Ex-Minister Douglas Devananda granted bail

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Former Minister Douglas Devananda, who was arrested and remanded, has been granted bail by the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court.

After being produced before Gampaha Magistrate Shilani Perera, Devananda was granted bail under two personal bonds of Rs. 2 million each.

The court ordered that the guarantors must be two close relatives of the defendant and imposed an overseas travel ban on the former minister.

The case is scheduled for further hearing on 27 March.

A legal team representing the former minister, including President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris, appeared before the court.

On December 30, Devananda was admitted to the Mahara Prison Hospital following doctors’ recommendations after assessing his health condition.

He was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on December 26 in connection with a firearms-related incident. Devananda was subsequently produced before the Gampaha Magistrate and remanded until January 9, 2026.

Devananda was taken into custody on Friday by CID officers in connection with an incident in which his personal firearm reportedly fell into the hands of members of an organized criminal gang.

It is reported that the former minister was arrested in connection with an investigation into an incident in which a firearm, which was provided to then minister Devananda by the Sri Lanka Army for his personal use in 2001, was later recovered following the interrogation of organised criminal figure ‘Makandure Madush’ in 2019.

Upon inspection of the serial number of the weapon, it was revealed that the firearm in question had been issued to Devananda.

The former minister’s pistol was subsequently found concealed in a forested area near a culvert in Weliweriya.

Following this, the CID obtained a 72-hour detention order to further question Devananda. Police also stated that the CID has launched investigations into additional firearms issued to him by the Sri Lanka Army, totaling 19 more weapons.

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Sri Lanka to get US$350mn equivalent cyclone aid in Indian rupees

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ndia will disburse around 350 million dollar equivalent of 450 million dollars of aid committed for cyclone recovery to Sri Lanka in Indian rupees, High Commissioner Satosh Jha said.

India is giving 100 million dollars of the of the reconstruction aid in grants.

“The assistance will be multi-pronged, assisting Sri Lanka in sectors that are the worst hit,” High Commissioner Jha told reporters in Colombo.

“The five categories of support are rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway and bridge connectivity, support for construction of houses fully destroyed and partially damaged.

“Support for health and education systems, in particular those that have been damaged by the cyclone, support for agriculture, including to address possible shortages in the short and medium term, working towards better disaster response and preparedness.”

A joint monitoring and coordination of EM’s representatives across ministries has been set up.

The first meeting co-chaired by High Commissioner Jha Minister Anil Jayantha had been held in the last week of December.

India will re-build damaged bridges for which close to 30 million dollars had been allocated.

India will also help with re-building rail tracks. Sri Lanka officials have said that reconstructing rail tracks would cost more than 330 million US dollars with upcountry tracks most heavily damaged.

India will immediately start reconstructing the Northern Railway track, High Commissioner Jha said.

The restoration is expected to cost around 5 million US dollars.

India’s IRCON, a state engineering firm, built the Northern track with welded rails and a strengthened base, which is capable of running trains at 100 kilometres per hour.

Some of Sri Lanka’s other tracks including have delapidated tracks where trains are run at slow speeds of around 20 kmph to prevent de-railing.

About 350 million dollar-equivalent of the 450 million dollar aid package would be denominated in Indian rupees, High Commissioner Jha said.

India previously gave a billion US dollar equivalent credit line through the State Bank of India in Indian rupees to Sri Lanka after the island’s central bank created severe forex shortages through inflationary open market operations making it difficult to pay for imports via the domestic banking system.

As long as Indian suppliers are willing to accept Indian rupees in payment, Sri Lanka can easily use credit lines or grants in Indian rupees.

Countries like Japan have funded large projects in Sri Lanka through yen loans for decades. China has also given Sri Lanka Yuan denominated loans.

Sri Lankan garment exports gain tariff-free access to UK from 1 January

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Sri Lankan garment manufacturers have now gained unprecedented access to UK markets under liberalised trade rules.

