Dec 25 (ST) It was cold and wintry when Santa Claus embarked on Christmas Eve to do his annual round to deliver Christmas cheer throughout the world on his heavenly reindeer sleigh. The bulk of gifts aboard the sleigh went to slow down its speed since the bulkiest of all to the island of Lebunka taxed the stamina of his reindeer pack the most, and the sooner it was offloaded, the faster would be the ride. With this in mind, he had listed the isle as the first pitstop on his itinerary. more..

Dec 25 (Island) The CID has once again proved its selective efficiency and adeptness at doing political work. No sooner had it received a complaint from Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara that someone had sought to discredit him by having the title, ‘Dr’, placed before his name on the parliamentary website than it launched an investigation, interrogated the parliament staff and recorded statements, but its probe has apparently come up against a brick wall. more..

Dec 25 (Island) Sri Lankans love their educational qualifications. Qualifications permit envious comparisons of value, similar to the ownership of gold jewellery, an expensive watch or a branded pair of shoes, resulting in exactly the same questions of provenance, worth and authenticity, but from a much higher moral ground. For the past two weeks we, the people, have watched as allegations that the (now) ex-Speaker’s educational qualifications were faked, proliferated across the news more..

Dec 25 (ST) Since October, the price of coconut nuts has been skyrocketing due to a market shortage. “Higher-than-normal rainfall and temperature variations have significantly impacted the harvest,” stated Coconut Development Authority Chairman Shantha Ranathunga, adding that pest infestations and plant diseases have also contributed to the decline in production. To mitigate the impact on exporters, the government is implementing short-term measures, more..

Dec 25 (FT) SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam last Friday expressed optimism about reaching previously unreachable targets by 2029, whilst celebrating the sector’s resilience and significant recovery. Speaking at the National Tourism Awards 2024, which shone a spotlight on the sector’s best contributors, he opined that the ongoing season is expected to be the strongest since 2018. “The industry is poised to end 2024 on a high note with more..

Dec 25 (FT) The Govt has decided to provide Rs. 100,000 per hectare for farmers whose crops were damaged by the recent floods countrywide. The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the decision to provide farmers who had cultivated paddy, corn, potatoes, big onions, soybeans and chillies. Announcing the decision, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday revealed that 91,300 acres of paddy fields were completely destroyed, whilst 86,225 acres of paddy fields were partially destroyed more..

Dec 25 (DN) The Holy Land, a region synonymous with faith, history, and spirituality, offers a unique opportunity to explore sacred Christian heritage sites deeply connected to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Among the countless significant landmarks, the cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth hold special prominence for Christians worldwide. During a recent visit to these holy places, despite being a Buddhist by birth, I had the privilege of witnessing more..

Dec 25 (FT) Cabinet on Monday approved establishing a Committee tasked with streamlining the container clearance system at the Colombo Port. This committee chaired by the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister will focus on implementing measures to improve efficiency and reduce delays in the release of containers. The Colombo Port operates four container terminals, with two privately owned and managed by the Govt. Each terminal handles between 5,000-10,000 containers daily, more..

Dec 25 (DN) Sri Lanka has secured direct qualification for the Women’s Cricket World Cup which will be held next year in India. This marks a significant achievement for the team led by Chamari Athapaththu as it is the first time since 2008 that they have qualified directly for the women’s ODI World Cup. Australia have won 18 matches from 24 having 39 points on top of the points table while England have won 15 out of 24 is in second slot having 32 points. more..

Dec 25 (EN) Cabinet has approved the ratification of the convention on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. The move is likely to allow the island nation to get more financial resources along with improved capacity and technical expertise to conserve marine biodiversity in its closest international sea. The oceans beyond national borders remained largely unregulated, leaving them vulnerable to the escalating threats of human activities in the international seas. more..

Dec 25 (AD) Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha says that a salary increase for public sector employees must take place in 2025. He made this statement during a media briefing, emphasizing the govt’s commitment to easing the economic hardships faced by the public. Explaining the govt’s stance, Prof. Jayantha said: “If we wanted to, we could have said that the economy has collapsed now... wait a little longer... tighten our belts. We can also argue that we will do it in 2026. more..

Dec 25 (FT) Sri Lanka is preparing to mark a major milestone in its tourism recovery, with the arrival of its 2-millionth visitor tomorrow. SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is all prepared to celebrate the country’s most robust tourism season since 2018. The influx of visitors has been notable in December, with the country welcoming 161,383 tourists in the first 22 days alone. 22 Dec saw a record 10,820 visitors in a single day, more..

