The draft Bill for the regulation of cosmetics would be open for public opinion in January of next year (2026), the Chairperson of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Dr. Ananda Wijewickrema said.&nbsp;Fielding questions, Dr. Wijewickrema told The Daily Morning that the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) had appointed a committee to draft the Bill some time earlier, and that the draft bill had been put before the stakeholders for their opinions. He noted there was a proper review being done on the opinions submitted by the stakeholders at present. The draft Bill would be open for public viewing by January 2026.&nbsp;He said however that it is still too early to say how cosmetics – especially fairness products being advertised on social media and being smuggled into the country in baggage - would be monitored and regulated.&nbsp;The NMRA is currently utilising the provisions given by the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Act (CDDA), No. 27 of 1980 which was repealed when the NMRA Act was introduced, to monitor cosmetic products. Well-informed senior Health sources expressed fear that the delay in introducing a proper regulation on the barrage of cosmetics entering the country was due to the NMRA and the Health Ministry in particular being more interested in getting an Act mainly to regulate imported cosmetics. However, there were questions as to whether this would also regulate the cosmetics produced as a cottage industry.&nbsp; They further noted the NMRA being an independent body under the purview of the Health Minister, the CDDA had been under the DGHS which was why there was strong control on cosmetics some years earlier. “We will have to wait and see,” they observed.&nbsp;Attempts made to contact the DGHS proved futile.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Jan. : Cosmetics regulation Bill for public viewing

<ul><li>Environment Min. formulating to maximise land utilisation, environmental-public protection, scientifically identify suitable agri land, zoning habitation safe regions, designate resource-rich industry areas, classify environmental systems requiring forest reservation, specify environmental zones conditions&nbsp;</li><li>Land Min. instructs regional offices of the LRDC/LRC/Mahaweli Authority to identify plots of land for resettlement&nbsp;</li></ul> The Environment Ministry is formulating a comprehensive ‘Land Use Plan’, a first for the country, designed to maximise land utilisation while ensuring environmental and public protection.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Environment Minister, Anton Jayakody said that the country has never had a Land Use Plan so far and that the Ministry has to build it from scratch. The initiative has been discussed within the Government’s broader environmental policy.&nbsp;According to him, the plan will scientifically identify areas suitable for agriculture based on required climate factors and the environmental impact. It will also zone regions safe for human habitation, designate resource-rich areas for industry, and separately classify environmental systems requiring forest reservation.He emphasised the critical need for a scientific approach to land use but noted that it is currently impossible to provide a timeline for the program’s completion. While the existing National Physical Plan also considers environmental factors for sustainable land management, the primary focus of the new Land Use Plan will be environmental protection.The Ministry cited recent events like Cyclone Ditwah as underlining the necessity for an environment-centric land use strategy. In its development, the plan will account for the specific environmental conditions of different zones, the consequences of human activities, and the particular ecosystems that must be conserved.Meanwhile, the Land Ministry stated the relevant institutions have already been instructed to identify plots of land that could be used to resettle people who lost their land and houses due to Ditwah, and to submit the necessary information to the Ministry. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister, Aravinda Senarath said that Government-owned lands under institutions such as the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (LRDC), the Land Reforms Commission (LRC), and the Mahaweli Authority are being considered for this purpose. “Instructions have been issued to the regional offices of these institutions in every District to identify available land and submit their reports. Information has already been received from some Districts. We are aware that resettling people will not be easy in certain areas due to various challenges, which is why the initial focus is on identifying suitable land. This process is expected to be completed within the next few weeks,” he added. Ditwah caused extensive damage across several parts of the country, destroying houses, inundating farmland, and displacing thousands of families. Many people lost their homes and land on which they lived due to severe flooding and landslides. In response, the Government has proposed a series of measures, including compensation for damaged and destroyed houses, the resettlement of families who lost both land and housing by allocating State-owned land, and the construction of new housing schemes.

