Sri Lanka, Jan. 1 -- The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most consequential and testing periods in Sri Lanka's recent history - a year marked by devastating natural disasters, fragile economic recovery, intense political scrutiny, renewed geopolitical engagement, and tentative steps toward long-delayed reforms in governance, media freedom, education and reconciliation.

From the catastrophic impact of Cyclone Ditwah to debates over economic direction, democratic safeguards and national healing, Sri Lanka's journey through 2025 was defined by a constant tension between crisis management and long-term transformation.

Sri Lanka's defining event of 2025 was Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall in late November, unleashing torrentia...