Sri Lanka’s ‘water champion’ proud of work initiated by Appe Lanka By Yomal Senerath-Yapa View(s): View(s):Many are the gratifying memories Shaan Corea recalls after being given a UAE Embassy Award as a “Water Champion” – a title that fits her, given the crusades she has been leading with her organization Appe Lanka to secure clean water for people of our rural areas. Appe Lanka has been working to make rural lives better since 2018, but the award especially recognises their work in the North and in Poonakary. In the meanwhile, continuously maintaining the RO plants providing water to thousands of families is a responsibility Appe Lanka takes very seriously. Over the years she has built a relationship with the communities Appe Lanka has served. To know more about the project, or partner with Appe Lanka, please contact 0772872056 or info@appelanka.com.

Douglas Devananda arrestedNewsFormer Minister and leader of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP) Douglas Devenanada was arrested by the Criminal investigation Department (CID) today. The arrest was made over an investigation based on a statement made by a criminal. A licensed pistol which had been issued to the former Minister by the army in 2001 had been recovered in a forested area in Weliweriya area, based on a statement by an organized criminal who revealed the location where it was hidden in 2019. The police said that the former minister is due to be produced in the magistrate court tomorrow. You can share this post!

Twenty first tsunami anniversary marked with events across the countryNewsThe 21th anniversary of the tsunami disaster was marked in several parts of the country today, with the National Safety day events taking place at Thelwatta, Paraliya Tsunami memorial site. Remembrance events were held in several place including in areas not directly affected by the tsunami. The relatives of the persons who died and went missing during the tsunami disaster took part in the event. Afterwards flower offerings were made by the relatives of the persons killed due to the Tsunami disaster. At Beruwala too an event was held to remember some 125 persons who died during the tsunami.

Few showers expected todayNewsThe Meteorology Department forecasts that few showers would occur in Northern, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts today. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Sabaragamuwa province and in Galle, Matara and Kaluthara districts after 2.00 p.m. , the Department said. Fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are likely at some places while fairly strong winds of about 40 kmph could be expected at times over Eastern slopes of the central hills, Northern Province and in Hambantota and Monaragala districts. They requested General public to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers. You can share this post!

In Pix - Devotees mark ChristmasNewsDevotees have been flocking to churches island-wide to mark Christmas. These scenes were captured this morning at St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade. Pix by Indika HanduwalaYou can share this post!

Tiesh Unveils the ‘Prism Collection’BusinessA radiant celebration of colour, craftsmanship and contemporary designTiesh Sri Lanka, a distinguished jewellery house celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design philosophy, proudly introduces its latest high-jewellery offering, the Prism Collection. The Prism Collection brings together a striking spectrum of natural coloured gemstones, allowing each hue to shine with individuality and depth. Speaking of the collection, Tiesh Co-Director Ayesh de Fonseka stated, “Prism was created in keeping with the times, contemporary yet timeless. In a time when the nation looks towards renewal, the Prism Collection emerges as a symbol of hope and positive transformation. The Prism Collection is now available at the Tiesh showroom, No.

Kingsbury wins sector Award at the CMA ExcellenceBusinessThe Kingsbury, Colombo, has been recognised as the Winner of the Best Integrated Report for the Hotels & Travels Sector at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2025, reaffirming its leadership in transparency, accountability and sustainable value creation within Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector. The awards ceremony, organised by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka) in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), was held on 17th November 2025 at Cinnamon Life. This achievement reinforces the hotel’s commitment to continually enhancing reporting excellence while delivering lasting value to guests, employees, communities and stakeholders. Now in its 11th year, the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most respected platforms for recognising leadership in corporate reporting. The Kingsbury Colombo’s achievement in 2025 further cements its position among the country’s most forward-thinking and responsibly managed organisations.

Special bus/train service for holiday seasonNewsSpecial bus and train services will operate from today ( Dec. 24) to ease the festive travel rush. The Chairman said that the running of long-distance bus services comes under the regulation of the National Transport Commission with a focus on the terminals of Kadawatha, Kaduwela and Makumbura. Further, the running of the bus services has commenced on the expressways and the coastal highway under a new operational system. All the train services on the Coastal Line and Main Line are in operation. A special train on the Coastal Line has been introduced today and next Monday between Maradana and Matara.

Met dept forecasts showers for some areasNewsThe Meteorology Department forecasts that few showers may occur in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts. The Department said showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Galle, Matara, Kaluthara andRathnapura districts after 2.00 p.m. According to them fairly heavy falls above 50 mm are expected at some places. They also added that misty conditions can be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Kaluthara, Badulla, Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning. You can share this post!

Central Bank fines 7 entities Rs. Accordingly LOLC Finance was fined Rs. 2 million, National Development Bank PLC Rs. 1 million, Fintrex Finance PLC Rs. 1 million, Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC Rs.

Few showers expected tomorrowNewsMeteorology Department forecasted that few showers may occur in Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Polonnaruwa district tomorrow. According to them showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Southern province and in Kaluthara and Rathnapura districts after 2.00 p.m. They added that mainly fair weather will prevail in the other areas of the island. Apart from that they explained that Misty conditions could be expected at some places in Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Kaluthara, Badulla, Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning. You can share this post!

India approves USD 450 M aid package for SLNewsIndia has proposed an assistance package worth USD 450 million. It will include USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and USD 100 million of grants. The package was announced today by visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishanker . He announced that this package is being finalized in close consultations with the Government of Sri Lanka. Our assistance will cover sectors worst affected by the cyclone, including:You can share this post!

Strict enforcement of laws on alcohol/smoking needed, DMNewsUse of sporting events to promote use of alcohol and smoking among school children should be strictly controlled, Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said. The Sri Lankan Health Department's warnings against drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco use must be strictly enforced, he added. The Minister said that the structure of the country’s community mental health care is not effective enough in addressing the present demands making this a concern. The deputy minister mentioned that alcohol and drugs also form the main reason for numerous instances of accidents happening in the nation. The Deputy Minister indicates the above statistics are distinguished in terms of ‘non-communicable diseases, accidents, and mental health’.

PHI on alert during festive seasonNewsA total of almost 2,300 Public Health Inspectors and Administrative Public Health Inspectors have been deployed throughout the island to conduct raids during the festive season. To ensure that the public receives quality food, the inspections have already begun carrying out checks on eateries. According to a Public Health Inspector, Sandun Ratnayake, due to recent rain there might be foods that are not fit for consumption and action will be taken against those who attempt to sell low quality foods to the public. “The consumer needs to check the date of manufacture the colour, the packaging, and other visible factors as well,” he said. Ratnayake also added that legal action has been taken against foods which are not suitable for human consumption in addition to shops which prepare these foods in unsanitary and unsafe manner.

The Kingsbury, welcomes a season of splendourBusinessThe Kingsbury, Colombo, welcomes the festive season with a spirit of warmth, elegance and celebration. Harbour Court sets the tone for the season with its Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet, Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Dinner on 24th and 25th December, followed by the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet on 31st December and the New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner Buffets on 1st January. Yue Chuan offers authentic Chinese cuisine with its signature Peking Duck Experience throughout December, daily Dim Sum and a special All You Can Eat menu on 24th, 25th and 31st December. Ocean highlights the best of coastal cuisine with festive á la carte menus on 24th, 25th and 31st December. For those celebrating at home, The Kingsbury offers Seasonal Roasts and festive hampers, available both ready-made and customisable, while Indulgence provides five-star delivery throughout the season.