Sri Lanka Post has exceeded the revenue target set by the Treasury for 2025, earning Rs 13,100 million beyond expectations, Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said yesterday (11).

He said the department had not only surpassed the income target allocated by the Treasury for the year but had also recorded one of its strongest operational performances in recent history, alongside wide-ranging reforms in recruitment, infrastructure and logistics.

He noted that a large number of recruitments and confirmations across several service categories had been completed, while new post offices were opened and foundation stones laid for future facilities across the country.

Providing details, the Postmaster General said that in June 2025, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media confirmed the permanent appointments of 378 Sub Postmasters. This marked the first such confirmation since 2020, ending a prolonged period of stagnation in the service.

He further said that in September last year, steps were taken to confirm the appointments of 1,000 Postal Assistants, the first such confirmations since 2022. In addition, arrangements have been made to recruit 600 Postal Service Officers through an open competitive process, with the recruitments scheduled to take place in February this year.

Sathkumara also revealed that 40 appointments were made in November last year to fill vacancies for Postal Drivers in Grade III of the Primary Skilled Officers Service. This was the first time such appointments had been made since 2018.

He said that while no permanent Postal Assistants had been recruited since 2021, Cabinet approval had been granted following a request by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa to recruit 1,000 assistants to fill existing vacancies. From among those already registered as substitute workers with the department and who met the required qualifications, 731 were recruited last year.

Marking a significant milestone in the history of Sri Lanka’s media education sector, the MMC–ITN Campus today ( ) initiated a new phase of development, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration.

Established in early 2025 with the objective of addressing a long-standing gap in professional media education in the country, the MMC–ITN Campus operates under the guidance of the Independent Television Network (ITN), Sri Lanka’s pioneering and leading state media institution with a legacy spanning nearly 47 years. At present, the campus offers five certificate-level programmes, with plans already underway to expand these into Diploma, Higher Diploma, and Degree-level qualifications from this year onward. Accordingly, three new Diploma programmes are scheduled to commence towards the end of March.

In line with its vision to deliver both theoretical knowledge and comprehensive practical training, the MMC–ITN Campus places strong emphasis on hands-on exposure, leveraging ITN’s extensive infrastructure and professional expertise to ensure students receive industry-oriented education of the highest standard.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation, the MMC–ITN Campus has also embarked on developing innovative student exchange programmes in collaboration with several foreign universities. Marking the commencement of this initiative, a delegation from Shenyang City University of the People’s Republic of China visited the ITN premises today. The delegation was warmly received by Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, together with Chairman of ITN, Mr. Priyantha Wedamulla.

Subsequent discussions focused on academic collaboration between the MMC–ITN Campus and Shenyang City University, including student exchange opportunities and future joint programmes. The visiting delegation also toured the MMC–ITN Campus facilities and the ITN premises, observing the practical training environment provided to students. The integration of students into real-world media production processes received particular commendation from the delegation.

Addressing the occasion, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne emphasised the importance of transforming well-formulated plans into tangible outcomes, noting that institutions such as the MMC–ITN Campus play a critical role in aligning national development goals with global trends in media education. She further highlighted that the Government remains committed to strengthening such institutions in line with its broader vision for educational reform and international engagement.

The event was attended by senior officials representing both institutions, including academics and industry professionals, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s media education landscape through innovation, collaboration, and global partnerships

The Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama will open a Food and Beverages Department tomorrow (6), marking the first time such a facility is being introduced in a government hospital. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, aims to provide customised, nutritious meals to in-house patients under a pilot program.

The launch will be inaugurated by Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and is designed to enhance patient care by ensuring access to balanced and appetizing meals. Under the new system, patients will receive customised plates with separate portions of rice, vegetables, and proteins, replacing the traditional single-plate model.

A newly established modern kitchen, capable of preparing meals for up to 2,000 patients at a time, will also be inaugurated. This kitchen will operate under the newly formed Food and Beverages Department.

The program is being implemented under the guidance of the Apeksha Hospital Governing Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry, the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA), and the Nutritionists’ Association. Support has also been provided by institutions including the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Sri Lanka Army, Lady J, Hirdaramani Group, and Grand Monarch Hotel.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sajitha Mallawarachchi, Clinical Nutrition Physician and project coordinator at Apeksha Hospital, said that providing nutritious and palatable meals is essential to minimise complications during treatment. He added that the main goal is to ensure meals are equal to or better than food brought from home, with sufficient quantity, taste, and nutritional value.

Dr. Mallawarachchi further stated that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media plans to expand the program to other government hospitals across the country in the future.

The government will commence the disbursement of the Rs. 5 million (50 Lakhs) grant for the construction of new houses to replace those destroyed by Cyclone Ditwa starting from the second week of January, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

Speaking at the Cabinet decision press briefing held at the Department of Government Information yesterday (06), the Minister detailed the progress of the extensive relief program currently underway.

Progress of Relief Disbursements

The Minister provided a breakdown of the financial assistance already distributed to those affected by the disaster:

• Cleaning Allowance (Rs. 25,000): Over 92% of the payments have been finalized. Out of 452,658 eligible households, 415,818 have already received the funds. Districts including Kalutara, Hambantota, Kandy, Jaffna, Ampara, and Monaragala have achieved 100% completion.

• Intermediate Allowance (Rs. 50,000): Of the 146,475 applications received, payments have been successfully made to 92,697 housing units.

• Support for Children: In addition to the standard Rs. 15,000 disaster allowance, an additional Rs. 10,000 per child is being provided through the President’s Fund. As of early January, over 113,000 children have already been reached.

Compensation and Long-term Housing

The Minister further noted that a compensation of Rs. 1 million (10 Lakhs) is being granted to the next of kin in cases of death, or to individuals who suffered permanent disabilities. These payments are being coordinated through the respective Divisional Secretariats.

Regarding the housing crisis, while 6,056 houses were identified as fully destroyed, the government estimates that a total of approximately 25,000 new houses will need to be constructed. This figure includes homes that, while not completely leveled, have been rendered structurally unsafe or are located in areas where rebuilding is no longer permitted.

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