AGP Executive Report

Weather and Floods: Heavy rain has pushed several rivers toward minor flood levels, with inundation warnings for parts of the Gin and Attanagalu Oya basins. More than 100mm is forecast in several provinces. Road Safety: Five people were killed and more than 40 injured when two SLTB buses and a private bus collided near Rambewa, Anuradhapura. Public Health: Measles cases in Colombo Remand and Magazine prisons have prompted virtual court appearances, restrictions on visitors and an inmate vaccination drive. Dengue cases have topped 107,000, with four Colombo areas flagged as high risk. Politics and Rights: A parliamentary committee is seeking party proposals on the Provincial Council election system. The Attorney General has told the Supreme Court the government plans to remove controversial provisions from the Organised Crimes Bill, including clauses linking tattoos or dress to crime and restricting crime reporting. Search and Rescue: A Sri Lankan was among eight people swept away by a water surge in Malaysia; rescue teams have recovered five bodies and continue searching for the missing.

Colombo Floods: After 129mm of rain fell in two hours, the CMC identified 60 blocked drains and warned it would take legal action over unauthorised construction obstructing waterways. Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka blamed poor drain maintenance for the flooding. Pakistan Test: Sri Lanka’s four-man pace attack took five wickets, but Pakistan reached 281-5 on day one in Rawalpindi. Debutants Tayyab Arif and Mohammad Taha, along with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, all made half-centuries. Tourist Outrage: Video appearing to show Israeli tourists pushing a Sri Lankan guide into the sea has drawn condemnation. The group called it a prank and said the guide agreed, but that claim has not been independently confirmed. Dengue: Cases have passed 107,000 this year, with 81 deaths reported; the Western Province accounts for more than half of infections. Health Services: Doctors say limited MRI scans at Colombo’s National Hospital are leaving some patients waiting days and delaying surgery. Budget Pressure: Professionals are urging fairer taxation of salaried workers, as the Government signals possible PAYE relief in the 2027 Budget.

Pakistan Test: Sri Lanka chose to bowl in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan reached 74 without loss on the first day. The hosts fielded four debutants, while Kusal Mendis captained Sri Lanka in a Test for the first time. Colombo Flooding: Authorities identified 60 blocked drainage sites and launched a joint clearance effort after flash floods. Opposition leaders blamed poor maintenance; forecasters warn another Bay of Bengal disturbance may develop into a low-pressure system. Organised Crime Bill: The Government told the Supreme Court it would remove Excise offences from the proposed law and amend provisions on copyright, detention and bail. Water and Sanitation: The ADB approved $300 million for water and sanitation projects, including improved supplies for more than 1.3 million people and sewerage services in Jaffna. Public Health: A dengue prevention drive begins in 74 high-risk areas, as Sri Lanka reports 107,829 cases and 81 deaths this year. Two radiotherapy machines at Badulla and Hambantota hospitals remain unused because dosimetry equipment is unavailable.

Floods and Rain: Three of four people swept away while bathing in Deniyaya have been found dead, with the search continuing for the fourth. Heavy rain has prompted reservoir spill gates to open, raised river levels and brought a minor flood warning for Akuressa; Colombo is also clearing blocked drains after flash floods. Sri Lanka-Pakistan Tests: Captain Kusal Mendis says Sri Lanka’s experienced batters are ready for green, pace-friendly conditions as the first Test begins in Rawalpindi on Monday. Pakistan has made last-minute squad changes and is giving young players opportunities. Passenger Drones: Sri Lanka plans to begin a pilot passenger-drone project on November 11, with trials underway and proposed routes linking Colombo with the southern coast and Katunayake with Port City. Crime and Safety: Police arrested 32 Chinese nationals in Panadura over suspected online financial fraud and seized computers. A fire at Galle Fisheries Harbour damaged about four boats; the cause is under investigation.

Colombo Floods: After 129 mm of rain fell in an hour—more than four times the drainage system’s design capacity—the government ordered a task force to coordinate emergency responses and plan upgrades. Officials cited blocked drains and unauthorised construction as contributing factors. Trade: Sri Lanka’s long-delayed OneTRADE portal is live, initially for tea and coconut exporters, replacing repeated paper filings with a single online submission. Tax Relief: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 2027 Budget is expected to raise the PAYE tax threshold further, offering relief to salaried workers. Rights & Legislation: The government says it will consult the public on proposed anti-terrorism and organised-crime bills, as critics warn the measures could expand police powers. Transport: Passenger train services remain 39.6% below their previous daily schedule, with locomotive and engine shortages hampering recovery.

