Cabinet Decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 16-02.2026

1. Accelerating the “Communication to the Village (Gamata Sannivedanaya)” National Project

The Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has been implementing the "Communication to the Village" National Project under the provisions of Finance Act No. 11 of 2004 since the year 2021, with the objective of providing 4G broadband service facilities covering the whole of Sri Lanka through the development of telecommunication services by identifying the areas where there are no communication facilities or fewer communication facilities. The main objective of the aforementioned project, which is jointly implemented by mobile service-providing companies and the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, is to construct communication towers through a cost-sharing mechanism. At present, under this project, eighty-three (83) communication towers have been constructed, and mobile service facilities have been provided. The process of constructing the communication towers has become stagnant due to the increase in operational costs of the service provider companies because of the economic crisis encountered by Sri Lanka and insufficient income generation from certain communication towers. However, taking into consideration the trend of decreasing prices for the related equipment used to construct the towers, the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has issued new guidelines to reimburse, the less amount of the two, the maximum value of 35 million for each communication tower to the service provider company for which the communication tower has been constructed, or 75% of the actual cost incurred for the construction of the communication tower and  relevant equipment, in order to accelerate the "Communication to the Village" National Project and enable it to provide the benefits of the project to the people of the respective areas expeditiously and effectively. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide its consent in this regard after the Hon. President, in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy, has made the Cabinet of Ministers aware of that respect.

2. Obtaining the World Bank funds through the Programmatic Reform Development Policy Operation for growth, resilience, and exposure in Sri Lanka.

It has been identified that obtaining intermediate financial facilities from multilateral development institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank under the Extended Loan Facility Program of the International Monetary Fund is an essential component. Accordingly, the Government of Sri Lanka has been provided US$700 million under the World Bank funded Resilience, Stability, and Economic Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Operation—2023-2024 as an assistance for fundamental reforms for economic revival and stability. The World Bank has agreed to provide US$400 million through the three-year Programmatic Reform Development Policy Operation for growth, resilience, and exposure in Sri Lanka, covering the 2026-2028 period with the objective is to further support the country's structural reform itinerary, increase the competitiveness and exposure of Sri Lanka, improve economic good governance, and foster stronger and more sustainable economic growth. The aforesaid Development Policy Operation has been prepared under two main pillars: developing competitiveness and improving economical good governance. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to obtain the relevant financial facility from the World Bank.

3. Sri Lanka Digital transformation Project

The Sri Lanka Digital Transformation Project, which is under the Digital Economy Strategy (2025-2030), has been prepared with the objective of modernizing providing of public services efficiently and transparently through digital methods, which is a national policy priority. The approval has been granted at the cabinet meeting held on 21-10-2025 to obtain the support from the international development partners to implement the said project. Accordingly, the relevant loan negotiations, which have been initiated with the participation of all the stakeholders of the Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group, have now been concluded. According to the agreements reached at these discussions, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development will function as the institution that the loan facility is obtained on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, while Gov Tec Sri Lanka will function as the implementation institution. The Ministry of Digital Economy has been assigned the task of policy supervision and inter-ministerial coordination. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished  by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to obtain the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) fund equal to US$50 million from the World Bank Group for the proposed project based on the financial orders and conditions recommended by the Public Debt Management Office under the provisions of the Public Debt Management Act No. 33 of 2024.

4. Providing a plot of Land owned to the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala to the Powertech Products (Pvt) Ltd on long-term lease basis.

Approximately 400 acres of swampy land in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala, owned by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, have been developed at great expense by pumping sea sand. Out of the aforementioned developed land, a considerable amount has been disposed of for nationally important government investments as well as private investments approved by the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. DHT Cement (Pvt) Ltd has made a request to grant them 3-5 acres of land in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala, to establish a factory for the production of Board of Investment-approved fiber cement corrugated roofing sheets, fiber cement flat roofing sheets, and the production of the components for the local and foreign markets. A new company by the name of Powertech Products (Pvt) Ltd has been established to implement the said project as per the provisions of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, and US$7 million has been planned to be invested by that company. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to provide 3 acres, 1 rood, and 0.95 perches of the land in Kerawalapitiya, Wattala, owned by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation, to Powertech Products (Pvt) Ltd for the aforementioned project, on a lease basis for a period of 30 years, subject to a onetime  payment of Rs. 272.20 million and an annual nominal lease rent of Rs. 83,500/-.

