Dec 11 (AD) The UN today launched its Humanitarian Priorities Plan to support SL’s efforts to provide immediate life-saving assistance and restore normalcy to the lives of people affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The UN, along with local and international partners, are accordingly seeking to mobilise US$35 million in the next four months to provide immediate life-saving assistance, UN Resident Coordinator in SL, Marc-André more..

Dec 11 (DM) The Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new wind power plants each with a capacity of 50 megawatts in Mullikulum, Mannar, as part of the govt’s push to generate 70% of SL’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The approval follows a decision made on 10 February 2025 to invite proposals from private-sector developers for the Mullikulum Wind Power Park, a 100MW project to be implemented under a Build–Own–Operate model with more..

Dec 11 (NF) Colombo witnessed a pivotal diplomatic engagement as U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions centered on deepening maritime cooperation, including last week’s transfer of a U.S. vessel to Sri Lanka, a move aimed at strengthening maritime security while fully respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. more..

Dec 11 (Reuters) The deadly storms that devastated Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in late November were supercharged by higher sea temperatures and made worse by rapid deforestation, scientists said. Tropical Cyclone Senyar devastated large parts of Southeast Asia after forming in the Malacca Strait, killing nearly 1,200, including 969 on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. At least $3 billion in relief funds more..

Dec 11 (PMD) The Deputy Registrars of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters commended the govt, led by the Prez, for its initiative to rebuild the lives of the people and restore the country following the recent disaster, expressing their blessings for these efforts. The remarks were made by Deputy Registrar of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya, Rajakiya Panditha Darshanapath Venerable Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter of more..

Dec 11 (NW) SL’s centuries-old practice of Kithul Madeema, the traditional method of tapping sap from the kithul palm, has been added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Known locally as Kithul Madeema or Kithul Kapeema, the practice is deeply rooted in rural SL communities. It involves collecting sap from the Caryota urens tree, commonly known as the kithul palm, found in forests and home gardens. Process requires significant skill and care. more..

Dec 11 (FT) The recent cyclone has left behind more than damaged homes and broken infrastructure. It has left wounded childhoods, shattered families, and a generation of children staring into an uncertain future. Among the most vulnerable are those who have lost their parents — children whose sense of safety, belonging, and hope has been cruelly stripped away. At a remembrance concert organised by Union Bank of Colombo, SL Institute of Directors, and Port City, His Lordship Bishop Valence more..

Dec 11 (FT) The Ditwah Cyclone ranks second only to the Dec 2004 Tsunami in terms of damage to housing in Sri Lanka’s recent history. According to the govt’s Disaster Management Centre, as of 9 December 2025, 86,488 houses were partially or fully damaged due to Ditwah. This is only slightly fewer than the nearly 100,000 houses affected by the 2004 Tsunami. The Govt has announced a redevelopment program to assist affected families in rebuilding their homes in safer locations. more..

Dec 11 (TM) Land and Irrigation Ministry stated the relevant irrigation officials took all possible steps to manage reservoir systems well during the heavy rainfall brought on by Cyclone Ditwah, both by protecting the reservoirs and minimising any harm caused to nearby communities. The remarks come amid allegations that water was not released early enough and that sluice gates were later opened suddenly without giving more..

Dec 11 (DM) All major rivers across the country are flowing at normal levels with no risk of minor or major flooding, according to the latest hydrology update issued at 6.30 am today (11). Hydrology & Disaster Management Division reports that key river basins—including the Kelani, Kalu, Mahaweli, Gin, Nilwala and Walawe—remain well below their respective flood alert thresholds. Water level readings taken between 5 am and 6 am confirmed stable conditions, with only slight more..

Dec 11 (Island) Jaffna High Court yesterday ordered former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa to present evidence of alleged threats to his life, after he failed to appear in court for the hearing of the case concerning the abduction of brothers Lalith Kumar Veeraraju and Kugan Muruganandan 14 years ago. The court set 06 February, 2026, as the date for him to submit details regarding these threats. The case, which marks over a decade of legal proceedings into enforced disappearances in Jaffna, more..

