AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dharshana M. Perera, presented credentials to King Sultan Ibrahim, reaffirming long-running ties and pledging deeper cooperation. Markets & Policy: The CBSL moved to calm nerves as the rupee faces pressure, pointing to expected multilateral inflows and warning speculators are adding uncertainty. Business & Jobs: Hayleys’ Dipped Products (DPL) inaugurated a Rs. 2.3 billion automated glove expansion in Kottawa, aiming to boost high-value exports and improve environmental performance. Economy Watch: A think tank says Sri Lanka’s trade, export and FDI push lacks ambition and urgency, with implementation gaps making delays costlier as global uncertainty grows. Sports Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket says “financial crisis” claims are false after a transformation committee was appointed, while the ICC deputy chair held talks with the new committee. Weather: The southwest monsoon is gradually setting in, with showers and possible heavy rain in several provinces.

IMF Cash Boost: Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves are set to rise by about US$700m by May 27 after IMF approval of the fourth and fifth tranches, with another ~US$250m expected by July via the ADB and World Bank—as authorities push “precautionary measures” to keep reserves stable. War Victory Politics: Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka warns against “opportunists” trying to exploit the war’s end for political gain, naming Wimal Weerawansa and others, and urging the public to stay vigilant. Drugs at Katunayake: Customs seized 14.562 kg of Kush worth about Rs. 145.62m from two suspects arriving from Bangkok. Energy Grid Upgrade: India’s Jyoti Structures and Hayleys Fentons signed a JV contract for the Mannar–Mullikulam 220kV double-circuit transmission line under the NTNSP. Digital Relief for Ditwah: Norway-backed digital systems for cyclone Ditwah compensation and community inquiries went live, aiming to speed up and simplify claims. Human Rights Push: A child-rights advocate urged the Attorney General to provide legal support for a child victim in an Anuradhapura case.

Disaster Relief Goes Digital: Sri Lanka launched two online tools for Cyclone Ditwah victims—an electronic compensation system and a community inquiry mechanism—so families can submit claims through Grama Niladhari officers instead of relying on slow manual steps. Rail Safety & Accountability: After the Wanawasala derailment, Sri Lanka Railways is finishing damage checks, preparing compensation (up to Rs. 1 million for death/permanent disability, plus daily hospital payments), and says operations are back to normal. Security & Crime Control: Police say they found a pen-shaped firearm during a CID operation, linked to organized crime suspects recently returned from overseas. Governance & Services: The Foreign Ministry unveiled a revamped website and a unified platform for Sri Lanka missions abroad, starting with seven posts. Public Safety Warning: Police urged the public to avoid water-related accidents, blaming negligence, overconfidence, and hidden hazards. War Heroes Commemoration: 5,289 Tri-Service personnel were promoted ahead of May 19. Transport Upgrade: Metro Transit signed to import 104 new buses, expected to arrive in August.

World Health Assembly: Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa is set to address the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva today, with bilateral talks planned with counterparts including Bhutan, Thailand and Bangladesh. Energy Finance: HNB has partnered with Access Solar to expand solar loan solutions nationwide, while Maxtherm Lanka won Silver for energy-efficiency services at the National Energy Efficiency Awards. Solar + Storage Push: DIMO Energy is rolling out residential solar plus battery storage, and Vidullanka will acquire a 49% stake to jointly develop 12 BESS projects. Power + Transport Relief: LAUGFS Power commissioned a new 2MW mini hydro plant, the government approved a 3-month fuel subsidy, and Sri Lanka Railways plans to import 10,000 rail tracks to ease Coastal Line speed limits. Public Life: Veteran journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj has died in Canada. Economy Watch: PMI data shows manufacturing and services slowed in April, and banking stress is rising as non-performing loans climb.

Obituary: Veteran Sri Lankan journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj has died in Canada at 72, remembered for decades of reporting on ethnic politics, the conflict and governance. Eid Calendar: Sri Lanka’s Colombo Grand Mosque says Eid al-Adha will be on May 28, with Arafat Day on May 27. Governance Shake-up: Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof says he will step down once a successor is appointed, citing the strain of juggling governor duties, an FDI envoy role and family commitments. Justice Reform Push: At the BASL convocation, Justice Kodagoda warned Sri Lanka’s courts face about a million pending cases and called for urgent judicial reforms. Airline Fraud Claims: SriLankan Airlines alleges Rs 22 million fraud by Indian finance staff in its Chennai office, saying invoices and payment details were altered. IMF Watch: The IMF Executive Board is set to review Sri Lanka’s fifth and sixth EFF reviews on May 27, with about $700m potentially released. Health & Services: Colombo National Hospital faces an urgent review over medicine shortages, equipment delays and admin inefficiencies, while two German plasma exchange machines worth over Rs 50m were donated to strengthen critical care. Sports: Babar Azam hit a key milestone in the Bangladesh Test, becoming the only batter to cross 9,000 international runs in the 2020s. Weather: A low-pressure system north of Sri Lanka has weakened and the Met Department issued its final bulletin on it.