For environmental protection: Land Use Plan in the pipeline 

<ul><li>Significant shortage of staff and other resources</li><li>No scope for addl. progs. or institutional improvement including public service awareness sessions, progress reviews, etc.</li></ul> The Right to Information (RTI) Commission stated that its day-to-day functions, including appeal hearings, are continuing, but that resource-related limitations have left no scope for additional programmes or institutional improvement. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the RTI Commission's Director General (DG), K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said that there is no disruption to its routine functioning and that appeal hearings and related processes are taking place as scheduled. However, he said that work beyond its core responsibilities has been affected due to the lack of resources. “There is a significant shortage of staff and other resources at the Commission. As a result, programmes such as awareness sessions for public servants, progress reviews, and other additional activities are not being carried out at present. Day-to-day functions continue without disruption, but there’s limited scope to expand or improve our work,” he added. Ruwanchandra's remarks follow a recent letter sent by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, drawing attention to the challenges faced by the RTI Commission. In the letter, BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya pointed out the importance of the RTI Commission in protecting the public’s right to access information under the relevant Constitutional provisions. The BASL further stated that the Commission has continued its work for nearly a decade despite limited resources, but added that shortages in staff and funding have affected how effectively it can function. The Association therefore urged the President to ensure that the Commission receives adequate and independent financial allocations. Established under the RTI Act, No. 12 of 2016, the RTI Commission functions as an independent oversight body empowered to conduct inquiries into non-compliance with the Act and to recommend disciplinary or legal action against the relevant officials where necessary.&nbsp;

RTI Commission affected by resource limitations 

<ul><li>Edu. Min. notes that single uniform response would not suffice, says options include Suraksha insurance scheme for orphans, school hostels for temp. accommodation&nbsp;</li><li>PM focuses on renovation, restoration and relocation, and preschool teachers’ allowances</li></ul> The Education Ministry stated that measures to ensure the education of children who were affected by cyclone Ditwah is not disrupted would have to be handled on a case-by-case basis, rather than through a single, uniform response. Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that financial support could be extended through existing mechanisms such as the Suraksha insurance scheme, which provides coverage for schoolchildren. He said this form of assistance could help ease financial difficulties faced by children who lost their parents. However, he noted the Ministry could not commit to one specific course of action to ensure their education is not disrupted. “The response will depend on the circumstances. For example, if a child is left without a place to live, temporary accommodation can be arranged at a school hostel until a more permanent solution is found. The other relevant authorities will also take further action as required to ensure continuity in schooling," he added. Last month disasters caused by Ditwah disrupted lives across several parts of the country, leaving many families displaced and causing the loss of life and livelihoods. Children were also affected, with some losing one or both parents, homes, school supplies, and stable support systems. The Ministry has also launched a comprehensive study to assess the impact of Ditwah on the education sector, identify gaps, and determine future needs. The study is being carried out with the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is leading the process alongside other stakeholders. The Ministry has requested an initial report before 5 January of next year (2026).Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated&nbsp; the Ministry, together with UNICEF, will take necessary steps to renovate schools that can be restored quickly and to relocate schools located in high-risk areas to safer locations, following an assessment of the schools affected by cyclone Ditwah.The Premier made these remarks after inspecting the Meegahakiula National School in the Badulla District that was damaged by the cyclone, on Wednesday (24). She also inspected the preschool that had been operating at the Ketawatta Yodha Ulpatha Community Hall, which was completely damaged after a tree fell on it due to strong winds.&nbsp;She instructed officials to take steps to restart the preschool at a safe location. The Passara Yuri Tamil Primary School also sustained severe damages due to a landslide.Drawing attention to the proper payment of allowances provided to preschool teachers, she emphasised the authorities should identify preschools that can no longer operate due to damages caused by the disaster and ensure that allowances are paid to teachers of those preschools as well.&nbsp;

