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The Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between leading Sri Lankan universities and foreign academic institutions, aimed at strengthening international cooperation in higher education and research.

The approvals cover partnerships involving the University of Peradeniya, the University of Kelaniya, and the University of Vavuniya with institutions in China, Japan, and India. These agreements focus on areas such as climate change, environmental pollution, antimicrobial resistance, informatics, and the exchange of students and academic staff.

Among the approved agreements is a project partnership between the University of Peradeniya and the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO) to jointly organise the International Water Summit on climate change and environmental pollution.

The Cabinet has also endorsed a research collaboration and material transfer agreement between the University of Peradeniya and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This initiative will focus on studying the transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) across humans, animals, and the environment, including research into antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity.

In addition, approval has been granted for an MoU between the University of Kelaniya and Japan’s Kyoto College of Graduate Studies for Informatics (KCGI). The partnership seeks to expand educational cooperation, promote professional and cultural exchanges, and facilitate joint research projects, conferences, and workshops.

The University of Vavuniya will also enter into an MoU with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to develop collaborative education and research initiatives, enable the exchange of academic resources, facilitate staff and student mobility, and organise joint academic events. Furthermore, an agreement between the University of Vavuniya and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations has been approved to secure visiting lecturers on a contractual basis.

These approvals were granted following a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education, underscoring the government’s commitment to expanding Sri Lanka’s global academic engagement.

President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Yang Wangmin paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, on 12 December 2025.

The Foreign Minister extended deep appreciation to the Government and the people of China for the steadfast and valuable support extended to Sri Lanka following the recent adverse weather conditions that impacted the entire country. The CPAFFC has also pledged RMB 500,000 for the rebuilding initiatives in Sri Lanka. The Minister highlighted that this was testament to the longstanding and strong bilateral relations between the two countries and that Sri Lanka is committed to further strengthening these ties in the future.

The President of the CPAFFC expressed confidence that under the able leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, Sri Lanka would recover and rebuild stronger and extended the support of China for these efforts.  He further conveyed the intention of the CPAFFC to assist in urban planning and enhance people to people relations between China and Sri Lanka, including through youth exchanges. 

Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Aruni Ranaraja, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong and senior officials of the Ministry, CPAFFC and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Colombo were also present at the meeting.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Colombo

The man who tackled one of the Bondi shooters has spoken from hospital as he recovers from his injuries and has been visited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised him as “the best of our country”.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, risked his life to disarm one of the alleged Bondi attackers and save multiple lives in Sydney on Sunday evening.

Turkey’s public broadcaster, TRT World, on Tuesday posted a video of Ahmed being wheeled around hospital while he sent prayers to supporters.

“I appreciate the efforts of everyone,” he said in Arabic.

“May Allah reward you and grant you wellbeing. God willing, we will return to you with joy. Thank you for your efforts.

“I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it … I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me.”

The governor general, Sam Mostyn, visited the Syrian-born shopkeeper on Tuesday afternoon at St George hospital in Sydney’s south, where he had undergone surgery on two gunshot wounds.

Carrying flowers picked from Admiralty House, she thanked him on behalf of the public and of King Charles, who she said had specifically asked after the man overnight.

“For Ahmed, he wants to send thanks for … that moment of absolute heroics that we’ve all been staggered by and so grateful for,” Mostyn said.

She said she expected Ahmed would receive a bravery award and that he had already been nominated “many, many times”.

The prime minister on Tuesday morning spent nearly half an hour visiting the man he described as “the best of our country”

Ahmed thanked Anthony Albanese as he lay in his hospital bed, a fluid drip and bouquets of flowers beside him, with his left harm heavily bandaged.

“Your heart is strong, your courage is inspiring,” Abbanese said, shaking Ahmed’s right hand in a video posted to Instagram.

The prime minister told reporters the man was recovering ahead of further surgery on Wednesday and explained his thought processes on Sunday evening during their conversation.

“He was trying to get a cup of coffee, simple as that, and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him,” the prime minister said.

“He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. He is a very humble man.”

Albanese also met Ahmed’s mother and father in the hospital, visiting from Syria, who he said were “very proud” of their son.

The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, visited Ahmed in hospital and spoke to him on Monday night.

The former prime minister John Howard also lauded Ahmed’s bravery, speaking to Sky News on Tuesday.

“The single act of greatest courage we’ve seen is that magnificent man who tackled the bloke with the gun, and I understand he’s a Muslim,” Howard said.