05.       Providing a plot of Land owned to the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation in       Kerawalapitiya, Wattala to the Mas Freight Wave Terminal (Pvt) Ltd on long-term lease basis.

A project proposal has been submitted by M.A.S. Consolidated (Pvt) Ltd, a company engaged in supply and warehouse projects, to provide them a 3-4 acre plot of land in the Kerawalapitiya, Wattala area to establish a warehouse supply complex. It has been identified that a plot of land 03 acres 02 roods 25.63 perches in extent is appropriate for this project. In terms of the regulations of the Board of Investment, Sri Lanka, a new company has been established by the name of MAS Freight Wave Terminal (Pvt) Ltd to implement this project. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to provide the relevant plot of land to MAS Freight Wave Terminal (Pvt) Ltd for the aforementioned project on a lease basis for a period of 30 years, subject to payment of a onetime payment of Rs. 305.99 million payables in two installments and an annual nominal lease rent of Rs. 90,000/-.

06.      Liquidation of Shrama Vasana Fund

As per the provisions of the Shrama Vasana Fund Act No. 12 of 1998, the Shrama Vasana Fund has been established with the primary objective of providing financial support and incidental matters related thereto for the welfare of private and semi-government employees and it is under the scope of the Ministry of Labour at present. The Shrama Vasana Fund has also been identified by the report of the Review Committee on Government-Owned Non-Commercial Institutions which stated that government mediation should be removed and liquidated, and it has been recommended for liquidation without prejudice to the parties currently benefiting from its services. An action plan has been prepared by obtaining ideas from a committee comprising various stakeholders on the functions that should be further implemented and how these functions are to be implemented. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Labour to take steps for the liquidation of the Shrama Vasana Fund as at 30-06-2026, according to the provisions of the Finance Act No. 38 of 1971, and to continue the services supplied by the Shrama Vasana Fund, as well as the services that are not covered by any institution and should be further carried out through the Ministry of Labour.

07.      “Yathiwara Mapiya Niwahana” National Program

The "Yathiwars Mapiya Niwahana" National Program has been planned to be implemented with the objective of building houses for the homeless parents who are in economically difficult circumstances, and who have bequeathed their children to the Buddhist monastery to ensure the continuity of the Buddhasasana. This program has been launched as a religious gesture of gratitude to parents who have bequeathed their children to the Buddhasasana and have suffered from severe economic difficulties. As an initial stage of this program, it is planned to build 1,000 homes covering all districts on the island in the year 2026 and to implement the "Yathiwara Mapiya Niwahana" National Program as an affiliated  program of the "A Place of One’s Own – A Beautiful Life" carried out by the Ministry of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply, according to the recommendations of the technical officers of the National Housing Development Authority, the beneficiaries identified under the proposed program will be provided Rs. 1.5 million and allowed to obtain maximum divisional-level contribution for building houses. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the joint resolution presented by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs and the Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply to implement the proposed project.

08.    Substitution of the term “Fine Aggregate” for “River Sand” in relation to the construction Industry

The construction industry   has encountered the scarcity of the River Sand due to the restrictions on river sand mining in environmentally sensitive areas and restrictions on transport sand transportation. As a consequent, the prices of the river sand have increased resulting huge financial pressure on the construction project in both public and private sectors. Therefore, it has been identified the appropriateness of utilizing of the broad term “Fine Aggregate” in order to make easy for identification and utilization properly all the materials manufactured sand (M- Sand), crushed rock fines, offshore sand, other appropriate materials as alternative to the river sand.  Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply to declare the orders as per the provisions of the Construction Industry Development Act No. 33 of 2014  enable to substitution the term  “River Sand”  with the term “Fine Aggregate” defining the abovementioned mineral material that could be sifted through a 4mm sieve as fine aggregate and to substitute  the term “River Sand”  in all the specifications and guidelines relating to the construction.

09.      Conducting the inaugural meeting of BIMSPEC Expert Committee on Fiscal and Monetary Policy held in Sri Lanka

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation has been established to promote the regional cooperation and economic integration in the Bay of Bengal region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka has proposed at a discussion conducted in February 2024 in line with the 7th Indian Ocean Summit to establish an “Expert Committee on Fiscal and Monetary Policy’ to facilitate and exchange the specialist knowledge and experience among the member countries to formulate and implement monetary and financial policies. Approval of the ministers of all the member countries has been received for the concept paper on the establishment of the expert committee formulated according to the said proposal. The BIMSTEC Secretariat has made an official request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to be considered for conducting the inauguration meeting in Sri Lanka, enabling it to prepare Task Specification Instructions and an Action Plan for the expert committee. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to conduct the inauguration meeting of the aforementioned expert committee.