Ditwah’s impact on edu. continuity: Case-by-case approach to child victims 

The Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry has stated that it is actively working to identify the land ownership of the Tissa Viharaya in Kankesanthurai (KKS), but claims that its progress was disturbed by an organised group with intentions to disrupt national unity.Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Subject Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake said&nbsp; the Ministry is collaborating with the Land Ministry to solve the longstanding dispute. He alleged that a group was led consciously to create conflict at the site.This announcement follows the arrest of five individuals by the Palali Police for participating in an unlawful protest outside the Viharaya in the Thaisetti Grama Seva Division on 21 December. The suspects were produced before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court, released on bail of Rs. 100,000 each, and are scheduled to reappear on 26 January of next year (2026). The protest was organised by a group including Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi Parliamentarian S. Sridharan, demanding the return of the Temple's lands to the civilian population. A clash erupted when protesters attempted to forcibly enter the Temple premises. In February of this year (2025) too, Sridharan had warned the Government of their intention to remove the Temple, referring to it as an illegal construction.The Temple in Thaiyiddy has been a controversial site for years. The People’s Alliance of Rights to Land accuses it of being built on land belonging to 18 Jaffna District residents who left during the civil war, which was later acquired by the security forces. Protests have occurred since 2020, and the Government has not yet recognised the land's ownership.

KKS Tissa Viharaya land ownership: Govt. blames ‘org. group’ for hindering ID work 

<ul><li>New regulations and permit systems for chem. imports/exports, EPR implementation via collection targets/fines, wetland conservation mechanisms, action against LG bodies/pvt. cos. on waste mgt., to monetise environmental harm as compensation, direct prosecutorial power&nbsp;</li></ul>The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is scheduled to gain broad new enforcement powers under the proposed revisions to the National Environmental Act (NEA), No. 47 of 1980, which include amendments for around 28 chapters with increased regulatory control and legal responsibility.&nbsp;Speaking to The Daily Morning, the CEA Director General Kapila Mahesh Rajapaksha highlighted certain key areas of enforcement, including chemical, plastic and municipal waste management, wetland protection, and environmental damage compensation.&nbsp;Under the amended provisions, the CEA will introduce new regulations and permit systems to regulate chemical importation and exportation, an area which currently lacks CEA’s oversight.&nbsp;The implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR), a widely utilised international policy which is enforced in Sri Lanka in a limited manner (Supreme Court case law) due to the lack of explicit legal provisions, is a major focus of the new amendment. The EPR policy makes the producers responsible for the management of the lifecycle of their products, especially at the collection, recycling and disposal stages.&nbsp; “With the new amendment, there will be a specific chapter enabling the implementation of the EPR”, he said, emphasising how plastic producers will be held responsible and legally bound to manage (recycle and dispose) the waste generated by their products. Under this system, producers will be given a collection target of what they introduce to the market. In the event of the failure to fulfil the said target, the said producers will be held financially accountable through fines.In addition, he explained that wetlands, which are particularly sensitive regions following the recent disaster, will be regulated under new legal mechanisms with the new amendments. He further explained how although some wetlands are protected under existing laws, many ecologically important wetlands remain outside conservation mechanisms.&nbsp; “With the new provisions, the CEA will be able to control and regulate wetlands that are currently under no conservation mechanism,” he added.&nbsp;At present, the CEA’s involvement is limited in scope for looking after and giving guidelines in matters of waste management conducted by the Local Government (LG) authorities. But, the amendment significantly empowers the CEA to take legal actions against both LG authorities and private companies on the failure to manage municipal waste. “Within the new amendment, the CEA will have legal rights against any Local authority or private company that fails to manage its waste,” he clarified, stating that enforcement could be in the form of court cases or fine schemes, depending on the regulations.&nbsp;Under the new provisions, the CEA will be authorised to evaluate environmental harm and convert it to a monetary value, and demand compensation from those who are responsible. As at present, the CEA lacks authority to assess these damages and recover compensations from offenders.&nbsp;The revised amendment will also be granting the CEA with direct prosecution power in certain areas.He further addressed having staff shortages for which all the required approvals have been granted to authorise new recruitments. “The recruitment process is ongoing, and by March or April of next year (2026), we expect to have fulfilled the sufficient human resources to carry out these implementations and other responsibilities,” he said.&nbsp;