IMF Decision Countdown: The IMF has set 27 May for its Executive Board to decide on Sri Lanka’s 5th and 6th EFF reviews, a green light that could unlock about USD 700 million. Weather & Risk: The Met Department warns thundershowers across several provinces, with 2 deaths and 5,242 people affected so far; landslide warnings have been extended. Currency Pressure Response: Sri Lanka has slapped a 50% surcharge on imported vehicles to cool FX strain tied to the Middle East crisis. Digital Payments Push: PayPal’s expansion in Sri Lanka was officially announced, with early access via Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Sampath Bank. Crime Crackdown: Authorities say Southeast Asia’s scam crackdown is pushing networks toward Sri Lanka, with 1,000+ arrests of suspected foreign scammers this year. Sports Shock: KKR’s IPL hopes took a hit as Matheesha Pathirana left after eight balls with a hamstring issue.

Vehicle Import Surcharge: Sri Lanka has slapped a 50% surcharge on imported vehicles for three months, on top of the existing 30% customs duty, to slow car imports and ease foreign-exchange pressure, with Letters of Credit opened on or before May 15 exempted. Transport Disruption: A train derailment near Wanawasala injured 10–12 passengers, with rail delays expected while investigators deploy to probe what happened. Maritime Tragedy: In the Maldives, a Maldivian military diver died while searching for four Italian divers feared trapped in a cave system near Vaavu Atoll; rough weather has repeatedly hampered recovery. Diplomacy & Culture: Netherlands returned Chola-era Anaimangalam copper plates to India after a 14-year push, a major win for Tamil heritage restitution efforts. Weather Watch: A low-pressure system is keeping showers and thundershowers in play across several provinces, with lightning and strong winds possible. Sports: Pakistan were docked WTC points for being eight overs short in their Dhaka Test loss to Bangladesh.

Airport Drug Bust: An Indian geologist was arrested at Colombo airport with 2.15kg of cocaine worth about LKR 108 million, hidden inside checked luggage after arrival from Uganda via Doha. Digital Payments Push: PayPal officially launched in Sri Lanka on May 15, starting through Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank of Ceylon and Sampath Bank, aiming to make cross-border payments easier for freelancers and SMEs. Emergency & Weather: Sri Lanka extended its state of emergency again, while the Met Department issued a red warning for heavy rain—around 150mm in parts of the West, Sabaragamuwa and North-West, with flooding and landslide risks. Healthcare Tech: Doc990 rolled out a digital queue system for pharmacy counters at Galle National Hospital to cut congestion and improve patient flow. Cricket & Sports Governance: India A named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a Sri Lanka tri-series squad, and an ICC team is set to assess governance at Sri Lanka Cricket after an interim committee was appointed.

Energy Watch: PM Harini Amarasuriya says Sri Lanka has managed the energy crisis through a “sustainable process” with the government bearing the cost, but warns the crisis is “still not over,” urging vigilance through Vesak Week and ordering energy conservation steps like appointing an “Energy Manager” in every government institution. Digital Security: A BBC investigation links Sri Lanka-linked social media networks to AI-made anti-immigration videos targeting the UK, with operators reportedly based across multiple countries. Trade & Payments: Sri Lanka pushes deeper ties with the UAE via ports, aviation and a possible bilateral economic agreement, while Sri Lanka and Nepal launch a cross-border QR payment link connecting LankaQR merchants with Nepal’s connectIPS. Cricket Governance: An ICC team is set to assess Sri Lanka Cricket after an interim committee was appointed, with reforms expected. Business & Sports: IPL 2026 sees CSK replace Khaleel Ahmed with Kuldip Yadav and RCB bring in Richard Gleeson for Nuwan Thushara.

IMF Decision Looms: The IMF says its Executive Board could meet within weeks to approve Sri Lanka’s combined fifth and sixth EFF review, potentially unlocking about $700m—but only after key steps like electricity and fuel cost-recovery and protections for vulnerable groups. Red Rain Alert: A Red Alert is in force as a low-pressure system lingers northeast of the island, with very heavy rain over 150mm possible in several districts and reservoir overflow risks. Tax Uncertainty: EY warns proposed VAT amendments could raise business costs and create confusion, especially for digital and financial services. Cricket Spotlight: India A has named 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in a Sri Lanka tri-series squad starting June 9. Safety Tragedy Abroad: Five Italian tourists died in a Maldives scuba diving accident near Vaavu Atoll caves, with an investigation underway. Local Life: Residents of Palitha Place say Colombo’s garbage collection has effectively stopped, raising health and environmental fears.

Heavy Rain Alert: Sri Lanka’s Met Department has issued a red warning for very heavy rainfall as a low-pressure system northeast of the island lingers, with 150mm+ expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and 100mm+ in the Northern Province; authorities urged people to prepare for strong winds, lightning and flooding. Banking Fallout: A Colombo court has ordered the CID to arrest and produce any senior officials of the National Development Bank allegedly linked to a Rs. 13 billion fraud, including whether higher-ups suppressed Central Bank recommendations. Sports Pathway: Teenage batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named in India A’s squad for the June 9 tri-series in Sri Lanka, led by Tilak Varma, with Afghanistan A as the third team. Health Push: The Health Minister says nearly 20% of Sri Lankans suffer from non-communicable diseases and announced plans for 16 new cath labs this year. Tourism & Real Estate: Port City Colombo gets a boost as Prime Melwa signs a deal for a major marina-front twin-tower project, while tourism leaders warn earnings are lagging arrivals without faster reforms.

