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.

 India’s Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, has reaffirmed India’s commitment to providing continuous support for Sri Lanka’s disaster management and reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditva.

The assurance was given during a bilateral meeting between Minister Patel and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, held on Thursday (December 19) in New Delhi. The discussion took place on the sidelines of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, organized by the World Health Organization in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Ayush.

Highlights of the Bilateral Meeting

During the session, both ministers discussed the enduring strength of the India-Sri Lanka partnership. Minister Patel emphasized that Sri Lanka remains at the core of India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy. She noted that India’s assistance under Operation Sagar Bandhu—which included the deployment of search and rescue teams, medical units, and essential supplies—would transition into long-term support for reconstruction and resilience.

Key areas of cooperation discussed include:

• Health Sector Synergy: Expanding collaboration in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical supply chains.

• Digital Transformation: Minister Jayatissa requested Indian technical expertise to strengthen Information Technology (IT) frameworks within Sri Lanka's healthcare system and government operations.

• Disaster Recovery: A commitment to assist in rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged by the recent floods and landslides.

Sri Lanka’s Appreciation

Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa expressed the profound gratitude of the Sri Lankan government and its people for India’s role as the "First Responder" during the emergency. He specifically commended the swift dispatch of Indian Naval ships, IAF aircraft, and NDRF teams that saved lives in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

About the Global Summit

The 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (December 17–19) brought together delegates from over 100 countries to discuss evidence-based integration of traditional practices into modern health systems. The summit also saw the launch of the WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library, a digital platform aimed at sharing ancestral knowledge and scientific research.

Cabinet Decisions taken at meeting held on December 15, 2025

Sri Lankan Universities entering into Memoranda of Understanding with foreign Universities

Cabinet has approved a proposal presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education to enter into Memoranda of Understanding / Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lankan Universities and Foreign Universities as follows…

• The project agreement between the University of Peradeniya and the Alliance of National and International Science Organisations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) on the conducting of the International Water Summit on Climatic Change and Environmental Pollution
• Research Collaboration Agreement and Material Transfer Agreement between the University of Peradeniya and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in China on the transmission of MRSA disease (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in humans, animals, and the environment, and the clarification of their antimicrobial and biological resistance and their genetic diversity.
• MoU between the University of Kelaniya and the Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI) in Japan for the achievement of objectives such as increasing educational cooperation, improving friendships through educational, professional, and cultural activities between the faculties, students, and conducting collaborative research, conferences, and workshops.
• MoU between the University of Vavuniya and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) for the achievement of objectives, such as creating educational and research cooperation in mutually agreed fields, transferring educational information materials, transferring students and academic staff, conducting combined conferences, and providing sponsorships for workshops.
• MoU between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Vavuniya for obtaining the services of professors as visiting lecturers on a contract basis.

Joining the Global Coalition for Social Justice

The Global Coalition for Social Justice is an international voluntary organisation that works collaboratively with governments, employee organisations, financial institutions and development banks, non-governmental organisations, and academic fields to promote social justice and a decent work environment. This organisation is implemented under the International Labour Organisation, and it is a social platform to obtain expeditious solutions for the globally existing social challenges. It has been recognised that by joining this global forum, it will be able to achieve the objectives, such as making decisions related to employer-employee issues in a comprehensive manner and taking into account modern world economic and social trends, as well as strengthening the conscientiousness of services for workers, increasing women’s participation in the workforce, ensuring the well-being of employees in the informal sector, and strengthening social protection measures such as workers’ accident insurance in the semi-government and private sectors, maternity, and unemployment insurance.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Labour to join the Labour Ministry for the Global Coalition for Social Justice as a partner organisation on behalf of the government and to keep the Ministry in charge of Labour as the coordination centre in Sri Lanka.

Signing of MoU between Sri Lanka Postal Department and Saudi Post Corporation

It has been proposed to issue two commemorative stamps based on the historical sites in the two countries, with the aim of marking fifty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia by the year 2024 strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries, and enhancing mutual goodwill between the peoples of both Nations.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Health and Mass Media Minister to sign a MoU between the Sri Lanka Postal Department and the Saudi Post Corporation to issue two relevant commemorative stamps.

