AGP Executive Report

Riyadh Flights: SriLankan Airlines has suspended services to Riyadh until October 18 after a security incident at the airport. Colombo condemned attacks on Saudi civilian airports and urged restraint. Death-Penalty Appeal: Sri Lanka’s ambassador visited Anojan Sivarasa in prison and said the embassy is assisting with his appeal against his death sentence in Saudi Arabia. Education: Cabinet-approved reforms include a revised curriculum and assessment framework, a single university and vocational admissions platform, and a five-year, Rs. 96 billion digital education project. Online safety guidelines for pupils will be piloted in November. Transport: Cyclone Ditwah has cut Northern Line train services from 18 a day to eight; just eight of 42 daily services on several routes linking Colombo with the hill country are operating. Political Accountability: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appealed to the Supreme Court over a ruling tied to his bid to avoid arrest in the Easter Sunday attacks probe. Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa remains remanded until October 13 over alleged misuse of charity funds. Cricket: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I, chasing 183 after Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat hit half-centuries.

Pakistan T20: Sri Lanka lost the first match in Rawalpindi by four wickets. Lahiru Udara’s 91 helped set 183, but Sahibzada Farhan’s 89 and Maaz Sadaqat’s 50 carried Pakistan to a 1–0 series lead. Iranian Ships: Colombo says it has no immediate plan to assist 19 Iranian vessels anchored near Sri Lanka with dwindling food, water and fuel, and will put national interests first. Clemency Appeal: Sri Lanka is seeking clemency for 24-year-old Anojan Sivarasa, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook post. Amnesty International has also urged Saudi authorities to overturn the sentence and release him. Mental Health: On World Mental Health Day, experts warn of mounting strain, with research cited by child psychiatrists finding stress symptoms among nearly 60% of school students and depression symptoms among about 24% of students in higher grades. Financial Accountability: Parliament’s scrutiny of the Rs. 13.6 billion NDB fraud has intensified, with questions over why senior officials and auditors have not been held responsible. The central bank says the fraud has not affected financial stability or depositors.

Cricket: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first T20I, chasing 183 with seven balls to spare. Lahiru Udara’s 91 was in vain as Sahibzada Farhan hit 89 and Maaz Sadaqat made 50. Justice and Rights: Sri Lanka is seeking to overturn the death sentence imposed on migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook comment. Separately, the Court of Appeal ordered action to prevent elephants being killed in train collisions. Politics: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has asked the Supreme Court to block his arrest over the Easter Sunday attacks investigation. Opposition MPs also handed in a no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. Economy: Sri Lanka reached a staff-level deal with the IMF that could unlock US$345 million, while the World Bank says the recovery remains uneven. Colombo’s port is also planning capacity upgrades as trade volatility lifts demand.

Governance: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa remains in remand custody until October 13 over allegations involving Rs. 10 million in state-bank funds; she is due for an eye examination. Parliament also passed an Anti-Corruption Amendment Bill, while critics warn a proposed terrorism law could criminalise dissent. Economy: Colombo shares slid to a 14-month low amid broad selling. Fuel imports cost Sri Lanka US$4.07 billion in the first eight months of 2026, up 62% year on year. A final audit put National Development Bank’s fraud-related losses at Rs. 13.6 billion. Public Services: The government plans a five-year project to replace outdated computers in schools and IT learning hubs. India has also donated about three tonnes of TB medicines, worth Rs. 52 million, to help maintain treatment supplies. Security: A restaurant owner was shot dead in Kalutara and his wife injured; police are investigating. Cricket: Kusal Mendis takes over as Sri Lanka’s Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down, ahead of the Pakistan tour.

