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

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the pioneer of electronic media in the country, is celebrating its centenary today, 16 December 2025.

Sri Lankan radio services were officially launched on 16 December 1925 under the initiative of British Governor Hugh Clifford.

Originally part of the Department of Telecommunications, the radio service was reorganized on 1 October 1949 as Radio Ceylon, with John A. Lampson serving as its first Director

On 5 January 1967, it became the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, with Neville D. Jayaweera appointed as its first Chairman and Director General.

Today, SLBC broadcasts three Sinhala, two Tamil, and one English service domestically, alongside five foreign services.

Its regional stations include Rajarata, Ruhuna, Kandurata, Wayamba Handa, Jaffna, Uva Radio, and Pirai FM, while Dambana Radio operates as a community radio.

The National Radio boasts the largest library of recorded songs in Asia, including rare Hindi song records not found in India and a unique collection of world leaders’ voice recordings.

Starting as the first radio service in Asia, the National Radio has played a vital role in preserving Sri Lanka’s national identity and culture.

Through programs in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, it has promoted language, literature, drama, spiritual values, health, agriculture, national development, unity, and reconciliation.

Transfer of Constructions and Land reserved for Kinniya University to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

The University of Vocational Technology has decided that there is no longer a necessity to build a University as planned, due to conditions that have arisen later. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Professional Education, to discontinue the construction of the Kinniya University and to transfer the reserved land and the construction to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism for the implementation of a project in the Tourism field as proposed in the Trincomalee District Coordination Committee.

MoU between the University of Colombo and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Maldives for Academic cooperation.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education to sign the proposed MoU between the University of Colombo and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Maldives, to increase cooperation in the Postgraduate Education sector and to Train Medical Officers and Dental Surgeons in this country. Further, it is expected to provide the assistance of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine to recruit Specialist Medical Officers necessary for the Maldives according to the agreement entered into separately between the two parties.

Secure funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement the Stage 2 project of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme

It has been proposed to obtain US$ 200 million from the ADB from the estimated cost of US$ 536.5 million necessary for the project activities of the aforementioned project. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the President, as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to enter into a Loan Agreement with the ADB to obtain the aforementioned Loan.

Disposal of a portion of land located at Perahera Mawatha, Kollupitiya, owned by the Urban Development Authority, on a 99-year Lease basis, for a mixed Development project.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to call for proposals under the International Competitive Procurement Procedure and to dispose of the relevant portion of land on a 99-year lease basis based on the assessment of the Chief Assessor of the government.

Signing of MoU between Sri Lanka and Maldives on Sports and Youth Development

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to sign the aforementioned MoU between the Republic of Maldives and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Implementation of the project to integrate the Natural Capital value of the Coastal and Marine Eco systems in Sri Lanka

Approval has been granted by the (Global Environment Facility) for the implementation of the project proposal known as “the Integration of the Natural Capital Value of the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in Sri Lanka with the Sustainable Development Plans,” which was prepared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Ministry of Environment, with the assistance of other relevant parties, under the 7th Aid programme of the Global Environment Facility, and is due to receive a US$ 2.66 million financial grant. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Environment to implement the aforementioned project by utilising the financial grant provided by the Global Environment Facility and to sign an Agreement between the Ministry of Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Completion of construction of Jaffna, Kelaniya, Colombo and Wayamba Universities

Constructions of the several projects implemented under Cabinet approval in the Jaffna, Kelaniya, Colombo and Wayamba Universities could not be completed within the prescribed periods.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposals by the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Professional Education, to complete the aforementioned constructions and to amend the total Cost estimates. The provisions required for the completion of the remaining work to be managed from the allocations of the expenditure head of the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education allocated for the years 2025 and 2026.

Disposal of Scrap Metal held by the Sri Lanka Railway Department

Of the11 Bids submitted, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development to award the Tender for the disposal of Scrap Metal held by the Sri Lanka Railway Department to the highest responsive bidders, who have submitted the highest prices: M/s Melwire Rolling (Pvt) Ltd and M/s S.R. Steel (Pvt) Ltd, for amounts of Rs. 721.257 million (with VAT) and Rs. 167.507 million (with VAT), respectively, based on the recommendations of the Standing Procurement Committee regarding the relevant bids.

Procurement of 48 Polyaxial MR compatible (Titanium/ Cobalt -Chrome) Lumber Pedicle Screws

Polyaxial MR-compatible (Titanium/Cobalt-Chrome) Lumbar Pedicle Screws are used to stabilise the spine, promote fusion, manage spinal disabilities/deformities, and treat fractures and tumors during spinal surgeries.

Of the three (3) Bids received for the captioned purpose, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the aforesaid procurement to Avenierr Pharma (Pvt) Ltd in Sri Lanka (Manufacturer: Miraclus Orthotech (Pvt) Ltd, India), at a total cost of Rs. 136.32 million, based on the recommendations of the high-level Standing Procurement Committee.

