China ready to share expertise with Sri Lanka under “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Programme

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China is prepared to extend all necessary assistance to Sri Lanka at all times and is ready to share its experience with Sri Lanka under the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme, stated Mr. Wang Junzheng, Member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Committee of Xizang Autonomous Region.

Mr. Wang Junzheng made these remarks during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (23), while visiting Sri Lanka with a Chinese delegation.

At the meeting, President Dissanayake expressed his gratitude for the emergency and humanitarian assistance provided by China to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the disaster. The President also appreciated China’s continued support during this difficult period, noting that such cooperation would further strengthen the long-standing close friendship between the two countries.

The President further briefed the Chinese delegation on the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme initiated to restore livelihoods and rebuild the country.

Mr. Wang Junzheng stated that he will persist in collaborating with Sri Lanka, thereby enhancing the understanding and friendship that was established between the Presidents of both nations during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent official visit to China. He also mentioned that with the assistance of the Chinese government, he will continue to support the ongoing projects in Sri Lanka and initiate new projects.

He also noted that China would support key government initiatives such as the Clean Sri Lanka programme and the anti-corruption and bribery eradication programme. In particular, he emphasized China’s willingness to share its experience and provide necessary assistance to Sri Lanka in efforts to eradicate rural poverty.

Those present at the meeting included Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Qi Zhenhong; Mr. Peng Xiubin, Director General of the Bureau for Southeast and South Asian Affairs of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; Mr. Bao Ting, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xizang Autonomous Region; Ms. Wang Siqi, Deputy Director of the Bureau for Southeast and South Asian Affairs of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; and, representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Mr. Roshan Gamage, among others. (PMD)

Sri Lanka, Israel sign MoU to boost employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers

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Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, held talks with Israeli authorities on expanding job opportunities for Sri Lankan workers during an official visit to Israel, officials said Monday.

The discussions on December 22 with Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) reviewed progress under existing bilateral agreements and addressed challenges in sectors including caregiving, agriculture, construction, housekeeping, manufacturing, and restaurant services.

Both sides explored ways to increase placements for Sri Lankan workers in the coming years.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to facilitate recruitment in service-sector jobs, with Sri Lanka represented by Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe and Israel by PIBA Deputy Director General Moshe Nakash.

Senior officials from both countries attended the meeting, including Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara.

The MoU aims to streamline recruitment procedures and enhance cooperation in employment opportunities, reflecting growing bilateral ties between the two nations.

Fisheries Losses Top Rs 21 Bn After Cyclone Ditwah, Says FAO

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of severe agricultural and livelihood disruptions in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah, which struck during the critical Maha planting season.

According to preliminary estimates, 106,000 hectares of paddy—the country’s staple crop—were partially damaged or completely destroyed, representing 20% of total sowings for the 2026 Maha season.

The worst-hit districts include Puttalam, Kurunegala, Ampara, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee.

Significant losses were also reported for maize, vegetables, big onions, and green gram, key cash crops for rural households.

FAO estimates that 227,000 farmers—mostly smallholder rice producers—have suffered major livelihood setbacks, threatening food security and income stability.

The livestock sector has been equally hard-hit, with 475,000 birds and nearly 50,000 animals, including cattle, buffaloes, goats, and swine, lost.

Meanwhile, the fisheries and aquaculture industries sustained extensive damage, including the destruction of boats, fishing gear, fishponds, and shrimp farms.

Losses in the fisheries sector alone are valued at Rs 20.5–21.5 billion (USD 66.4–69.7 million).

FAO warns that these shocks will reduce the availability of animal protein in affected areas and undermine key livelihood assets for farming and fishing communities.

The organization stresses the urgent need for targeted recovery measures, including emergency assistance, rehabilitation of agricultural infrastructure, and support for small-scale producers to restore food systems and rural economies.

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MP Ramanathan Archchuna granted bail

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Jaffna District Member of Parliament Ramanathan Archchuna, who was arrested this morning after surrendering to the Colombo Fort Police, has been granted bail.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Ramanathan Archchuna yesterday (23) by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate issued the warrant for the arrest of MP Ramanathan Archchuna after he failed to appear in court for the hearing of a case filed against him for alleged obstruction of police duties.

