AGP Executive Report

Constitutional Showdown: Sri Lanka’s 22nd Amendment faces a fresh legal push as 67 Special Determination petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court, to be heard today by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena. Digital Payments & FinTech: Sri Lanka is positioning itself for the global FinTech map, with an inaugural Sri Lanka FinTech Festival set for 2-3 November and GovPay crossing Rs. 5 billion in transactions as adoption grows. Trade & Crime Controls: A court order directs the FCID to probe whether imports were shipped to Sri Lanka against large advance payments remitted by banks, in a case involving alleged phantom exports. Economy & Markets: The CSE snapped a three-month losing streak in August, with ASPI up 0.99% and S&P SL20 up 1.17%. Tourism & Connectivity: Sri Lanka is being marketed as a budget-friendly October destination for Indians, while Jetstar’s inaugural direct Melbourne-Colombo route is drawing Australian creators to the island. Sports: Sri Lanka’s Women’s Champions Trophy hosting rights are reported to have been stripped amid an ICC governance dispute, with India among frontrunners to host.

Constitutional Showdown: A five-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment on 1 September, with Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena presiding. Anti-Corruption Case: Ex-finance minister Ravi Karunanayake was arrested by CIABOC and released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, with conditions including a travel ban. Cost of Living: Sri Lanka’s Colombo CPI rose 8% year-on-year in August, driven mainly by food inflation, while bread prices are set to increase by Rs. 10 from midnight. Economy & Trade: Exports in July slipped 1.3% to US$1.29bn, hit by weaker apparel and tea demand, but overall export earnings for Jan–July reached US$10.49bn. Markets: The Colombo Stock Exchange closed slightly higher, with capital goods leading turnover. Drought Watch: NWSDB says water supply is mostly unaffected, but Monaragala and Batticaloa face limited restrictions and controlled interruptions. Public Safety: Customs says it exceeded its August revenue target, while police report a major “Ice” haul of over 440kg seized at Colombo Port. Environment & Tourism: Horton Plains plans daily visitor limits and EV shuttles to cut emissions and protect the UNESCO site. Sports & Society: Firearm licence renewals for 2027 open 1 September; Sri Lanka’s model Chula Padmendra Kumarapathirana has died at 46.

ICC & Governance: Sri Lanka has lost hosting rights for the inaugural 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy, with the ICC citing government interference in Sri Lanka Cricket and moving the event to another country, likely India, with the venue to be confirmed at an October ICC board meeting. Women’s Cricket: Deepti Sharma made history in the Women’s Asia Cup opener, becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s T20Is and taking 3/0 as India beat Thailand by 94 runs. Ports & Trade: Colombo Port jumped into Alphaliner’s global Top 20, handling 4.44m TEUs in H1 2026 (+11.9% YoY), as SLPA points to major port investments ahead. Tourism Push: The Tourism Ministry will launch a 2026–2030 strategy and global promotional roadmap today, as arrivals and earnings show signs of slowing and the 2.7m target faces pressure. Public Health & Courts: Schools will run dengue control programmes; meanwhile, an investigation is underway over cracks in judges’ chambers at the Colombo High Court, and Cabinet approved remote witness testimony in civil cases. Energy & Business: Cabinet cleared a $12.5m smart-meter rollout (300,000 meters) and President ordered faster company registrations to clear a backlog of about 3,000 applications.

ICC Women’s Champions Trophy: Sri Lanka has lost the 2027 Women’s Champions Trophy hosting rights, with the six-team event moved out of the country and likely headed to India, after ICC concerns over governance and the SLC Transformation Committee. Constitutional Reform: Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara says the government will press ahead with the 22nd Amendment, including extending judges’ retirement age, rejecting claims it targets one individual. Public Safety: Police warned the public against excessive loudspeaker use, citing health risks and possible legal action, with strict limits on when amplification is allowed. Urban Development: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake ordered the Anuradhapura Sacred City plan to be reviewed, expanded to Rs. 6.5 billion with Indian support, and pushed to start this year, including traffic controls and greener transport. Environment: The Environment Ministry urged people to move away from single-use plastic bottles, pointing to long-lasting pollution and a government circular limiting their use in state institutions. Tourism Boost: 200 Japanese tourists departed for Sri Lanka on a single flight, with plans to visit major sites like Sigiriya. Disaster Response: Sri Lanka will send disaster relief teams to flood-hit Nepal and is preparing US$1 million in assistance. Local Crime: Police arrested a man with 400 medicine tablets allegedly meant for illegal sale, and also detained suspects linked to a Katana assault and killing.

