December 18, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the case concerning Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa and the disputed Krrish development project for February 16, 2026.

The matter was taken up today before High Court Judge Nadee Aparna Suwadugoda, during which progress was reported on the exchange of case material.

Representatives of the Attorney General’s Department formally handed over a fresh set of documents to the defence as part of ongoing proceedings.

After reviewing the submissions and noting the stage of the case, the court directed that the matter be listed again on the newly fixed date next year, allowing time for further examination of the material placed before court.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has drawn attention to the role being played by American companies and institutions in supporting the country’s recovery following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

In a message shared on social media, the Ambassador said a number of US-based organisations have mobilised resources to assist relief and rebuilding efforts. She noted that technology providers such as Starlink and Microsoft, together with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are contributing practical support on the ground.

Starlink has extended complimentary connectivity to both new and existing users until the end of December 2025 and has also supplied 145 satellite units to help strengthen communications during emergency operations.

At the same time, Microsoft is working in partnership with MIT on a new initiative designed to gather reliable information on businesses and properties damaged by the cyclone, a move intended to improve planning and aid distribution.

Ambassador Chung said these actions demonstrate the spirit of innovation, partnership and generosity that characterises American engagement, adding that US organisations remain committed to standing with Sri Lanka as it works towards recovery and resilience.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): The Central Cultural Fund has raised concerns over an increased risk of landslides in the vicinity of the iconic Nine-Arch Railway Bridge in Modara, following severe weather conditions brought on by Cyclone Ditwa. The area is a major draw for both domestic and international visitors.

According to the Fund, several nearby structures have suffered damage, disrupting ongoing work on a planned tourism development around the bridge. The initiative, which includes electrification works on the historic railway structure and the creation of visitor facilities, represents an investment of about Rs. 300 million and was originally expected to be completed this year.

Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Dr Nilan Cooray, said the extreme weather had inevitably slowed progress but stressed that the project remains a priority for the Government. He noted that safety assessments are being carried out alongside restoration work, and that authorities are aiming to fast-track construction once conditions stabilise.

Despite the setbacks, Dr Cooray expressed confidence that the upgraded site could be opened to the public next year, offering a safer and more organised experience for tourists while preserving the heritage value of the landmark.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): An internal police inquiry has found that several officers attached to the Sapugaskanda Police Station, including senior officials, failed to follow established procedures in connection with a road traffic accident involving former Speaker and Member of Parliament Ashoka Ranwala.

The collision took place on December 11, 2025 near the Denimulla Junction in Sapugaskanda, when a jeep driven by Ranwala was involved in a crash with a motorcycle and a car. The incident drew public attention and prompted questions over how the matter was handled at the local police level.

On the instructions of the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General overseeing the Traffic Division carried out a review to assess whether the response and subsequent investigation by station officers met required standards.

The findings pointed to serious shortcomings, indicating that the Officer-in-Charge of the station, the Traffic OIC who handled the case, as well as senior supervisory officers, had neglected key responsibilities and failed to act in line with due process.

In light of these conclusions, the Inspector General of Police has directed the Police Special Investigation Unit to launch a preliminary inquiry into the conduct of the officers concerned, with disciplinary measures to follow if the allegations are substantiated.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): The Government has begun the process of repositioning Sri Lanka on the global tourism map, with tenders already invited to develop a new national brand, Minister of Tourism and External Affairs Vijitha Hearth informed Parliament.

Addressing the House this (18) morning, the Minister said discussions are underway with industry representatives, creative agencies and other key stakeholders to shape a modern and compelling identity for the country.

He noted that while the rebranding initiative would require a significant financial commitment, the authorities are determined to proceed, viewing it as a long-term investment in reviving and strengthening the tourism sector.

The Minister added that the proposed branding effort aims to better reflect Sri Lanka’s diversity, resilience and appeal to emerging travel markets, as the country seeks to compete more effectively on the international stage.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has conveyed Sri Lanka’s gratitude to the Government of China for its swift and practical support during the country’s recent disaster response, underscoring the value of long-standing ties between the two nations.

Her remarks were made during a meeting at the Parliamentary complex with Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. Discussions focused on the depth of bilateral relations and explored avenues to broaden cooperation in the period ahead, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister noted that Sri Lanka has now moved beyond immediate rescue operations and entered a phase centred on recovery and rebuilding. She also acknowledged the contribution of local volunteers and the assistance extended by international partners during the emergency response.

Vice Chairman Wang expressed sympathy for those affected by the disaster and reaffirmed China’s intention to remain engaged beyond the initial relief stage. He stated that Beijing stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s reconstruction efforts and reiterated China’s broader commitment to assisting the country’s social and economic progress, while working closely together in regional and global forums.

The talks also revisited key outcomes of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, including cooperation on school uniform supplies, fertiliser support, digital education initiatives, road development projects, and ongoing collaboration in education, healthcare and cultural exchange.

Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations, highlighting mutual trust, understanding and a friendship built over many years.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): Parliament is set to meet today (18) to consider a substantial supplementary allocation of Rs. 500 billion, intended to support communities whose livelihoods have been disrupted by a sudden and severe disaster situation.

The special sittings have been convened at the request of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, in line with parliamentary procedure, according to the Secretary-General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera. The House will sit over two days, today and tomorrow, to address the matter.

The decision to summon Parliament was reached during a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held yesterday, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. The Parliamentary Communications Department confirmed that the urgency of the prevailing situation prompted the move.

Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9.30 a.m. today, when the proposed supplementary estimate for 2026 will be formally presented and referred to the Committee on Public Finance for review. The allocation is aimed at funding relief measures and economic recovery for those affected by recent extreme weather events.

Following the presentation, Parliament will take up an adjournment debate initiated by the Government, focusing on the broader national impact of the disaster and the response measures in place. The debate is expected to continue until the evening.

Parliament will reconvene tomorrow for a full-day sitting, during which the supplementary funding proposal will be debated and put to a vote.

The Speaker had earlier announced the extraordinary sitting through a gazette notification issued last week, confirming that the House would be summoned today after the Prime Minister formally requested an emergency session.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): Mihinthale Police have taken three men into custody over the alleged abuse of a wild elephant that was reportedly doused in flames in the Seeppukulama area, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage.

The arrests followed a detailed police inquiry launched after disturbing footage circulated widely on social media, appearing to show the animal being deliberately set on fire. The video prompted swift public condemnation and calls for accountability.

Authorities later discovered the elephant dead within the Mihinthale Police Division. Veterinary findings from a post-mortem examination indicated that the animal had been suffering from serious kidney and liver complications, with investigators noting that the trauma and severe stress caused by burn injuries significantly worsened its condition.

Those detained are residents of Seeppukulama, aged between their early forties and fifties. Police say they were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with the incident.

The suspects are due to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death.

December 18, Colombo (LNW): The prevailing showery conditions are expected to continue over the Northern and Eastern parts of the island due to the influence of the Easterly wave, the Department of Meteorology said today (18).

Showers will occur at times in North-Central, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces. Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Eastern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district.

Several spells of showers may occur at Northern and North-western provinces.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other areas of the island after 1.00 p.m. Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa, Western and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts 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 thundershowers.


Marine Weather:

Condition of Rain:
Showers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Hambantota via Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several 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 Galle via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee, Pottuvil and Hambantota.

State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Galle via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee, Pottuvil and Hambantota 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.