AGP Executive Report

Constitutional & Judiciary Reform: Parliament will debate the 22A and Judicature (Amendment) Bills on 24–25 September, as Sri Lanka pushes judicial reforms and court backlog relief. Security & Crime: Two children were killed and their father injured in a hand grenade attack in Dehiwala, with police saying it may be linked to a clash between criminal gangs. Politics & Accountability: The Supreme Court has revoked a controversial presidential pardon for a monk, sending him back to prison, while former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to appear before the FCID. Human Rights & Reconciliation: President Dissanayake met Muslim and Catholic leaders to reaffirm efforts to prevent ethnic conflict, and Catholic bishops renewed calls for an impartial inquiry into the Chemmani mass grave site in Jaffna. Economy & Business: The CSE approved Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings’ plan to list up to Rs. 5 billion in debentures, and the EDB and University of Kelaniya launched a new electronics export R&D and innovation collaboration. Energy & Infrastructure: Experts warn Sri Lanka’s rooftop solar boom is creating new grid stability headaches. Health: Scientists say drinking scalding hot tea/coffee could triple oesophageal cancer risk.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Push: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrapped up his landmark Sri Lanka visit, departing Thursday after talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and others, with a focus on defence, maritime security and regional stability. Courts & Accountability: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court invalidated the presidential pardon granted to Ven. Gnanasara Thero, ordering him back to prison; separately, the Colombo High Court recalled the Central Bank bond scam case to Oct. 4 and set Sept. 14 for Dilith Jayaweera’s contempt-related writ. Money Laundering Cases: The AG told the Colombo High Court it will act against a prosecution witness in the Yoshitha Rajapaksa money laundering case for allegedly giving false evidence, while a businessman was arrested over an alleged $80m illegal transfer scheme. Politics & Rights: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa alleged ministers may be behind a USD 2.5m theft; meanwhile, PM Harini Amarasuriya warned Parliament about deepfake attacks targeting women leaders. Water & Infrastructure: NWSDB says three seawater desalination projects are underway; Bambalapitiya Railway Station reopened after a Rs. 60m renovation. Economy & Reserves: Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe urged Sri Lanka to strengthen foreign reserve buffers amid geopolitical shocks.

India-Sri Lanka Security Talks: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, pledging India’s support for Sri Lanka’s fight against drug trafficking and regional safety, as both sides discussed defence and maritime cooperation. IMF Review: An IMF team led by Evan Papageorgiou arrives for a 14-day mission to conduct the seventh review under the EFF, focusing on macro stability and reform next steps. Organised Crime Law: Cabinet approval clears a Prevention of Organised Crime Bill for Gazette publication, aiming to move away from PTA-style detentions for non-terror organised crime cases. Digital Public Services: Government plans Digital Transformation Units across state institutions, headed by Chief Digital Officers, to drive AI, data management, cybersecurity and interoperability. Connectivity for Feature Phones: JKOA and Dialog launch JKOA Classic 4G to bring 4G access to feature-phone users. Labour Migration Pact: Sri Lanka and Thailand agree to formalise labour migration cooperation, with an MoU and employment agreement for Sri Lankan workers in Thailand. Drought Relief for Wildlife: Wildlife authorities launch an emergency water-relief operation for drought-stricken animals. Business & Trade: Port of Colombo is ranked among the world’s Top 20 container ports; GRI and EDB sign a multi-year deal to strengthen sustainability reporting for exporters. Finance & Payments: PhonePe and Visa unveil new cardless payment tools, while Softlogic Stockbrokers launches StockB for mobile equity trading.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Push: Visiting Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and pledged deeper defence and maritime cooperation, including upgrading Sri Lanka’s air defence guns and linking maritime awareness for real-time tracking of threats. Anti-India Assurance: Colombo reiterated it will not allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests. Parliament & Governance: Sri Lanka’s Parliament passed the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill, abolishing the post. Airline Leadership: Vipul Misra was appointed acting CEO of SriLankan Airlines. Road Safety Crackdown: Vehicle fitness tests for passenger transport are set to become mandatory, with inspections at registered garages. Consumer Watch: CAA raids found underweight bread at 54 outlets and display violations at many others. Public Health Win: WHO honoured Sri Lanka for sustaining malaria-free status and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 years. Cyclone Ditwah Aid: Rent allowance for affected families extended to Dec 31; resettlement progress reported for Kegalle displaced families. Economy & Markets: CSE closed lower for a second day amid broad selling. Sports: ICC stripped Sri Lanka of Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 hosting rights, risking major revenue loss.