Underworld Crackdown: Sri Lanka’s CCIB says “Welle Saranga” (Lalith Kannangara) was arrested in Dubai, with reports of cocaine and “ice” found, though officials say they’re still awaiting formal notification. Port City Crime: Two suspects in the abduction and murder of a Chinese national at Colombo Port City were placed under 24-hour detention as police continue hunting a third suspect. Public Safety & Transport: SLTB launched special buses for Colombo-bound travellers after the long weekend and warned of strict action against drug-using bus drivers; the railway also added an Anuradhapura–Matara special train. Weather Watch: The Meteorology Department warns of showers and possible thundershowers in parts of the east and south, plus strong winds and lightning risk in several regions. Fisheries & Climate: Research is underway on how El Niño could affect Sri Lanka’s ocean and fish stocks, while authorities say recent fish price rises are not due to El Niño. Business Climate: Cabinet approval moves to create a National Business Facilitation Centre to cut fragmented investment red tape and speed up approvals. Asia Cup Start: Sri Lanka began their title defence with a nine-wicket win over UAE, led by debutant Vimukthi and Mithali Ayodhya’s early breakthroughs.

Police Action: Sri Lanka Police opened fire at a car linked to the alleged abduction of a 26-year-old woman at a Narahenpita checkpoint; the driver fled after abandoning the vehicle and the woman was rescued, with a special operation underway. Weather & Safety: A Meteorology Department warning says high waves and possible seawater inundation may affect nearshore areas from Beruwala to Matara via Galle, with wave heights of 2–3 metres; coastal residents and fishing communities were told to stay vigilant. Drought & Water: Groundwater levels are falling seasonally in dry-zone areas, with sharp drops reported in Kalpitiya and the Jaffna Peninsula; meanwhile a groundwater extraction programme is underway in Monaragala to rehabilitate tube wells and boost drinking water supply. Health: Dengue control programmes are being rolled out in all schools before the new term as cases rise to 95,035 and deaths reach 72. Governance & Economy: Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake again failed to appear before CIABOC over alleged irregular recruitment linked to the National Lotteries Board, prompting legal action. Environment: Nearly 1,500 hectares in Nuwara Eliya, including key water-source areas, will be declared protected zones via Gazette notification. Digital ID: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa says Digital ID deadlines have passed again and demands clear delivery timelines. Social Media Abuse: Police moved to deactivate Facebook accounts and groups abusing women and children, arresting a 21-year-old suspect in Beliatta. Sports (Sri Lanka-India): Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha’s 133* helped force a draw in the Colombo Test, denying India a clean sweep.

Water Crisis: Reservoir water levels have fallen to 34.7%, with dry weather hitting Batticaloa, Monaragala and other districts; the National Water Supply and Drainage Board says groundwater extraction via about 60 tube wells is underway, while drinking water is being provided to over 75,000 people across seven districts. Labour Law Overhaul: A 17-member committee has been appointed to amend Sri Lanka’s labour laws, with the Labour Ministry Secretary chairing and preliminary drafts already shared with trade unions for broad discussions. Drug Deaths: Health experts say substance abuse is driving 80–100 deaths daily, with smoking flagged as a major contributor and “Ratama Ekata” urging prevention and awareness. Violence Update: Police report three separate murders across Tangalle, Anuradhapura and Galle, with suspects arrested in each case. Cricket & WTC Talk: India’s Colombo Test draw keeps WTC hopes tight; former India batter Mohammad Kaif says India lacked the intensity Kohli might have brought, as Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 helped Sri Lanka salvage the match. Port City Case: Two more Chinese nationals wanted over the Colombo Port City abduction and murder have been arrested in Sigiriya by the Colombo Crimes Division and are being questioned.

Drug & Alcohol Crisis: A Sri Lankan academic says substance use is driving 80–100 deaths a day, pointing to smoking as the biggest cause and warning illicit drug use often starts with legal substances. Child Online Safety: A psychiatrist warns Sri Lanka’s digital shift is exposing children to gaming addiction, cyberbullying and early gambling content, urging stronger protections. Housing & Rights: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handed over title deeds for 165 families under India’s housing project and pledged a Central Highlands Protection Authority, while promising stronger safeguards for estate communities in future plantation agreements. Governance & Courts: CIABOC says preliminary investigations into former Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara are complete, with further court updates set for December 18; separate reports say properties worth over Rs. 70m linked to a drug suspect were temporarily suspended. Economy & Trade: Colombo’s port climbed to 20th globally in container rankings, and the CSE ended higher as foreign buying returned. Sports (SL-IND): India won the series 1-0, but Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 forced a draw, with coach Kirsten urging harder, more seam-friendly pitches.

