AGP Executive Report

Anti-Corruption: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been arrested over the alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million donated for a children’s hospital scanner and remanded until October 13. Former minister Rohitha Bogollagama was also arrested and remanded in a separate case over alleged improper spending of Rs. 1.5 million in 2006. Justice and Security: The government has gazetted a bill to strengthen action against organised crime. A Sri Lankan delegation is pursuing the case of Anojan Sivarasa, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook post. Economy: The World Bank raised Sri Lanka’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.4%, but says two in five people remain poor or economically vulnerable. Fuel queues have also resurfaced amid reports of limited supplies, though the CPC chairman blamed private supply cuts and panic buying, not a national shortage. Cricket: Sri Lanka’s three-match T20 series against Pakistan begins in Rawalpindi on October 9, with heightened security in place for the visiting team.

Economic Census: Sri Lanka will run an Economic Census in 2026 and 2027 to map agricultural and non-agricultural activity, including formal and informal businesses, to guide future planning. Digital Government: The state plans to issue official email addresses to all government employees to speed communication and document sharing across agencies. Health & Aid: India has donated about three tonnes of anti-TB medicines (over 1.5 million tablets) to support uninterrupted treatment in Sri Lanka. Saudi Death Sentence: Sri Lanka says a legal appeal process for Anojan Sivarasa is underway, with a diplomatic push for clemency only after court steps end. Maritime Ties: The US Navy’s USS Tulsa arrived in Colombo for a scheduled port visit, aiming to deepen Indo-Pacific security cooperation. Anti-Corruption: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested by CIABOC over alleged misuse of charity donations. Sports & Youth: Rumesh Pathirage is nominated for World Athletics Athlete of the Year; schoolboy weightlifter Shenal Ravindu climbs the youth rankings after a standout meet. Tourism: Sri Lanka MICE Expo 2026 begins in Colombo, bringing international buyers and operators.

Fuel Supply Crunch: The petroleum workers’ union says Lanka Auto Diesel and Petrol 92 are again in short supply, with motorists queuing and shortages mainly hitting CPC-run stations, urging the government to act. Vehicle Imports: Sri Lanka has imported over 800,000 vehicles worth about USD 3.8 billion since 2024, with officials saying foreign reserves still sit near USD 6.9 billion and could reach USD 8 billion by year-end. Organised Crime Law: Cabinet moves to gazette the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill to strengthen action against serious offences and improve local and international cooperation. Court Update: Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and Janaki Siriwardhana were remanded until Oct 16 in the Krrish deal case. Tourism Watch: Sri Lanka logged 1.7 million arrivals for 2026 so far, with October’s first four days slightly behind last year’s pace. Regional Travel Deal: Sri Lanka and Thailand have approved a visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders for tourism, with limits on stay duration. Pakistan-Sri Lanka Cricket: Pakistan begins a three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi this week, with Sri Lanka’s tour contingent arriving and preparations underway.

IMF & Economy Watch: The World Bank says Sri Lanka has returned to pre-crisis levels, projecting 4.4% GDP growth for 2026 and 4.2% for 2027, while warning the recovery is still uneven and household incomes lag. Financial Literacy Push: Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rose from 35% to 58%, the PM said at the Colombo Stock Exchange’s 40th anniversary event. Fuel Supply Tension: Fuel queues have resurfaced as private fuel operators cut market releases, citing losses under regulated prices, shifting more burden onto CPC. Road Safety Crackdown: Police say nearly 3,000 people have been taken to task for not wearing seat belts on expressways, including rear passengers. Prison & Religion: The Buddhist Council challenges the prison authority over concerns about a monk’s robe while he serves a sentence, arguing ecclesiastical authority rests with the monk and his Maha Sangha Sabha. Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister presented a Sri Lanka Cricket Bill to set up a dedicated cricket governing body. International Labour Rule Change: Israel will halt private recruitment of Sri Lankan workers for its construction sector from Jan 1, 2027.