Providing co-hosting to conduct the ‘2026 ARDMC’ in Sri Lanka

The Asian Regional Debt Management Conference (ARDMC), hosted annually by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), provides an opportunity for debt managers from the Bank’s member countries to share experiences in the field of public debt management, discuss challenges, and strengthen regional cooperation. The ‘2026 ARDMC’ is planned to be held over a period of 4 to 5 days, consisting of surveys and technical workshops drawing attention to the debt management operations, challenges, and new approaches. The distinguished members representing the Ministry of Finance, Central Banks, debt management offices, and other relevant institutions from the member countries are scheduled to participate in this conference. Thereby, it will be able to achieve benefits such as the receipt and advancement of international prestige in the field of public debt management, strengthening bilateral and regional relationships with the Asian member countries and international financial institutions, and sharing knowledge and promoting capacity building for debt management operations through the hosting of this conference. Hence, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by His Excellency the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, for co-hosting the ‘2026 ARDMC’ in Sri Lanka at the end of May 2026.

Further implementation of LMOM-PDP

In 2016, the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project (LMOM-PDP) was initiated with the objective of overcoming the scarcity of water, a major factor affecting rural development and agricultural production in the Lower Malwathu Oya Valley; creating a new development area in the Thanthrimale area; increasing the intensity of cultivation in the paddy lands comprising 30,690 acres under the Yodha Wewa and Akithamurruppu Wewa in the Mannar District; hydropower generation; and providing drinking water. Approval was granted for the total cost estimate of Rs. 22,900 million at the Cabinet meeting held on July 19, 2019. Even though the Department of Irrigation started the construction of the aforementioned project, the construction was terminated due to the COVID-19 epidemic and economic crisis at that time. As per the decisions of the Re-strategy and Acceleration of Large-Scale

Development Projects (RAMP), construction of the said project, which was halted in the year 2022, has been resumed at present. The current total cost estimate has been calculated as Rs. 47.18 billion based on the recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Committee. Following which, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation to amend the cost estimate of the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project to Rs. 47.18 billion and implement it under the local fund and to extend the project duration until December 31, 2030.

Processing of paddy stocks purchased by PMB into rice and releasing them to market

The Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) that purchased paddy during the last Yala season using the funds of Rs. 6,000 million allocated to the PMB in the year 2025 is currently stored in the warehouses belonging to the PMB.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the joint proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation and the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development to take necessary steps for the said paddy stocks to be milled by the paddy mill owners registered with the Paddy Marketing Board for the year 2025 and released to the Market through the Lak Sathosa and cooperative network.

ILO Convention – Consenting on Eradicating Violence and Harassment within World of Work

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention on Eradicating Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (C 190) which was seconded at the 108th session of the International Labour Conference held in the year 2019 by the ILO is considered as the first ever international convention created on the matter. The Convention was presented to the Parliament on May 04, 2021 as per the decision of the Cabinet taken at the meeting held on March 24, 2021.

The approval and execution of the said convention leads to eradicating violence and harassment within private and informal work fields, ensuring engagement in service in secure service stations happily as well as positively affecting the increase of women’s participation in the work force.

Therefore, the Cabinet granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Labour Minister to implement the required actions for introducing the legal provisions for approval of the convention of the ILO on Eradicating Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and execution of the same.

Appointment of DG of Department of Project Management and Supervision

The post of Director General (DG) of the Department of Project Management and Supervision is vacant at present due to S. S. Mudalige who served in the post of DG of the Department of Project Management and Supervision was appointed as the Deputy Secretary to the General Treasury.

Therefore, the Cabinet granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Policy Planning and Economic Development, and Finance Minister, to appoint S. H. V. Kumara, an officer in the special grade of Sri Lanka Planning Service serving in a post of Additional Director General to that post as early as possible.

Appointment to post of DG of Department of State Enterprises

P.A. S. Athula Kumara, served as the Director General of the Department of State Enterprises was retired from the Government service on December 03, 2025 and that post is vacant at present.

Accordingly, the Cabinet granted approval to the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Policy Planning and Economic Development and Finance Minister, to appoint B. A. T. Rodrigo, the officer in the special grade of Sri Lanka Accountants Service serving in a post of Additional Director General of the same department as soon as possible.

Dinamina, turns 116 years today. It is the oldest mainstream Sinhala daily in publication. The Dinamina with a legacy spanning over a century, has played a pivotal role in representing and fostering the cultural and artistic heritage of Sri Lanka.Throughout its long history, Dinamina has laid down writing rules and styles, pioneering accuracy in journalism and creating an ideal platform for unbiased debates on language use