10.      Allocating the Colombage Mawatha and Stadiumgama Condominium complexes constructed under phase 2 of the Urban Regeneration Project of Colombo city to qualified beneficiaries.

The Urban Regeneration Project has been inaugurated by the Urban Development Authority under the guidance of the government with the objective of accomplishing the housing requirement of the community residing in colonies with low facilities in Colombo city. As phase 2 of this project, the project to assist the execution of the Colombo Urban Regeneration Project has been inaugurated. Under that project, constructions have been inaugurated to construct 4,074 housing units in 06 housing schemes centring the areas of Colombage Mawatha, Stadiumgama, Ferguson, Applewatta, Madampitiya, and Obesekarapura and funds of USD 158 million have been obtained from Asian Infrastructure Facilities Investment Bank for the purpose. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to provide relevant rights and benefits according to the social security guidelines of the Asian Infrastructure Facilities Investment Bank to the eligible low facility household owners, to charge and to transfer an amount of rupees 350,000/- from each eligible house beneficiary as a nominal value from the capital expenditure of the house and another rupees 50,000/- as the contribution for deposit fund created for maintenance of housing complex maintenance and to bear the deed charges and lawyer charges applicable for transferring housing units by the government and to provide the ownership of houses to them.

11.       Awarding the contract of supplying passenger and ground services for Sri Lankan Airlines at the Bangalore Airport (BLR) of India

Bids have been called following the limited international competitive bidding process for supplying passenger and ground services for Sri Lankan Airlines at the Bangalore Airport (BLR) of India. Three (03) bids have been received for that. Subsequent to evaluation of those bids, and based on the recommendation furnished by the higher level standing procurement committee, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation to award that service contract to GlobeGround India Pvt. Ltd., which is the substantially responsive minimum bidder for an amount of USD 3.093 million for a period of 03 years from 01.04.2026 to 31.03.2029.

12.       Health and Medical Service Improvement Project executed with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funds.

Enhancing the approach for cardiac treatments including cardiac catheterization that is one of the main activities followed when treating for non – communicable diseases which is a pioneer sector identified as to be addressed within the National Health Master Plan. Cardiac catheterization facility is only performed in a limited number of hospitals in Sri Lanka at present. With the objective of enhancing medical services for cardiovascular diseases, diagnosis of diseases and relevant treatments for them, a health and medical services enhancement project has been initiated in 2018 on the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers. Under the initial subject arena of that project implemented under the funds of Japanese Yen 10,639 million granted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), it had been planned to carry out constructions of cardiac catheterization units, cardiac emergency treatment units, cardiac surgical theatres, cardiothoracic surgery units, general cardiac wards, equipment and construction of buildings in 05 main tertiary hospitals  namely Kandy National Hospital, Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, Badulla Teaching Hospital, and Trincomalee district general hospital. However, the project has been halted unable to complete it at the precise dated due to the economic crisis experienced in the year 2022. Furthermore, the total cost estimation to execute the entire project has been escalated by Japanese Yen 2,833 million due to the increase of prices of construction materials and related services. Accordingly, considering the funds existing for the project, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to re execute the said project subject to revision of the subject area of the project and to extend the project period of the project until 31.12.2029.

13.       Relocation of Deniyaya Base Hospital by constructing a hospital with 300 bedding facilities. (Budget Proposals – 2026)

Deniyaya base hospital with a bedding capacity of 137 caters approximately 70,000 individuals in various divisional secretariat divisions of Matara, Galle and Rathnapura districts by providing medical, surgical, gynaecological and paediatric specialist medical services as well as eye, dermatological, psychological, radiological, laboratory, forensic medical, clinical, emergency treatment services, health education, and primary health treatment services. Deniyaya area has been subject to earth slip risk owing to the factors that Deniyaya area being in a higher altitude, steep slopes and extreme showers existing in the area and as a result the emergency treatment unit and the entrance of outdoor patients’ unit as well as the surrounding area of the maternity ward have been affected by earth slips occurred in 2023 and 2024. Therefore, it has been proposed to construct a new hospital comprised of 300 bedding capacity in a newly recognized venue and establish the entire hospital in an appropriate and secure venue. The Southern Provincial Department of Health has acquired a plot of land in Handford estate which is approximately 03 kilometres away from the town for this purpose. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to relocate Deniyaya Base Hospital after constructing a new hospital with 300 bedding capacity on that land spending an estimated amount of rupees 6,000 million under 02 phases.  

