Sri Lanka signs prisoner transfer agreement with Poland View(s):Sri Lanka and Poland have signed a bilateral agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries. The agreement was signed this week in Colombo between Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, PC and Przemyslaw Domagala, Deputy Director of Poland’s Department of International Cooperation and Human Rights. The agreement is aimed at assisting both countries in establishing and strengthening the necessary legal framework governing the transfer of sentenced persons. Sri Lanka has entered into Prisoner Transfer Agreements with a number of States, including the United Kingdom, India, Kuwait, Maldives, Pakistan, Russia, Ukraine, Viet Nam, Iran, Thailand, the Czech Republic, and Latvia. The most recent agreement was concluded with Latvia on November 11 this year.

China to provide free school uniform material for 2026 View(s):The Chinese government has stepped in again to provide free school uniform material for students as a grant. Accordingly, all school uniform material for government and government assisted schools for 2026 will be provided through this grant, Deputy Minister of Education Madhura Senevirathna said. The government had earlier set aside over Rs 6 billion in the 2026 Budget to provide school uniform material for next year. Accordingly, a total of 4,418,404 school students are to be given free uniform material in 2026. Two vessels carrying the first batches of the uniform material are due at the Colombo Port in the next two weeks.

Negombo CC sniff outright win cricket View(s): View(s):Negombo CC was sitting pretty against Galle CC at the end of the second day’s play in the SLC Major Club Tier ‘B’ 3-day Cricket encounter played at the BRC ground yesterday. Negombo CC, after having made a formidable score of 379 runs, had Galle CC in deep trouble as they skittled them out for 223 runs. Made to follow on with a deficit of 146 runs, Galle CC put themselves in deep trouble with three of their top batsmen already being dismissed with the total on 22. They need further 124 runs to avoid an innings defeat when play resumes today. SSC, Malay CC and United Southern positioned themselves in strong positions against Ragama CC, Army SC and Leo CC with all matches set to end today.

Maruading Cops tame Sri Lions at Longdon Place in one-sided affair RUGBY View(s): View(s):A solid team effort, largely spearheaded by their forwards, aided Police Sports Club achieve their first win of the SLR-Maliban Club Rugby League 2025/26 season, against a hapless Sri Lions Sports Club by 43-7 at Longdon Place yesterday. Both sides entered the field winless after three games, as hosts Sri Lions marked their first win, but it was a contrasting outcome that they eventually had to experience. The Cops were in complete command from the first whistle, as they constantly tormented Sri Lions with their heavy and dominant set of forwards. They found the space to breach the Sri Lions defence in the 14th minute, when hooker Vihanga Shaveen completed a brilliant forwards move mid left. Fullback Kaveesha Nadun converted as Sri Lions added their only points on the board, still trailing the Cops by 7-36.

The wonder of Christmas through music View(s):Well-known singers Billy and Devashrie present ‘A Classic Christmas’ tonightBy Shannon SalgadoeThis Christmas season, audiences are invited into a world of music and magic with A Classic Christmas 2025, a large-scale festive concert taking place today, December 21, at the Musaeus College auditorium. Now in its second year, A Classic Christmas began as a passion project born out of a shared love for the season and its profound meaning. Rather than presenting a standard concert format, A Classic Christmas 2025 blends elements of show business and musical theatre, weaving music together with storytelling, visual design and subtle theatrical moments. A defining feature of A Classic Christmas 2025 is its ensemble of musicians, drawn from diverse musical backgrounds and assembled specifically for this project. A Classic Christmas 2025 takes place today, December 21, at the Musaeus College Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on BookMyShow.

While seeing their loved ones either buried under vicious landslides or being swept away by the relentless flood waters, they have been left sans, food, clothes, cash, valuable documents and a roof over their heads. As Christmas approaches, we hear of two homes affected by flood waters, “displacing” children who have also been abandoned by society. There are also those taken under Ladani care, if parents, mostly single mothers or fathers cannot look after them. By nightfall, the flood waters had risen, submerging the ground floor. The flood waters hit suddenly, submerging the building up to roof level and requiring emergency evacuation by boat.

Some flood-affected families living in risky situations View(s):By Ishu BandaraMore than 20 days after the flooding caused by cyclone Ditwah, many people living in the worst affected areas are still stranded and vulnerable. About 20 houses are located close to the river, and authorities say it is no longer an area safe to live in. The navy came from the river side and asked us to evacuate, and now we are living with relatives. Around 1,400 families were submerged in our area, but those on our road have not received any aid, not even the promised Rs. They sleep on the floor in the living area, as the only bedroom is in a part of the house that is already sinking and developing dangerous cracks in the walls.

