AGP Executive Report

Power Supply: Sri Lanka’s scheduled power cuts are expected to end today, with one Norochcholai generator set to add 300 megawatts to the grid. The CEB says cuts may still be needed depending on demand and available supply. Civil Liberties: The Supreme Court is hearing 25 petitions against the proposed anti-terrorism law, with petitioners warning it could expand arrest and search powers; Parliament says 36 petitions challenge the bill. Another 33 challenge the Sri Lanka Cricket Bill. Wildlife: Opposition MPs are seeking a parliamentary probe into tusker Kawantissa’s death, which a minister said was caused by gunshot wounds. The government has also appointed an expert committee to investigate. Drug Crackdown: Authorities say a year-long anti-narcotics campaign has led to more than 303,000 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs. Government Plans: The government says it will proceed with plans to make Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte the administrative capital, including discussions on relocating public institutions and embassies.

Power Supply: One-hour evening power cuts remain in force through October 21 if generation falls short, with the Norochcholai plant unavailable after the nationwide blackout. Cybersecurity: MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told Parliament hackers had taken control of SriLankan Airlines’ systems and staff emails; the claim has not been independently confirmed. Parliament: A no-confidence motion against the Speaker may be delayed after Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake said it contains sub judice matters and has been referred to the Attorney General. Local Government: The Central Province Governor suspended Pathahewaheta Pradeshiya Sabha operations, citing failures to use funds and deliver projects. Public Safety: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a Moratuwa restaurant owner; separately, the government says its year-long crime crackdown has led to more than 300,000 arrests and the seizure of over 2,500 firearms. Revenue: Sri Lanka Customs says it has exceeded its 2026 target, collecting a record Rs. 2,208 billion by October 13.

Power Supply: One-hour power cuts are set to continue across four zones for three days as the Norochcholai breakdown keeps 810 megawatts off the grid; one generator is expected back soon. Colombo Port: China Merchants, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Access Engineering have scrapped their planned $392 million logistics hub, ending the agreements early. The partners will recover about $29.8 million of their $37.1 million investment. Jobs: HSBC’s Sri Lankan service centre will close in phases from December, with operations moving overseas. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says the exit could affect 3,000 direct and 500 indirect jobs. Weather: Heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast across much of the island, with rainfall above 100mm possible in several provinces. Public Safety: Four people died and six were seriously injured when a cement mixer truck crashed into multiple vehicles in Akurana; an investigation is under way. Corruption Probe: A coordinating secretary to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been arrested after Rs. 1.8 million was found in a safe at his home; the Bribery Commission says he could not explain the funds.

Power Crisis: Sri Lanka’s grid failure has left the 900MW Norochcholai coal plant offline, prompting one-hour power cuts in four zones each evening for three days. Port Investment: China Merchants Port Holdings has withdrawn from a proposed $392 million Colombo Port logistics hub; the Ports Authority plans to seek a new partner through competitive bidding. Cost of Living: Poverty is projected at 15.8% in 2026, still about 37% above its 2019 level despite economic output recovering. Governance: The Anti-Corruption Amendment has become law, while the Bribery Commission arrested the private secretary to MP Namal Rajapaksa in an investigation linked to a safe found at his home. Wildlife: A presidential committee has 30 days to investigate tusker Kavanthissa’s death and recommend elephant-protection measures. Cricket: Sri Lanka lost its tri-series opener to Pakistan by 37 runs; both teams were also fined for slow over-rates. Health: The country’s first insulin plant, a Rs. 3 billion project in Galle, is expected to begin production in 2027.

Power and Weather: Sri Lanka may face limited power cuts after all three Norochcholai units broke down, removing about 900 megawatts from the grid. The plant is expected to remain offline for several days, as authorities investigate Saturday’s nationwide blackout. Heavy showers are forecast across much of the island, with falls above 75mm possible; severe weather has affected more than 7,600 people since September 19 and claimed eight lives. Wildlife: Five more suspects have been arrested in the investigation into the shooting of tusker Kavantissa, as officials probe possible organised wildlife killings. A joint Army and wildlife team is also searching for injured elephant Agbo. Tourism: Earnings reached US$2.245 billion in the first nine months of 2026, down from US$2.473 billion a year earlier, despite 1.69 million arrivals. Cricket: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the tri-series opener; Salman Ali Agha scored 107, while Sri Lanka’s late collapse followed a 119-run stand. Media Rights: The Free Media Movement has asked the Supreme Court to review the proposed anti-terrorism bill, warning its broad provisions could threaten journalists and investigative reporting.