14.         Procurement for supply of electric / cranial drills for neurological surgeries

International competitive bids have been called for procurement of electric cranial drills that is used for surgeries in the brain and various other neurosurgical requirements and 02 bids have been received in the regard. Therefore, subsequent to evaluating those bids and, subject to the recommendations of the higher - level standing procurement committee and the procurement appeals board, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the procurement for supply of 10 electrical cranial drills to Aesculap AG (Manufacturer: Aesculap Ag) of Germany who is the minimum substantially responsive bidder.

15.       Project to construct permanent houses for families displaced due to the conflict situation in Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Resettling 919,450 individuals belong to 277,167 families in Northern and Eastern provinces have been made from the year 2009 to 31.12.2025 by providing permanent residences in their home villages. It has been recognized that there are 13,069 more displaced families deprived of household rights in those provinces by 01.01.2026. Previously the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted the approval to provide rupees 9 lacks for construction of a house with 340 square feet for the families with two or less than that displaced members without houses and to provide rupees 15 lacks for construction of a house with 550 square feet for families more than two members in a family. At the progress review meeting held with the chief participation of the Hon. President on 02.01.2026 regarding this project, it was recognized that it was appropriate to increase the aid paid at present in relation to a house of 550 square feet to be increased up to rupees 2 million irrespective of the number of members from the year 2026 so that the house can be constructed with precise standard, owing to the facts that the beneficiaries are low income earners and the cost as well as labour charges of the relevant constructions have been escalated. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution forwarded by the Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply to increase the aids granted under the project to be escalated up to rupees 2 million.

16.       Legally empowering the methodology for implementing the ‘Praja Shakthi’ poverty alleviation national movement.

Approval has been granted at the Cabinet meeting held on 24.02.2025 to implement the ‘Praja Shakthi’ (Strength of the Community) poverty alleviation national movement as per the national policy framework “A thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”. This programme is executed as a public centered movement and, a national policy council and a National Operations Committee have been established for the purpose. While this programme is executed within a consolidated structure of Ministries, Provincial Councils, District Secretariats and Divisional Secretariats, this covers the whole island including the activities of identifying rural level issues, preparation of programmes, project planning, supervision, progress review, social auditing as well as obtaining the community contribution for follow up on projects being executed. It has been pointed out the requirement to provide legal empowerment through a Parliamentary act at the discussions held with stakeholders related to this national movement. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the resolution furnished by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft a bill to legally empower the implementation of ‘Praja Shakthi’ (Strength of the Community) poverty alleviation national movement.

17.       Appointment to the post of Director General at the Department of Coastal Conservation

The post of Director General at the Department of Coastal Conservation is vacant at present due to             Mr.Y.R. Serasinghe who was serving in the post of Director General at the Department of Coastal Conservation has been retired from government service on 07.10.2025 on completion of 55 years of his age. Rear Admiral R. Joseph who has served for thirty-one (31) years in Sri Lanka Navy has been recognized as an eligible officer for that post. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Defense to appoint the aforementioned officer to the post of Director General at the Department of Coastal Conservation with immediate effect.

18.       Appointment to the post of Director General at the Department of Treasury Operations

Approval has been granted at Cabinet meeting held on 21.10.2025 to appoint Mr. Jude Nilukshan, a   special grade officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service, serving as the Director General of National Budget at present for acting in the post of the post of Director General at the Department of Treasury Operations since the post was vacant due to Mr. A.N. Hapugala, a special grade officer of Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service being appointed to a Deputy Secretary to the Treasury. Based on the recommendations furnished by a committee comprised of two Deputy Secretaries to the  Treasury appointed by the Secretary to the Treasury, it has been recognized that Mrs. A.M.S. Malkanthi, a special grade officer in Sri Lanka Accountants’ Service currently serving in a post of Additional Director General at the Department of Public Finance is an appropriate officer for the post of  Director General at the Department of Treasury Operations. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to appoint the above officer to the post of Director General at the Department of Treasury Operations with immediate effect.