Colombo Flooding: After 129mm of rain fell in an hour—more than four times the city drainage system’s design capacity—the government ordered an emergency task force and plans to upgrade drainage. Blocked waterways and unauthorised construction worsened the flooding. Rights and Security: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says proposed terrorism and organised-crime laws will not proceed without public and stakeholder consultation, amid concerns over potential abuses. National Carrier: SriLankan Airlines reported a Rs. 35.6 billion pre-tax loss in the first quarter of 2026/27, as fuel costs surged 93% amid Middle East tensions. Tax Relief: The President says the 2027 Budget is expected to raise the PAYE tax threshold further. Cricket: Pakistan added three uncapped players and recalled all-rounder Aamir Jamal to its Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka, which begins in Rawalpindi on November 9.

Colombo Floods: After 129mm of rain overwhelmed the capital’s drainage system, the mayor called an urgent meeting to address flooding. Forecasters warn of more heavy rain, with severe-lightning advisories covering 22 districts. Crime and Policing: Police are questioning alleged criminal Manoj Muthukumar, known as “Kaiwaru Muthu,” after his deportation from Dubai. Separately, a 25-year-old man was arrested in Madiwela with heroin, methamphetamine and cannabis. Aswesuma: Appeals over the revised beneficiary list must be submitted to Divisional Secretariats by November 11. Development Funding: The Asian Development Bank has agreed to lend Sri Lanka $200 million for water security and skills development. Tourism: October arrivals reached a monthly record of 168,625, while the government says the Asian Broadcasters’ Union conference helped showcase the country to international audiences. Prisons: A parliamentary committee inspected five facilities to assess overcrowding, buildings and healthcare.

Colombo Flooding: The capital recorded 129mm of rain in a few hours, flooding roads and snarling traffic. Rail services also faced possible delays after a signals failure, with more heavy rain forecast. Proposed Laws: Unions and activists protested proposed anti-terrorism and organised-crime bills, warning they could enable abuses. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said the proposed detention period under the crime bill could be cut to 48 hours. ADB Funding: Sri Lanka signed US$200 million in loans for vocational training and water and sanitation reforms. Tourism: Nearly 550 Polish visitors arrived on three charter flights, as regular winter-season services are set to continue until April. Politics: The Election Commission says the SLFP is no longer a recognised political party and must reapply after meeting registration requirements. Cricket: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan’s Patron’s XI by 142 runs in a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad.

Energy Costs: The Government says no electricity tariff increase is needed for the rest of 2026, despite a planned public hearing by the regulator. Fuel prices remain below cost-recovery levels, adding pressure ahead of the November 12 budget. Airline Strain: SriLankan Airlines posted a Rs. 35.6 billion pre-tax loss in the first quarter of 2026/27, as conflict in West Asia disrupted flights and pushed up fuel costs. Security Laws: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the proposed organised crime bill will be amended, including a cut in detention without charge to 48 hours, after concerns over expanded state powers. Defence: Parliament approved Rs. 4.26 billion for an Air Force drone system, with four Israeli-made UAVs planned to boost maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations. Higher Education: Sri Lanka’s top universities mostly fell in the QS Asia 2027 rankings; Colombo remained the highest-ranked, at 364th. Tourism: Sri Lanka won the UK’s “Luxury Food Destination of the Year” award, recognising its culinary scene and local produce.

Organised Crime Bill: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Government is willing to cut the proposed detention period from 72 hours to 48, remove a tattoo-identification clause and drop coverage of Excise Ordinance offences. Opposition critics warn the bill could undermine civil liberties. Economy: The Colombo Stock Exchange’s ASPI jumped 2.87% to 21,130, crossing 21,000 as broad-based buying lifted turnover. Tax: The mandatory TIN certificate requirement for specified transactions has been postponed until April 1, 2027, as authorities work to ease registration pressure. Public safety: The President reported a sharp rise in drug-related arrests of children, including 1,874 under-18s linked to “Ice” by 2025. Financial crime: Two suspects in an alleged Rs. 190 billion illegal foreign transfer case were remanded until November 12; the FCID objected to bail. Jordan: A security officer was killed in an attack near Sri Lanka’s embassy in Amman. The embassy says its staff and the Sri Lankan community are safe.

Public Safety: The Navy seized a trawler in international waters off Sri Lanka’s southern coast carrying 189kg of suspected heroin and crystal meth, valued at more than Rs. 4.2 billion. Rule of Law: The Supreme Court began hearing 26 petitions challenging the proposed Organised Crime Bill, with petitioners questioning police powers over detention and limits on bail. Power Costs: The National System Operator withdrew its proposed fourth-quarter electricity tariff increase, citing improved reservoir levels and rain forecasts. Fuel Prices: Lanka IOC and Sinopec raised 95-octane petrol by Rs. 20 to Rs. 515 a litre, widening the gap with CPC’s Rs. 490 price. Digital Divide: A government survey found only 38.1% of Sri Lankans aged 5–69 can independently use a computer, despite 72.5% having digital literacy. Financial Stability: The Central Bank warned that rising Colombo property prices and growing bank exposure to real estate need close monitoring. Port Delays: Colombo’s East Container Terminal is operating at just 15% of capacity, with equipment delays pushing full operations into 2027 and adding to public costs.

