organised through a collaboration between the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Export Development Board.
Now in its 32nd year, FACETS Sri Lanka has established itself as a key meeting point for the global gem and jewellery trade, drawing buyers and industry professionals from markets such as China, India, the United States and across Europe. Organisers noted that this year’s edition is particularly significant, with representatives from several internationally recognised gem and jewellery houses taking part for the first time, alongside a strong presence of local traders and exporters.
The exhibition is designed to strengthen commercial links between Sri Lankan exporters and overseas buyers, while opening new avenues for investment and long-term partnerships. Visitors are being offered a broad view of the country’s gemstone wealth, finished jewellery and value-added products, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and modern design trends.
FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 is also being promoted as a platform to highlight ethical sourcing, sustainability and the enduring reputation of Sri Lankan gems in the global marketplace. The inauguration was attended by senior government officials, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Dr S. P. Chaminda, members of the diplomatic community and leading figures from the industry, underscoring the sector’s importance to the national economy.
Low-level atmospheric disturbance continues to influence island’s weather: Showers expected enhance (Jan 04)
January 04, Colombo (LNW): The low-level atmospheric disturbance located to the east of Sri Lanka continues to influence the island’s weather, and therefore, showery condition is expected to enhance over the Northern, Eastern, and Uva Provinces during the coming days from January 5th, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (04).
Showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
A few showers will occur in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts.
Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Kaluthara, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m.
Strong winds up to 50 kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota, Gampaha Colombo and Monaragala districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanthurai to Pottuvil via Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly and 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 Galle to Hambantota via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Colombo, Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa will be rough at times.
The other sea areas around the island may be fairly rough.
Coconut Exports Break Billion-Dollar Barrier in Landmark Year
January 04, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s coconut-based exports have crossed the US$ 1 billion mark in 2025 and are expected to finish the year at close to US$ 1.2 billion, underscoring a dramatic surge from the previous year and signalling a turning point for the island’s coconut industry.
The sector recorded earnings of about US$ 800 million in 2024, making the latest performance a year-on-year increase of more than 40 per cent. Officials describe this as a significant milestone that confirms coconuts as one of the country’s most promising export commodities.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the industry has rapidly evolved into a strategic pillar of Sri Lanka’s export economy. He expressed optimism that continued policy reforms, productivity gains and access to new international markets could lift coconut-based exports to as much as US$ 2.5 billion by 2030.
Despite the strong growth, authorities acknowledge that limited nut productivity remains the sector’s biggest bottleneck. In response, the Government launched a series of structural measures in 2025 aimed at improving yields and expanding the extent of cultivated land, though officials caution that the benefits of these interventions will take time to materialise.
To address immediate pressures, policymakers focused on encouraging changes in domestic consumption patterns. This included promoting more efficient household use of coconuts, introducing substitute products for everyday needs and encouraging simple practices to reduce wastage at the consumer level.
In parallel, exporters were permitted to import coconut milk and kernel-based products strictly for re-export, a move that helped maintain export supply chains without disrupting the local market. Although only small volumes were brought in, the decision was credited with preventing shortages while preserving the industry’s export momentum.
Authorities say the achievement reflects close cooperation between government institutions, industry stakeholders and the public. With productivity reforms continuing and international demand for coconut-based products on the rise, Sri Lanka’s coconut sector is now firmly positioned as a long-term driver of export growth, with ambitious targets set for the years ahead.