AI & Business: Roar Global launched Sri Lanka’s first AI gateway, “Roar AI,” bundling 200+ frontier and open-source models with local hosting, rupee billing, and usage controls. Digital Governance: Cabinet approved digital development units across state institutions, with each agency appointing a Chief Digital Officer to drive the National Digital Economy Strategy. Judicial Reform at UN: Sri Lanka told the UN that the proposed 22nd Amendment is meant to strengthen judicial independence and tackle court backlogs. Labour Mobility: Sri Lanka and Thailand are set to formalise labour and employment cooperation through bilateral agreements for clearer protections for migrant workers. Economy & Markets: CAL says recovery is more stable but household hardship and “reform fatigue” remain risks; Colombo shares fell as selling pressure rose. Energy & Costs: The Electricity Consumers’ Association warned a new interim power plan could raise bills and questioned renewable tariff alignment. Security & Diplomacy: US raised concerns over Iranian vessels near Sri Lanka; India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a three-day visit focused on defence and maritime ties. Social Policy: Parliament certified tougher penalties for child labour, and Sri Lanka Police launched a WhatsApp video helpline for hearing-impaired citizens.

Maritime Security: The US Embassy has alerted Sri Lanka about several Iranian vessels operating in international waters off the island, and Sri Lanka says its Navy is monitoring them while confirming they are not in territorial waters. India-Sri Lanka Defence: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived for a three-day visit to deepen maritime and defence cooperation, with meetings planned with top Sri Lankan leadership and an Indian Navy ship (INS Udaygiri) making a port call in Colombo. Digital Government: Cabinet approved Digital Transformation Units in government institutions, with Chief Digital Officers to coordinate and manage digital transformation under a GovTech framework. Labour Migration: Sri Lanka and Thailand will sign agreements on labour cooperation for Sri Lankan workers in Thailand for five years, aiming to improve recruitment transparency and protect workers from exploitation. Economy & Markets: Sri Lankan shares fell on Tuesday, with materials and financials dragging the CSE All-Share index down 0.38%. Public Services: From October 1, private-sector employees can get monthly railway season tickets online. Environment: El Niño-linked dry weather is affecting over 115,000 people facing drinking water shortages. Sports: Colombo Marathon 2026 is set for September 13 at Galle Face Green.

UN Human Rights: Sri Lanka’s latest UNHRC report is set for presentation in Geneva on Sept 8, with scrutiny on reconciliation, accountability and rights issues, including continued concerns over the Prevention of Terrorism Act and custodial violence. Climate & Disaster Prep: The UN pledged support for resettlement after Cyclone Ditwah and urged stronger disaster readiness as El Niño risks grow. Governance & Courts: A Supreme Court petition alleges fundamental rights were violated after a challenge to the 22nd Amendment Bill was not heard in open court. Economy & Markets: Fitch assigned People’s Leasing & Finance’s proposed subordinated debenture a final ‘BBB+(lka)’ rating; bond yields kept rising; CBSL emerged as a net buyer of dollars in August as the rupee steadied. Tech & Industry: Sri Lanka is drafting a national strategy to standardize and commercialize drone technology; Port City tax uncertainty is again raising investor worries. Digital Services: The President announced a major digitalisation push to bring government services online. Security & Diplomacy: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit will trigger intermittent Colombo traffic restrictions and focus on maritime security and defence MoU implementation. Sports: Kevin Pietersen was appointed England’s white-ball World Cup mentor and will join the Sri Lanka series setup.

Constitutional & Rights Watch: UN human rights chief Volker Türk says Sri Lanka still lacks accountability for war-era crimes, with the Prevention of Terrorism Act continuing to target rights defenders and journalists. Politics & Parliament: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa warns the 22nd Amendment could concentrate power, while Namal Rajapaksa is allowed to attend Parliament after prison arrangements. Anti-Corruption Case: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court lets Yoshitha Rajapaksa withdraw an appeal in a money-laundering matter. Prison Security: Namal Rajapaksa gets tighter security at remand prison and permission for home-cooked meals. Transport Upgrade: Metro bus service expands as Kadawatha’s second depot begins operations; fleet aims to reach 172 buses. Environment & Tourism: New rules protect Nildiya Pokuna in Ravana Ella Sanctuary, and Pinnawala Zoo debuts three leopard cubs for World Cat Day. Public Health & Education: Grade 5 scholarship exam appeals open online, and a health expert urges reforms focused on implementation, not paperwork. Sports: Rumesh Tharanga wins Diamond League javelin gold; England appoints Kevin Pietersen as white-ball specialist mentor ahead of Sri Lanka series. Travel Disruption: SriLankan Airlines cancels Jakarta flights after Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption.