The changes allow manufacturers to source up to 100% of inputs for garments from any country worldwide whilst maintaining tariff-free access to the UK market. Fewer processing requirements now apply, removing the previous rule that two significant manufacturing processes must take place in Sri Lanka.

The liberalised rules also include the creation of an Asia Regional Cumulation Group of 18 countries applicable to all other exports from Sri Lanka. This enables Sri Lankan manufacturers to source materials from regional partners whilst maintaining preferential tariff benefits.

British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick said: “The reforms that are now in force demonstrate the UK’s commitment to creating shared prosperity through trade partnerships. By simplifying rules of origin, we are supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth by improving market access to the UK and helping to further diversify exports. We recognise the Sri Lankan Government’s ambition for export growth and continue to advocate for improved utilisation of the scheme. Therefore, I invite exporters to explore how they can benefit from these reforms and access the zero tariffs that the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) offers.”

Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Secretary General Yohan Lawrence said: “The reforms to the UK’s DCTS remove previous restrictions requiring materials to be sourced regionally. Sri Lankan manufacturers can now compete equally by accessing global supply chains. The garment sector accounts for over 60% of Sri Lanka’s exports to the UK and supports 1 million livelihoods across the country. It is a significant boost for our export potential to an important market, and we are excited to work with buyers and manufacturers in creating significant growth from this opportunity.”

Council for Business with Britain (CBB) President Mark Surgenor said: “We are excited for the potential that the reforms will bring in enhancing the UK-Sri Lanka trade relationship. The most significant boost is to the garment sector. But with over 90% of products eligible for zero tariffs under the UK’s DCTS, we hope exports from other sectors will also seize the benefits arising from the creation of a larger number of regional countries from whom they can now source inputs. We are keen to see greater utilisation of the DCTS. This will form part of the CBB’s ongoing information sessions aimed at supporting Sri Lankan businesses in growing their trade with the UK.”

The changes respond to requests from many businesses and countries, including the Sri Lankan Government and the JAAF. The UK is Sri Lanka’s second largest garment export market at approximately $ 675 million in value, with exports expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements.

Namal stresses India’s role in ensuring long‑term peace in South Asia

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation in South Asia, highlighting India’s central role in ensuring long‑term peace and stability.

Speaking on recent global and regional security developments, Rajapaksa noted that political turmoil in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, often fueled by extremist elements, underscores the importance of collective action.

“In recent years, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have experienced periods of political turmoil, marked by public unrest and changes in government. At times, these disruptions have been supported and promoted by extremist elements. Addressing these challenges requires a collective commitment to counter extremism, prevent political violence, and safeguard minority rights. As such, South Asia requires greater regional coherence to withstand emerging crises and respond collectively to shared challenges. In this context, India’s leadership is central to maintaining long-term peace and stability in the region,” he said in a statement on ‘X’.

Rajapaksa added that upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal offer an opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy, strengthen regional security, and project South Asia’s influence internationally through unity and shared goals of growth and stability.

“With aligned goals focused on growth and stability, South Asia as a whole can project greater influence internationally, and in that process, regional unity remains crucial for long-term peace and coherence. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present a hopeful opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy through free and fair elections that will contribute to further strengthening regional security,” he added.

Remaining A/L 2025 exams to be held from Jan 12

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The remaining subjects of the 2025 General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A/L) examination, postponed due to the recent disaster situation, will be conducted from January 12 to January 20, 2026, the Department of Examinations said.

According to Commissioner General of Examinations Indika Kumari Liyanage, the examinations will resume on January 12 and conclude on January 20 as scheduled.

She said arrangements have been made to hold the examinations at 2,086 centres across the country, supported by 325 coordination centres and 32 regional collection centres during the examination period.

The remaining subjects were postponed following disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions associated with Cyclone Ditwa, which affected several parts of the island and created logistical and safety challenges.