Power Crisis: Sri Lanka has ordered a formal investigation into the islandwide blackout, with findings due within a month. Norochcholai will remain offline for several days, cutting 810MW from the grid as officials manage supply. Wildlife: A man has been arrested over the shooting of tusker Kavantissa, while authorities investigate whether an organised network is behind elephant killings. Cricket: Sri Lanka lost the tri-series opener to Pakistan by 37 runs in Rawalpindi. Salman Ali Agha hit 107 as Pakistan made 305; Pavan Rathnayake’s 79 and Janith Liyanage’s 60 helped Sri Lanka reach 268. Drug Trafficking: Indian authorities seized 137kg of suspected methamphetamine in Tamil Nadu, allegedly bound for Sri Lanka, and arrested four people. Road Safety: More than 2,100 people have died in road accidents in Sri Lanka so far this year, with officials urging motorists to avoid speeding and follow traffic rules. Cancer Care: A medical specialist has called for an independent inquiry into an alleged plan to buy a 17-year-old radiotherapy machine for Apeksha Hospital.

Power: Sri Lanka’s nationwide blackout was fully restored within 10 hours. The grid operator says a formal inquiry is underway and the cause is not yet known; rooftop solar systems can resume operations. Cost of Living: Litro plans to distribute 180,000 gas cylinders over two days after recent shortages, with another shipment due. Port City Oversight: Officials told a parliamentary committee that the commission facilitated 14,300 foreign worker visas but does little follow-up after arrivals on 30-day endorsements, raising concerns about regulatory gaps. X-Press Pearl: An environmental advocate says only US$1 million of the US$1 billion compensation ordered over the disaster has reportedly been paid. Public Safety: Police arrested a man after finding firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and two grenades hidden in a Kirindiwela cinema hall. Economy: The IMF urged Sri Lanka to focus on completing the remaining reviews of its current programme before it ends in March 2027. Cricket: Sri Lanka begin the Pakistan-hosted ODI tri-series against the hosts today, with England also in the tournament as teams prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

Power: Sri Lanka’s national grid failed on Saturday, leaving the country without electricity for several hours. Supply has been restored, but officials are investigating whether excess solar generation contributed; rooftop solar users were asked to disconnect during recovery. The outage may also disrupt water supplies. Public Services: Printing of 673,000 driving licences has been halted amid shortages of machines and blank cards. Authorities expect the backlog to be cleared by mid-2027. Re-scrutiny results for the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination are now available online. Cricket: Sri Lanka face Pakistan in the opening match of a tri-series with England, as the teams prepare for next year’s World Cup. Wildlife: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for foreign experts to join the post-mortem investigation into the death of tusker Kavantissa. Foreign Affairs: Saudi Arabia’s top court overturned the death sentence imposed on Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa over a Facebook comment, following diplomatic efforts.

Wildlife: Sri Lanka mourns tusker Kavantissa, who died after suffering gunshot wounds despite treatment. Justice: The government says it will cut delays in Government Analyst reports to three months by January, aiming to speed up court cases and ease prison overcrowding. Economy: Colombo will receive a US$17 million US-funded upgrade to digitise port operations and reduce cargo delays. The government has also assured the IMF it will present a 2027 budget aligned with its austerity programme. Rural Development: A five-year Praja Shakthi plan aims to tackle poverty and regional disparities from 2027. Politics: The Election Commission warns that social media and AI are influencing voters, while a senior SJB figure’s resignation adds to questions about the opposition’s strength. Cricket: Sri Lankan great Chaminda Vaas has been named Delhi Capitals’ fast-bowling coach for IPL 2027.

Legal Affairs: Shiranthi Rajapaksa was released on bail after a medical report said she needs bypass surgery; the court imposed a travel ban. Former intelligence chief Suresh Salley testified in the Ekneligoda disappearance trial, while a court order moved monks protesting for Gnanasara Thera’s release away from the Presidential Secretariat. Wildlife: Kavantissa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known tuskers, has died after weeks of treatment for an injured leg and declining health. Travel: SriLankan Airlines extended its suspension of Colombo–Riyadh and Colombo–Dammam flights until October 24 amid regional security concerns. Weather: Heavy showers are forecast across much of the island, with flood and landslide risks rising as El Niño strengthens. Economy: The US pledged $17 million to modernise and digitise Colombo Port, while Sri Lanka is seeking EU investment for small businesses, exports and renewable energy. Cricket: Pathum Nissanka is out of the Pakistan ODI tri-series with a hamstring injury; Sri Lanka named Lahiru Udara as his replacement.

Flood and Health Alerts: Heavy rain and strengthening El Niño raise flood and landslide risks, with the Nilwala River reaching minor flood level. Dengue cases are also rising as rain creates more mosquito breeding sites. Presidential Secretariat Protest: A court barred 54 monks, politicians and supporters from the Secretariat area as protesters demand a pardon for Gnanasara Thera; talks with officials have yet to produce a response. Rights group TISL is separately urging the Government to withdraw its proposed anti-terrorism bill. Justice and Accountability: Saudi Arabia’s top court overturned Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa’s death sentence after diplomatic efforts. In Colombo, Namal Rajapaksa and Janaki Siriwardena were remanded over the alleged Krish Group bribery case, while court testimony detailed Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Navy pay and allowances. Economy and Investment: The IMF says it is ready to support Sri Lanka beyond its current programme as debt resolution nears completion. A Zydus-Sunshine joint venture plans a $20 million medicine factory in Horana. Cricket: Pathum Nissanka is out of Sri Lanka’s Pakistan ODI tri-series campaign with a hamstring injury; the Under-17 side opened its series against Pakistan with a 99-run win.

