News

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has allocated Indian Rs 5,483 crore for aid to foreign nations, slightly higher than last year’s Indian Rs 4,883 crore.

The overall budget for the MEA stands at Indian Rs 20,516 crore, with aid to neighbouring and strategic countries remaining a crucial component.

The Indian MEA budget has placed a key emphasis on India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Indian Rs 4,320 crore – 64 per cent of the total scheme portfolio – has been earmarked for the country’s immediate neighbours for several initiatives like large infrastructure projects such as hydroelectric plants, power transmission lines, housing, roads, bridges and integrated check-posts.

Bhutan Retains Top Spot Bhutan continues to be India’s largest foreign aid recipient, receiving Rs 2,150 crore in 2025-26. This is an increase from last year’s allocation of Rs 2,068 crore. India remains Bhutan’s primary development partner, with funding directed towards infrastructure, hydropower projects, and economic cooperation.

Maldives Boost Amid Diplomatic Reset India’s allocation for the Maldives has increased from Rs 400 crore to Rs 600 crore. This comes at a time when Male is attempting to mend ties with New Delhi following tensions over President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China stance after his electoral win.

In early 2024, India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives. Now, with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon visiting India earlier this month, efforts are underway to restore cooperation.

Afghanistan’s Aid Reduced Afghanistan has seen its aid allocation decrease from Rs 200 crore last year to Rs 100 crore in 2025-26. This is still a sharp decline from the Rs 207 crore granted two years ago. India has been cautious in its dealings with the Taliban government, limiting its engagement to humanitarian aid and economic cooperation.

Earlier this year, senior diplomat Vikram Misri met with Taliban officials in Dubai, marking the highest-level contact since Kabul’s takeover. Discussions centred around trade and India’s interest in Iran’s Chabahar Port, which serves as a crucial alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan.

Despite these engagements, India has yet to officially recognise the Taliban government.

Myanmar Sees Increased Aid Myanmar’s allocation increased from Rs 250 crore in the 2024-25 budget to Rs 350 crore for 2025-26 amid ongoing turmoil in the country, where ethnic armed groups have taken control of vast territories, including areas bordering India’s northeastern states.

The Centre recently tightened the rules for the movement of people across the India-Myanmar border. The new rules restrict movement from 16 km under the free movement regime (FMR) to 10 km, on either side.

Other Key Allocations India has maintained its allocation for Nepal at Rs 700 crore. The allocation for Sri Lanka saw an increase from Rs 245 crore to Rs 300 crore as the crisis-hit southern neighbour recovers from an economic meltdown.

Aid to Dhaka remains unchanged at Rs 120 crore amid a diplomatic rift between the two countries following former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster last year. Ms Hasina has been granted asylum in India, with the Muhammad Yunus-led government demanding her return.

Aid to African nations rose to Rs 225 crore from Rs 200 crore last year. The African Union joined the G20 in 2023 when India hosted the summit.

Latin America’s allocation has been increased

from Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore. Last year, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita embarked on a nine-day official visit to Mexico, Grenada, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, underscoring the deepening ties between India, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The allocation for Chabahar Port in Iran remains at Rs 100 crore. The port project serves as a vital trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Disaster Relief allocation saw a massive increase from Rs 10 crore in 2024-25 to Rs 64 crore this year. India has consistently been one of the first to respond to global disaster relief initiatives. India was among the early responders when Turkey witnessed devastating earthquakes in 2023. India also sent relief to flood-hit countries like Laos and Vietnam in 2024.

Beyond direct financial aid, India is also expanding its soft power outreach. Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has received Rs 351 crore, up from Rs 331 crore last year. Support for International Training Programs stands at Rs 1,247 crore. (NDTV)

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusuf filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today regarding allegations linking him to the recently released red-flagged containers.

Addressing the media, Hanif Yusuf said that people who have been pushed out of the political arena are making such allegations and he cannot remain silent due to the negative impact on his reputation as the Western Province Governor.

He further said, filing a complaint with the CID today, he has requested a proper investigation into the matter.

Recently, allegations were made by opposition MPs and social media claiming that Expolanka Holdings, of which Hanif Yusuf is a founder, was behind the clearance of some containers.

Earlier this week, Western Province Governor Haniff Yusoof denied allegations linking him to the clearance of 330 red-flagged containers from the Colombo port.