Tax and Budget: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the Government aims to lower VAT within two to three years and remove tax on books. Public-sector pay rises are expected to add Rs. 330 billion in spending by 2027; the Budget is due on November 12. Anti-corruption: Parliament approved amendments to the Anti-Corruption Bill. A deputy minister said 226 people, including 55 politicians, had been arrested in corruption probes since October 2024. Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded until October 13 over alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million in funds linked to a children’s hospital donation drive; her defence says the money remains in the charity’s account. IMF: Sri Lanka is discussing a longer-term, growth-focused arrangement after its current programme ends in March 2027. Prison rules: The President says he will not order officials to bypass prison regulations amid a dispute over Buddhist monk Galagodaaththe Gnanasara’s court attire, saying any changes must go through Parliament. Cricket: Kusal Mendis takes over as Sri Lanka’s Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down. Sri Lanka face Pakistan in a three-match T20 series starting Friday in Rawalpindi. Migrant worker: Amnesty is urging Saudi Arabia to overturn a death sentence against Sri Lankan Anojan Sivarasa over a Facebook comment.

Corruption Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been remanded until October 13 over the alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million from a state-owned bank, reportedly intended for a children’s hospital scanner. A former bank chairman in the case was granted bail. Economy: Inflation held at 8% in September, while the economy grew 4.2% in the second quarter, Central Bank figures show. Drought: Months without rain have left reservoirs dry and farmers struggling for water, with heat adding to pressure on communities and wildlife. Migrant Rights: Amnesty International is urging Saudi Arabia to overturn a death sentence against Sri Lankan worker Sivarasa Anojan over a Facebook comment. He has appealed; Sri Lanka is sending a diplomatic delegation to Saudi Arabia. Accountability: A group has questioned the Speaker’s moral standing to endorse an Anti-Corruption Bill while he is reportedly under investigation by the bribery commission. IMF: Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement on the seventh review of its loan programme, paving the way for about US$345 million in funding.

Corruption Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been remanded until October 13 over alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million donated for a children’s hospital scanner. She denies wrongdoing; former National Savings Bank chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam, also arrested in the case, was granted bail. Former minister Rohitha Bogollagama was separately arrested over an alleged corruption offence. Economy: The World Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast for Sri Lanka to 4.4%, but warned that two in five people remain poor or vulnerable despite the recovery. Parliament presented the 2027 Appropriation Account, with the budget speech scheduled for November 12. Anojan Case: Sri Lanka is pursuing an appeal and preparing a diplomatic delegation to seek clemency for migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. Health: India donated anti-TB medicines worth Rs. 52 million to help maintain treatment supplies.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Sri Lanka’s surge in cyber scams is linked to covert “call centre” operations, with CID RTI data citing multiple raids since 2021 and hundreds of arrests, including many Chinese nationals. Anti-Corruption: Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested by CIABOC and is set to appear in court, as investigations continue around alleged Siriliya Saviya-linked transactions. Monk Robe Dispute: A protest is planned at Colombo Courts over the Prisons Department’s move to remove Gnanasara Thera’s robes, with officials saying prison rules are being followed. Fuel Queue Explanation: CPC Chairman says recent fuel queues were driven by reduced daily releases from private suppliers plus panic buying after false social media reports, while insisting there is no shortage. Court & Fishermen: India’s Supreme Court told the centre to sensitise Tamil fishermen against entering Sri Lankan waters tied to the Katchatheevu dispute. Economy Watch: World Bank raised Sri Lanka’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.4% but warns recovery is still slow and uneven. Trade & Ports: Colombo port container volumes rose 10.3% in eight months on transshipment growth, while domestic container traffic fell. Health & Safety: Pink October begins at the Colombo Municipal Council, and Cabinet approved a Rs. 30,000 per hectare fertilizer subsidy for the Maha season.