Dec 25 (AD) A total of sixty-two employees of the CEB, who were suspended for participating in protests against the privatization of the board during the previous govt, have been reinstated with all privileges. This decision was made following a special directive issued by the Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody. The CEB trade unions had launched a protest campaign last January, alleging that the board was being privatized. In response, the then Minister of Power and Energy, more..

Dec 25 (PMD) Christmas, the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great reverence by Christians worldwide. Jesus Christ, who came into this world to bring salvation to all, saw no divisions among people, be they rich or poor. His birth among humble shepherds, and the divine message delivered to them by angels, underscores the profound truth that Christmas calls us to transcend divisions and act with unity, peace, and humanity. Today, as a nation, we stand at a pivotal moment, more..

Dec 25 (NW) Dr. Senesh Bandara Dissanayake, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), has announced his resignation just three months after assuming the role under the new NPP govt. In a statement shared on social media, Dissanayake clarified that his tenure was always intended to be temporary. “I only accepted this role for three months, and it is now time for me to step aside,” he said, thanking the staff and stakeholders for their cooperation during his short stint. more..

Dec 25 (NW) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has received death threats from ISIS terrorists and LTTE groups, according to Manoj Gamage, Vice President of the SLPP Lawyers’ Association. Gamage revealed that, effective December 23, the Ministry of Public Security withdrew the remaining military officers assigned to Rajapaksa’s security detail. Citing a report submitted to the Presidential Security Committee by Superintendent of Police M.S.D. Wickramasinghe on Oct 10, 2024, more..

Dec 25 (FT) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has welcomed the recent upgrade of Sri Lanka’s credit rating by leading global agencies, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, calling it a significant milestone for the nation’s economic recovery. Dr. de Silva remarked, “The credit rating improvement is not only good news for the Govt but also for the entire economy, including private sector investors who were severely impacted by the debt crisis.” more..

Dec 25 (TM) Amid reports that some ministers are seeking the NPP party's permission to speak to the media, the NPP stated that they have not placed any restrictions on MPs or ministers speaking to the media. It was recently reported that Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, refused to attend a media interview, claiming he needed permission from the NPP to do so. When asked, NPP General Secretary MP, Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe said that they had not asked MPs or ministers not to speak to the media. more..

Dec 25 (NW) Minister Sunil Handuneththi has lodged a complaint with the CID regarding a group impersonating him to solicit funds for fake community service projects. Minister revealed that friends and associates of his in Japan, South Korea, and the UK were contacted via WhatsApp. “First they take an unclear video call which lasts around 16 seconds, and several bank accounts have been used in this scam. They are fearlessly using my image, voice, and technology to deceive people,” more..

Dec 25 (CT) Congenital methemoglobinemia, a rare genetic disorder, has been diagnosed for the first time in SL. A child from Medawachchiya in the Anuradhapura District has been diagnosed with the condition. The condition causes the skin to turn blue and makes it hard to breathe. A Specialist at the Premature Infant Unit of A'pura Teaching Hospital found the disorder. Dr. S.U.C. Ranawaka, a Specialist at the Neonatal Care Unit, said the disorder has affected the child’s growth and development. more..

Dec 25 (TOI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday called for swift action from the central govt regarding the arrest of 17 fishermen from Rameswaram by the SL Navy. The fishermen and their two mechanised boats were detained on December 24. Stalin conveyed his concerns in a letter to External affairs minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic efforts for their release. The chief minister also drew attention to two incidents from 20 Dec, where fishermen from Kodiyakkarai more..

Dec 25 (CT) The new govt is unlikely to follow the previous govt’s model in tying up with India’s Amul in the development of dairy sector, an informed source said. During the time of the last govt, SL sought assistance from India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and market leader Amul in a bid to scale up its dairy production to become self-sufficient. At that time, there were reports that SL’s state owned dairy company Milco and dairy farms were to be taken over more..

Dec 25 (CT) Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Nalinda Jayathissa refuted the allegation by SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara that the JVP MPs had taken funds from the President’s Fund. He said the public would soon learn whether Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MPs had received financial assistance from the President’s Fund. Minister stated that he had already released the list of MPs who benefited from the President’s Fund between 2005 and 2024. The remaining names will be tabled in Parliament soon. more..