“There are good people of every persuasion in this wonderful country about and although it’s a terrible tragedy and a reminder that anything can happen here, we should not lose faith in the Australian achievement.”

A GoFundMe set up to support the man has attracted over $2m in donations, including a $99,999 donation from William Ackman, the US billionaire and founder of hedge fund Pershing Square. 

( source : Newswire )

India’s response to Sri Lanka’s devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah has marked an unprecedented chapter in regional humanitarian assistance, combining scale, speed, and strategic intent. Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, New Delhi deployed the largest foreign field hospital ever sent to Sri Lanka, underscoring not only humanitarian solidarity but also India’s evolving neighbourhood-first geopolitical strategy.

On December 2, 2025, a fully equipped Para Field Hospital staffed by a 78-member Integrated Task Force from the Indian Army’s Shatrujeet Brigade was airlifted to Sri Lanka. The mobile hospital was rapidly established in Mahiyanganaya, a severely affected area near Kandy, where local health infrastructure had been overwhelmed. According to the Indian High Commission, the deployment was designed to deliver immediate, high-impact medical relief while complementing Sri Lanka’s strained public health system.

The hospital provided trauma care, emergency surgeries, maternal services, and general treatment, attending to 1,000–1,200 patients daily. Over its 12-day mission, the facility treated 7,176 patients, conducted 513 minor procedures, and performed 14 major surgeries, offering lifesaving intervention in a region cut off by floods and infrastructure damage. Visiting the site on December 12, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha reaffirmed India’s commitment to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Sri Lanka during crises, a message echoed by Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara.

Beyond healthcare, India’s assistance extended into critical infrastructure restoration. On December 10, at the request of Sri Lanka Telecom, Indian Army signallers repaired a damaged optical fibre cable, restoring communications after a cyclone-triggered blackout. Working in difficult terrain and adverse weather, the team completed precision OFC splicing near a base transceiver station close to the field hospital, enabling the resumption of normal network operations.

As the mission concluded, an Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster returned the medical team to India on December 14, while simultaneously delivering 10 tonnes of essential medicines and 15 tonnes of dry rations to Sri Lanka. Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, present at the airport, described the deployment as the largest and most comprehensive field hospital ever provided by a friendly nation, expressing formal gratitude on behalf of the government.

Strategically, India’s intervention reflects more than humanitarian concern. It reinforces New Delhi’s role as the first responder in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood, countering regional influence competition while strengthening bilateral trust. As Sri Lanka navigates repeated climate-linked disasters, India’s rapid, high-capacity response has redefined disaster relief as both humanitarian action and strategic diplomacy.

President’s Counsel Daya Pelpola, a highly regarded figure in Sri Lanka’s legal, political, and diplomatic circles, has passed away at the age of 85.Pelpola served the United National Party for more than 15 years as its Legal Secretary and later as Acting General Secretary, where he was instrumental in strengthening the party’s organisational framework.

During the ‘Yahapalana’ administration, he was appointed Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Italy, a post he held from 2015 to 2019. While serving overseas, he worked to deepen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Italy, focusing on cooperation in political, economic, cultural, and educational fields.In addition to his political and diplomatic career, Pelpola held several key positions in the public sector, including Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, the National Lotteries Board, and the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation.

His remains are lying at his residence at No. 78, Liyanage Mawatha, Pelawatta, Battaramulla. Preliminary religious observances will take place today  at 3.00 p.m. at the Pelawatta Lyon Baston Roman Catholic Church, followed by burial at the Borella Kanatte Cemetery at 4.30 p.m.

Sri Lanka’s external accounts have received a powerful boost from migrant worker remittances, offering short-term stability to an economy still healing from its 2022 collapse. Official data show remittances rising 27 percent year-on-year to US$673.4 million in November 2025, while inflows during the first 11 months of the year reached US$7.2 billion, a 20.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This already exceeds the previous annual record of US$7.16 billion set in 2017, underlining the growing dependence on overseas workers to keep the economy afloat.

The momentum is not accidental. Remittances rebounded strongly after the Central Bank abandoned the parallel exchange rate regime, narrowing the gap between official and informal rates. This policy shift effectively dismantled the incentive for expatriates to rely on Undiyal and Hawala networks, redirecting billions of dollars back into the formal banking system. The result has been a steady strengthening of official foreign exchange inflows at a time when export earnings and foreign investment remain fragile.