Monks’ Protest: Buddhist monks began an open-ended sit-in outside the Presidential Secretariat, demanding a pardon for jailed cleric Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera. Tensions rose as police challenged protesters trying to erect a shelter; Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa urged the President to intervene. Weather Alert: Heavy rain has flooded Colombo roads, with further downpours and rising flood risk forecast in several districts. Cricket: Pathum Nissanka will miss Sri Lanka’s ODI tri-series against Pakistan and England with a hamstring injury; Lahiru Udara replaces him. Rights and Security: Transparency International Sri Lanka called on the Government to withdraw its proposed anti-terrorism bill, warning it could threaten civil liberties and judicial oversight. Saudi Case: Saudi Arabia’s top court overturned the death sentence of Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa, convicted over a Facebook comment. Corruption Probe: A court heard Yoshitha Rajapaksa received Rs. 5.15 million in Navy salaries and allowances over a decade, during his money-laundering trial.

Anojan Case: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence against Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa over a Facebook comment. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed the ruling, but Anojan’s release is not yet secured and legal proceedings continue. Anti-Terrorism Bill: Rights advocates warn the proposed law replacing the PTA could preserve sweeping detention powers, including orders by the Defence Secretary for up to a year. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev in Baku, discussing trade, investment, tourism and energy cooperation. IMF Support: The Fund says it is ready to support Sri Lanka as needed; its board is expected to consider the latest review, which could unlock about US$345 million, in the coming weeks. Coastal Crime: A joint security operation recovered six sacks of suspected narcotics, two satellite phones and a Starlink device along the southern coast; no suspects were found. Child Protection: The Court of Appeal upheld a monk’s conviction and concurrent 10-year prison sentences for sexually abusing a novice who was seven at the time.

Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has set aside the death sentence against Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa over a Facebook comment. His detention and any further proceedings remain unclear. Economy: Sri Lanka Customs says it surpassed its 2026 revenue target by Rs. 1 billion, collecting Rs. 2,208 billion by October 13. But the Colombo Stock Exchange fell sharply, with the ASPI closing at a year-to-date low below 20,000. Education: The Ministry of Education has published interview lists for the first phase of recruitment to 23,006 teacher vacancies. Cricket: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third T20I, avoiding a series whitewash but losing 2-1. Prison Reform: A committee has proposed allowing imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear robes when leaving prison on official business. Public Health: A medical union leader says approval delays are holding up dengue vaccine imports, while warning that two doses could cost more than Rs. 100,000 privately. Elections: Political observers warn that long-delayed Provincial Council elections could remain stalled, with no deadline set for a committee to make recommendations.

Migrant Worker: Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has reportedly overturned the death sentence against Sri Lankan Anojan Sivarasa, following an appeal backed by a Sri Lankan legal delegation. Accountability: A Colombo court ordered Basil Rajapaksa’s arrest over the alleged diversion of Rs. 7.8 million in tourism funds and directed authorities to seek an Interpol Red Notice. Civil Liberties: A proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill would expand police powers and allow detention of suspects, prompting concerns it could criminalise association rather than conduct. Cricket: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the final T20I, with Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 87, but lost the series 2-1; Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan set a three-match series scoring record. Economy: The IMF says talks on its seventh review are continuing, while Sri Lanka weighs a future lending programme amid climate and energy risks to recovery. Weather: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast in several provinces; the Prime Minister has ordered Colombo’s canals and drains cleaned within two weeks.

Cricket: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the final T20I, with captain Kusal Mendis unbeaten on 87, but lost the series 2–1. Economy: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says procurement reforms will speed up public investment; less than 30% of this year’s capital budget had been spent by September. He says a future IMF deal should support growth while protecting stability. Public Safety: A fire engulfed about 25 homes in Grandpass, Colombo. Six fire engines were sent to contain the blaze; casualties and the cause have not been confirmed. Courts: Shiranthi Rajapaksa was further remanded until October 16. She underwent an angiogram, but doctors have yet to decide on treatment; a court-ordered medical report found no recommendation for open-heart surgery. Welfare: Rs. 2.04 billion in Aswesuma benefits is due to reach eligible bank accounts on October 14. Rights: Saudi Arabia’s Court of Appeal has sentenced Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa to death over a Facebook comment deemed blasphemous. His appeal is pending, and rights groups are urging Saudi authorities to reverse the sentence.