Sri Lanka’s Welfare Benefits Board has extended the deadline for recertifying information under the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme, citing the ongoing disaster situation in the country. Originally scheduled from November 10 to December 10, the recertification period will now run until December 31. The Board stated that all families and individuals—whether they currently receive benefits…
More than 275,000 children have been affected by the severe floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The cyclone, which struck Sri Lanka on November 28, has created a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis for children and families nationwide. UNICEF reports that early estimates indicate over 1.4 million…
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has announced that the remaining subjects of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination—postponed due to severe weather—will be held in early January 2026. Education Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewe stated that schools in provinces and districts unaffected by transport disruptions, communication breakdowns, or power outages are expected to reopen on December 16. Decisions…
Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry Secretary, Nalaka Kaluwewa, has confirmed that no changes have been made to the previously announced school reopening date of December 16. He noted, however, that officials will hold a review meeting today (02) to discuss the reopening timeline, particularly in light of recent disruptions. Kaluwewa added that the government intends to…
The government has decided to close all schools across the country until further notice. Authorities stated that the decision will remain in effect until new instructions are issued.
The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a streamlined process to fast-track the clearance of essential goods donated by overseas contributors for communities affected by recent floods. Under the new system, all such humanitarian aid will be exempt from import taxes and levies. The move follows numerous requests and inquiries from international organizations, foreign donors,…
All preschools and early childhood development centers across the country will be closed from tomorrow (28) due to the prevailing adverse weather and associated disaster conditions, the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development announced. It further stated that the closure will remain in effect until the current disaster conditions subsides.
Sri Lanka has allocated the highest education budget in its history for 2026, a move Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says will support long-term policy reforms and strengthen institutional frameworks across the sector. Addressing Parliament during the debate on budget allocations for the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, she emphasized that funding…
Sri Lanka expects significant benefits from co-hosting the 2026 ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup alongside India, including enhanced international visibility and an increase in foreign tourist arrivals, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). A planning meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from Sri Lanka Cricket and the Secretary to the President,…
Sri Lankan lawmakers have underscored the urgent need to establish a Higher Education Commission to oversee and regulate private universities and other degree-awarding institutions in the country. The position was emphasized during a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education, Manpower and Human Capital, chaired by Member of Parliament Hesha Withanage. Senior Professor K….