The trend follows a structural shift in Sri Lanka’s labour market. Since the 2022 sovereign default, the country has sent a record number of workers abroad, increasingly targeting skilled and professional employment to generate higher-value inflows. This strategy paid dividends in 2024, when remittances climbed 10.1 percent to US$6.57 billion, the highest level in six years. In contrast, inflows had fallen sharply in 2021, when artificial interest rate controls and money printing triggered parallel exchange rates, driving remittances underground.

However the current surge raises uncomfortable questions about sustainability. While remittances are now Sri Lanka’s largest single source of foreign exchange, they are also a reflection of domestic economic weakness. Rising migration points to limited job creation at home, skills leakage, and long-term demographic pressures. Moreover, remittances remain vulnerable to external shocks such as recessions in host countries, tighter immigration policies, or geopolitical instability in labour destinations.

Recognising the importance of this inflow, the government’s 2026 Budget proposes housing loans and a contributory pension scheme for overseas workers to incentivise continued remittance flows. While these measures may strengthen loyalty to formal channels, analysts warn that policy credibility, exchange rate stability, and low transaction costs will matter more than incentives alone.

 

In the immediate future, remittances are expected to remain strong, supported by seasonal inflows in December and continued outward migration. However, relying on migrant earnings as a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability is a risky substitute for export diversification and domestic growth. Without deeper structural reforms, today’s remittance windfall may simply mask unresolved vulnerabilities in Sri Lanka’s recovery.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe announced that the Badulla–Haputale train service, which was halted in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, is now ready to recommence operations after an 18-day suspension.

He said an inspection train completed a successful journey from Badulla Railway Station to Haputale Railway Station yesterday (15), confirming that the track has been fully restored and is safe for regular operations.

The Deputy Minister described the rapid restoration of the severely damaged railway line as a significant achievement, noting that it plays a vital role in supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, particularly in the upcountry region.He also extended special appreciation to the Sri Lanka Railway Department, the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), and volunteer groups for their dedicated efforts in completing the repair work within a short period.

The government has decided to grant special leave to public sector employees who were unable to report for duty as a result of floods, landslides, and road closures caused by Cyclone Ditwah.A circular outlining the decision was issued yesterday (16) by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government and distributed to all Ministry Secretaries, Provincial Chief Secretaries, and Heads of Departments.

Under the guidelines, special leave may be approved for officers who could not travel to work due to interruptions in public transport between their residences and workplaces, as well as those affected by blocked roads or other disaster-related circumstances.Officials seeking this concession are required to submit a written application to the Head of their institution, clearly explaining the reason for their absence. The application must include a recommendation from the relevant Grama Niladhari, duly certified by the Divisional Secretary.

The circular further notes that the Head of the Institution must carefully review the certified request and, if satisfied with its validity, forward it to the Head of the Department for approval of special leave covering the specific period of absence.

The Ministry has clarified that this special leave arrangement will be applicable only for the months of November and December.

The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team, comprising 31 members, has completed its humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka and departed for Japan last night. Over the course of nearly two weeks, the team provided critical medical support to communities affected by recent flooding.

Arriving in Colombo on December 3, the group of doctors, medical experts, relief workers, and rescue specialists set up a fully equipped mobile field hospital at the Chilaw Police Grounds. There, they delivered urgent medical care to residents impacted by the floods, addressing a wide range of health needs.

Before leaving the country, the team held a meeting with Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe to review their mission and share insights. Their work highlights continued international cooperation in supporting disaster-affected communities in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s renewed appeal for emergency funding has placed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at a critical crossroads, as Colombo seeks rapid relief while lagging behind on long-promised reforms. The government’s request for around US$200 million under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) comes even as key commitments under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) remain unfulfilled, raising concerns over credibility, policy consistency, and reform fatigue.

The IMF has confirmed that Sri Lanka’s RFI request is now its immediate priority, with Board consideration expected shortly. The appeal is framed around urgent humanitarian needs and reconstruction following recent cyclone devastation, which has intensified pressure on foreign reserves and fiscal space. However, the emergency request has also resulted in the postponement of the Fifth Review of the EFF, delaying access to about US$347 million until early 2026.

While the Fund acknowledges the severity of the disaster, it has made clear that emergency support does not replace structural reform obligations. The postponement reflects the IMF’s need to reassess economic targets, fiscal projections, and how disaster-related spending can be accommodated within the existing programme without derailing debt sustainability.

Under the EFF, Sri Lanka faces some of the strictest fiscal benchmarks imposed in recent years. These include ambitious revenue targets, reserve accumulation goals, and politically sensitive structural reforms. Several measures due by mid-2025 including lifting the moratorium on collateral enforcement, operationalising the Sales Prices and Rents Register, and improving VAT refund mechanisms have seen uneven progress.