Procurement of 540,000 vials of 500 mg Desferrioxamine Mesylate for Injection BP

Desferrioxamine Mesylate for Injection BP is used for removing excessive iron / ferrous in the bodies of patients suffering from anaemia and Thalassemia subject to blood transfusion.

Of the two (02) Bids received, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to award the said procurement for the total cost of Rs 791.1 million to ABC Pharma Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (Manufacturer: Gland Pharma Ltd, India) of Sri Lanka, based on the recommendation of the higher level Standing Procurement Committee.

Execution of the recommendations of the Committee appointed  to Review the Recruitment Process to the Government Service and Management of Staff.

A Committee headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, has been appointed to take necessary action.

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Prime Minister to recruit as per the recommendations of the Officials’ Committee Meeting held on 14.11.2025.

Amendment of the Monthly Allowance paid to employees of the Power Loom Industries privatised from 1980-1982, and owned by the Department of Weaving.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Resolution submitted by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development to the revision of the monthly allowance from less than Rs 5,000/- at present, to Rs 5,000/-, with effect from 01.01.2026.

Granting Contract for ground      mission service supply for SriLankan Aviation Ltd at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Germany.

Of the six (06) Bids received in this connection, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Resolution forwarded by the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation to award the relevant Contracts as follows, based on the recommendations of the higher level Standing Procurement Committee.

• Air passenger services and Ground service supplies Contract to Fraport Ground Services GmbH for an estimated cost of Euro 6.49 million for a period of 03 years (01.11.2025 to 31.10.2028)
• Goods Warehouses Control service Contract to CHI Aviation handing GmbH for an estimated Cost of Euro 947,766 for a period of 03 years (01.01.2026 to 31.12.2028)

Expansion and Development of the fully-fledged Autism and Nerves Development Unit of the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital of Colombo

The total estimated Cost of the aforesaid project is Rs 398.09 million and the Department of National Policy Planning has approved the implementation of the proposed project. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the Resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to implement the project by obtaining the funds within the mid – term Budget framework required for implementing the said project.

Activation of Emergency Response components that is within the World Bank project fascicle in action at present, to assist Post- Disaster Recovery rRequirements.

It has become apparent that it is appropriate to activate Emergency responsive components of the projects already implemented with foreign funds relevant to infrastructure facilities’ subject paths for accelerated rebuilding of damaged infrastructure facilities. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the President, as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development to activate the Emergency Responsive components within the investment projects financed by the World Bank Cluster, as well as to obtain a total of between US$ 92-112 million to implement the proposed Emergency Responsive Components projects.

Obtaining a Grant from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund for Post-disaster Relief and Rehabilitation

The Government of Sri Lanka has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for funds for the Emergency Response project due to Cyclone Ditwah. Accordingly, the ADB has given its concurrence to provide a grant of U$ 3 million under the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund. Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the President, as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development, to enter into the relevant Agreements with the ADB to obtain the said grant.

Cleaning Religious premises affected by Cyclone Ditwah and recommence their activities.

The Government has decided that it is appropriate to assist in cleaning all Religious places affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to grant relief to normalise their routines.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the President, as the Minister of Finance, Plan Implementation and Economic Development, to provide an allowance of Rs 25,000/- for Cleaning and Normalising the Religious premises for rituals and allocate the necessary provisions required for the activities to the Ministry of Buddha Shasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

Purchasing of Vehicles to improve the Primary Healthcare system

The Government of Sri Lanka has signed a financial agreement with the International Development Association of the World Bank Group to obtain US$ 150 million to improve the Primary Health Care System islandwide, for the period 2024-2028. Insufficient transport facilities for the Field Officers (Public Health Midwives, Public Health Inspectors, Primary Care Nurses and Surveillance teams) has been identified as the decisive obstacles relevant to this project.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to procure the necessary vehicles to improve the transport capacity for broadening house based care and community relationship coverage, improve the efficiency of field tests and supervisory work, ensure the transport of clinical waste materials safely and proper time.

The World Bank has agreed to provide Rs. 9,000 million (US$30 million) in assistance to Sri Lanka to implement a Secure and Sustainable Energy Project.

The Ministry of Finance stated that this financial assistance for the "Secure, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy for Sri Lanka Project" is being provided by the International Development Association (IDA), which is part of the World Bank Group. The Ministry confirmed that the financing agreement for this operation was signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the IDA. Accordingly, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury (on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka), and Mr. David N. Sislen, World Bank Group Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, signed the agreement.

The current grid capacity has become a constraint to the utilisation of renewable energy and presents significant technical challenges. Therefore, this proposed project has been formulated to upgrade infrastructure to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid, consistent with the government's power sector policy, which aims to generate 70% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The investment is further supported by a proposed payment guarantee facility from the World Bank Group for the renewable energy transition, utilising several lending instruments.