The Deputy Minister made these remarks in Parliament today (17), responding to an oral question raised by National People's Power (NPP) Kurunegala District MP Dharmapriya Dissanayake.

Highlighting the need for a proper regulatory body to protect the labor rights, professional dignity, and professionalism of journalists—and to advocate for them when their rights are violated—the Deputy Minister stated that steps are being taken to establish a Chartered Institute of Media. She further noted that the Attorney General’s Department has already approved the bill for the establishment of this chartered body.

She emphasized that once this institution is established, journalists will have the opportunity to carry out their professional duties with due dignity.

Welfare and Social Security

The Deputy Minister also mentioned that:

• The scholarship program for journalists will continue this year.

• The government is focusing on providing health insurance for media professionals.

• Specific attention is being paid to provincial journalists, who currently lack social security programs. Several rounds of discussions have already been held regarding their health insurance coverage.

Industry Challenges and Salary Issues

The Minister revealed that numerous complaints have been received regarding the non-payment of salaries by certain private media entities. In response, a formal letter has been issued under the signature of the Director General of Government Information.

Concluding her remarks, she pointed out that the lack of recognition of the media sector as a formal industry remains a challenge. She assured that a program will be developed to transform the media field into a recognized industry and emphasized that the current government is constantly working towards the well-being of journalists.

Ten new lorries and 20 crew cabs, valued at approximately 590 million rupees (59 Crores), were added to the Sri Lanka Post transport network today.
The program was held at the Postal Headquarters under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, with the aim of further enhancing the efficiency of the postal transport service.
In conjunction with this, a pilot project to distribute bicycle carriers (delivery boxes) for postal officers' motorcycles was also launched.
Provided under the 2025 Budget allocations, these new vehicles will be utilized to ensure the fast and reliable island-wide delivery of all postal items, including COD (Cash on Delivery) and SLP Courier services.
This is regarded as a significant step towards creating a modern, efficient, and people-centric postal service

A special discussion on the implementing the Cabinet decision to connect critical government institutions to the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) was held on 10 February 2026 at the Old Parliament Building in Colombo.

Organized jointly by Sri Lanka CERT and the Ministry of Digital Economy, this session can be identified as a decisive step toward strengthening the country’s national cyber security framework.

It was emphasized during the discussion that cyber security in the modern world is no longer merely a technical concern, but a matter of national importance that directly impacts national security, economic stability, and public trust.

Special attention was given to connecting all government institutions that operate critical information infrastructure to the National Cyber Security Operations Centre. Policy-level decisions required for this initiative have already been approved through Cabinet decisions, and the second phase, connecting remaining government institutions to the cyber security centre, is scheduled to be implemented by the end of this year. Priority will be given to critical state institutions, which are also planned to be audited through the National Audit Office.

In addition, the importance of properly implementing awareness and training programmes on digital security for all public sector officials was highlighted during the session.

It was further stated that as Sri Lanka moves towards a digital economy, cyber resilience must be considered a fundamental component of governance and public service delivery. The new mechanism is expected to help prevent and manage disruptions to essential services in the face of cyber threats such as defacement of government websites, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. Through the National Cyber Security Operations Centre, government institutions will gain access to real-time threat monitoring, early warning systems, and coordinated incident response capabilities. As such, this initiative was described not merely as a compliance exercise, but as an investment in institutional credibility and resilience.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne; Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Waruna Sri Dhanapala; officials from the Presidential Secretariat; Chairman of Sri Lanka CERT, Tilak Pathirage; Chief Executive Officer of Sri Lanka CERT, Dr. Kanishka Karunasekera; along with several other officials. A number of heads and senior officials from government institutions identified as operating critical information infrastructure also participated in the discussion.

Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, has sent Letters of Demand (LODs) seeking Rs. 1 billion each from the leader of the National Freedom Front, former MP Wimal Weerawansa, and a private television channel for making and broadcasting defamatory and false statements.

The Minister, through his attorney, issued these legal notices stating that a public statement was made implying that the Minister of Health and Mass Media had used a credit card belonging to the owner of a blacklisted pharmaceutical company to purchase goods worth approximately Rs. 1 million in India.

The notice points out that on or around February 6, 2026, former MP Wimal Weerawansa made these remarks during a public meeting attended by electronic, print, and online media. It further states that the relevant private channel broadcast this statement as a special news segment titled "Story of the Day" during its 6:50 PM news bulletin on February 7, 2026.