Legal & Courts: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved gazetting of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill to strengthen action against organised crime and serious offences, including cross-border cooperation. Prison Oversight: Government says no special treatment will be given to Ven. Gnanasara Thera in prison, with prison attire rules being applied under the Prisons Ordinance. High-Profile Remand: Namal Rajapaksa’s remand was extended until Oct 16 in the Airbus-linked case. Anti-Corruption: CIABOC arrested a Trincomalee remand prison assistant superintendent over an alleged Rs. 1.235 million bribe. Economy & Trade: Deputy Minister Nishantha Jayaweera told Parliament vehicle imports surged after 2024 restrictions were lifted, with reserves still around USD 6.9bn and a target of USD 8bn by year-end. Public Services: NWSDB announced an eight-hour water supply suspension in parts of Kalutara district on Oct 8 for maintenance at the Kehena Water Treatment Plant. Digital Justice: Cabinet approved digital communication facilities for 350 courts under the e-Court digitisation programme. Transport & Mobility: Cabinet also backed a visa-free tourism agreement with Thailand for ordinary passport holders, and a new Delft–Jaffna passenger ferry under the Praja Shakthi programme.

Parliament Watch: New Democratic Front MPs Rohitha Abeygunawardhane and Anuradha Jayaratne swapped roles in COPE and COPA after Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne announced the changes in line with parliamentary procedures. Anti-Terror Reform: Human Rights Watch warned Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill keeps abusive powers, including broad terrorism definitions and weak judicial oversight, risking rights violations and EU trade benefits. High-Profile Return: Shiranthi Rajapaksa returned from Singapore and sought anticipatory bail after being summoned over the Siriliya Saviya Foundation probe. Justice & Crime: Former Colombo Municipal Council member Mahinda Kahandagama was arrested over alleged drug trafficking in Mirihana. Border & Trade Pressure: A Sri Lanka-bound urea shipment remains stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, though local stocks are said to cover the Maha season; MOP fertilizer has arrived at Colombo Port. Regional Cooperation: Pakistan and Sri Lanka plan a joint working group to expand IT and telecom ties. Sports: Sri Lanka beat Mauritius 3–2 in a friendly in Mauritius, extending a winning run.

IMF & Energy Transition: Sri Lanka signed an ADB deal for $35m concessional financing plus EU and Japan grants to expand clean energy access, with smart-grid upgrades and virtual net metering planned through 2030. Customs Digital Push: Sri Lanka Customs moved to paperless declarations with mandatory digital signatures, aiming to speed trade and reduce clearance friction. Rail Safety & Disruption: Up-country train services resumed after a derailment obstruction, but station masters say the restart lacked NBRO approval and want a fresh safety assessment. Food Supply MoU: India’s NCEL and Sri Lanka’s COOPFED signed an MoU to facilitate essential food item supplies via cooperative channels. Port Milestone: Hambantota International Port crossed 1 million TEUs cumulative throughput, boosted by new quay cranes. Rabies Prevention Row: Veterinary associations allege an “unforeseen hand” is trying to sabotage the rabies prevention programme; they cite vaccination progress and push for updated dog registration laws. KDU Leadership: President Dissanayake appointed Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake (Retd.) as Chancellor of Kotelawala Defence University. Politics in Focus: The SJB decided to hand over a no-confidence motion against Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne on Oct 9.

IMF Deal: Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for the seventh review of its Extended Fund Facility, unlocking about US$345m (SDR 254m), but disbursement depends on the 2027 budget being tabled in Parliament and a financing assurances review plus progress on debt restructuring. Cricket—Pakistan Tour: Sri Lanka’s first contingent has arrived in Islamabad for the three-match T20I series starting Oct 9, with the full squad and management arriving in stages; the tour also includes an ODI tri-series in Pakistan. ODI Squad: The SLC named a 16-member ODI squad led by Kusal Mendis for the Pakistan tri-series starting Oct 18, with conditional travel for Pathum Nissanka. Weather & Safety: The National Building Research Institute issued landslide warnings for 13 DS divisions across five districts, and the Meteorology Department issued a severe lightning advisory for several provinces and districts. Transport Disruption: A Peradeniya–Colombo train derailed after soil and rocks fell onto the track due to heavy rain, likely causing delays. Cost of Living—Gas: Litro kept LP gas prices unchanged for October.