One move, many ripples View(s):Over the past 25 years, China’s GDP has surged from just above US$1 trillion to more than $18 trillion. The problemIn China, a large share of the population has long remained in rural areas, engaged in agriculture. The system was designed both to prevent overcrowding in urban areas and to secure food supplies for the world’s largest population. In many Western countries, 80–90 per cent of people live in urban areas, with only 10–20 per cent in rural communities. Although gradual, the share of population in rural areas and employment in agriculture has steadily declined.

Newest Creative Activities for Children start in January View(s):Somalatha Subasinghe Playhouse or Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation has called applications for the latest Creative Activities for Children programme initiated to promote aesthetic interests of children. The late Mrs Somalatha Subasinghe founded Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation in 1981 to promote theatre productions and performances specifically for children and youth, training of actors, and research on theatre studies. This organisation presently is the topmost institution for children’s and youth theatre productions in Sri Lanka. Since 1981 the organisation has produced a repertoire of mainly musical theatre for children and youth and mainstream art theatre productions and performed them in the island as well as abroad. This institution was incorporated in the parliament in January 2007 under the Act of Lanka Children’s and Youth Theatre Foundation, No.

Veggies washed away with Ditwah, farmers cry for help View(s):Pix and text by Kanchana Kumara AriyadasaCyclone ‘Ditwah’ that triggered rains and landslides caused immense damage to vegetable crops in various areas across the country. Most of the supplies that come into the Dambulla Economic Centre are from cultivations in Yatawatta and Pallepola Divisional Secretary areas. However, 90 per cent of the vegetable crops have been damaged in these areas. They said the government should also consider the prices of fertilizer and pesticides in calculating the payment of damages. Share This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS

Countdown to FACETS 2026 View(s):Sri Lanka is preparing to host the international gem and jewellery exhibition titled “FACETS Sri Lanka 2026” on January 3-5, 2026 at the Cinnamon Life. Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!

Festive Season at Harpo’s View(s):Harpo’s Cafés and Restaurants usher in the festive season with a month-long celebration of food and togetherness, offering something for everyone—from tourists and Sri Lankans returning home for the holidays to lovers of traditional festive fare. At Commons Coffee House, the season comes alive with a special Christmas menu throughout December, festive coffees, fun activities for children and the ever-popular rotti cart. ‘SHOULDERS’ Cocktail Bar and Restaurant at the Havelock City Cheers Garden introduces a Greek-infused new menu alongside festive specials and a Christmas menu on December 23 and 24, complemented by live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reflecting on the spirit of the season, Harpo Fernando noted that December has been an extraordinarily difficult and challenging time for the nation. The Bayleaf Restaurant joins the celebrations with Italian festive specials throughout December and a Western dinner buffet on New Year’s Eve for those gathering with friends on December 31.

Top stories of the dayNewsThundershowers expected in sea areasWithin the next 24 hours, intermittent showers are expected surrounding sea areas from Batticaloa to Hambantota via Pottuvil. CoPF approved supplementary measures to restore livelihoodsThe Department of Communication of Parliament said in a statement that the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved a supplementary estimate of Rs. 500 billion to restore the livelihoods of individuals affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Badulla and Ambewela train services will operate tomorrowThe Department of Railways has decided to operate train services from tomorrow between Badulla and Ambewela along the Upcountry Railway Line. Green card lottery program suspendedOn Thursday, the US green card lottery program was suspended by President Donald Trump as it allowed the suspect in the Brown University and MIT shootings to come to the United States.

Circle, a stablecoin issuer, has now expanded the reach of its euro-backed stablecoin, EURC, by integrating it into the Solana blockchain. This expansion signifies a significant shift in the stablecoin ecosystem, diversifying the blockchain base for EURC. Enhanced Financial Ecosystem with EURC on SolanaThe integration of EURC onto Solana is not just a mere addition to its blockchain repertoire. Significantly, Circle’s expansion of EURC onto the Solana blockchain is a strategic move that broadens the horizons for stablecoin utility. Read Also: FTX Owes More to Lawyers Than Creditors in Bankruptcy CaseThe post Circle Expands EURC Stablecoin to Solana Blockchain appeared first on CoinGape.

Cricket: Dasun Shanaka to continue as skipper until ICC T20 World CupSportFormer white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka, who replaced Charith Asalanka as the stand-in skipper at the recent Tri-Nation Series held in Pakistan, will continue as the permanent captain of the Sri Lanka men’s team up to the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2026 that will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Shanaka’s reappointment as the captain of Sri Lanka T20 side was revealed at a press conference held today (19) by the newly appointed Chairman of Cricket Selection Committee, Pramodya Wickremasinghe at the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) headquarters in Colombo. In addition, Wickremasinghe also revealed that the 25-member squad announced by the previous selection committee, will remain unchanged while Shanaka will continue as the official captain of the Sri Lanka team for the forthcoming T20 series against Pakistan and England earlier next year. Under Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy, the 25-member Sri Lanka T20 squad will include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pawan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Trevin Mathew and Kamil Mishara. You can share this post!