According to the LOD, the statement made by Wimal Weerawansa is entirely false and baseless. It is clearly evident that these remarks were made maliciously with the intent to damage the reputation and public trust held by Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa as the Minister of Health and Mass Media.

The notice further claims that the channel failed to clarify these allegations with the Minister before broadcasting, and the defamatory content has already been uploaded to the internet and various social media platforms.

Accordingly, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has notified Wimal Weerawansa, Ben Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, and EAP Broadcasting Company Limited through his lawyer to pay Rs. 1 billion each as compensation for the damage caused to his reputation. Failure to do so will result in further legal action.

The Postal Department has taken steps to revise postal charges effective from today (09). Accordingly, the department has increased the minimum postal rate to Rs. 70, stating that these new prices come into effect starting today.

This was announced in a statement issued under the signature of the Postmaster General, Mr. S.R.W.M.R. Sathkumara. Additionally, the basic weight category for standard and business letters has been revised from 20g to 30g, while the maximum weight for a leaflet or a set of leaflets has been adjusted from 100g to 120g.

“Rebuilding Sri Lanka”

Let us unite and dedicate ourselves to building a new Sri Lanka founded on the essence of our proud history.

 We must create a new human resource that gives priority to knowledge over ignorance, progress over outdated prejudices and unity over division.

 By respecting diversity, we build the country as one Sri Lankan nation.

 The theme “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” gains true meaning through the proper establishment of the supremacy of the rule of law.

 A path of development that completely destroys the ecosystem is not our aspiration.

 The aim of the Rebuilding Sri Lanka initiative is to guarantee that economic advantages reach the most disadvantaged segments of society.

 Our aspiration is to build international relations of a new dimension that bring ever greater success to the motherland.

Today, we celebrate the 78th National Independence Day. In 1948, we gained independence after 133 years of harsh and oppressive colonial rule. For centuries, our ancestors sacrificed their blood, tears and sweat for this motherland in resistance to colonialism. As a result of their courageous and steadfast struggle, we attained ownership of our own people's sovereignty. The year 1948 symbolises the victory, heroism and immense sacrifices of our ancestors and national heroes.

We all know that we face different phases in life. Many people engage in struggles for their own sake and this is not uncommon. However, when someone sacrifices their life fighting for the motherland and for future generations, they inevitably become true heroes. They are engaged in a most noble endeavour.

The land on which we stand today is soaked with the blood, tears and sweat of our ancestors, brothers and sisters who fought for the freedom of our motherland and for the progress and future of our people. They will forever occupy the highest place of honour in our hearts. Therefore, especially on this day, we must pay our highest tribute and respect to all the heroes and heroines who fought for the freedom of our country and its people.

We have travelled 78 years since independence. However, I believe that the true fulfilment of independence lies in the extent to which we are able to achieve economic freedom. I believe that we are still engaged in a struggle to complete our independence and that this struggle exists within each of us.

The main theme of this year’s Independence Day is “Rebuilding Sri Lanka”. We must rebuild Sri Lanka on the foundations of sovereignty, self-determination and freedom. In this rebuilding process, we must identify our true essence. We are a nation with a proud and ancient history and our historical record shows that our ancestors possessed advanced technological knowledge suited to their era. We are a people who inherit a great and distinguished civilisation.

Concurrently, there are aspects of our recent history that must be discarded, just as there are many positive achievements that we reached. Therefore, the path to rebuilding Sri Lanka lies in strengthening our firm connection with the motherland. Economic development must be firmly rooted in the soil of this land and the essence of our nation. This is not a development model that severs our roots or erodes our national character, but one that builds a new Sri Lanka upon them.

Over the 78 years since independence, we have experienced victories and defeats, successes and failures. We will not hesitate to discard what is harmful, nor will we fear embracing what is good. Therefore, I believe that the responsibility of rebuilding Sri Lanka upon the valuable foundations of the past lies with all of us.

When we assess our strengths, we can say that we are a nation with a vast maritime zone, located in a strategically important region and rich in natural resources. Yet above all these, our most valuable asset is our human resource. If we are truly determined to build our country, we must transform this human resource into one capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the most developed nations of the world, one that prioritises knowledge over ignorance, progress over outdated prejudices and unity over division.

