AGP Executive Report

Power Failure: A preliminary report says the October 17 blackout began when a 187-megawatt unit at Norochcholai disconnected; the grid collapsed within 4.1 seconds despite emergency safeguards. Agriculture: Sri Lanka has launched a US$665 million modernization programme, aiming to connect 900,000 farmers to value chains by 2030 and attract further private investment. Economy: Annual inflation rose to 8.3% in October, up from 8% in September; tourism earnings also fell 9.2% in the first nine months of the year. Security Laws: UN officials have urged changes to the proposed anti-terrorism bill, while petitions challenging a separate organised-crime bill argue it threatens fair-trial rights and judicial independence. Cricket: Sri Lanka face Pakistan in Lahore today for the ODI tri-series title, after booking their place with a dominant win over the hosts earlier in the tournament. Maritime Ties: An Indian naval squadron completed training engagements and an exercise with the Sri Lankan Navy near Colombo, aimed at improving coordination.

Air Quality: NBRO says air quality has worsened in several districts, including Jaffna, Kandy and Anuradhapura, as winds carry pollution from southern India. Elections: The certified 2026 voters’ register lists 17.64 million eligible voters. Colombo and Gampaha gain a parliamentary seat each, while Jaffna and Badulla lose one. Police Accountability: Three officers have been suspended after a burglary suspect died in Kobeigane custody; five civilians accused of assaulting him have also been arrested. Anti-Corruption: CIABOC is asking the Colombo High Court to overturn bail for three suspects, including Rakitha Rajapaksa, in a case involving an alleged Rs. 120 million bribe. Tax: A TIN will be required for banking and financial transactions from November 2, the Inland Revenue Department says. Cricket: Sri Lanka face Pakistan in the tri-series final in Lahore on Saturday, seeking another win over the hosts after storming into the final.

Rights and Security: The UN human rights office warns that Sri Lanka’s proposed anti-terrorism bill retains broad offences and could threaten journalists, civil society and protected expression. Household Costs: Bread and bakery prices rise by Rs. 5 from midnight; meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Authority is considering legal action over a months-long LAUGFS Gas shortage. Police Oversight: The Homagama police custodial-death case deepens, with reports of three broken ribs and brain bleeding; the crime branch OIC has been remanded. Investigators are also gathering Department of Motor Traffic data over suspected irregularities. Climate and Work: The ILO says heat stress could cut Sri Lanka’s working time by the equivalent of 145,000 full-time jobs by 2040. Cricket: Sri Lanka lost to England by 55 runs despite Pavan Rathnayake’s 118, and will meet Pakistan in Saturday’s tri-series final.

Cricket: Sri Lanka lost by 55 runs to England in Lahore despite Pavan Rathnayake’s 118 and Kusal Mendis’s 89. They had already qualified to face Pakistan in Saturday’s tri-series final. Police Accountability: A medical report found three broken ribs and brain bleeding in the suspect who died in Homagama Police custody. Police say an alleged assault is under investigation. Overseas Jobs: From January 2027, Sri Lankan workers heading to Israel will be recruited only through a government-to-government programme. The SLBFE warns jobseekers not to pay agencies or individuals promising placements. Public Services: A shortage of plastic cards has left about one million NICs awaiting issue, while more than 6.5 million driving licences remain unprinted. University teachers also plan a one-day strike on Friday. Civil Liberties: Human Rights Watch warns the proposed organised-crime law could enable rights abuses, adding to concerns over safeguards in the bill.

Rights and Policing: Human Rights Watch warns Sri Lanka’s proposed organised-crime law could enable arbitrary detention and other abuses. A Homagama police chief has been suspended after a suspect died in custody, as investigations continue. Budget and Reform: The Government plans Rs. 2 trillion in capital spending in 2027, but key reform bills, including the SOE Act, are delayed at the Legal Draftsman’s Department. The Deputy Finance Minister says no decision has been made on a property tax. Exports: Apparel shipments rose in September, but earnings for the first nine months remain about US$210 million below last year’s level. Wildlife: Residents in Mahiyangana face growing danger from a herd of more than 100 elephants, while environmentalists demand an investigation into the death of tusker Kawantissa. Colombo and Flood Protection: Rs. 2.5 billion has been allocated to clean up Beira Lake; Japan has also approved a Rs. 4.56 billion grant for flood-control works in Wattala and Peliyagoda. Health: Doctors warn that rising mosquito breeding could bring a dengue surge as monsoon rains set in. Cricket: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets to reach the tri-series final, with Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets.