Pakistan Cricket: Pakistan has axed Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain and dropped him from the T20I squad, naming Sahibzada Farhan as captain for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting Oct 9 in Rawalpindi; Health Watch: Sri Lanka reports 860 new HIV cases over the past year, bringing total infections to 7,403, with officials urging early testing; Transport Disruption: Upcountry train services between Rambukkana and Peradeniya are temporarily suspended after a derailment caused by fallen rocks, with re-railing underway; Public Safety & Law: Veterinary associations allege an “unforeseen hand” is trying to sabotage Sri Lanka’s rabies prevention programme and dog registration bill; Development Agenda: Sri Lanka and the ADB discuss priorities for 2026–2029, focusing on project pipeline, fiscal targets and faster delivery; Sports (Youth): Sri Lanka Women U19 beat Bangladesh Women U19 by four wickets in a tri-nation match, with Sanjana Kavindi De Silva top-scoring 48.

IMF Deal: Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the seventh EFF review, clearing the way for about US$345 million once the Executive Board approves, with conditions including the 2027 Budget and progress on financing assurances and debt restructuring. Energy & Sanctions Watch: The IMF warned higher energy prices, El Niño and Middle East conflict could derail recovery, while the US Embassy said it is working with partners to block “illicit Iranian revenue” amid reports of Iranian tankers stranded off Sri Lanka. Housing Push: On World Habitat Day, the government will hand over 5,000 houses built with NHDA support, targeting 13,000 families living in unsafe homes. Jobs Pressure: Unemployment rose to 4% in Q2 2026, hitting youth hardest. Transport Disruption: Upcountry train services were temporarily suspended after a derailment caused by rocks and soil on the track. Economy Signals: Garment export earnings fell 7.4% in August, adding pressure to a key foreign exchange sector. Renewables Row: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accused the government of undermining rooftop solar and urged battery storage support. Ports & Trade: Colombo West International Terminal’s Phase II expansion doubled capacity to 3.2 million TEUs.

Sri Lanka–Pakistan cricket: Sri Lanka’s first contingent arrived in Islamabad ahead of a three-match T20I series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (Oct 9, 11, 13), starting the multi-format tour that also includes an ODI tri-series vs Pakistan and England from Oct 18. ODI squad update: Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in the 16-member ODI squad; Avishka Fernando returns after a strong domestic run, replacing Charith Asalanka, while Sahan Arachchige keeps his spot. Energy deal: Sri Lanka signed financing for a rooftop solar and Virtual Net Metering project, securing a US$35m ADB concessional loan plus EU and Japan grants to upgrade EDL systems and expand clean power access. Foreign policy row: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath rejected claims of US pressure over Iranian vessels beyond Sri Lanka’s 12-nautical-mile limit, saying the government acted only on humanitarian grounds and will protect neutrality. Weather impacts: Heavy rains killed 4 people, injured dozens and left one missing, affecting 4,360 people across 17 districts and damaging 617 houses. Court development: Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara was remanded after arrest, following the Supreme Court overturning his presidential pardon.

Fuel Crunch: Sri Lanka’s fuel import bill jumped to US$4.07bn in the first eight months of 2026, up 61.6% from last year, with August alone rising to US$450.6m. Human Rights & War Missing: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa told an ICRC representative that Sri Lanka must strengthen independent humanitarian institutions to address cases of people missing from the war. Legal Fight for Life: A four-member Sri Lankan legal team is set to travel to Saudi Arabia to challenge the death sentence of Anojan Sivarasa, aiming to prepare an appeal for the Saudi Supreme Court. Elderly Protection: The Human Rights Commission urged the IGP to create a dedicated police unit for senior citizens to handle rights violations and improve safety. Fisheries Tensions: The Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian trawler and arrested nine fishermen for alleged illegal fishing near Delft Island. Cricket (Local): Sri Lanka named Kusal Mendis as ODI tri-series captain in Pakistan; Pathum Nissanka’s travel depends on medical clearance. Road Safety: Four people died in three separate road accidents across Sri Lanka within 24 hours.