ODI Cricket Build-Up: Sri Lanka named a 16-member ODI squad for the Pakistan-hosted tri-series, with Kusal Mendis as captain and Avishka Fernando recalled after a strong domestic run; Sahan Arachchige stays in the squad after replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, while Pathum Nissanka’s travel is conditional on fitness. Sports Governance & Justice: Gnanasara Thera (Bodu Bala Sena) was remanded after arrest and a Supreme Court reversal of his presidential pardon, with court steps ordered for his production before higher courts. Public Safety—Weather: Heavy rains have killed four, injured dozens, and left one missing, affecting 4,360 people across 17 districts and damaging 617 houses. Consumer Protection: The Consumer Affairs Authority launched islandwide checks on bakeries, finding cases of underweight bread and failures to display weights and prices. Energy Costs: Fuel import spending rose sharply, reaching USD 4.07bn in eight months, up 61.6% year-on-year. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath denied US pressure claims over supplies to Iranian vessels, reiterating Sri Lanka’s neutrality.

Fuel & inflation watch: Sri Lanka spent $4.07bn on fuel imports in Jan–Aug 2026, up about 62% year-on-year, while questions keep growing over why domestic fuel prices remain high. Public health: UNAIDS says HIV infections in Sri Lanka are rising, with the country among 21 where estimated new infections grew by more than 20% from 2010 to 2025. Transport procurement: The government has called bids for 1,000 new 4WD automatic double-cab diesel vehicles, with revised technical thresholds aimed at widening eligibility. Maritime enforcement: The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian trawler and arrested nine fishermen near Neduntheevu for alleged illegal fishing across the IMBL. Crime & courts: Police carried out a Kosgoda raid linked to a suspected shooting plot, including a shootout that injured a suspect; separately, Gnanasara Thera is set to be produced in court after arrest over contempt-related charges. Weather & safety: Heavy showers and lightning are expected across several provinces, with landslide warnings issued for parts of Kandy, Kegalle, Matale and Ratnapura. Elderly rights: The Human Rights Commission urged the IGP to create a special police unit for senior citizens.

Police & Justice: IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya says Sri Lanka Police’s top priorities are tackling organised crime, curbing drugs and enforcing traffic discipline, while warning of a 38,000–40,000 personnel shortage; he says 10,000 new recruits are approved and promotion delays are being cleared. Court Watch: Buddhist monk Galanagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division after an open court warrant, following the Supreme Court invalidating a presidential pardon. Crime & Security: Two people were arrested after a shootout involving Walana Anti-Vice Squad officers in Kosgoda; another case saw ICE worth Rs. 22.5 million seized in Kirindiwela. Public Services: The School Nutrition Programme is running for 1.5 million children in 8,990 schools, with Rs. 33,600 million allocated for 2026. Health & Safety: A severe lightning advisory covers several provinces and the Mannar District. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): Sri Lanka won Asian Games men’s T20 bronze after beating Bangladesh by 63 runs, with Tharindu Ratnayake starring. International Relations: Foreign Ministry clarifies the US has not issued Sri Lanka-specific secondary sanctions, saying the policy applies globally.

Asian Games Cricket: Sri Lanka bounced back to win bronze, beating Bangladesh by 63 runs after Tharindu Ratnayake’s 65 off 32 and a late surge that set 166/9; Bangladesh were then bowled out for 102. Asian Games Gold Clash: India and Pakistan set for the men’s T20 final after India thrashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the semis and Pakistan chased Bangladesh in a rain-affected match; India won the toss and opted to bat first. Police & Courts: Sri Lanka Police froze a Rs. 44.5 million property in a drug-money probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Anti-Corruption Watch: CIABOC plans to expand with 23 regional offices and recruit 971 staff. Energy Infrastructure: President Dissanayake flagged energy security as a priority as CPC began a Jet A-1 pipeline and new aviation fuel storage tanks, aiming to lift reserves. Transport Update: Lanka Metro Transit says there’s still no facility to reserve Metro buses for private use. Drugs Update: Police reported over 2,339 kg of heroin seized this year and urged tips via hotline 1818.