Indian PM’s letter to President AKD made public

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reaffirming India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka’s relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. The letter confirms that External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has been sent as Special Envoy to discuss continued cooperation and a comprehensive assistance package.

The Special Letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi

H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka

President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Excellency,

At a time when your nation is recovering from the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, I am sending External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar as my Special Envoy to discuss how India can cooperate with Sri Lanka in relief and rehabilitation.

In line with our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and First Responder commitment, we undertook ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ to address the immediate challenges. Indian ships, aircraft and helicopters brought relief supplies and emergency materials. They supported your search and rescue efforts while specialized Indian teams were pressed into service to handle medical emergencies and restore critical connectivity and communications.We are glad that ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ touched many lives in Sri Lanka and was widely perceived as an expression of our deep bonding.

As Sri Lanka now shifts its attention to the next phase, I would like to assure you that India will extend all possible support as a trusted partner and a reliable friend. As in the past, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in rebuilding lives and ensuring resilience in Sri Lanka. In this context, I am pleased to inform you that India will provide a comprehensive assistance package. I have asked Minister Jaishankar to discuss with your Government how best this package can be implemented.

I am confident that Sri Lanka will rise again, stronger than ever before. In this journey, as in its national development and progress, Sri Lanka will always find India by its side.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India

 

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Trains from Colombo to Kankesanthurai and Batticaloa to resume today

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The Northern Railway Line will be fully reopened for train operations from today (24), the Department of Railways has announced.

Accordingly, from today, the Yal Devi Express will operate on the Northern Railway Line from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai, as scheduled.

Additionally, seat reservation facilities will be made available in the first class (air-conditioned) and second class compartments of the Yal Devi Express.

Meanwhile, train operations on the Eastern Railway Line up to Batticaloa are also scheduled to commence today.

The Department of Railways announced that passengers traveling from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, should use the Train No. 7083, which departs from the Colombo Fort station at 6.00 a.m. to Trincomalee.

They will be required to board Train No. 6011 from the Gal Oya Railway Station, which is scheduled for Batticaloa at 12.40 p.m., the Department said.

Similarly, for passengers traveling from Batticaloa to Colombo Fort, the train departing Batticaloa at 5.00 a.m. will arrive at Gal Oya, after which the train operating from Trincomalee to Colombo Fort will depart from Gal Oya Railway Station, according to the statement issued by the Department of Railways.

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Indian EAM Jaishankar Delivers Modi’s Message To AKD

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Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today (23), carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of support and goodwill.

Jaishankar stated that the assistance builds on India’s First Responder role under Operation Sagar Bandhu, which delivered emergency relief immediately after the cyclone struck.

The comprehensive package will focus on five critical areas:

Rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connectivity

Construction of houses fully destroyed and partially damaged

Support for health and education sectors damaged by the cyclone

Agricultural assistance to address short- and medium-term shortages

Enhanced disaster response and preparedness

“India stands firmly with Sri Lanka, building on our civilizational ties and guided by #NeighbourhoodFirst and #VisionMAHASAGAR,” Jaishankar affirmed.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath in a joint briefing said that bilateral ties continue to strengthen across sectors such as energy security, connectivity, trade, investment, health, education, maritime security, and tourism.

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Chinese delegation arrives in Sri Lanka to promote and enhance bilateral relations

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A Chinese delegation comprising of 11 members, including Wang Junzheng, a Member of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Xizang Autonomous Region, has arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (23).

The delegation had arrived at around 9.45 a.m. on a SriLankan Airlines flight, Ada Derana reporter said.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka were present at the airport to receive the delegation.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka stated that the visit aims to promote China–Sri Lanka friendship, deepen mutual understanding, and enhance practical cooperation.

