President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that maintaining proper coordination among all stakeholders involved in providing relief to disaster-affected communities would enable those benefits to reach the public in a more productive and effective manner.
The President made these remarks during a meeting held with representatives of non-governmental organisations yesterday (29) at the Defence Headquarters.
Expressing his gratitude to all those who have stepped forward on behalf of the people during this challenging period, the President urged everyone to work with sincerity and commitment within a national framework that ensures proper coordination, so that the intended objectives can be achieved.
Highlighting that rescue and relief operations are being carried out for all affected individuals without any discrimination, the President noted that every effort has been made to provide necessary facilities and restore dignity to their lives. He added that this difficult period has also created an opportunity to set an example for fostering national unity and reconciliation across the country.
The government, with the support of the Tri-Forces, continues uninterrupted operations to rescue those affected by the disaster. The President further stated that providing necessary facilities for displaced persons, restoring normalcy to public life and developing selected essential infrastructure must be carried out with the cooperation of all parties. He stressed the need to advance these efforts under a national programme, ensuring proper coordination among everyone involved.
Representatives present at the meeting shared details of the programmes their organisations and institutions have planned to support disaster-affected communities. They expressed their appreciation to the President for inviting them to this discussion and acknowledging their contribution.
They also highlighted that, at times like these, the value of NGOs extends beyond financial assistance. Their expertise, experience and technical knowledge can also be harnessed effectively. Despite the current economic challenges, they expressed confidence that Sri Lanka can face this adversity with resilience, owing to the strong sense of ethical and moral revival evident in the country.
Furthermore, they noted that, due to the corruption-free initiatives undertaken by the present government, they feel confident in working with the state without fear.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa; Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment., Upali Pannilage; Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Anil Jayantha Fernando; Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha; together with the Tri-Forces Commanders, the Inspector General of Police and several others were present at the occasion
Due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions across the island, the Sri Lanka Police has introduced dedicated telephone numbers to provide information and assistance to the public regarding disaster situations.
A large number of accidents and hardships have been reported as a result of landslides, floods, and strong winds.
Meanwhile, a Special Operations Room under the supervision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been established at Police Headquarters to ensure proper coordination and provide relief during the ongoing emergency.
In such situations, the public can contact the operations rooms of the 47 police divisions located across the island.
The contact numbers for assistance are listed below.
Sri Lanka Police has launched a special emergency contact for life-saving rescue operations amid the ongoing adverse weather.
The Police Marine Division, equipped with officers and vessels, has been deployed to support nationwide rescue efforts.
The public can seek assistance by contacting:
SSP Kapila Premadasa – 071-8591868
Cabinet Decisions taken at 24.11.2025
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is scheduled to convene on December 15, 2025 to discuss and approve the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
Sri Lanka and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement in early October on the economic policies required to conclude the Fifth Review of the country’s reform programme supported under the EFF. A delegation from the IMF also visited Colombo on September 24 as part of the ongoing assessment process.
If the review receives approval from the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will gain access to approximately US$347 million in additional financing, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The IMF stated that economic reforms implemented by Sri Lankan authorities continue to support the country’s recovery, with inflation moving toward target, reserves increasing, and real GDP growth and revenue collection performing better than expected.
Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility was initially approved by the IMF Executive Board on March 20, 2023, with a total value of SDR 2.3 billion (around US$3 billion). The Fifth Review will evaluate the progress made in implementing the commitments and reforms under the programme ahead of further disbursements.
The Ministry of Mass Media warmly welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of France on 21 November 2025, led by H.E. Mr. Rémi Lambert, Ambassador of France, together with Mr. Matthieu John, Deputy Head of Mission and Counsellor for Press & Communication, Ms. Olivia Bellemere, Counsellor for Cooperation & Culture, and Mr. Youri DESVIGNE-HANSCH, Deputy Economic Counsellor.
The visit took place at the invitation of the Hon. Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathna. The purpose of the meeting was to review and obtain guidance from the French Ambassador on debt restructuring related to the color-processing film machine purchased from France in 2000 for the Government Information Department. Although the machine was expected to support Sri Lanka’s film-processing needs for many years, it has, unfortunately, never been used since its acquisition.
The delegation also visited the Department of Information, where they inspected the machine, toured the newly renovated building, and viewed archived video reels — including screenings of old celluloid footage. Discussions focused on potential collaboration in documentation, archiving, and future film-screening initiatives between Sri Lanka and France.
The Sri Lanka Asidisi Cricket Team, operating under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, has emerged victorious at the T20 International Senior Men Friendship Cup 2025 held in India. The team triumphed over the Andhra Pradesh Great Cricket Steps Association Team, claiming the championship title with remarkable skill and determination.
Outstanding performances were delivered by Prasad Niroshan and Janaka Priyantha, who each secured dual Man of the Match awards throughout the tournament. In addition, Prasad Niroshan was recognized as the Best Batsman of the Tournament for his exceptional batting prowess.
This achievement highlights the dedication, teamwork, and sporting excellence of the Asidisi Cricket Team, reflecting the Ministry’s continued support for promoting sports and fostering international friendships through cricket.