The situation has become more complex under the new National People’s Power (NPP) government, whose policy messaging has at times appeared inconsistent with IMF-backed commitments. Signals of hesitation over electricity pricing reforms, state-owned enterprise restructuring, and market-based adjustments have raised red flags among international lenders. The IMF has repeatedly stressed that reform momentum must not weaken, particularly after the December 2025 Board meeting was deferred to accommodate Sri Lanka’s emergency financing appeal.

The 2026 Budget will be a decisive test. It will be assessed against quantitative targets set throughout 2025 and structural benchmarks extending into early 2026, including mandatory quarterly cost-recovery reporting by the Public Utilities Commission. Any deviation could undermine confidence just as Sri Lanka seeks further external support.

Ultimately, while the IMF may approve emergency funding in recognition of extraordinary circumstances, continued delays, policy reversals, or half-measures could compel the international community to reassess the depth and durability of its assistance. For Sri Lanka, emergency relief may buy time but only reform credibility will secure long-term recovery.

Former Minister C. B. Rathnayake, who was taken into remand custody following his arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), has been released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.The court ordered his release on two surety bonds of Rs. 2 million each and imposed an overseas travel restriction, according to court proceedings.

Rathnayake was arrested on December 2 after appearing before CIABOC to give a statement in connection with an investigation under the Money Laundering Act, linked to corruption-related allegations. He had remained in remand custody until today (16).

The suspect, Ratnayake Mudiyanselage Chandrasiri Bandara Rathnayake, has previously held several cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Sports, Minister of Private Transport, and Minister of Livestock.The case stems from an inquiry conducted by CIABOC’s Assets Investigation Division under Section 23(a)(1) of the Bribery Act. Investigators allege that Rathnayake unlawfully acquired assets valued at more than Rs. 57.3 million.Further legal proceedings are expected as investigations into the matter continue.

As images of foreign aircraft unloading relief supplies dominate social media, a misleading narrative has emerged that Sri Lanka has received an unprecedented wave of international assistance following Cyclone Dithwa. The reality, however, is far more alarming. Despite widespread publicity, actual foreign aid received so far accounts for only 0.17% of the estimated cost of rebuilding the devastation caused by the cyclone.

According to Essential Services Commissioner Prabath Chandrakirthi, Cyclone Dithwa has inflicted damage requiring between USD 6-7 billion for reconstruction. Taking the midpoint estimate of USD 6.5 billion, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma confirmed that as of 13 December, total assistance received both domestic and foreign amounted to only USD 11 million. Even if this entire sum is generously treated as foreign aid, the shortfall remains staggering.

The contrast with Sri Lanka’s experience during the 2004 tsunami is striking. At that time, the estimated reconstruction cost was USD 1.5 billion, of which nearly USD 1.3 billion, or 87%, was mobilised through foreign assistance. The current collapse to 0.17% is not a marginal decline but a catastrophic failure of disaster diplomacy and international engagement.

A critical factor behind this gap appears to be weak policy action and poor communication by the current NPP-led government. During the tsunami, then Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar personally engaged the international community, facilitated global media coverage, and ensured that the scale of the tragedy resonated worldwide.

Today, despite written appeals, the government has failed to convene a major international donor conference or generate global urgency through sustained international media engagement.

This failure raises serious questions about leadership capacity. While the President is widely recognised for strong rhetoric and stated willingness to work for the country, effective governance demands more than speeches. “Walking the talk” requires strategic diplomacy, coordinated messaging, and credible engagement with donors. The absence of these elements has left Sri Lanka struggling to attract meaningful reconstruction support at a time of extreme vulnerability.

The confusion between relief aid and reconstruction aid has further distorted public understanding. Goods arriving by air medicines, food, equipment, and clothing constitute immediate relief, not long-term rebuilding funds. Even in this category, assistance has been far lower than in 2004. China’s contribution has dropped from 50 million yuan during the tsunami to 10 million yuan this time, while U.S. assistance has fallen from USD 134 million to around USD 2 million.

Ironically, some of the most significant solidarity has come from the Maldives, where citizens raised over USD 2.4 million, supplemented by a government donation of USD 50,000. Such gestures underscore a painful truth: Sri Lanka risks being pushed into deeper difficulty not by the cyclone alone, but by ineffective governance, weak communication, and the absence of decisive international leadership at the highest levels.