CEA to be empowered under NEA amendment 

With the provisions afforded by the Tsunami (Special Provisions) Act, No. 16 of 2005 coming to an end by today (26) at the completion 21 years after the 2004 tsunami which hit the coastal belt of Sri Lanka, the Deputy Women and Child Affairs Minister, Dr. Namal Sudarshana said the Disaster Management&nbsp; Act had been initially brought to safeguard the children who had been orphaned by the tsunami.Responding to questions from The Daily Morning yesterday (25), Dr. Sudarshana explained that even a child born on that date would complete 21 years this December (2025). “The Act would be repealed as a result after the lapse of 21 years. There were discussions as to whether a similar Act should be introduced, though not as an amendment to the Tsunami Act”. Noting that an amendment could not be introduced as the Tsunami Act was only valid for 21 years, he said that he had inquired about the issue from the Justice Minister as well. In this backdrop, he elaborated that a decision had been taken to amend the Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005. It would be amended to include provisions as to what action should be taken following a disaster with regard to children.“So, instead of introducing a new Act, the Disaster Management Act would be amended. It would not do to have several Acts to cover every disaster that the country faces”. Therefore, clarifying further, he noted that discussions were underway to include general provisions to suit any form of a disaster which could occur at any time in order to safeguard the interests of children.However, the Deputy Defense Minister Aruna Jayasekara, when contacted by The Daily Morning, said that no decision had been taken to repeal the Tsunami Act or any other act by his Ministry. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disaster Management Act: Amended to safeguard Post-disaster children

<ul><li>Increase in depth in places familiar</li></ul> The general public has been urged to exercise caution when using unknown water bodies during the festive season. According to Consultant Community Physician Dr. Samitha Sirithunga, water sources in several parts of the country have been structurally changed, contaminated or diluted owing to recent adverse weather conditions.&nbsp;Speaking during a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau on Wednesday (24), Dr. Sirithunga said that due to recent floods and landslides, the conditions and stability of water sources have changed and therefore, the public should be mindful when using such places.&nbsp;He said, “Before going to unfamiliar locations to bathe or use them, ask someone who is familiar with the area. In some cases, the depth of these places may have increased. Although these may have been places that people used in the past, due to various issues, they may now be different.”Meanwhile, Dr. Sirithunga also pointed out that due to the school holiday period and the festive season, there is a higher likelihood of road accidents and other accidents, urging the public to remain vigilant. Furthermore, he emphasised that everyone should thoroughly check whether their vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before taking it onto the road.

Water bodies: Caution advised owing to structural changes

A special discussion was held under the patronage of the Health Minister, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, focusing on expanding and strengthening the process of maintaining drug quality standards. According to the Health Ministry, the discussion primarily centred on conducting drug quality testing activities in a more systematic and organised manner as part of efforts to enhance overall drug quality assurance.Attention was also drawn to maintaining effective coordination among institutions involved in laboratory-based drug quality testing, increasing the volume of testing activities, and addressing issues that require monitoring by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) with regard to drug quality testing reports.During the meeting, Dr. Jayatissa has pointed out that certain limitations have been identified in carrying out drug quality testing solely through the NMRA’s quality testing laboratory, emphasising the need to expand these activities into a more formal and comprehensive programme in the future. He further stated that as this process may not be implemented in the near future, the possibility of conducting such testing through other Government institutions should be explored. He also said that priority should be given to problematic drugs under this programme in order to avoid disruptions to the drug supply process.

In Jan. : Cosmetics regulation Bill for public viewing

For environmental protection: Land Use Plan in the pipeline

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RTI Commission affected by resource limitations

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Ditwah’s impact on edu. continuity: Case-by-case approach to child vic ...

Ditwah’s impact on edu. contin ...

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KKS Tissa Viharaya land owners ...

CEA to be empowered under NEA amendment

CEA to be empowered under NEA ...

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Disaster Management Act: Amend ...

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Water bodies: Caution advised ...

Drug quality testing expansion discussed

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For environmental protection: Land Use Plan in the pipeline

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RTI Commission affected by resource limitations

RTI Commission affected by res ...

Ditwah’s impact on edu. continuity: Case-by-case approach to child vic ...

Ditwah’s impact on edu. contin ...

KKS Tissa Viharaya land ownership: Govt. blames ‘org. group’ for hinde ...

KKS Tissa Viharaya land owners ...

CEA to be empowered under NEA amendment

CEA to be empowered under NEA ...

Disaster Management Act: Amended to safeguard Post-disaster children

Disaster Management Act: Amend ...

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Water bodies: Caution advised ...

Drug quality testing expansion discussed

Drug quality testing expansion ...

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