Dec 11 (DM) The insurance companies in SL have mobilised swiftly to provide relief following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with the authorities confirming that the compensation payments for minor property damage have already begun. Insurance Regulatory Commission of SL convened a meeting with all insurers to establish a mechanism for supporting the affected businesses and property owners, according to Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma. more..

Dec 11 (NW) An individual who allegedly threw a bag of waste onto the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway has been arrested by the Seeduwa Police. The incident occurred this evening (10) near the 19 km post of the expressway, when mobile patrol officers observed the driver of a passenger van travelling from Colombo toward Katunayake throwing a waste-filled bag onto the highway. Following the observation, officers notified the Seeduwa sub-station, which subsequently arrested suspect more..

Dec 11 (CT) The economic fallout from the recent adverse weather conditions has begun to impact consumers severely, with vegetable prices fluctuating wildly across the market. Traders at the Colombo Manning Market attribute these severe disruptions directly to the prevailing adverse weather conditions following Cyclone Ditwah. They noted that the market is currently receiving less than 40% of its typical daily vegetable stocks more..

Dec 11 (ST) A JICA-funded project to install a Doppler radar – a vital weather forecasting instrument – is expected to be finished by 2027 after years of delays. A Doppler radar uses waves to detect precipitation, while also measuring its movement and speed, revealing wind direction and intensity, etc, giving meteorologists vital information for severe weather warnings. Sunday Times first reported in 2017 that JICA has agreed to fund the procurement and installation of two Doppler more..

Dec 11 (NW) SL Police has issued a clarification regarding a video circulating on social media which claims that residents of Mandaramnuwara protested against the Mandaramnuwara Police during a relief distribution operation. The video has been shared alongside misleading interpretations suggesting that the police had clashed with residents or interfered with aid distribution. The clarification follows an internal report obtained from the OIC of the Mandaramnuwara Police. more..

Dec 11 (DN) Two promising cricketers Sharujan Shanmuganathan of Tamil Union and Pulindu Perera of Nugegoda SC came to the highlight when they scored their maiden first class centuries in the opening week of the Major Cub 3-day cricket tournament conducted by SLC. Both Sharujan and Pulindu were at the same U-19 National team which participated in last year’s Asia Cup as well as World Cup. Two potential batsmen Sharujan from St. Benedict’s College Kotahena and more..

Dec 11 (CT) Mora Racing, a leading SL Karting Team, proudly announces its significant strides in developing motorsports talent from the entry-level to international formula racing. The team, whose name Mora (meaning shark in Sinhalese) was chosen to give the team a distinct local identity while competing globally, was founded in 2023 following the post-covid reintroduction of karting in Sri Lanka. The foundation of the team was built on expertise in two-stroke engine mechanics, more..

Dec 11 (FT) SL’s tax exemptions and concessions reached Rs. 285.7 billion in the first six months of 2025, equal to 57% of the total tax expenditure recorded since April 2023, according to the latest Tax Expenditure Statement published by Ministry of Finance in November. Data shows that the scale of foregone revenue remains substantial despite efforts to broaden the tax base and meet revenue objectives under economic recovery program. more..

Dec 11 (DN) SL Under-19 skipper Vimath Dinsara says the upcoming Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai will be an ideal buildup for the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup. The tournament begins tomorrow and continues until the 21st, while the World Cup is scheduled from January 15 to February 6 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Sri Lanka, five-time runners-up in the Asia Cup, have never won the title. Dinsara believes this is the moment to claim their maiden c'ship ahead of the World Cup. more..

Dec 11 (FT) London-based The Financial Times publication The Banker magazine has honoured Hatton National Bank (HNB) with the prestigious Bracken Award as the Bank of the Year SL 2025. This recognition was based on the bank’s strength and its position as one of the country’s most resilient and future-focused financial institutions. Annual awards by The Banker evaluate global banks on financial strength, innovation, governance & long-term strategic performance. more..