Cricket: Sri Lanka crushed Pakistan by eight wickets to reach the ODI tri-series final. Dilshan Madushanka took a career-best 5 for 34, while Kamindu Mendis made an unbeaten 62. Police Accountability: A former Homagama police crimes chief was arrested over a suspect’s death in custody; three officers have been suspended. Aviation: SriLankan Airlines’ London flight aborted take-off after a bird strike damaged an engine. All passengers and crew were safe, and a replacement aircraft departed later. Drug Seizure: Customs seized parcels containing drugs worth more than Rs. 60 million at Colombo’s Central Mail Exchange. Land Dispute: Tamil cattle farmers in the east say they are being driven from grazing land and report thousands of cattle killed; the government denies forcibly removing residents. Tourism and Markets: The government discussed growing tourism while protecting forests, targeting five million visitors and US$10 billion in revenue by 2030. Colombo shares rose 1.41%, bringing the ASPI close to 20,000.

Politics and Justice: Namal Rajapaksa remains in remand custody over alleged money laundering and a Rs. 100 million bribe linked to the Airbus deal; a court ordered him produced on November 19. The government is also considering supervised home confinement to ease prison overcrowding. Economy: Sri Lanka’s exports reached a record $13.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026, while the Central Bank expects inflation to stay around 8% or higher into early 2027 before easing. Environment: More than a million tonnes of lead slag and thousands of tonnes of battery acid are raising pollution and health concerns. Authorities also arrested a landowner after two elephants were allegedly electrocuted by an unprotected wire. Cricket: Sri Lanka crushed Pakistan by eight wickets to reach the ODI tri-series final, with Dilshan Madushanka taking five wickets. Foreign Relations: Sri Lanka and Türkiye signed agreements to deepen agricultural cooperation and expand air links, while talks also focused on jobs and protections for Sri Lankan workers.

Cricket: Sri Lanka stormed into the Pakistan ODI tri-series final with an eight-wicket win, as Dilshan Madushanka’s career-best 5-34 bowled Pakistan out for 110. Pathum Nissanka has also been ruled out of the upcoming Pakistan Test series, with Lahiru Udara named as his replacement. Weather and Safety: Heavy rain has triggered landslide alerts, school closures and flooding, affecting more than 10,000 people. Three fishermen are missing off Mullaitivu, and an Air Force helicopter is due to join the search as rough seas hamper rescue efforts. Parliament: A debate on the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Speaker is set for November 3, after the SJB urged him to resign or face the allegations. Economy: Cabinet approved a US$100 million ADB loan for recovery and inclusive growth, and a proposed US$60 million OPEC Fund loan for the Mahaweli water security project. Rights: Amnesty International has called for the proposed Organised Crime Bill to be withdrawn, warning that it grants sweeping powers to authorities and threatens basic rights.

Severe Weather: Cyclone Arnab is bringing heavy rain, floods and strong winds to Sri Lanka, with more than 12,000 people affected and one death reported. Schools are closed nationwide; authorities warn of flooding and rough seas. Flood-hit O/L students in Sabaragamuwa can arrange new dates for missed practical exams. Fishing Safety: India has allowed about 25 Sri Lankan fishing boats to shelter in its waters as the storm threatens the Bay of Bengal. Exports: Earnings from goods and services rose 5% to US$13.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026. September exports hit a monthly record of US$1.69 billion. Rule of Law: The Supreme Court overturned a prison-sentence remission granted by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, ruling it violated equal-protection rights. Cricket: Pathum Nissanka will miss Sri Lanka’s two-Test series against Pakistan with a hamstring injury; Lahiru Udara replaces him. Tourism: Edelweiss Air has resumed three weekly winter flights to Colombo, while British Airways has restarted direct UK services.

Severe Weather: Heavy rain has affected more than 10,500 people and left one person dead, with flood warnings issued for several river basins and schools closed nationwide tomorrow. Cyclone Arnab is strengthening over the Bay of Bengal, prompting warnings for dangerous seas; it is forecast to make landfall in India. Police Accountability: Three Homagama officers have been suspended after a suspect died in custody, and the Public Security Minister has ordered an independent investigation. Courts: The Supreme Court released former minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three others on bail over unpaid compensation in a substandard-medicine case, while imposing a travel ban. Wildlife: A tour guide died after being trampled by a temple elephant at Kande Viharaya; the government is also considering a Tri-Services role in protecting wild elephants. Economy: Sri Lanka’s exports rose 5% to US$13.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026. Cricket: Sri Lanka’s historic 430-run chase against England remains a highlight of the week; opener Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming Pakistan Test series with a hamstring injury.

Severe Weather: A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to bring heavy rain, with falls above 100mm possible in several provinces. Flood and landslide warnings are in place as river levels rise and reservoir gates open. Iranian Sailors: Sri Lanka has repatriated 40 Iranian sailors after rescuing them from a distressed vessel off Galle and providing medical care. Courts: The Supreme Court imposed travel bans on former minister Keheliya Rambukwella and three others over unpaid compensation in a substandard-medicines case; Rambukwella has paid Rs. 20 million of the Rs. 75 million ordered. Accident: Thirteen children were injured when a bus struck a train near Koggala; the bus is to be inspected, and its driver and assistant are due in court. Cost of Living: Lanka IOC and Sinopec raised Octane 95 petrol by Rs. 20 to Rs. 495 a litre. Litro says 700,000 gas cylinders will be distributed by October 27. Regional Security: A US Navy warship has made its second Colombo visit this year, while Sri Lanka’s navy has sent a ship to India for the first BIMSTEC maritime security exercise.

