In light of the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the government has taken steps to grant free visa extensions for tourists whose visas have expired.

According to The Ministry of Tourism, The government has also taken steps to completely waive off all charges for flight cancellations and date changes for tourists who have to reschedule their flights due to the prevailing situation in the country.

The Ministry of Tourism has also formulated policies to allow affected tourists to confirm their departure dates with minimal inconvenience.

In addition, individuals involved in the tourism industry, including hotels, travel agencies, and service providers, can use the 24-hour hotline, and 1912, for necessary assistance.

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with Sri Lanka as Ambassador Julie Chung met with President Anura Dissanayake to discuss future cooperation and shared priorities.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Chung said:

“Today I met with President @anuradisanayake to reaffirm the strength of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership & look ahead to continued progress in the new year. We discussed ways to deepen cooperation & expand opportunities that advance U.S. interests while benefiting both our nations.”

In a significant move to expedite the delivery of justice for the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019, the long-running trial has shifted into an accelerated phase, with proceedings now scheduled to be heard daily at a newly-designated Court Complex in Colombo 7.

The inaugural sitting at the new premises commenced yesterday (26) at 1:45 p.m. before a Trial-at-Bar Bench chaired by High Court Judge Navaratne Marasinghe. The case was adjourned to resume at 9:45 a.m. today (27).

Naufer Moulavi, Sajid Moulavi, Hayathu Mohammadu Ahammadu Milhan, Mohamed Ibrahim Sadiq Abdul Haq, Adam Lebbe alias Gafoor, Mohammad Samsuddin, and Mohammad Rizwan, among a total of 24 accused, have been indicted by the Attorney General in this case.

Following a directive by the Chief Justice to fast-track the case, the Trial-at-Bar has been relocated to the residence formerly occupied by the late MP Sanath Nishantha. The special High Court is now operational at No. 409, Section 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha.

The Attorney General filed the main indictment on 10 August 2021, levelling a staggering 23,270 charges against 25 suspects. The charges encompass conspiracy, preparation, and execution of the coordinated suicide bombings, aiding and abetting, collecting arms, the murder of 268 individuals, and causing injury to 594 others.

Due to the sheer volume of the indictment, reading the full list of charges in Open Court was deemed impractical, with estimates suggesting it would require nearly three years. Consequently, the Attorney General’s Department, the defence, and the Court agreed to a shortened procedure, which was concluded in February 2023.

Currently, 24 accused remain in the dock following the death of one suspect, Yasin Bawa Abdul Rauf, while in custody.

None of the accused have pleaded guilty to the charges. Furthermore, they have refused to acknowledge that the explosions at the eight targeted locations were suicide attacks.

To date, investigators have recorded nearly 8,000 statements and analysed approximately 100,000 sets of telephone data. Between 60 and 70 witnesses have testified so far.

The trial was formerly limited to eight days of sittings per month to accommodate the schedules of the presiding judges — Justices Damith Thotawatta and Amal Ranaraja — who have since been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

Additionally, proceedings were slowed by an appeal filed by the 15th suspect, challenging a High Court ruling on the admissibility of a confession. While this appeal is pending before the Supreme Court, both the prosecution and defence have agreed to proceed with the remaining evidence to prevent further stagnation.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of India, will undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 1–2 December 2025, in a move that underscores deepening defence ties between the two nations.

The Indian Army announced that the visit aims to reinforce India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, focusing on partnership, stability, and cooperation.

According to report from India, this engagement highlights India’s role as a reliable security partner committed to supporting Sri Lanka in capability-building and capacity enhancement across multiple defence domains.

The visit is expected to strengthen Army-to-Army engagement through expanded opportunities for training, professional exchanges, joint exercises, and discussions on operational best practices.

Meetings with Sri Lankan political and military leadership will also facilitate dialogue on emerging regional and global security challenges, particularly as the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) face evolving strategic pressures.