The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the opening of ticket sales for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, pricing entry-level tickets at historic lows to drive accessibility for the pinnacle event. Sales will begin at 18h45 IST with prices starting at just ₹100 (approximately $1.11) at some venues in India and LKR1000 (approximately $3.26) in Sri Lanka.
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Cyclone Ditwah left Sri Lanka facing a national disaster of extraordinary scale. The numbers tell the story of a country confronting one of its most severe crises in recent memory.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today (December 11) ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to re-issue open warrants for the arrest and production in court of two suspects, including former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, in connection with a complaint filed regarding a money laundering investigation. The relevant complaint was called up today before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. The complaint was filed by the CID against Perpetual Treasuries Ltd., the former Central Bank Governor, and other suspects under the Money Laundering Act. When the complaint was called, the following directors of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd. appeared in court: * Arjun…
The United Nations and humanitarian partners have launched a Humanitarian Priorities Plan (HPP), seeking USD 35.3 million (LKR 10.9 billion) to scale up life-saving assistance for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
Germany has announced emergency aid worth approximately €500,000 to support Sri Lanka in the wake of the devastating impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The assistance has been provided under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (EU UCPM) as part of the collective EU emergency response.
The Government confirmed that the inaugural ‘Sri Lankan Day’ national programme, scheduled to take place from December 12 to 14, has been postponed in light of the severe cyclone disaster and ongoing recovery efforts across the country. The event, which was to be held across the Colombo Municipal Council Grounds, Viharamahadevi Park, and surrounding main roads, was designed as a large-scale national celebration featuring four zones with the participation of both public and private sectors. It was proposed in the 2025 Budget Speech by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, with the…
Sri Lankan racing prodigy Yevan David has dedicated his historic Euroformula Open triumph to the nation, presenting his championship trophies to Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage in Colombo. David, who delivered a breakthrough performance in the 2025 Euroformula Open Championship, became the first Sri Lankan to win the Rookie Championship while also finishing second overall in the series. His achievements mark a major milestone for Sri Lanka in international motorsport. Minister Gamage, accepting the trophies on behalf of the public, said David’s success had brought significant pride to the country and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to…
The Government has signed a financial agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group to secure US$150 million for a nationwide project aimed at improving the primary health care system.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal to call for new investment proposals to lease a prime land plot in Kollupitiya, following the cancellation of a previous agreement due to non-compliance by the selected investor.
The Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new wind power plants each with a capacity of 50 megawatts in Mullikulum, Mannar, as part of the government’s push to generate 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
Sri Lanka’s diplomatic community in Colombo has made a collective personal contribution to the country’s disaster relief efforts, with several ambassadors donating LKR 3.6 million from their own salaries to assist those affected. The donation was handed over today to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath by Indonesian Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, during a ceremony at the Minister’s Bureau at the Republic Building. Ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the Maldives, Palestine, Oman and Italy participated in the handover. Herath said he appreciated the solidarity shown by the envoys during a difficult…
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the recruitment of 2,284 personnel to various government institutions, based on recommendations from a committee appointed to review the recruitment process and manage public sector staffing. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, was tasked with identifying staffing needs, setting priorities, and establishing timelines. It reviewed requests from ministries and government entities regarding existing vacancies. Approval was granted following the submission of a proposal by the Prime Minister, in line with recommendations from the Officials’ Committee meeting held on Nov. 14, 2025, the government said. The approved recruitments are as follows:…
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery and growth, with over 2.15 million tourist arrivals recorded from Jan. 1 to Dec. 8, 2025, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The sector’s revival comes after a series of significant setbacks, including the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The first week of December alone saw 50,222 visitors, while November posted the highest number of arrivals for that month in five years. India continues to be the leading source market. All tourism sites across the country remain fully…
ECONOMYNEXT – The United Nations has launched 35 million dollar appeal to raise funds to immediate disaster relief for victims of cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka, Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche said. While initial contributions from bilateral partners and US$ 4.5 million. UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has contributed 4.5 million dollars. Support from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States has taken the fund to 9.5 million US dollars. “And we are now seeking to mobilize the remaining 26 million dollar to be able to cover the gap,” Franche said. “So we are…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka will buy vehicles for its health sector workers using 150 million dollars in funding from the World Bank, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Sri Lanka had signed a financing agreement with the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) to secure US$150 million under the Primary Health Care System Improvement Project for the period 2024 to 2028. The goal of the islandwide project is to ensure the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, strengthening community-based services for the elderly and palliative care, and building resilience to climate-related health emergencies. “The lack of adequate transportation facilities for field…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 309.15/40 to the US dollar in the spot market Thursday, weaker from 308.80/90 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields closed slightly down. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed at 8.30/40 percent, down from 8.34/44 percent. A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 closed at 9.05/10 percent, down from 9.15/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 closed at 9.50/55 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 closed at 10.22/30 percent, down from 10.25/30 percent. A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 closed at 10.35/44 percent, down from 10.45/51 percent. Read more Sri Lanka’s exchange rate depreciation by…
Visiting U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss strengthening maritime and economic ties between the United States and Sri Lanka. The meeting focused on deepening maritime cooperation, including last week’s U.S. transfer of a vessel to Sri Lanka to bolster maritime security efforts, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a social media post. The officials emphasized that such cooperation is intended to support shared strategic interests while respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. Discussions also addressed economic priorities, including trade, investment, and ensuring near-term stability as Sri Lanka…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved a proposal to seek 200 million dollars in funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the second stage of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Program, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. The project is estimated to cost 536.5 million US dollars. Sri Lanka hopes to obtain 200 million US dollars as a loan from the ADB, Jayatissa told reporters. The project is expected to facilitate cultivation of around 17,500 hectares and provide drinking water to around 175,000 families, he said. It will support irrigation schemes of the Hurulu, Manakattiya, Eru, Mahakanadarawa, Nachchaduwa, Nuwara and…
Sri Lanka’s centuries-old practice of Kithul Madeema, the traditional method of tapping sap from the kithul palm, has been added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Known locally as Kithul Madeema or Kithul Kapeema, the practice is deeply rooted in rural Sri Lankan communities. It involves collecting sap from the Caryota urens tree, commonly known as the kithul palm, found in forests and home gardens. The process requires significant skill and care. Tappers climb the tall palm using ladders, bind the flower stalk with vines, and make precise cuts using a sacred tapping knife.…
Ticket sales to open at 18h45 IST at https://tickets.cricketworldcup.com/ The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the opening of ticket sales for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, pricing entry-level tickets at historic lows to drive accessibility for the pinnacle event. Sales will begin at 18h45 IST with prices starting at just ₹100 (approximately $1.11) at some venues in India and LKR1000 (approximately $3.26) in Sri Lanka. The landmark 10th edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring matches across eight venues from 7 February to 8 March. The excitement begins with the tournament opener…