Issuing an 08-point statement clarifying reports about the release of the 323 imported cargo containers, Sri Lanka Customs detailed the procedures followed when releasing goods and also explained delays in inspecting certain shipments.

Stating that none of the containers were imported under the name of Expo Lanka, Customs officials also confirmed there was no risk of illegal imports of firearms, gold, or narcotics, nor any loss of customs revenue due to the containers’ release.

Justice Mohammed Laffar Tahir, the senior-most judge of the Court of Appeal, has been appointed as its Acting President.

He was sworn in before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (02).

The appointment follows the pre-retirement leave of the current President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bandula Karunaratne, which has been accepted by the President.

This appointment will remain in effect until a new Acting President of the Court of Appeal is appointed in accordance with the Constitution.

Warrant Officer Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku of Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police (SLCMP), who achieved a remarkable feat by winning a silver medal in the Men’s F44 Javelin Throw event setting a new world record of 67.03 meters at the Paris Paralympics 2024, was presented with a new javelin by the Prime Minister at the Ministry of Education on January 29.

The Director of Sports of Sri Lanka Army- Ms. Subhashini Niranjala Weerasinghe, who met Warrant Officer Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku when he participated in the 2024 Paralympic Games in France, has planned to present this special javelin during her visit to Sri Lanka.

Mrs. Subhashini Niranjala Weerasinghe and Samitha Dulan’s coach, Mr. Pradeep Nishantha, were present at the occasion.

National and international achievements of Samitha Dulan. With a record at the 2016 Army Amateur Athletics Championships – Gold Medal

2018 Army Para Athletics Championships – Silver Medal

2019 National Para Athletics Championships – Gold Medal

2020 National Para Athletics Championships – Gold Medal

2021 Paralympic Games in Japan – Bronze Medal

2022 National Para Athletics Championships – Gold Medal

2022 Army Para Athletics Championships – Gold Medal

2022 Indian Open Para Athletics International Championships – Silver Medal

2023 Australian Open Para Athletics Championships – Silver Medal

2023 World Championships in France – Bronze Medal

2023 Asian Athletics Championships in China – Silver Medal

2024 World Championships in Morocco – Gold Medal

2024 World Para Championships in Japan – Silver Medal

2024 Paralympic Games in France – Silver Medal

our senior police officers have been transfered with effect from 5th February.

– Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne → Transferred to Senior DIG in-charge of Western Province (Previously Sabaragamuwa Province)

– Senior DIG K.P.M. Gunaratne → Transferred to Senior DIG in-charge of Sabaragamuwa Province (Previously Western Province)

– DIG N.L. Wijesena → Appointed as Senior DIG in-charge of the Welfare Division (Previously Kalutara Division)

– DIG D.J. Padmini → Appointed as DIG in-charge of the Kalutara Division

The “Suwa Seriya” ambulance service, which provides free emergency medical care across Sri Lanka via the 1990 hotline, is set to expand under a new initiative aimed at improving efficiency and addressing operational challenges, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

Speaking during a visit to the Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service headquarters in Rajagiriya, Jayatissa said the government is committed to strengthening the service by addressing key issues, including staff shortages, training needs, and funding constraints. Originally launched as a donation from the Indian government, Suwa Seriya is now fully operated by the Sri Lankan government.

During the visit, the minister inspected the service’s emergency dispatch and control unit, telephone communication center, and a fully equipped ambulance. He later held discussions with the Board of Directors of the 1990 Suwa Seriya Foundation to review the service’s current operations and future plans.

Concerns raised during the discussions included the shortage of emergency medical technicians (EMTs), the need for better employee facilities, and recruitment challenges. Officials also discussed increasing budget allocations, improving salaries, and introducing a new uniform for staff.

The minister stressed the importance of staff retention through competitive salaries and enhanced training programs. The possibility of engaging security forces personnel in operations, if required, was also discussed, along with additional training opportunities for existing staff.

A Cabinet paper has been submitted to acquire 150 new ambulances to strengthen the fleet, officials revealed. The discussion also focused on expanding and promoting the service in high-tourist areas to ensure emergency medical support for foreign visitors.

