The official website of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI), featuring new enhancements, along with its news magazine, was launched yesterday (01) at the Institute. The event was held under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne.

The Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Professor Seetha Bandara, the Board of Directors, and several others participated in the occasion

As we move forward to the New Year of 2026, it is timely to reflect on the year 2025 that has passed. The year 2025 can be granted as a year having made a number of decisive and progressive steps with a people oriented government.

I am confident that, within a new political culture, we were able to strengthen transparency in state governance and lay the foundation for an efficient and corruption free public service.

We can be satisfied with the progress achieved in several key areas during 2025, including economic stability, the increasingly positive and optimistic international perception towards our country, the establishment of transparent systems of governance, and the strengthening of the sovereignty of the legislation system.

However, the unfortunate disastrous situation we experienced towards the end of 2025 was a challenging period for our nation. While it deeply moved us all, the spirit of solidarity, compassion, and collectivity shown by Sri Lankans during that difficult situation received admiration across the world.

As we step into the New Year 2026, we hold commitment to overcoming those challenges, healing from the disaster, and restoring the lives and livelihoods that were affected.

Moving forward with the goals such as initiating qualitative and sustainable transformation in the education sector, digitalizing all sectors of the public service, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, artists, and creators with innovative ideas to rise on the global stage, and building a compassionate, environmentally friendly society free from drugs and harmful substances I would like to remind, at this moment, that the responsibility of rebuilding this nation rests upon the entire nation, together with the government, transcending differences of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, and united by a strong Sri Lankan identity.

Transforming all the challenges we experienced in the past year into sources of strength, I invite you to step into 2026 with renewed energy, hope, and determination.

I extend wishes for a victorious New Year filled with peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
01st of January 2026

As we step into the New Year 2026, we do so as a nation that has shouldered the greatest reform programme and reconstruction effort in our modern history.

Despite numerous challenges, the year 2025 laid the foundation for sustainable development rooted in our national aspirations. Among the significant economic achievements of the past year were the recording of the lowest budget deficit since 1977, the highest government revenue since 2007, the first-ever primary account surplus in our history, an increase in export earnings from goods and services to nearly USD 17 billion, the achievement of government revenue targets at a level never before surpassed and it was a year that marked the highest tourist arrivals to the country. These milestones make 2025 a truly exceptional year in Sri Lanka’s economic journey.

Equally important, 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in the country’s political and social transformation. The implementation of programmes such as the creation of a clean and people-centred political culture, replacing long-entrenched corrupt practices and the countrywide “A Nation United” mission to protect our future generations from the scourge of narcotic drugs, reflected the long-held aspirations of the Sri Lankan people.

This year also saw us confronting one of the most severe natural disasters in our recent history. In the face of this adversity, our people across the country stood shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens, proving that the compassion and humanity of our nation cannot be snuffed by any calamity. I wish to place on record my deep gratitude to Sri Lankans living overseas, to all friendly nations that extended their support during this difficult time, and to the Police, the Tri-Forces and the entire state service who worked selflessly, often at great personal risk, in responding to the disaster. We still have a long journey ahead, but we will walk it together.

History teaches us that the greatest strength behind the rebuilding of every fallen nation has been the courage and determination of its people. I firmly believe that, with the unyielding resolve of our beloved citizens, we can collectively recreate a country far better than the one we inherited.

The dawn of a new year offers us an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past while planning afresh with optimism for the future. Understanding clearly the challenges that lie before us, I invite all of you to join hands in unity, determination and confidence in the task of rebuilding our nation.

May the New Year 2026 be a victorious year in which all your hopes and aspirations are fulfilled.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake

President

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

01 January 2026

A two-minute silence will be observed today (26) in memory of those who lost their lives in the tsunami and other disasters, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

The silence will be observed from 9.25 a.m. to 9.27 a.m. across the country.

According to the DMC, in line with National Safety Day 2025, the main commemorative event will be held at the Peraliya Tsunami Memorial in Galle from 8.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

The DMC added that inter-religious programmes have also been organised at the district level to invoke blessings on people affected by the Ditwah cyclone and other recent disasters.

As the month of December dawns, Christian devotees prepare to celebrate Christmas. The message of peace that echoed from Bethlehem with the birth of the infant Jesus continues to be honoured and revered by Christians across the world.

However, this year, the month of December has arrived not with the usual joy and festivity. It comes amid the sorrow, pain, and quiet anguish of thousands of our people affected by a natural disaster that has shaken the entire nation.

Yet, in keeping with the true meaning of Christmas and guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, the people of our country have set aside their differences and come together in unity and solidarity to support those affected by the disaster. Through their actions, they have demonstrated to the world the values of love, compassion, and the noble teaching of Christ to love one another.

At this moment, we stand at a critical juncture where all communities must unite with a shared purpose and collective responsibility to rebuild the country and work together for the future of our nation.

We will continue to work tirelessly towards the common goal of building the “new country” envisioned by the many who have placed their trust in our government, and to ensure that their hopes and aspirations are fulfilled.

On this Christmas Day, let us renew our commitment to act together as citizens, guided by unity, love, compassion, and responsibility, in pursuit of our shared dream of a better tomorrow.

I extend my heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas to all Christian devotees in Sri Lanka and around the world.

Dr. Harini Amarasuriya
Prime Minister
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Christians around the world joyfully commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with deep devotion today (25), marking the sacred celebration of Christmas.

This year, the people of Sri Lanka observe Christmas at a decisive moment in our national journey, having faced an extremely challenging natural disaster as a nation and while striving with determination to overcome its hardships and rise again. The true meaning of Christmas is love, peace, joy, sharing and sacrifice. At the forefront of these values is the commitment to support the oppressed and the unwavering dedication to the liberation of all people.