Humanitarian Rescue: Sri Lanka brought 40 Iranian sailors ashore from vessels off Galle for medical treatment and repatriated them, amid questions over the ships’ links to US sanctions. Wildlife Protection: The government plans a joint military and wildlife operation to protect elephants and tuskers, with a coordination centre at Army headquarters and teams targeting killings and other wildlife crimes. Severe Weather: A Bay of Bengal system is expected to intensify, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to parts of the island, though no direct impact is forecast. Drug Seizure: Authorities seized more than 560kg of narcotics in a southern coastal operation, valued at about Rs. 11.8 billion. Cricket: Earlier in the week, Sri Lanka pulled off a historic ODI chase, overhauling England’s 430 in Rawalpindi despite Harry Brook’s record-breaking double century.

Maritime: Twenty-seven crew members from Iranian oil tankers anchored off Sri Lanka’s southern coast were brought ashore after falling ill; one was transferred to a Colombo hospital. Drug Enforcement: The Navy and Coast Guard seized more than 561kg of heroin and methamphetamine off Matara, worth an estimated Rs. 11.8 billion. The Navy says seizures over the past year total more than Rs. 109 billion. Public Services: The government has ordered state institutions to fix security flaws in PHP-built websites and applications, warning of risks including data theft and disruption. Economy and Energy: A parliamentary report puts losses linked to inferior coal at Rs. 15.7 billion, with a further Rs. 2.3 billion paid in emergency procurement premiums. The government is also considering closing or merging 34 state-owned enterprises. Cricket: Sri Lanka stunned England with a record-breaking chase of 430 in Rawalpindi, winning by two wickets with one ball to spare. Wildlife: Teams are treating a sick elephant in Ampara amid flooding, as renewed concern grows over threats to the country’s elephants.

Severe Weather: A red warning urges naval and fishing communities to avoid deep-sea areas as a Bay of Bengal system is forecast to strengthen into a cyclone. Road Accident: One soldier was killed and 11 injured when an Army vehicle crashed into a tree on the Mannar–Talaimannar road. Child Safety: A 12-year-old schoolboy died in a crocodile attack at Wambatuwewa, the second child killed at the lake. Drug Seizure: The Navy and Coast Guard recovered 561.7kg of heroin and ice, valued at more than Rs. 11.8 billion, near Matara. Cricket: Pakistan named a reshaped squad for November’s two Tests against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam as captain and three uncapped batters included. Sri Lanka also made headlines by chasing 430 to beat England in a record-breaking ODI victory. Wildlife: The fatal shooting of tusker Kavantissa has renewed calls for stronger elephant protection.

Historic Cricket: Sri Lanka chased down England’s 429 to win by two wickets in Rawalpindi, completing the second-highest successful run chase in men’s ODI history despite Harry Brook’s record 202. Weather & Travel: A Bay of Bengal system could strengthen into a cyclone by Monday. It is not expected to hit Sri Lanka directly, but heavy rain and strong winds are forecast; train services between Rambukkana, Peradeniya and Gampola are suspended for two days after a landslide. Drug Probe: The Navy and Coast Guard recovered 10 sacks and 11 travel bags of suspected narcotics from Thalalla beach in Matara. Suspects reportedly fled, and investigations are underway. Investment Plans: Sri Lanka plans 18 industrial zones to attract manufacturers, while President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the economy must be better prepared for global shocks. Prisoners: The government says 1,454 people are jailed because they cannot pay fines and will consider proposals from organisations to sponsor eligible prisoners’ release. Wildlife: A joint military-wildlife centre and specialist teams are planned to protect elephants and tackle killings and other wildlife crimes.

Power Supply: Sri Lanka has ended power rationing after recent supply disruptions. Cricket: Sri Lanka pulled off a historic two-wicket win over England, chasing 430 with one ball to spare. Pavan Rathnayake’s 130 and Dasun Shanaka’s 97 helped overshadow Harry Brook’s record 202. Para Games: Sri Lankan athletes won gold and silver in athletics at the Asian Para Games: Puwakpitikande took the men’s 1,500m T46 title, while Indika Gamage claimed silver in the men’s 100m T4. Public Spending: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says 34 state institutions will close as the government seeks to cut expenditure. Wildlife: Teams including wildlife officers, vets, the Army and police are working to treat a sick elephant in Samanthurai, despite flooding hampering the operation. Markets: Colombo shares fell for a fifth straight session on Friday, leaving the index down 2.52% for the week.