-Manoj Dambarage-
The 9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention will take place from November 25 to 27 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) Chairman Gihan de Silva announced.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the SLRC premises on Tuesday (11), he revealed that the Disaster Preparedness and Response Media Toolkit (DPRP) will be officially launched during the conference, accompanied by two journalist workshops.
This year’s theme is “Building resilience through media for safer and cleaner tomorrow”.
De Silva noted that the endangered Slender Loris , selected as the official mascot, will be the focus of conservation efforts following the event.
He added that the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), which consists of around 70 member countries, annually organizes a series of environment-related programs, and Sri Lanka is hosting the event on National Television’s request.
The conference will include environmental discussions, special programs, and an exposure tour for foreign delegates on the November 27.
In parallel, an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding environmental content will be held on the November 26, with participation from media experts including representatives from Japan’s NHK and major broadcasters from China and India. Professor Mohan Munasinghe, co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, will deliver the keynote address.
The SLRC has also conducted school-level speech and art competitions and a short film program in the lead-up to the event.
Director General Manoja Nadeeshana Amarasinghe said the conference aims to strengthen public awareness on environmental protection and disaster management, noting it as an important opportunity for local journalists.
The Clean Sri Lanka Program, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government institutions, and the private sector have extended their support to the initiative.
The Deputy Minister of Mass Media of Sri Lanka, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, visited Lake House on 6th of October 2025 to review its overall progress, identify key opportunities, address challenges, and encourage media growth.
During the meeting, Dr. Ariyarathne received a comprehensive update on the overall progress of Lake House, including its ongoing activities, branch operations, and recent developments, as well as updates on incoming resources and staffing details. She was also briefed on the work of the Jaffna branch and the newly opened space in Jaffna.
Dr. Ariyarathne emphasized the importance of strengthening developmental journalism and bridging the gap between Northern and Southern journalism as key approaches to fostering inclusive communication and national development. She further highlighted the need to open Lake House for public visits and exploration, making it an ideal space for learning, interaction, and public engagement. Additionally, she underscored the importance of expanding the digital space to enhance accessibility, promote inclusivity, and ensure that media serves as a platform connecting diverse communities across the country.
Following the discussion, Dr. Ariyarathne officially launched the Daily News website and visited the printing sections, gaining insight into the operational process of the publication. She also toured the library and archives, where she observed the institution’s extensive documentation and historical records.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that the media space should be used for the good of the common people and that the Government pays tribute to all journalists who engage in independent and impartial media coverage and render excellent service to the country and the people.
The objective of this awards ceremony is to recognise the talents, abilities and exceptional skills of journalists to create a socially responsible media and art. Media persons who showed exceptional talents in the print, electronic, digital media and school media units were recognised at this awards ceremony.
The Prime Minister said that a number of private newspaper institutions were established in the country after the Lake House was founded by pioneer in print media industry in Sri Lanka D. R. Wijewardene. “This has led to emerge a generation of journalists with exceptional talents in the country and they always stood up for the people’s right to express their opinions and report accurate and truthful information to the people.
She said that the British Government launched the BBC Channel and within a short period of about two years, Radio Ceylon was launched as the first radio station in South Asia. The Prime Minister added that a number of prominent figures including Thevis Guruge, D. M. Colombage, Charles Abeysekerara and Karunaratne Abeysekera played a key role in the promotion of radio communication in the country.
“Shan Wickremesinghe who started the Independent Television Service in 1979, in which he succeeded in bringing about a revolution in the media sector in our country”.
The Prime Minister added that the NPP Government is committed to ensure media freedom and independence to uphold the people’s right to access true and accurate information.
“Our Government’s goal is to create a humanistic media industry in the country, considering the media space as a public property”, she said.
Speaking on the occasion, Health and mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that he is delighted to be able to hold the Presidential Awards Ceremony after many years and recognise journalists who use their pens and voices for the betterment of the country.
The Minister said that the country is moving forward at a time when innovation is being implemented in all sectors of the country.
“This year’s budget makes it clear that results can be achieved in a very short time through planned and systematic intervention in any sector”, he said.
He added that all know very well that Sri Lanka was in a state of uncertainty about tomorrow. “There was uncertainty about the future of jobs in every field. We know that when the people handed over this country to us, there was reasonable doubt as to how successful the Government would be.
The Presidential Media Awards 2025, recognizing the contribution of media professionals towards fostering a credible and responsible media culture, will be held today (11) at 3.00 p.m. at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Organized by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, the event aims to appreciate the talent, creativity, and excellence demonstrated by journalists in the pursuit of socially responsible media practices.
Awards will be presented in several categories including Television, Radio, Print, Web, Media Research, and School Media Units.
In addition, “Madhyābhimānī” Lifetime Achievement Awards and cash prizes will be presented to six veteran media professionals in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to the media industry.
163, Asi Disi Medura, Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda,
Colombo 05. Sri Lanka
011-2513 459, 011-2513 460,
011-2512 321, 011-2513 498
info@media.gov.lk
secretary@media.gov.lk