Dec 11 (FT) Export Development Board (EDB) of SL is set to organise the country’s largest-ever Business-to-Business (B2B) pavilion at the prestigious Gulfood International Trade Fair 2026, scheduled to take place from 26-30 January 2026, in Dubai, UAE. A special media briefing was held today at the Export Development Board (EDB), presided over by EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe concurrent with the pre-fair workshop held to inform exporters participating in the exhibition. more..

Dec 11 (FT) Hemas Holdings PLC has been recognised among Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under A Billion companies for 2025, ranking as one of the region’s top performing organisations. Selected from over 19,000 organisations, this recognition highlights businesses with under $ 1 billion in revenue that demonstrate consistent growth, innovation, and stability. The ranking reflects Hemas’ consistency in generating long-term value for shareholders over the last three years. more..

Dec 11 (FT) With Ditwah Cyclone adding tremendous strain on the Govt to maintain its fiscal discipline while supporting the economy’s recovery, Finance, Planning & Economic Dev. Ministry said it has initiated a renewed effort to expand the country’s tax net to ensure 2028 tax revenue targets are met. It aims to do this by simplifying processes, improving public awareness, and strengthening institutional commitment & capacity. more..

Dec 11 (TM) SL’s preparation for the Asian Regional Qualification round ahead of guaranteeing its place at the 17th edition of the 16-team Netball World Cup to be held in Australia in 2027, has hit a roadblock. This stems over Sports Ministry’s failure to expedite the election of office bearers to the game’s local ruling body, since taking over its governance aspect last August. Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage suspended the registration of Netball Federation of SL (NFSL) in July this year, more..

Dec 11 (ST) SL’s long-promised tariff overhaul pitched as a turning point for trade competitiveness has entered a complicated, politically fraught phase. While the govt has recommitted to dismantling para-tariffs under the National Tariff Policy (NTP), the economic stakes are rising, and a once-discussed plan to reduce tariffs on selected US imports to zero has quietly disappeared from official discourse. The reforms revolve around eliminating three major para-tariffs: Special Commodity Levy (SCL), more..

Dec 11 (NW) SL Police are seeking public assistance to apprehend a serial ATM card fraud suspect believed to be operating across various parts of the island. The appeal follows a recent incident reported at Kalutara South Police Station where a man was defrauded of LKR 200,000. The victim, a resident of Polonnaruwa, filed a complaint stating that on Aug 19, he approached an ATM in Kalutara city to withdraw cash. He accepted help from an unknown individual who was present more..

Dec 11 (ST) Flood victims in Colombo and suburbs are grappling with a multitude of issues as they return to their homes, with some of them not only losing their belongings but also their livelihoods. The lack of an effective distribution mechanism to distribute relief was visible when we visited some of the areas hit by the flooding. In some areas in the interior there was no food or drinking water, while some of those living closer to the main road seemed to be having a better supply of relief goods. more..

Dec 11 (ST) As the country grapples with the aftermath of floods and landslides caused by Cyclone Ditwah, allegations of negligence and preparedness mismanagement are being levelled against the govt agencies tasked with monitoring and managing disaster situations. Contradicting reports and statements have been made by Meteorology Dept, Disaster Management Centre and Irrigation Dept, main institutions more..

Dec 11 (Island) Opposition has blamed the severity of recent floods that devastated many areas, such as Gampola, on the controversial appointment of some engineers loyal to the NPP govt to oversee the Kotmale reservoir in place of senior, experienced engineering professionals who could have responded to emergencies swiftly. It has claimed that if the experienced officials had been allowed to operate the reservoir, they would have begun releasing water early to prevent flash floods, more..

Dec 11 (DM) One lesson taught by Cyclone Ditwah is that people need to respect the environment more. With the high demand for real estate, people are convinced to purchase locations with the best view, proximity to the nearest town and other features often ignoring the sensitivity of these locations. Most high risk landslide-prone areas are in close proximity to forest reserves. The demarcation of boundaries and the use of such lands for commercial purposes have been politically driven. more..