Thus, the Secure, Affordable, and Sustainable Energy Project for Sri Lanka advances key objectives such as: expanding the use of renewable energy, strengthening grid infrastructure to ensure a secure and affordable power supply, mobilising private sector participation, and improving institutional capacity to sustain long-term sector reforms.

The Ministry of Finance further noted that the total project cost is US$60 million. Of this, US$30 million will be provided by the World Bank as the first phase of the project, and the remaining US$30 million is expected to be obtained from the World Bank as the second phase. The facility is expected to be provided to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and the project will be implemented by the CEB in coordination with relevant institutions such as the Ministry of Energy.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his gratitude to the United States of America and President Donald Trump for the support extended to Sri Lanka.

The President stated that this assistance includes the rapid deployment of C-130 aircraft and the provision of two million US dollars in emergency aid.

In a message released on X (formerly Twitter), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further stated that this aid strengthens the close ties between the two nations, demonstrating shared democratic values and close relations.

UK High Commission delegation led by High Commissioner H E Andrew Patrick visited the Ministry of Mass Media on 27th. Discussions focused on media freedom, government reforms, and regulatory initiatives in Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner shared UK best practices on media regulation, social media governance, the UK’s communications regulator, and the responsibilities of technology companies. I emphasized the current situation of journalism and the need for journalist training in Sri Lanka. The delegation included High Commissioner H E Andrew Patrick, First Secretary for Politics Mr.Tom Soper, and Political Advisor Mr.Insaf Bakeer Markar.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday (30) addressed the nation following devastating floods and landslides experienced in the country. The full speech is as follows.

"As a country, we are facing the largest and most challenging natural disaster in our history. We also recognise that what we are undertaking is the most difficult rescue operation in our nation’s history. This is the first time the entire country has been struck by such a disaster.

With the nation affected from end to end, this is a highly challenging task that needs to be conquered. While our small island could be shaken by this merciless natural disaster, the humanity and resilience of our people cannot, in any way, be shaken and this has been reaffirmed again.  

The unwavering courage of my beloved citizens gives us absolute confidence that this country can be rebuilt. Dear parents, brothers and sisters, if it were possible to restore life to all those who perished in this disaster, we would fulfil it under any conditions without a second thought. However, we must confront the painful reality. The grief for those lost is eternally with us. Every life lost is not merely a number; every life carried a name, a face and a story. On behalf of the families of all who have died, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Even though this sympathy cannot restore the lives of those families, we are committed to providing them with everything else possible. Likewise, we pray that all those still missing are safe and unharmed. We warmly welcome the hands of everyone who has come forward to comfort those affected and to strengthen those impacted by this calamity.

When natural disasters and emergencies cannot be prevented, it is the government’s responsibility to manage them effectively and to restore the nation to its previous state, or even improve it. We hope to take all possible actions, no matter how challenging, to achieve this. During this crisis, we have repeatedly witnessed that the limited facilities and resources of our country are far less valuable than the extraordinary human capital we possess. We are proud of our citizens’ unwavering confidence, their presence at every moment of need and their readiness to assist.

Looking ahead, we must face the immense task of reconstruction and recovery. The estimated scale of destruction is severe. Yet, the people of our country, resilient after floods, storms, or any calamity, have shown remarkable perseverance.

Our first duty was to save the lives of those caught in the disaster and to provide them with immediate relief. For this, we mobilised the entire state apparatus efficiently. The Armed Forces and Police carried out heroic acts, risking their lives without hesitation. We should be proud of them. As a nation, we should honour them.

From our Ministry Secretaries to Grama Niladharis at the local level, the entire state machinery has been fully engaged in rescuing affected people. This is a human task, executed with wholehearted commitment beyond mere duty. We owe them our deepest gratitude.

Additionally, many volunteers have joined the rescue efforts, even if they themselves were not directly affected, treating the suffering of their neighbours and fellow citizens as their own responsibility. We must remember and acknowledge their contributions.

Our neighbouring and friendly countries have also provided significant assistance. Already, helicopters and relief forces have been deployed, extending a helping hand in solidarity. We are extremely grateful for this support on behalf of our people. A significant portion of the rescue operation has now been completed. The rescued persons are being accommodated in three ways: some within their own homes, some with friends or relatives and some in temporary shelters.

Certain bureaucratic procedures initially obstructed relief distribution to these three groups. We have modified these procedures to ensure government aid reaches all affected without distinction of location. Likewise, prior financial constraints on officials have been eased; for example, Divisional Secretaries may now spend up to Rs. 50 million directly for emergency purposes. This ensures legal and operational capacity to implement relief efficiently.