Police Discipline & Staffing: Sri Lanka’s IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya says organised crime, drugs and traffic control are top police challenges, as the force faces a 38,000–40,000 personnel shortage; he says 10,000 new recruits are approved and promotion delays up to 2019 and beyond have been cleared. Court & Contempt Case: Galanagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera has been arrested after a court warrant, following Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court move invalidating a presidential pardon that had kept him out of prison. Public Health Warnings: The GMOA warns proposed changes to dog-vaccination law could disrupt rabies control, arguing vaccinations must remain practical across MOH areas. Dengue Focus: Dengue breeding sites differ by district, with guidance pointing to water in discarded items and local water-management conditions. Liquor Curfew: All liquor outlets will be closed today for World Temperance Day. Road Works Hit: A bitumen shortage is slowing road construction, with contractors citing material and labour constraints. Foreign Affairs Clarification: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry denies the US issued Sri Lanka-specific secondary sanctions, saying the policy applies globally. Sports (Regional): India beat Pakistan by 19 runs to defend Asian Games men’s cricket gold; Sri Lanka won bronze after beating Bangladesh by 63 runs. Maritime Incident: Nine fishermen from Ramanathapuram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on poaching charges.

Asian Games Cricket: India chose to bat after winning the toss against Pakistan in the men’s gold-medal match in Nisshin, with India unchanged from their semi-final win over Sri Lanka and Pakistan going spin-heavy. Sri Lanka Bronze Run: Tharindu Ratnayake’s all-round show powered Sri Lanka to a 63-run bronze-medal win over Bangladesh at the Asian Games. Transport Backlog: Sri Lanka faces a backlog of about 678,000 driving licences due to printing capacity limits, with a parliamentary probe ordered into delays for licences and vehicle number plates. Airport Procurement Probe: Allegations of procurement irregularities over commercial units at Bandaranaike International Airport could cost the state tens of millions of rupees. Sanctions Clarification: Sri Lanka denies any US “Sri Lanka-specific” sanctions warning over services to Iranian ships, saying US secondary sanctions are global. Security Crackdown: Police will strengthen security at 24 Colombo apartment complexes after reports of drug trafficking and damage to public property. Sports & Cricket Governance: England fast bowler Brydon Carse was charged by the Cricket Regulator after a Derby nightclub incident. World Temperance Day: All liquor stores and sales outlets across Sri Lanka will stay closed today (Oct 3).

Fuel Infrastructure Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake laid foundation stones in Muthurajawela for a 21-km aviation fuel pipeline to Katunayake and five new storage tanks adding 90,000 cubic metres, funded through domestic resources. Energy Use Call: The Government urged the public to cut fuel consumption as part of the energy transition, stressing that controlling prices alone won’t secure energy stability. Land for Development in Jaffna: Security Forces formally released 187.56 acres in Kankesanthurai for civilian use, clearing the way for an investment zone after decades of military use. Cricket—Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Kusal Mendis was named captain for Sri Lanka’s 15-player T20I squad for the three-match series starting Oct 9 in Rawalpindi, with Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to injury. Regional Cricket News: Bangladesh appointed South Africa’s Malibongwe Maketa as assistant coach for two years. International Sports: England’s Brydon Carse was charged by the Cricket Regulator over a Derby nightclub incident. Payments Watch: India’s UPI transactions rose 27% to about 145 billion in the first half of FY27.

Asian Games Cricket: India thrashed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the men’s T20 semi-final after Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 and a collapse that left Sri Lanka all out for 45; India now face Pakistan for gold, while Sri Lanka play Bangladesh for bronze. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s javelin hero Rumesh Pathirage returned home to a special airport welcome after winning gold at the Asian Games. Port & Trade: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated APSEZ’s $750m Phase II expansion of Adani Ports’ Colombo West International Terminal, doubling capacity to 3.2M TEUs. Energy & Costs: CPC said it is still losing per litre on petrol and diesel despite fuel price changes, urging people to cut consumption. Public Health & Safety: Sri Lanka marked World Temperance Day with liquor outlets closed islandwide, while a separate report highlights the heavy annual snakebite burden and calls for better awareness. Digital Economy: ADB backed Sri Lanka’s TVET and women’s employment push with a $100m results-based loan starting 2027. International Watch: WSJ reports around 20 Iranian oil tankers stranded off Sri Lanka as supplies run short amid US pressure on Iran’s oil trade.