Women’s Asia Cup: Sri Lanka booked their semi-final spot with a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in Dubai. Match turning point: Harshitha Samarawickrama held her nerve with an unbeaten 48 as Sri Lanka chased 115, after Bangladesh posted 114/?? with Chamudi Praboda taking 3/21. Team news: Sri Lanka opted to bowl first; Vishmi Gunaratne replaced Kawya Kavindi, while Bangladesh brought in Farjana Easmin and Sultana Khatun. Cricket (men’s Tests): Australia named a 16-man squad for South Africa with Marnus Labuschagne spared despite poor recent form, alongside recalls including Cooper Connolly. Sri Lanka politics & justice: UNP marked its 80th anniversary with calls for a “modern UNP,” while the SriLankan Airlines-Airbus scandal continues to test the judiciary as Namal Rajapaksa remains in remand. Trade & business: Sri Lankan pineapples were launched in Pakistan in Karachi, and FITIS unveiled the Digital Excellence Awards 2026 under an “AI Revolution” theme.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Talks: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Sri Lanka from Sept 8–10, leading a high-level delegation for consultations with Sri Lankan leadership and meetings with the Indian diaspora in Colombo, with defence and maritime cooperation expected to be central. Constitution & Anti-Corruption Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the 22nd Amendment will be approved soon after the Supreme Court communicates its determination, arguing it is needed to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and clear long court backlogs. Hardline Anti-Fraud Message: JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva told a rally that anyone found guilty of misappropriating public funds must go to prison, regardless of political ties. EV Number Plate Confusion: A new green EV number plate has triggered traffic-police questioning in Weliweriya, with calls for police stations to be promptly informed about the change. Security Update (Jaffna): Police recovered about 2,200 rounds of T-56 ammunition from an abandoned well in Jaffna’s Antonypuram/Palaly area, with disposal steps to follow court orders. Weather Advisory: An amber lightning advisory is in effect until 11:30pm for parts of Uva and Eastern provinces plus Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu, warning of severe thunderstorms and strong winds. Digital Economy Focus: Government says it will keep SLT-Mobitel as a strategic state asset to support Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, including digital identity and broadband expansion. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage made history by winning the Diamond League final in Brussels with an 89.04m throw.

Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win the Diamond League Final in men’s javelin in Brussels, taking the title with an 89.04m throw. Women’s Cricket: Sri Lanka Women take on Bangladesh Women in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 2026 in Dubai, with Sri Lanka sitting atop Group B after two wins. Tax Relief Push: The President’s Secretary, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, urged urgent steps to ease the PAYE tax burden and strengthen the Inland Revenue Department. Anti-Drug Operation: Pakistan, US and Sri Lankan agencies jointly busted an Afghan-linked drug network, seizing 671kg of meth across Karachi and Colombo ports. Politics and Accountability: Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said it’s unclear if Namal Rajapaksa’s remand in the Airbus graft case is political revenge, and said steps will be taken to secure bail. Public Safety: Sri Lanka’s Navy rescued stranded people off Thalaimannar and also reported drownings in the Nanu Oya canal. Local Economy Plan: Government plans to establish 250 king coconut villages by 2028 to boost rural jobs and target a larger share of the global king coconut market.

Water Security Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered authorities to fast-track the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project, restarted with Rs. 5 billion in the 2026 Budget and targeted for completion by 2029–2030. Public Safety & Crime: Police arrested a suspect over a Kollupitiya shooting that injured two people, while the Illegal Assets Investigation Division froze property worth over Rs. 15 million linked to alleged drug trafficking via EZ Cash. Coastal Cleanup: The Environment Minister says removal of unauthorized constructions along Colombo’s coastal belt will begin this month, from Galle Face to the Bolgoda River, with plans to redevelop the area for tourism. El Niño Impact: Dry weather linked to El Niño has affected 115,534 people across seven districts, with drinking water being supplied to more than 113,000. Education Policy: The Education Ministry banned alcohol and drugs at any school-logo events, empowering officials to stop such activities immediately. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando were ruled out of England’s T20I tour due to injuries, with no replacements named.