We all know that art, literature, history and modern technology play a vital role in developing this human resource. Therefore, we must create a well-rounded population enriched with knowledge, compassion and modern technology. To achieve this, we must initiate the most transformative era in our education sector. We are ready to confront outdated prejudices and embrace new knowledge and technology in order to create a new human being and I believe the people of this country will support this effort.

The strength of our human resource lies in unity. When we are divided, our strength weakens. Hatred, anger and conflict diminish our collective power. Sri Lanka is a country of many religions, cultures, beliefs and identities. These differences can be used to create conflict or wielded as weapons against one another, but doing so only weakens us. Our objective is to respect these differences, recognise the identities of all communities and build a new transformative era as one Sri Lankan nation.

The two unpleasant words in our vocabulary are racism and extremism. We believe that racism and extremism only lead to the self-destruction of our own strengths. Therefore, I wish to clearly state to the people of this country that we will not allow division, racism, or extremism and that national unity will be established as the foremost strength in rebuilding Sri Lanka.

A strong human resource base must be developed and social cohesion must be fostered, while ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to exercise their rights fairly and equally under the rule of law. We must build a new Sri Lanka, where all citizens are subject to the law and where public confidence in the supremacy of the law is firmly upheld. Every conscientious individual expects the rule of law to prevail. At the same time, we recognize that those who disregard or undermine the law fear the confirmation of its authority. Therefore, the foundation for building Sri Lanka lies in ensuring that the supremacy of the law is properly upheld. This is the principle upon which a strong, just and prosperous Sri Lanka can be established.

Furthermore, in building our nation, we must create a state that serves both our present generation and the generations yet to come. Consider the recent devastating cyclones that struck the country, causing widespread damage. A significant factor contributing to the country’s vulnerability is the Central Highlands. The rivers that flow from the Central Highlands provide vital life and sustenance to the nation and the heavy rainfall in this region brings essential blessings to the land. Yet, within our lifetime, we have witnessed the severe destruction that has affected the Central Highlands, highlighting the urgent need for preservation and sustainable management.

What is the outcome of developing Sri Lanka while completely destroying its natural resources, ecosystems and wildlife? What we seek is a development path that strengthens environmental systems, preserves the forests, flora and fauna that existed when we were born, and ensures even greater protection for future generations. This must be a central responsibility in the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative. Therefore, a development approach that devastates the environment cannot be accepted. As a nation that has recently experienced the severe consequences of environmental degradation, we must reflect deeply on its dangers and act with foresight.

In building our nation, strong international cooperation is essential. We are aware that the world operates in a competitive and divided global marketplace, where every nation strives to expand its influence and protect its interests. Today’s world is marked by significant conflicts and constant developments that shape global events. Our goal is to establish international relations that strengthen the security of our homeland, enhance the lives of our people and bring recognition to our country on a new level. Transforming Sri Lanka into a highly respected and distinguished nation in the global community is a key component of this path. I believe that it is on this pillar that our nation can be successfully rebuilt.

In a place without the rule of law, without social cohesion, without strong international relations, with a destroyed environmental system and a weakened society, the seed of development and nation-building cannot become a reality. Therefore, our priority must be to lay the foundational pillars necessary for rebuilding the country. We are actively working on establishing these pillars, upon which a strong, resilient and sustainable economy can be built.

The year 2025 marked unprecedented progress across all key economic indicators. It witnessed the lowest budget deficit since 1977, record-high government revenue after 2006, the largest current account balances in Sri Lanka’s history, the highest tax revenue collected by the Department of Inland Revenue and the sustained maintenance of bank interest rates at a long-term target, demonstrating remarkable economic stability. However, an economy’s success is not measured by data alone. The benefits of economic achievements must reach the people who form the foundation of that prosperity. If the lives of citizens are not improved, if livelihoods are not made easier and if people are not granted the freedom and dignity to live, then even the strongest economic data becomes meaningless. Therefore, the most significant economic milestone is ensuring that the gains at the top levels of the economy directly convert into improved living standards for every citizen. The vision for a renewed Sri Lanka is one where the benefits of economic growth flow to all people, creating a nation in which prosperity is shared equitably and inclusively.

Moreover, true freedom is measured by the strength of an economy. Economic contribution plays a dual role; it not only enhances the lives of citizens but also reinforces the sovereignty and independence of the nation. To achieve this, the country’s economy must be built on a new vision of economic development. In pursuit of this goal, extensive dialogue is already underway with industrialists, entrepreneurs, government officials and the general public to shape a sustainable and inclusive economic path for Sri Lanka.