Colombo Test Fallout: Sri Lanka pulled off a historic follow-on escape against India at SSC, surviving 154 overs after Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133 and a 429/9 declaration; India won the series 1-0 but missed a clean sweep as rain and a stubborn pitch blunted their push. Player Spotlight: Dinusha’s four-innings haul of three hundreds and a fifty has turned him into a global talking point, while Devdutt Padikkal said the Player of the Series felt “mixed” because a win slipped away. Legal & Governance: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka warned the proposed 22nd Amendment could threaten judicial independence, urging the Supreme Court to address constitutionality concerns. Trade & Markets: Sri Lanka plans to reapply for EU GSP+ by end-2028, aiming to meet human rights, labour, governance and environmental requirements. Public Services: The Police Clearance Certificate online system is back after a failure on Aug 20; affected applicants must reapply and fees will be refunded. Disaster Aid: Sri Lanka pledged US$1 million to Nepal after floods and landslides, expressing solidarity and offering search and medical support. Weather: Showers and strong winds are expected in several provinces, with lightning precautions advised.

Constitutional Showdown: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) urged “responsible scrutiny” of the proposed 22nd Amendment, saying it threatens judicial independence and has already been challenged at the Supreme Court, amid claims the move is being rushed to extend the Chief Justice’s tenure. Cricket (Colombo Test): Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning follow-on escape to draw the second Test with India after Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 133, denying India a 2-0 sweep; India still won the series 1-0, while Dinusha’s twin centuries kept Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship points alive. WTC Impact: The draw left India fifth in the WTC standings with a points percentage drop to 51.52, while Sri Lanka sit sixth. Energy Push: Sri Lanka opened the 2026 offshore licensing round for four Mannar Basin blocks, inviting international firms to bid for exploration. Weather & Heat: A heat advisory was issued for eight districts, and officials warned of attention-level heat index conditions alongside showers in parts of the island. Nepal Floods Link: Sri Lanka’s President expressed solidarity with Nepal as flood deaths rose and reports said no Sri Lankan nationals were among missing foreigners.

IND vs SL, 2nd Test Day 5: India starts the final day at SSC needing four wickets to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings and push for a 2-0 series sweep, but rain remains a real threat in Colombo with showers and heavy cloud expected through the day. Cricket Pressure & Rain Drama: Sri Lanka, forced to follow on, fought back to 229/6 at stumps on Day 4 thanks to Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92) and Kamindu Mendis (55), setting up a tense finish if play continues. Wildlife & Medicinal Plants: Sri Lanka marks World Wildlife Day 2026 amid concerns that medicinal and aromatic plants are still being over-exploited, raising questions about whether current wildlife laws and enforcement are strong enough to stop threatened species being depleted. Railways & Social Media: Sri Lanka Railways has banned staff from using social media during duty hours and from sharing sensitive railway operation information online. Cyber Crackdown on Exploitation: Authorities also moved against exploitative social media groups allegedly trading intimate images without consent, spotlighting privacy and online safety risks. Economy Update: Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says Sri Lanka’s economy has recovered to near pre-crisis size, with growth expected close to 5% this year. Constitutional Amendment Debate: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake defended the proposed 22nd Amendment, saying it aims to speed up justice and improve public confidence in the legal system.

Colombo Test Update: India kept pressure on Sri Lanka after enforcing the follow-on, taking six wickets to leave the hosts 229/6 at stumps on Day 4, still leading by 16 runs with Sonal Dinusha (7) and Keshara Nuwantha (3) unbeaten as rain ended play early. Key Fightback: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92) and Kamindu Mendis (55) stitched a 115-run third-wicket stand to pull Sri Lanka back from 63/2, but India struck late to break the momentum. No-ball Woes: India’s spinners again drew criticism after overstepping, with spin coach Sairaj Bahutule even suggesting free-hits in Tests to curb no-balls. ICC Rankings: Mitchell Starc climbed to No.1 in ICC men’s Test bowling rankings for the first time, while Rishabh Pant rose to seventh among batters. Tourism Boost: Jetstar launched direct Melbourne–Colombo flights, with three services weekly, aiming to lift Australian and New Zealand visitor arrivals. Finance & Banking: Chandana Guniyangoda assumed duties as new Chairman of People’s Bank, as governance reforms under IMF-backed changes continue. Environment: Yala National Park blocks 1 and 2 will be temporarily closed from Sept 14 to Oct 15 due to drought conditions.