Dry Weather Impact: Sri Lanka’s Disaster Relief Centre says 115,534 people across 35,149 families in seven districts are affected by dry conditions, with drinking water being supplied to 34,608 people; Meteorology expects rain in coming days, with heavy rain and flooding possible after the second week of October. Fuel Access: Ceylon Petroleum Corporation says the QR-code fuel distribution programme will continue amid the Middle East situation. El Niño Crop Losses: The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board reports damage to about 8,000–8,500 acres, with compensation payments starting in Polonnaruwa and to finish in other districts before Sept 15; about Rs. 3 billion has been allocated. Politics & Anti-Graft: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has been remanded until Sept 18 at Colombo Remand Prison after arrest by CIABOC over an alleged Rs. 100 million Airbus-related bribe. Digital IDs: Sri Lanka plans to issue its first production digital identities next quarter via the SL-UDI platform, starting with e-NICs for 16-year-olds and expanding through pilots. Energy Warning: Norochcholai’s coal shortage has forced generation cuts, raising questions over planning as reserves reportedly ran low. Sports: England named Aneurin Donald for T20Is vs Sri Lanka, while Brydon Carse was left out of the Sri Lanka white-ball squad amid off-field investigations.

Airbus Graft Probe: Sri Lanka’s anti-graft commission has arrested opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa over an alleged Rs. 100 million bribe tied to SriLankan Airlines’ Airbus aircraft purchase, with the Colombo Chief Magistrate remanding him until September 18; CIABOC says EUR 1.45m was deposited in a Singapore account and USD 800,000 later transferred to another Singapore firm linked to a businessman, while Rajapaksa denies wrongdoing. Anti-Corruption Court Moves: Former minister Johnston Fernando was also arrested in a separate CIABOC case over alleged procurement irregularities involving chairs for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Auditorium, and was released on bail after appearing in court. Sports—England Tour Update: Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando have been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s T20I series against England due to rehabilitation from injuries, with Charith Asalanka set to lead the T20Is. Cricket—Duleep Trophy: Devdutt Padikkal and Mohammed Siraj were added to South Zone for the Duleep Trophy final in Chennai, while India’s U-19 legspinner Rohit Yadav received a two-year ban for age fraud. Market Watch: Colombo’s main share indices rose for a third straight session, led by communication and healthcare stocks. Disaster Response: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood search and rescue continued on the 10th day, with Nepal reporting thousands still missing.

Judicial Reform Protest: Hundreds of opposition MPs, lawyers and activists rallied in Colombo against proposed judicial reform under the 22nd Amendment, warning it could undermine judicial independence. IMF Watch: An IMF staff team will visit Sri Lanka from Sept 10–23 for talks on the Seventh Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the 2026 Article IV consultation. Human Rights Update: The UN Human Rights Council will receive Sri Lanka’s latest human rights report on Sept 7, urging stronger accountability and institutional reforms. Anti-Corruption Case: MP Namal Rajapaksa is set to appear before CIABOC today after being summoned over alleged bribery linked to SriLankan Airlines’ wide-body aircraft fleet. Police Upgrade Plans: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said steps will be taken to make the Sri Lanka Police more respected, including a promotion scheme, new uniforms, risk allowances and recruitment. Local Crime: Police are investigating a shooting at a housing complex in Kollupitiya early today; two people were injured. Finance & Markets: Colombo bourse rebounded as T-bill yields eased; ASPI rose 0.33% with foreign inflows. Insurance & Banking Deals: HNB Life and Pan Asia Bank signed an MoU to expand insurance reach; UNDP and Visa launched a financial inclusion pilot for estate women and youth. Business/Tech: Commercial Bank showcased an open digital architecture deployment at DTW Ignite 2026.

Judicial Reform Pushback: Opposition lawmakers, lawyers and rights groups protested in Colombo against Sri Lanka’s proposed judicial reform that would raise top judges’ retirement age and expand the number of judges, arguing it could undermine judicial independence. Court Case Timing: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka told the Supreme Court it will not file post-hearing written submissions in its special determination applications, citing the court’s refusal to grant an oral right of reply. New Court Appointment: Sajeewani Dilka Lakmali Karunannayake was sworn in as a Court of Appeal judge to fill a vacancy. Education Admissions Update: Parents of Grade 5 Scholarship candidates were told they must wait for further instructions on the online Grade 6 admissions process for 2027. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Polonnaruwa Railway Station reopened after a Rs. 35 million upgrade under the “Dream Destination” programme. Ports & India Ties: Sri Lanka and India moved to finalise an MoU for the Kankesanthurai Port development, including plans for joint monitoring and technical oversight. Power Safety Warning: The National System Operator urged the public to avoid flying kites near 220 kV and 132 kV lines after kite-related outages caused trips and brief supply interruptions. Economy Watch: Sri Lanka stocks closed slightly higher on Thursday, with ASPI up 0.20% and materials stocks leading.