Court Watch: Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal rejected former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s bid to block arrest linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, after a travel ban earlier this year. Customs & Security: Sri Lanka Customs and investigators found 179 empty artillery shells hidden in an iron container meant for export; two suspects were arrested. Digital Services: Sri Lanka Customs begins paperless declarations, pushing a fully digital system for trade. Health & Skills: A free Caregiver NVQ Level 03 course started at NILS with 30 trainees, aiming to professionalise care work for the growing sector. Environment: Sri Lanka hosted the 1st World Congress on Snakes in Kandy, spotlighting 63 endemic snake species and conservation threats. Sports (Sri Lanka in focus): ICC confirmed ODI World Cup 2027 pools: Sri Lanka in Group B, with the India-Pakistan clash set for Oct 10 at Johannesburg’s Wanderers.

Asian Games Cricket: India crushed Sri Lanka by 124 runs in the men’s T20 semifinal, with Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 80 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 38 helping India post 169/7 before Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel skittled Sri Lanka for 45—the lowest T20I total by a Test nation—setting up a gold-medal clash with Pakistan. Handshake Drama: Ahead of the India-Pakistan final, the “handshake question” is back after India’s recent no-handshake stance in other events, with officials expected to decide the protocol. Sri Lanka Customs Digital Push: Sri Lanka Customs began a paperless customs declaration process from Oct 1, requiring digitally signed submissions and flagging document changes after signatures to cut fraud and delays. World Children’s Day: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Women and Child Affairs Deputy Minister reiterated equal opportunities, stronger child protection, and safeguards against violence and discrimination. Governance in Focus: The Fort Magistrate’s Court postponed Ranil Wickremesinghe’s public funds misuse case to Nov 11 pending Attorney General advice. Roads Recovery: The World Bank approved $110m to repair 600km of cyclone-damaged roads with climate-resilient standards.

Sri Lanka Cricket overhaul: The SLC Transformation Committee says reforms are aimed at restoring public trust, with a new constitutional framework separating policy decisions from day-to-day operations under independent professional management, plus tighter financial oversight. Governance bill update: A new Bill to reform Sri Lanka Cricket’s governance structure is set to be gazetted and presented to Parliament, proposing independent directors and moving District Cricket Associations’ role to Provincial Cricket Associations. Economy and regulation: The Central Bank has begun legal enforcement against six institutions accused of taking deposits without authorisation under “plantation and forestry” schemes, warning depositors about pyramid-style returns. Sports spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage will host the first World Congress on Snakes in Kandy from Oct 1-4, bringing together hundreds of researchers from 25 countries. Cricket on the regional stage: Sri Lanka’s Asian Games men’s cricket semi-final against India is set for Oct 1, with rain disrupting preparations. Media recognition: Maharaja Media Network’s “Save the Sri Lankan Leopard” has earned nominations at the Asian Television Awards. Labour dispute: A court rejected a former Browns Plantation security manager’s claim of constructive dismissal after allegations of assault involving theft suspects.

IMF Watch: The IMF says its priority is finishing the current EFF programme, with two reviews still due before March 2027, and any request for a successor will be assessed only after checking macro stability and balance-of-payments needs. Central Bank & Cost of Living: Sri Lanka’s central bank kept the policy rate at 8.75% as inflation hit 8% in August, while fuel rationing and price pressures continue amid Middle East-linked energy costs. Economy & Poverty Data Clash: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa accuses the Government, CBSL and DCS of using outdated 2016–2019 household data to paint a rosier poverty picture, raising questions over the 12 November Budget. Trade & Security: Sri Lanka’s trade deficit jumped 69% in Jan–Jul 2026 as imports surged faster than exports, while organised-crime shootings rose to 38 this year. Courts & Politics: A Court of Appeal ruling dismissed MP Dilith Jayaweera’s contempt-related writ petition, and Deputy Minister Eranga Gunasekera warned Shiranthi Rajapaksa must return to Sri Lanka to comply with court orders. International Support: India airlifted about three tonnes of anti-TB medicines to Sri Lanka. Sports (Rain Disruptions): Rain washed out Asian Games cricket quarter-finals, sending Sri Lanka into the men’s semi-final against India. Heritage Restitution: Cabinet approved a committee to push for the return of Sri Lankan cultural artifacts held overseas.