Colombo Test Update: Rain and bad light threatened Day 4 as Sri Lanka closed Day 3 on 265/8, led by Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten 85 and Pasindu Sooriyabandara’s 80, leaving India still 238 runs ahead and Sri Lanka needing 38 to avoid the follow-on. Cricket Discipline & Injuries: India’s Rishabh Pant is “badly bruised” with restricted mobility after a shoulder hit, while Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya was sanctioned by the ICC for a Code of Conduct breach. Women’s Cricket: Dewmi Vihanga was ruled out of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a knee injury; Nimasha Meepage named replacement. Energy & Trade: Sri Lanka launched a bid round for four offshore oil and gas blocks in the Mannar basin, as Iranian-flagged tankers reportedly idle off Galle amid US blockade disruption. Economy & Policy: HNB Finance appointed Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe as Chairman from 28 August; Sri Lanka also faces an inflation target review expected late 2026. Payments & Retail: Dialog Pay partnered with Cool Planet to enable secure LankaQR payments with added data rewards.

ICC Sanction Watch: Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was officially reprimanded and given a demerit point after smacking the “boundary wedges” with his bat following dismissal in the Colombo Test vs India—his first offence in 24 months, and the third ICC punishment from the match after Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando. Test Match Update: Sri Lanka closed Day 3 at 265/8, still 238 runs behind India’s 503/9 declared, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 85 as rain and bad light cut play early; Day 4 faces a serious rain threat. Asia Cup Squad Blow: Dewmi Vihanga is ruled out of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup with a right knee injury; Nimasha Meepage is named replacement. Energy & Investment: Sri Lanka has opened an offshore oil and gas licensing round, offering four exploration blocks in the Mannar Basin to international bidders, aiming to restart stalled petroleum exploration. Diplomacy: US Ambassador Eric Meyer presented credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, pledging deeper economic and security cooperation under a “free, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.” Health Services: Sri Lanka will expand free heart and thoracic surgery services at KDU Teaching Hospital to reduce waiting times at the National Hospital.

Water Supply Disruption: Sri Lanka’s NWSDB temporarily suspended water to parts of Colombo and Gampaha after an emergency affecting Kelani River intake water quality, with restoration expected within hours for areas near treatment plants, though full return for Battaramulla, Kotte, Nawala and Nugegoda may take longer. Tax Reform Debate: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned rice imports despite claimed surplus and criticised the guaranteed paddy price, while separate analysis argues Sri Lanka’s tax base push must focus on keeping compliant taxpayers active, not just registering new ones. Forex Pressure: Commentary warns Sri Lanka must shift from managing foreign exchange to creating it, stressing that modernisation without fully implementing the Economic Transformation Act may not prevent the next forex crisis. VAT Reality Check: VAT data shows registrations surged but revenue gains lag, with imports driving much of the VAT windfall—pointing to a compliance gap needing fixes. Legal & Governance: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka asked the Chief Justice to recuse over petitions challenging the 22nd Amendment on judges’ retirement age. Human Rights: Sri Lankan police allegedly harassed Socialist Equality Party members campaigning at Jaffna University for the release of Ukrainian activist Bogdan Syrotiuk. Cricket (Colombo Test): Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 115 helped India declare on 503/9, then restricted Sri Lanka to 8/2 before rain and bad light. Finance Sector: CBSL invited expressions of interest to appoint liquidators for failed licensed banks and finance companies. Business & Travel: Jetstar launched direct Melbourne–Colombo flights, and PR Wire won a regional workplace award.

Sri Lanka–India Test (Colombo): Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 115 as India declared 503/9 on Day 2, then reduced Sri Lanka to 8/2 in a rain-hit session, leaving the hosts 495 runs behind. Rishabh Pant returned after retiring hurt to make 63, and the Jurel-Pant stand (112) helped India seize control. ICC sanctions (Colombo Test): Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were fined 25% of match fees and given one demerit point each for “inappropriate physical contact” after a heated exchange on Day 1. Constitutional fight: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has filed a Supreme Court petition challenging the proposed 22nd Amendment, arguing it needs a referendum and threatens judicial independence. Public safety at Pettah: A CCTV-linked arrest was made after a bag theft at the Pettah bus stand, with the system operating under the “Clean Sri Lanka” project. Economy/markets: The Colombo Stock Exchange opened weaker, with indices closing lower amid selling pressure. Air cargo upgrade: Sri Lanka is moving to introduce an Air Cargo Community System, with a multi-agency feasibility study underway.