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MPs pensions to be abolished once bill becomes law – Justice Minister

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Parliamentary pensions will be abolished once the relevant bill is passed into law, with no individual entitled to receive such benefits thereafter, Justice and National Integration Minister, Attorney-at-Law Harshana Nanayakkara, said today.

He made the statement after the bill to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented for its first reading in Parliament today (7). The minister said pensions already received prior to the law coming into effect will not be affected.

Nanayakkara said the move addresses public opposition to MPs receiving pensions after a short period of service without making contributions, unlike ordinary public servants who must fulfil strict service requirements.

He said the reform was included in the government’s policy statement and reflects the National People’s Power government’s commitment to ending a privilege-based political culture

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US Ambassador Julie Chung to leave Sri Lanka after nearly four years

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The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will leave the island nation on January 16 after almost four years, as her tenure in Colombo ends.

“I have loved every moment of my time in Sri Lanka,” Chung said in a statement. “From day one, my focus has been to advance America’s interests—strengthening our security partnerships, expanding trade and investment, and promoting education and democratic values that make both our nations stronger.

“Together, we’ve built a relationship that delivers results for the American people and supports a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

Chung’s tenure began in February 2022.

She was here during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka in 2023, the return of US Peace Corps volunteers in 2024, and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.

She oversaw the Embassy’s move to its new facility in October 2022.

Under Chung, the US Embassy advanced initiatives to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including US support for the IMF Extended Fund Facility and multiple US Department of Agriculture packages.

Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell will serve as Chargé d’Affaires, until the arrival of a new US Ambassador.

Sri Lanka To Reconstruct Key Railway Lines With Indian Financial Assistance

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Several railway lines are set to be reconstructed under Indian financial assistance.

Accordingly, renovation work is planned along the railway line from Rambukkana to Peradeniya using a credit facility provided by India.

The estimated cost for reconstruction work along the Rambukkana–Kadugannawa section is USD 74 million.

Construction work along the Kadugannawa–Peradeniya railway line is estimated to cost USD 2 million.

Meanwhile, an estimated USD 5 million from Indian assistance will be used to reconstruct the Mahawa–Omanthai section of the Northern Railway Line.

The Department of Railways stated that India has agreed to fund the reconstruction of this section through a grant.

Sri Lanka Secures €188M Debt Relief from Germany

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Sri Lanka has signed a bilateral agreement with the Federal Republic of Germany as part of its ongoing external debt restructuring process, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to restore debt sustainability and revive its economy.

The agreement, concluded after bilateral discussions following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), provides for rescheduling outstanding debts, offering critical relief to Sri Lanka during its economic recovery phase.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance, where Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, while Ms. Sarah Hasselbarth, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., represented the Federal Republic of Germany.

The estimated rescheduled debt under this agreement amounts to €188 million.

Officials noted that this agreement will strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and Germany, paving the way for deeper cooperation in the future. The Government of Sri Lanka expressed its sincere appreciation to Germany for its unwavering support and partnership.

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Sri Lanka, EU sign EUR 8 mln grant agreement for AgriGreen Initiative

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The Government of Sri Lanka has signed a grant agreement valued at EUR 8 million with the European Union to launch a new initiative under the AgriGreen Initiative – Green Economic Growth through Sustainable Agriculture Practices project.

The grant, provided by the European Union, will support a project jointly developed by the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure as lead-Ministry, Rubber Development Department and Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, and in partnership with the EU, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

The initiative will support Sri Lanka’s transition to green economic growth where sustainable consumption and production practices and food security are ensured, according to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Further, the project aims to catalyze a shift to more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices in selected value chains of the rubber sector with special attention to youth and women.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Johann H. Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, on behalf of the EU were exchanged the signed Grant Agreement.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development expressed sincere appreciation to the European Union for its valuable support, noting that the project aligns closely with Sri Lanka’s sustainable development agenda, including market-oriented value addition and improved integration with export markets, the statement said.

This agreement stands as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the EU, the Ministry of Finance noted. It marks an important milestone in our shared commitment to green economic growth, sustainable consumption and production practices and food security.