Currently, Suwa Seriya operates 322 ambulances across Sri Lanka, including 25 provided by the government. The service handles over 5,000 emergency calls daily, responding to approximately 1,050 incidents

A Defender vehicle belonging to the Presidential Secretariat was involved in an accident in the Thalawa area at around 1.00 am today (01), leaving four individuals hospitalized, according to the Thalawa Police.

The incident occurred while the vehicle was returning to Colombo following an event held in Jaffna yesterday (31).

Following the accident, the injured individuals were initially admitted to Thalawa Hospital in another vehicle that was accompanying them, and were subsequently transferred to Anuradhapura Hospital for further treatment.

Anuradhapura Hospital sources reported that two of the injured were placed in the Intensive Care Unit due to the seriousness of their conditions.

It has been confirmed that the driver involved in the accident is employed by the Presidential Secretariat, while the other injured individuals are officers from the Presidential Security Unit, who are attached to the Sri Lanka Police.

Police suspect that the driver may have fallen asleep at the wheel leading to the accident.

Thalawa Police have initiated further investigations into the incident.

(Ada Derana)

Former Parliamentarian and senior leader of the Ilankai Thamil Arasu Katchchi (ITAK) Mavai Senathirajah has passes away at the age of 82.

He had reportedly passed away today (29) at the Jaffna Hospital where he had been admitted over the past couple of days.

It had been reported yesterday that the veteran Tamil politician was admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital due to an accident that occurred at his home.

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The police have introduced a new hotline, 1997, to allow the public to report illegal activities, including drug trafficking, large-scale corruption, and crimes that could threaten national security.

The hotline operates 24 hours, with its main operations center set up at the Special Bureau Headquarters attached to the Police Headquarters.

Acting IGP has directed all officers to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the information received via this number.

The hotline can be used to report a range of issues, including drugs and criminal activities, misuse of government vehicles and property harassment or safety issues faced by foreign tourists, incidents of bullying in universities and educational institutions, police bribery or misconduct, and environmental crimes.

For the public in the Northern and Eastern provinces, the hotline 107 is available to report in Tamil.

Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna has been arrested this afternoon (29) by a special team of police officers in Jaffna, over allegedly obstructing the duties of police personnel in Anuradhapura.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that the suspected MP is scheduled to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court.

Police launched an investigation against the parliamentarian for allegedly obstructing the duties of traffic police officers in the Rambewa area in Anuradhapura on January 20 and facts related to the incident was presented before the court by Anuradhapura Police.

On January 22, the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court ordered the adjournment of the case involving MP Ramanathan Archchuna due to a discrepancy in identifying the correct suspect.

The case has been postponed until February 3.

It was reported that a heated situation had occurred involving MP Ramanathan Archchuna and traffic police officers on duty in the Rambewa area, while the former was on his way to participate in parliamentary session.

The MP reportedly had a heated confrontation with traffic police officers who had stopped and inspected his vehicle as the MP was allegedly driving a vehicle with ‘VIP lights’ on, and in a manner that obstructed other vehicles.

Former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Priyantha Mayadunne who was arrested today (30) by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) over alleged financial misappropriation, has been granted bail by the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Accordingly, he has been ordered released on a personal bail of Rs. 200,000 after being produced before the Fort Magistrate.

The CID had arrested him in connection with investigations into the alleged misuse of Rs. 183 million obtained from the Cooperative Fund for the ‘Isuru Saviya’ commemoration event held in Kurunegala in 2011 to celebrate International Cooperative Day.

According to Police Media Spokesperson, SSP Buddhika Manatunga, the CID submitted extracts of its investigations to the Attorney General (AG), who later determined that there was sufficient evidence to file charges against the suspect.

Accordingly, Priyantha Mayadunne, who then served as an Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested by the CID officers today and is expected to be produced before the Fort Magistrate’s Court, while the CID continues further investigations.

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The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was in possession of a significant number of firearms issued for personal security.

Responding to queries by reporters if Yoshitha Rajapaksa was in possession of 07 to 08 firearms, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha confirmed it, saying that the weapons have been taken into custody by the authorities.

He further said that at present, Yoshitha Rajapaksa was only in possession of two firearms and that the former President’s son has been informed to return the weapons.

Providing details on the review conducted on firearms for personal security, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha said the government had commenced reviewing the firearms.

As such, a total of 1697 licenced weapons has been issued to 1550 persons, while only 1368 firearms have been returned to the government.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence said that 182 firearms had not been returned to the authorities.