From previous budget allocations, approximately Rs. 30 billion is available for immediate expenditure without Parliamentary approval. These funds have been designated specifically for this purpose. District Secretaries have been instructed to provide detailed estimates of required funds and work so that resources can be allocated effectively.

If the allocations earmarked in the 2025 budget are insufficient, we will take action through supplementary estimates and Parliament to secure additional provisions. We are confident that this will allow us to meet the food, health and sanitation needs of the displaced population. Furthermore, the disaster has caused extensive damage to essential services and infrastructure. Electricity has been disrupted in many areas. Water and communication systems have also been damaged and access roads have been broken. A large portion of such infrastructure and services has been destroyed. We have already organised operational tasks across every sector to rapidly restore these essential services and infrastructure efficiently.

Where regions were not affected, their personnel have been redeployed to assist in restoring essential infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas. Ministries and institutions have also shifted priorities to ensure essential services are re-established. Roads, bridges, schools, water systems,  all require comprehensive repair.

Furthermore, if any ministries or institutions had other responsibilities, all of those have been set aside and this has been prioritised as a primary task. We have already developed a plan to establish these essential infrastructures.

We are working closely with critical institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Water Supply and Drainage Board, as well as communication agencies and the Road Development Authority, providing the necessary support and coordination. Therefore, I am confident that, within a very short period, we will be able to fully restore these infrastructures and services.

This scenario presents a significant challenge for a nation that has been endeavoring to elevate itself consistently and methodically. From small-scale self-employed workers to major industrialists, from farmers to livestock breeders, every sector has been severely impacted.

To restore these sectors quickly, we require a rapid, well-coordinated plan. Accordingly, emergency regulations have been enacted to provide legal and financial safeguards for efficient reconstruction. I assure every citizen that these emergency powers will not be misused for any other purpose. 

In accordance with these emergency regulations, a Commissioner-General of Essential Services has been appointed, centralising all operations.

Essential services offices are open 24 hours and key officials in all major institutions are working round the clock, ensuring an effective centralised response. Our next task is to transform our country into a state better than before. To reach that objective, we are in the process of setting up a Fund to gather the necessary resources for reconstruction. Additionally, we have formed a joint management committee comprising members from the private sector, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance and the Presidential Secretariat to oversee the fund. They have been given a significant responsibility. 

We can mobilise a substantial amount of funds required to rebuild our country. We are working very closely with friendly nations to secure their assistance. In addition, we are engaging with various international organisations to obtain their support. We are also reaching out to domestic business people and industrialists to contribute their assistance. Notably, at this time, Sri Lankan citizens living abroad are working with great effort and enthusiasm to provide support. We are taking steps to ensure that they receive the assistance they need. For this reason, we must establish a strong fund to facilitate the country’s recovery from this disaster. We have already organised the necessary measures to mobilise and manage this fund effectively.

The Department of Irrigation has informed us of the damage that has occurred to the irrigation systems under its authority, as well as the funds required to restore them. Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture has reported the destruction caused to the agricultural sector and the funds needed to rebuild it. We have communicated these requirements for all such sectors. You are requested to provide us, as soon as possible, with the plans for the reconstruction of your sector and the necessary provisions required for that purpose.

Accordingly, we have been able to rebuild our country through a very rapid development plan. History has overlooked chances that have compelled us to pursue long-term objectives and coexist as a nation, and we are resolute in making this a point of no return this time. In this difficult moment, we extend our gratitude to all the friendly nations that have already come forward to support us, to their leaders, citizens and international organisations. For the continuous support they provide for the reconstruction of our country, we have already established a well-organised mechanism to manage it.

At this decisive and calamitous moment, let us set aside all political differences for the sake of the country. Let us unite, free from distinctions of ethnicity, religion, party, or colour. There is ample time for politics, but there is little time to face this disaster. Let us come together to rebuild the nation. After the country has been rebuilt, we will have the opportunity to engage in politics separately. I have great confidence in this. I act with unwavering faith in the reconstruction of this country. I place my trust in the citizens of our nation. I trust in our armed forces, the police and the entire civil service.

I place my trust in the industrialists, entrepreneurs, intellectuals and innovators of this country. I also place my trust in Sri Lankans living abroad. Furthermore, I place our trust in the friendly nations that stand with us.

With this confidence and with a firm resolve that this country can be rebuilt, we have engaged in this responsibility. Certainly, we will build a better nation than what existed before. From now on, even if we start from scratch, we are ready to face this challenge.

For this collective effort, I invite everyone to unite without petty disagreements. Through national and international coordination, working in close collaboration and guided by our conscience, let us commit ourselves to achieving the goals we aspire to.

We believe that every dark cloud has a silver lining. We believe that these dark days will pass. Therefore, let us rise as one. Let us heal this tear-stained paradise. Let us build a radiant island. May the blessings of the Buddha and the support of the divine be with you all."

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