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India’s Support Following Cyclone Ditwa and the Strategic Importance of Regional Connectivity -TELO

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TELO Party Statement on India’s Support Following Cyclone Ditwa and the Strategic Importance of Regional Connectivity

The TELO Party extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of India for its timely and effective assistance following the severe damage caused by Cyclone Ditwa to the A35 road bridge. The rapid deployment of the Indian Army’s engineering teams and the swift installation of a Bailey bridge have restored a critical transport link for the people of the Northern Province. This act of solidarity has ensured the uninterrupted movement of essential goods, emergency services, and daily commuters at a moment when our communities needed it most.

This cooperation reflects the deep historical, cultural, and humanitarian ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka, particularly the Tamil-speaking regions that have long relied on cross-border goodwill and shared regional resilience. India’s support during natural disasters continues to demonstrate the value of strong, dependable partnerships in safeguarding the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.

As we rebuild, it is equally important for Sri Lanka’s political leadership to recognise the broader strategic opportunity before us. Establishing a permanent land route between Mannar District and Rameswaram would not only strengthen regional connectivity but also unlock significant economic potential for Sri Lanka. Enhanced trade flows, increased tourism, reduced transport costs, and new investment opportunities would bring long-term benefits to the national economy and uplift the livelihoods of people in the North and beyond.

Such a link would position Sri Lanka as a more integrated and competitive player in the region, fostering cooperation, development, and stability. TELO firmly believes that forward-looking infrastructure projects of this nature are essential for building a prosperous future for all communities.

We remain committed to advocating for policies and partnerships that promote economic growth, regional harmony, and the wellbeing of our people.

Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah damage estimated at US$4.1bn

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Sri Lanka has suffered direct physical damage of 4.1 billion US dollars from Cyclone Ditwah, or about 4 percent of gross domestic product, a World Bank study has estimated.

Damages in the Kandy district was estimated at 689 million dollars, primarily caused by flooding and to a lesser extent by landslides.

Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railways and water supply networks, accounted for estimated 1.735 billion (42 percent of total damages), disrupting connectivity and access to markets and services.
Losses to residential buildings and contents have been estimated 985 million dollars.

The widespread impacts on homes highlight the need to consider building locations, flood control structures and designs that are resilient to high winds and flooding.

Agriculture suffered an estimated 814 million dollars in damage, including to paddy and vegetable crops, subsistence farming, maize, livestock and agriculture infrastructure.

There was also damage to inland fishing, posing serious risks to food security and rural livelihoods in already vulnerable communities.

“As we look closely at the hardest-hit districts, we see that deep-rooted vulnerabilities have left communities especially vulnerable, Gevorg Sargsyan, World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives said in a statement.

“In Badulla, Kegalle and Puttalam many households were already poor and now face some of the highest losses to homes.

“In Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, about two in four households are headed by women or older persons.

“Thousands of women and girls have been displaced or remain in unsafe homes. These realities underscore the need for tailored community-centered recovery efforts that protect those most at risk.”

The Cyclone Disaster comes as the people were barely recovering from the poverty caused by a currency collapse in 2022 from flexible inflation targeting/potential output targeting, on top of currency collapses in 2015 and 2018.

The World Bank has used its Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) methodology, providing rapid, remote, post-disaster damage assessment completed within about two weeks of an event.

It estimates direct physical damage to buildings, infrastructure, and other assets, providing timely evidence to support emergency response, recovery planning, and financing decisions.

Key findings are outlined below:

US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage—equivalent to about 4 percent of Sri Lanka’s GDP

• All 25 districts impacted by flooding and extreme rainfall

• Kandy District hardest hit, accounting for about 689 million dollars in damages. Puttalam 486 million dollars and Badulla 379 million dollars.

o Together, these three districts make up nearly 40 percent of damages to districts.

• Damaged roads, railways, and power infrastructure hinder response and restoration, especially where landslides occurred in central areas.

• Agriculture damage may increase rural poverty and food insecurity.

• Total economic impact is expected to be higher once indirect losses and reconstruction costs are included.

• Districts of Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Kegalle, and Puttalam face some of the highest housing losses, coinciding with higher rates of multidimensional poverty, suggesting long recovery challenges for affected households.