President Trump wants to send Americans $2,000 tariff rebate checks in 2026, but many Republicans argue the money should be used to reduce the national debt. Analysts say the plan may cost twice as much as the projected tariff revenue, raising concerns about funding and inflation. While a few lawmakers support the idea, most remain skeptical, and some may seek alternative ways to satisfy Trump’s proposal.

EU ministers will press U.S. officials to enforce more parts of the July trade deal, especially reducing tariffs on European steel and removing duties on wine and spirits. Washington’s delay in approving tariff changes, along with new and expanded U.S. tariffs on metals and derivative products, is causing concern in the EU. Both sides will also discuss cooperation on regulations, energy purchases, and economic security in response to Chinese export controls.

A nationwide strike in Belgium has forced all departing flights to be cancelled at major airports, disrupting travel for hundreds of UK passengers and affecting Eurostar services. Brussels-Zaventem Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport are halting operations, while rail and public transport services are also reduced. The strike is in response to government plans to reform pensions and benefits to reduce national debt.

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka is bracing for a significant shift in weather patterns as a low-level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a low-pressure area.

Sri Lanka’s position is anchored in the fundamental tenets of the United Nations Charter.

Brazil recorded a historic tourism milestone in 2025, welcoming over eight million international visitors—a 40% increase from last year. The surge boosted the economy, generating $6.617 billion in visitor spending and creating more than 114,000 jobs. With strong marketing and a focus on sustainable tourism, Brazil is expected to exceed nine million visitors by year-end.

The Q4 2025 global economic outlook has been upgraded to 2.62% growth, supported by policy-driven demand, easing inflation, and partial tariff rollbacks. Inflation is expected to decline in most regions except the Americas, while major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and ECB, have cut interest rates to support demand. Global merchandise trade is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2025, though risks remain due to tariffs, supply chain pressures, and weakening demand in

Deadly fire at Hong Kong high-rise housing estate kills dozens, dozens missing

Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Sparks Glitter, but Yields Little Concessions in Myanmar and Border Crises

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that global politics increasingly outweighs economics, urging India to diversify its supply chains to ensure resilience and national security. He highlighted shifts in the global order, with the US pursuing individualized engagement and China operating independently, increasing uncertainties for countries worldwide.

Coupang Apologizes for Data Breach Affecting 33.7 Million Customer Accounts

Indonesia Floods Claim More Than 500 Lives as Rescue Efforts Stretch into a Second Week

Black Friday and Thanksgiving Online Spending Reach New Highs Amid Consumer Caution

Prosecutors Prepare Opening Statements in Massachusetts Murder Trial of Brian Walshe

Former Afghan Allies Seek Protection as U.S. Immigration Policy Sparks Backlash

Hong Kong Orders Removal of Scaffold Mesh as Deadly High-Rise Fire Probes Continue

Healing Arts Singapore, held from 8–12 December 2025, launches Asia’s first national arts and health initiative in collaboration with NUS, NAFA, UAS, the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO. The programme introduces major regional platforms including the first Healing Arts Centre of Excellence in Asia and the new THRivE evaluation toolkit for arts and heritage practitioners.

Cyclone Ditwah is expected to push Sri Lanka’s inflation higher due to damage to agriculture and disruptions in supply chains. Analysts warn the rupee may weaken further as the country increases imports of essential goods. The LKR has already depreciated 1.3% in the past month amid low forex liquidity and higher import demand.

Sri Lanka’s interest rates have risen in October as banks increased deposit collection amid strong loan demand, despite earlier rate cuts and controversial liquidity injections by the central bank. Analysts warn that recent monetary practices risk repeating past currency crises, especially as the rupee weakened again in 2025. The post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery adds uncertainty, with the government planning major spending and expecting IMF and World Bank support.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been named Sri Lanka’s Best Trade Finance Bank at the Euromoney Transaction Banking Awards 2025 for its strong leadership in supporting national trade. The Bank commands significant market share—21% in exports and 14.26% in imports—and handled over US$ 5 billion in trade transactions in 2024. Its digital platform, ComBank TradeLink, along with regional recognition from ADB, further strengthens its position as the country’s leading private sector