Three Ukrainian tourists who arrived in Sri Lanka have tested positive for COVID-19.

The first batch of 185 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka on the 28 December, being the first group of tourists to arrive in Sri Lanka for nine months. The second batch of 204 tourists arrived on the 29 December. The government has reopened Sri Lanka for tourists this week after closing its borders since March. The pilot project is expected to welcome tourists from various countries to assess its capability of handling flights and tourists amidst the pandemic.

Gaj Wallooppillai, a senior Conservative Party advisor and International Secretary received an OBE from the Queen in the 2021 New Years List. The honour was awarded for services towards equality and community cohesion.

Speaking at a Buddhist temple in Payagala, the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith, called upon Sri Lanka’s political leaders to follow and safeguard Buddhism.

Following the arrest of several Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka’s Navy last week, Indian representatives called for the release of Tamil fishermen during the fourth meeting of the Indian-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, held on the 30 December.  

DMK leader and party treasury, T R Baalu, has urged India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to intervene in Sri Lanka to prevent the abolition of provincial councils.

<p>The Muslim Council of Britain is demanding an end to Sri Lanka’s draconian policy of forced cremations, maintaining that they will take “the necessary legal action to end this violation”.</p>

 

The Sri Lankan Army opened a newly constructed bar and mess hall for soldiers in Mannar, on occupied Tamil land.

The outdoor bar and entertainment area were opened by the Commanding officer of the 54 Infantry Division, Major General Indrajith Bandara. 

Sri Lankan authorities held a discussion with the world health organisation (WHO) to discuss future imports of coronavirus vaccines.

The discussion was attended by Lalith Weeratunga, the Presidents Chief advisor, the director-general of health service, Dr Asela Gunawardena and accused war criminal, and head of Sri Lanka's army, Shavendra Silva.

^{Photograph: Daily FT}

A protest against the growing concern over the plight of Tamil political prisoners who have tested positive for COVID-19, was carried out on Monday.

Tamil politicians, parliamentarians, religious leaders, prisoners’ family members and Tamil and Muslim locals took part in the rally in Jaffna. 

Muslims rallied in Vavuniya on Saturday to protest against Sri Lanka's compulsory cremation policy as outrage continues across the island. 

Protesters condemned the Sri Lankan government for denying Muslims the right to bury those suspected to have died from COVID-19, directly violating traditional Islamic burial rights. 

Amidst coronavirus restrictions and an increased Sri Lankan military presence, Tamils across the North-East marked Christmas at churches across the homeland this week.

See photographs from various ceremonies and celebrations below.

Sri Lankan army commander and accused war criminal, Shavendra Silva, was promoted to the rank of General.