Cost of Living: The government plans a Rs. 47 billion supplementary estimate for fuel and Aswesuma relief, as households face higher liquor prices and a proposed 1.46% electricity tariff rise. Public Accountability: CIABOC arrested a National Youth Services Council director over alleged misuse of Rs. 5.1 million in public funds. Security Laws: The Supreme Court is set to hear 26 petitions challenging the Organised Crimes Bill, while opposition groups rallied against tougher security laws. Infrastructure & Weather: Landslides disrupted Nanu Oya–Badulla train services amid forecasts of heavy showers; construction on the Kurunegala–Dambulla Central Expressway section is expected to start in December. Cyclone Recovery: Sri Lanka says rebuilding roads, railways and housing is central to recovery, alongside identifying safer areas for habitation. Cricket: Harshitha Samarawickrama will captain a youthful Sri Lanka women’s squad at the Emerging Nations Trophy, with Chamari Athapaththu left out; Kusal Mendis made 66 in a Test warm-up against PCB Patrons XI.

Power and Cost of Living: The utilities regulator has proposed a 1.46% electricity tariff increase for the final quarter of 2026, while steep price rises for some imported vegetables add to pressure on households. Legal and Political: The Supreme Court is due to hear 26 petitions challenging the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, as critics warn proposed security laws could put Sri Lanka’s EU GSP+ trade benefits at risk. Namal Rajapaksa received bail in the Krrish case but remains in custody over a separate Airbus case. Jobs and Trade: Apparel leaders warn high costs, taxes, electricity bills and labour shortages are putting the industry’s roughly US$5 billion in annual exports and hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. The Cabinet has approved a €10 million EU grant to help exporters meet market standards and adopt sustainable practices. Education: Proposed school reforms would introduce continuous, credit-based assessments and vocational pathways from Grade 6, with changes planned for 2027. Wildlife: The Army has joined the Hasthi Sena operation to identify unsafe electric fences, as conservationists warn illegal traps threaten elephants and people.

Weather & Transport: Landslide warnings are in force across several districts until Wednesday afternoon, while flooding has disrupted Northern Line train services. Healthcare: The GMOA plans islandwide hospital protests over pay, allowances, staff shortages and concerns about proposed laws. Courts & Rights: Namal Rajapaksa was granted bail in the alleged Rs. 70 million Krrish bribery case but remains in custody over a separate Airbus case. The proposed Organised Crime Bill faces 20 Supreme Court petitions, with critics warning it could put Sri Lanka’s GSP+ trade concession at risk. Economy: LAUGFS expects three LPG shipments this month as supply disruptions continue. The government says people need not rush to obtain a TIN, while a new EU-backed four-year programme aims to strengthen sustainable trade. Agriculture: Sri Lanka has joined AgriConnect, targeting better markets and technology for 900,000 farmers.

Trincomalee Shooting: A 39-year-old Navy sailor was killed and two people injured when gunmen opened fire on a three-wheeler. Police suspect a drug-related dispute and are investigating. Flood Disruption: Flooding from the Deduru Oya has suspended Northern Line services between Kurunegala and Maho; four reservoir spill gates were opened after heavy rain. Iranian Sailors: The U.S. warned that services to sanctioned vessels, including crew support, could expose Sri Lanka to sanctions after the country helped 40 Iranian sailors leave. Colombo Crime: Police arrested 21 foreign nationals suspected of running an online financial fraud operation. Black July: Fifty government MPs have asked Parliament to investigate the 1983 riots and recommend redress for those affected. North: The government aims to release all state-held lands that can be returned in the Northern Province by year-end. Children Online: Officials have begun discussions on a national programme to protect children from online abuse and cyberbullying. Agriculture: A World Bank–IFAD-backed AgriConnect plan aims to link 900,000 farmers to finance and markets by 2030.

Weather Alerts: Four spill gates at Deduru Oya Reservoir are open, releasing 2,800 cubic feet of water per second; downstream residents should stay alert. Cyclone Murasu has also prompted warnings for fishing and naval communities to avoid affected seas. Gas Supply: Litro expects shortages to ease within two days after LPG shipments arrived, while a Kandy trader was fined and had 28 cylinders confiscated for falsely claiming supplies were unavailable. Accountability: CIABOC arrested a former ministry secretary over an alleged Rs. 7.97 million loss in a theatre-chair procurement. Police also arrested four suspects in the murder of a man reported missing in 2025. Public Services: TIN requirements for key transactions have brought crowds to the Inland Revenue Department, which is urging people to apply online. Wildlife: The Hasthi Sena operation has begun to curb human-elephant conflict, with illegal firearms and traps seized in its first raid. Sport: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by three wickets to win the ODI tri-series final; Afghanistan’s rise to sixth in the rankings has pushed Sri Lanka down a place. Tourism: Sri Lanka’s Amba Yaalu Kandalama won a Global Responsible Tourism Award for its women-led hospitality model.