Category: Featured Headlines

As reconstruction efforts continue in the wake of cyclone Ditwah, India dispatched a consignment of 10 Bailey bridges to Colombo onboard INS Gharial to assist the restoration of critical connectivity.

Sharing the details in a post on X, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the supply of bridges is a part of India’s Special Economic Package of USD 450 million announced during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar to Sri Lanka.

“India continues to stand with to support reconstruction efforts after #CycloneDitwah. To assist restoration of critical connectivity, a consignment of 10 Bailey Bridges was despatched today from Visakhapatnam to Colombo on-board #INSGharial. The supply of bridges is a part of India’s Special Economic Package of USD 450 million announced during the recent visit of EAM @DrSJaishankar to Sri Lanka, after India’s emergency #HADR support through #OperationSagarBandhu”, India’s MEA said on X.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage, overwhelming local disaster-response mechanisms.

Earlier in January, the Indian Army’s Engineer Task Force has successfully constructed the third Bailey Bridge, measuring 120 feet, at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka.

The bridge, located in the Central Province, reconnects the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring a critical lifeline that had remained disrupted for over a month following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The achievement followed the earlier successful launch of two Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. Collectively, these engineering efforts have restored road connectivity, improved access to essential services, and provided much-needed relief to communities affected by the cyclone.

Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in November 2025, enabled India to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including restoration of roads, bridges, and essential services. By swiftly reestablishing connectivity along the B-492, the Indian Army has not only facilitated daily life for affected communities but also strengthened bilateral ties and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.

Source: ANI

The Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court today (28) ordered ten individuals, including Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thero, to be further remanded in connection with an alleged violation of coastal conservation laws. The remand will continue until 2 February.

The case concerns the unauthorized installation of a Buddha statue and other construction activities at the Trincomalee Bodhiraja Viharaya, reportedly carried out without permission from the Coastal Conservation Department.

The matter was first brought before the court on 16 November 2025, when Balangoda Kassapa Thero, four other monks, and five civilians were produced in relation to the alleged illegal activities on the Trincomalee coastline.

The People’s Bank of China has recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to establish renminbi clearing arrangements in Sri Lanka, said a statement released by China’s central bank on Wednesday.

The establishment of renminbi clearing arrangements will facilitate the use of the Chinese renminbi in cross-border transactions by enterprises and financial institutions from both countries, it said, adding the move will further promote bilateral trade and investment.

Source: China Daily

The 18th session of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Joint Economic Commission is scheduled to take place in Colombo today.

A delegation, including Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Industries and Production, arrived in the island yesterday afternoon to participate in the event.

The Sri Lankan delegation for today’s session will be led by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, Wasantha Samarasinghe.

The Ministry stated that this session provides a significant opportunity to further enhance economic cooperation between the two nations.

The High Commission of India in Colombo celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, marking the anniversary of the day the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950.

High Commissioner Santosh Jha hoisted the national flag at India House, inspected a Guard of Honour, and read excerpts from the President of India’s Republic Day address.

The celebration featured patriotic music by the Sri Lanka Navy Band and cultural performances by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, showcasing India’s diverse heritage. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, India’s national song, which was commemorated through musical tributes.

Earlier in the day, the High Commissioner and officials paid tribute at the IPKF Memorial in honour of fallen Indian peacekeepers. In the lead-up to Republic Day, a concert titled “Timeless Bollywood Melodies: Anuradha Paudwal Live in Sri Lanka” was held on January 23. Additionally, Indian Coast Guard ships Varaha and Atulya are visiting Colombo and Galle from January 24 to 27.

A ceremonial reception is scheduled for the evening at India House, with dignitaries from across Sri Lanka expected to attend. The Republic Day was also observed by Indian Consulates in Jaffna, Hambantota, and Kandy through special events.