The rebuilding of this nation must be entrusted primarily to our strongest asset, human capital. For this purpose, the necessary discussions and programmes have already been put in place. By combining our historic heritage, accumulated experience and collective knowledge, Sri Lanka can be rebuilt successfully. On this 78th Independence Day, what we must integrate into our hearts and minds is a firm determination to rebuild the nation. As President, I, along with the Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition, the public service and religious institutions, call upon all citizens to come together and commit wholeheartedly to the comprehensive reconstruction of our country.

There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” What we need is to go far in every field. The economy must advance further. The rule of law must be strengthened. Our environmental systems must be better protected. That journey cannot be taken alone. While it may be possible to move fast individually, what we truly need is to go far together. I invite everyone to come together and progress as one.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Speaker Jagath Wikramaratne, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Ministers and MPs, Chief Justice, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretaries of Ministries and other senior government officials, Commanders of the Tri- Forces, foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners, among other invited guests.

A total of 49 prisoners are eligible to benefit from a special Presidential Pardon, which will take effect on February 4, 2026, in view of the 78th National Independence Day, Prisons Commissioner (Media Spokesperson) A.C. Gajanayake said.

He said the special pardon has been granted by the President under the powers vested in him by Article 34 of the Constitution, the Presidential Secretariat said.

Under the terms of the pardon, eligible prisoners will receive a one-week reduction of their sentence for every year of imprisonment already served. In addition, the remaining period of imprisonment imposed due to the non-payment of fines amounting to less than Rs. 75,000 will be waived.

The Presidential Secretariat noted that the decision forms part of the customary Independence Day clemency, extended to eligible inmates in recognition of the national significance of the occasion and on humanitarian grounds.

The Development Lotteries Board (DLB) has made a financial donation of LKR. 15.5 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund, which was established to facilitate the reconstruction of the disaster-affected nation and to restore the lives of those impacted by Cyclone Ditwah.

The donation cheque was officially presented today (02) at the Presidential Secretariat by the Chairman and CEO of the Development Lotteries Board, Mr. Hemantha Swarnathilake, to the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Several senior officials from the Development Lotteries Board were also in attendance, including Mr. Anura Jayaratne General Manager, Mr. Kasun Jayasuriya, Deputy General Manager (Finance) and Mr. Chanaka Dodangodage ,  Deputy General Manager (Marketing)

Mr. S. Aloka Bandara, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, has issued a formal request to the general public to display the National Flag at all private residences, institutions, and on vehicles in commemoration of the 78th Independence Day.

During an official briefing, the Secretary further detailed the government's directives and the schedule of events:

Official Directives for State Institutions

The Secretary confirmed that formal instructions have been dispatched to all heads of state sectors, mandating the display of the National Flag on all government buildings and premises island-wide.

Schedule of National Ceremonies

• Commencement (February 2nd): The 78th Independence Day celebrations will officially begin tonight with a 'Parithrana Dharma Deshana' (Pirith Chanting Ceremony) at Independence Square. This religious event is organized by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

• Main Ceremony (February 4th): The primary national event is scheduled for the morning of February 4th at Independence Square. The proceedings will include:

  • Floral tributes at the statue of the Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake.

  • Multi-religious observances to invoke blessings on the nation.

Decentralized Celebrations

The Secretary emphasized that celebrations will not be confined to the capital. Official commemorative events have been organized at the Provincial, District, and Divisional Secretariat levels to ensure nationwide participation in the 78th anniversary of independence.

The Navam Full Moon Poya Day is observed today (February 1st). According to Buddhist history, this day marks several significant milestones in the life of the Buddha and the history of the Sāsana.

Religious Significance of Navam Poya:

• Appointment of the Chief Disciples: It was on a Navam Full Moon Poya Day that the Buddha held the first-ever congregation of the Sangha and conferred the titles of Chief Disciples (Aggasavaka) upon Arahant Sariputta and Arahant Moggallana.

• Preaching of the Ovada Patimokkha: This day also marks the historic preaching of the 'Ovada Patimokkha', which outlines the fundamental disciplinary code (Sangha Law) for the monastic community.

• Relinquishing the Life Span: Buddhist history further records that it was on a Navam Poya Day—at the Chapala Chetiya in the city of Vaishali—that the Buddha, three months prior to His Parinirvana, made the determination to relinquish His life span (Ayu Sanskara)