Weather Watch: A low-pressure system northeast of Sri Lanka is still hanging around, keeping showery conditions going for the next two days, with heavy rain possible in several provinces and landslide warnings for 11 districts; one death and partial damage to houses were already reported. Cost of Living: Sri Lanka’s import maize levy has been pushed higher, a move analysts say could lift poultry feed costs and eventually squeeze egg and chicken prices. Accountability & Governance: SLPP organiser Namal Rajapaksa is calling for “no one above the law” to be applied equally, while the police promotion dispute for SSP Shani Abeysekara has been settled with a retrospective DIG order. Energy & Investment: Vidullanka is set to invest about Rs. 2 billion for a 49% stake in Storex’s CEB-awarded BESS portfolio, and the CBSL is urging reform momentum as the Middle East conflict adds growth risks. Health Pressure: Over 10,000 people are reportedly waiting for heart surgeries in state hospitals, with private costs now far beyond reach for many. Regional Links: India and Sri Lanka are exploring deeper cooperation on women and child welfare, and trade talks spotlight ports, logistics, pharma, and online payments.

Weather Watch: A low-pressure system northeast of Sri Lanka is keeping showery conditions going for the next two days, with showers or thundershowers expected across several provinces and heavy falls (over 100 mm) possible in parts of the West, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-West, plus Galle and Matara; people are warned about strong winds and lightning. Fuel Shock: President Dissanayake says fuel import costs have surged nearly sixfold since February, driven by Middle East conflict—fuel spending jumped from USD 98m (Feb) to USD 522m expected for May. Health Upgrade: The Health Ministry will install 16 new cath labs in state hospitals this year under ADB/JICA-backed work, costing Rs. 3.1bn. Digital Agriculture: Sri Lanka launched a digital seed certification and traceability system (CROPIX) to speed approvals and improve transparency. Crime Crackdown: Police arrested 221 foreign nationals in Southern Province cybercrime raids, including 192 Indians, seizing computers and phones. Trade & Ports: Colombo Port reported strong container growth—22% in April.

Monsoon Watch: Sri Lanka is bracing for more heavy rain as a low-pressure system keeps thundershowers going, with advisories warning of downpours over 200 mm in parts of the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara, plus around 100 mm in the North and North-Central and areas like Trincomalee and Kurunegala. Dengue Surge: Health officials say dengue has climbed to 27,754 cases with 14 deaths so far this year, and monsoon rains could push transmission higher; breeding is rising most in schools, workplaces and institutions. Imports & Costs: Vehicle imports are up sharply—over 215,000 vehicles in the first four months—while electricity tariff hikes are adding pressure, especially for higher users. Justice & Accountability: In the Airbus-linked SriLankan Airlines case, controversy continues around the bail bond process after the death of former CEO Kapila Chandrasena. Global Shock: The operator of the Dali ship tied to Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse faces criminal charges in the US.

Storm Watch: Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department says a low-pressure system northeast of the island will keep showers and thundershowers going, with heavy rain over parts of the West, Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-West, Uva and some southern districts—plus lightning and strong winds. Road Disruption: In Badulla, a Ditwah-triggered landslide has flared up again, blocking roads and stalling traffic, while floods in Wellawaya submerged 30+ houses and damaged property. Transport Crackdown: At Kadawatha bus stand, authorities tested 148 drivers and conductors and found 7 using dangerous drugs, vowing more islandwide checks. Cybercrime Pressure: Police warn landlords to stop renting out homes for organised crime and online fraud, saying raids have already led to arrests of 600+ foreign nationals. Aviation Push: Sri Lanka is inviting local and foreign investors to run Mattala airport operations, pitching cargo, logistics, MRO and tourism links to Hambantota Port. International Legal Shock: US prosecutors indicted a Singapore ship operator and an Indian technical superintendent over the 2024 Baltimore Key Bridge collapse that killed six.

Mineral Sands Push: The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host a Mineral Sands Technical Conference on 17 June at Galle Face Hotel, bringing Australian experts to map Sri Lanka’s path from extraction to processing, markets and environmental management. Renewables Boost: LAUGFS Power has commissioned and connected a 2MW mini hydro plant in Ginigathhena to the national grid, adding to the country’s non-fossil push. Trade Win: Sri Lanka has regained uninterrupted US access for blue swimming crab exports after meeting US sustainability and marine protection requirements, with approval valid until 2029. Digital Disaster Readiness: A GeoAI for Disaster Resilience exhibition and symposium opens to the public in Colombo on 14 May, aiming to strengthen flood and landslide response using geospatial AI tools. Accountability Spotlight: Fair Comment has filed a formal complaint seeking an investigation into the death of former SriLankan Airlines CEO Kapila Chandrasena, alleging intimidation and abetment of suicide. Business & Community: LANKATILES opened its 60th showroom in Borella, while SLBC UAE’s AGM drew a record turnout of 85+ members and guests.