In the face of the recent disaster, the people of Sri Lanka once again demonstrated, in the most practical manner, the noble human virtue of embracing a neighbour in distress with compassion and unwavering resolve, a principle that is upheld by Christianity and all religions. I believe that our citizens who traversed difficult paths to deliver relief to the affected have given living meaning to the Christmas message of loving one’s neighbour and building a society founded on empathy and solidarity.

To dispel darkness, light must be spread. Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ, born in humble surroundings in Bethlehem, sacrificed on the Cross to save humanity from sin on Mount Calvary. He triumphed over death and was resurrected through his unwavering determination, faith and the brilliance of his wisdom.

Therefore, I invite all of you to rise together as a nation, facing the painful challenges of reality with courage and unity. May this blessed Christmas renew our humanity through compassion, and bring peace, joy and hope to every home.

I wish you all a peaceful, joyful and compassionate Christmas!

Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
25th December, 2025

The glorious feast of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, dawns at midnight today (24th). It is the firm belief of the Christian community that the teachings of His human compassion—born into this world to redeem mankind from sin—paved the way for the liberation of all humanity.

The Main Christmas Service for this year's festival is scheduled to be held at St. Mary's Church, Uswetakeiyawa, starting at midnight. The service will be presided over by the Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

According to traditional customs, the Cardinal will lead the main service following the ceremonial placement of the statue of the Baby Jesus in the specially constructed manger within the church premises.

A Call for Humble Celebrations

While Christmas has been celebrated with great festive splendor in previous years, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has made a special appeal to all Christian devotees this year. He has requested that Christmas be observed humbly, focusing on providing relief to those affected by recent natural disasters.

In response to this call, devotees across the island have taken steps to ensure celebrations remain modest. Despite the humble nature of the religious observances, major cities—including Colombo—have been decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments to mark the significance of the day.

The State Television Awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements in the industry over the past four years, was held yesterday evening (December 22) at the National Museum Auditorium.

The event was presided over by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

The ceremony cleared a backlog of awards, evaluating teledramas and programs broadcast in Sinhala, Tamil, and English during the years 2021 and 2024, as well as general television programs from 2022 and 2023. A total of 74 awards, including trophies and merit certificates, were presented to the winners selected by a distinguished jury.

Major Wins for Popular Teledramas

Two prominent teledramas produced for Independent Television Network (ITN) and Sirasa TV dominated the major categories for the years 2021 and 2024:

‘Thanamalvila Kollek’ (2021 Broadcast) This acclaimed production swept several categories, including:

• Best Dramatic Teledrama

• Best Direction & Best Screenplay

• Best Actor

• Best Editing, Best Camera Direction, and Best Music Direction

• Best Art Direction & Best Makeup

‘Eya Dan Badala’ (2024 Broadcast) A major winner for the year 2024, the drama secured awards for:

• Best Dramatic Teledrama

• Best Screenplay

• Best Actor & Best Actress

• Best Supporting Actor

• Best Editing & Best Makeup

Notable Individual Achievements

The award for Best Teledrama Direction for 2024 was shared between two veteran directors:

• Prasanna Jayakody (for Eya Dan Badala)

• Lalith Ratnayake (for Jeewithaye Ek Dawasak)

Recognition Across Media

The ceremony also recognized excellence in a variety of other categories across all three languages (Sinhala, Tamil, and English) for the 2021–2024 period, including:

• Best Investigative News Reporting

• Best Documentary Program

• Best Musical Program

• Best Animation Production

Distinguished Guests

The event saw the participation of several high-ranking officials and cultural figures, including:

• Muneer Mulaffar (Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs)

• K.S. Dilhani (Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs)

• Keerthi Welisarage (Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka)

• Sunil Costa (Chairman of the State Television Advisory Council)

The ceremony concluded as a vibrant celebration of Sri Lankan media, bringing together artists, technicians, and industry leaders to honor the resilience and creativity of the television sector through challenging years.

The Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, announced that the Ministry of Health will continue to prioritize specialized diploma courses and training programs to enhance the professional standards and expertise of the nation’s health workforce.

The Minister made these remarks while addressing a certificate awarding ceremony for the Advanced Diploma in Cardiac Technology (2025). The event, held at the new UCFM Tower auditorium of the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, celebrated the successful completion of training for 351 ECG Technicians from government hospitals across Sri Lanka.

Strengthening Cardiac Care Services

The one-year academic program was organized by the Education, Training, and Research Division of the Ministry of Health. During his speech, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized the critical role these professionals play in the free health service.

• Role of ECG Technicians: These professionals are vital in patient care, conducting essential diagnostic tests including:

  • Standard and Exercise ECG

  • Holter Monitoring and Tilt Table Tests

  • Catheterization and Pacemaker support

  • Pharmacological Stress Tests and Ambulatory BP Monitoring.

• Workforce Strength: Currently, nearly 500 ECG Technicians are serving in the national health system.

Future Vision: From Diploma to Degree

Minister Jayatissa highlighted that equipping health workers with international-standard knowledge directly translates to more efficient and excellent care for patients. He expressed his intention to evolve this Advanced Diploma into a full Degree program in the future, ensuring that professionals in this field can reach the pinnacle of their expertise.

"Strengthening our professionals with modern knowledge and a positive professional attitude is essential for the future of our health service. This reflects their leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to the public." — Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

Dignitaries in Attendance

The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking health officials and specialists, including:

• Dr. Suranga Dolamulla – Deputy Director General (Education, Training, and Research)

• Dr. Samantha Ranasinghe – (Training)

• Mrs. Nilupa Subasinghe – Principal of the School of ECG Technicians

• Consultant Cardiologists, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, and family members of the diplomates.

The Minister concluded by expressing his gratitude to the specialists, academic staff, and clinical supervisors who dedicated their time to mentoring the 2025 batch.