Dec 25 (Island) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has granted a general amnesty to 389 prisoners, who will be released today (25) from various prisons across the country. Prison Commissioner (Media Spokesperson) Gamini D. Dissanayake said that the amnesty would benefit 385 male detainees and four female detainees. Those individuals, who have been incarcerated for minor offences, will be freed, provided they have not been involved in serious crimes, such as drug trafficking. more..

Dec 25 (FT) SL Police have initiated a special investigation into allegations of misuse of the President’s Fund following directives from Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya. CID has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The decision comes in response to a formal complaint lodged by the Organisation of Lawyers to Protect Public Funds at the Police Headquarters yesterday. The group has called for an investigation into potential misappropriation more..

Dec 26 (TM) Two decades ago, on 26 December 2004, Sri Lanka was struck by a devastating tsunami that left death, destruction, and heartbreak in its wake. The Tsunami, which registered a magnitude of 9.1, struck off the coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia on a Sunday morning. About 20 minutes after the shock, Indonesia’s Province of Banda Aceh, which was closest to the epicentre of the earthquake, was devastated by massive 100-foot waves, claiming the lives of more than 100,000. more..

Dec 26 (CT) Losers are many and winners few. That is the macro verdict of the year 2024. In an Election Year, one expects to close the year with a net positive. However, the human condition deems it absolutely essential that whoever wins or loses, the country at large and her people remain, if not winners, at least recipients of a draw. SL is fortunate. She has done no harm to its exploiters. She has been patiently waiting for the D-Day. And when it arrived, they showed the entire world, more..

Dec 26 (AP) Pulled from the mud as an infant after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, and reunited with his parents following an emotional court battle, the boy once known as Baby 81 is now a 20-year-old dreaming of higher education. Jayarasa Abilash’s story symbolized that of the families torn apart by one of the worst natural calamities in modern history, but it also offered hope. More than 35,000 people in SL were killed, more..

Dec 26 (GV) Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Palestine, during a time of colonization and political and economic oppression by Roman imperialism. Those who dared to call for freedom and justice were brutally crushed. Some were thrown to the lions or crucified in public. This was to instill fear and prevent further uprisings. Jesus’s mother, Mary, was a young unwedded girl who was courageous to have said yes to God’s call to carry baby Jesus in her womb as part of God’s revolutionary plan more..

Dec 26 (CT) The recent tragedy near the Anuradhapura New Town Railway Station is a harrowing reminder of how fleeting human life can be when overshadowed by a moment’s lapse in judgment. A 38-year-old mother and her 18-year-old daughter lost their lives in an incident that defies comprehension. Their young son, a witness to this horrific event, now carries scars both visible and invisible. This incident, as senseless as it is devastating, serves as a stark metaphor for more..

Dec 26 (TM) Vehicle congestion at national parks, particularly in SL’s popular parks such as Yala, has become a growing concern with no concrete solution in sight despite numerous discussions. This issue not only affects the experience of visitors but also poses significant threats to wildlife and the natural environment. As the number of vehicles entering these parks continues to increase, so does the pressure more..

Dec 26 (GV) Christianity gained popularity in SL following the arrival of European invaders and became a widely practiced religion over time. The Nestorian crosses discovered during archaeological excavations in Anuradhapura, which was a prominent commercial city in the past, serve as evidence of the arrival of Christian traders. However, Christianity was not widespread in the country at that time; it took root with the arrival of the Portuguese. In recent decades, numerous Christian fathers more..

Dec 26 (ST) Many decades ago during the mid-1980s, when Ronnie de Mel was Finance Minister — in fact he probably broke a record for being the longest serving Finance Minister in any govt here or overseas — he used to have his customary briefings for the media. But he also had his own rules, often frowned on mostly by senior journalists. He starts off a briefing……giving the headline of the story and the first para. Now write it that way, he would say much to the chagrin of senior writers but more..

Dec 26 (DM) Stressing the need to resolve issues in the supply of medicines soon, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA), State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC) and Medical Supplies Division (MSD) must take the responsibility of providing quality medicines to the people continuously. Minister said the four institutions - NMRA,SPC, SPMC & MSD more..

Dec 26 (Island) The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, also known as the Boxing Day tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra on 26 Dec, 2004, had a catastrophic impact on SL. It is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, wiping out hundreds of communities in minutes. The tsunami struck SL’s eastern and southern coasts approximately two hours after the earthquake. The eastern shores, facing the earthquake’s more..