AGP Executive Report

Easter Sunday Accountability: Sri Lanka’s Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar sentenced former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death for negligence in failing to prevent the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners; both sentences are effectively life imprisonment due to the country’s long-standing execution moratorium. Army Leadership Change: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed Lt. Gen. Nilantha Premaratne as the 26th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, succeeding Lt. Gen. Lasantha Rodrigo. Digital Exports Push: Sri Lanka reviewed a roadmap to grow digital export earnings to US$5 billion by 2030, with government and industry stakeholders discussing implementation steps. Cross-Border Payments: The Maldives launched Favara-UPI integration with India for real-time transfers, starting with two Maldivian banks and P2P remittances to UPI-enabled accounts in India. Sports—Women’s Cricket: Imesha Dulani struck an unbeaten 101 as Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. Business & Finance: Bank of Ceylon was named Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand 2026 by Brand Finance Lanka, while bond market activity saw strong post-auction trading after a Rs. 250 billion auction.

ADB Financing: The Asian Development Bank has doubled its Sri Lanka trade and investment reform support to US$200mn, adding a US$100mn buffer to help the economy absorb Middle East-linked shocks that could raise import costs and disrupt foreign exchange inflows. Climate & Food Prices: With El Niño risks growing, Sri Lanka is already seeing harsher dry conditions, and traders warn of a vegetable supply drop at Colombo’s economic centres, pushing up prices for items like capsicum, carrots and brinjal. Public Health: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says the government will allow private sector purchase of the dengue vaccine once approval is final, alongside plans to expand Wolbachia mosquito control from September. Dengue Funding & Response: Australia’s envoy announced AUD 2mn for the proposed Sri Lanka Wolbachia project and additional disaster-preparedness support, including rescue boats and drones. Security & Drugs: Sri Lanka Customs seized 396kg of narcotics worth about Rs. 4.5bn in raids from Oct 2025 to July 2026. Governance & Courts: The legal community is locked in a major constitutional fight over proposals to extend judges’ retirement age, with concerns raised about judicial independence and institutional reform. Transport & Tender Concerns: A senior engineer questions tender prequalification for major expressway works, alleging it reduced competition and inflated costs by billions of rupees. Business & Trade Links: An Indian Chamber of Commerce delegation wrapped up talks in Colombo to expand trade and investment, while Sri Lanka-China textile cooperation ramps up via Intex-InMac 2026. Sports Spotlight: Commonwealth Games javelin headlines continue as Neeraj Chopra qualifies for the final in Glasgow, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage also in the medal mix.

Commonwealth Games Athletics: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga stormed into the men’s javelin final at Glasgow 2026 with an 82.84m throw, while Sumedha Ranasinghe missed the final after failing to reach the standard. Anti-Trafficking Push: Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary warned that human trafficking is increasingly moving through cyber-enabled scams, urging a united crackdown as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2026 is marked. Parliament Oversight: A COPE sub-committee hearing heard that Avant Garde received about US$320,000 per month for years from floating armoury revenue, raising questions about payments that should have gone to the state. Weather & Water: The Department of Meteorology issued an El Niño warning, urging careful water use as conditions could intensify, though severe shortages are not expected. Finance & Risk: Fitch warned APAC banks, including Sri Lanka, face tighter conditions as El Niño risks keep rates elevated, while People’s Insurance’s insurer rating was affirmed at ‘A(lka)’ with a stable outlook. Sports—Cricket: Saransh Jain said he was “certain” of his India call-up at 33 after Washington Sundar’s injury opened the door for the Sri Lanka Test tour.

Commonwealth Games: Sri Lanka’s Palitha Bandara won the country’s first medal at Glasgow 2026, taking silver in the men’s discus para final. Sports (Athletics): Kalinga Kumarage booked a place in the men’s 400m semi-finals at Glasgow after finishing second in his heat; Kalhara Indupa missed out due to injury. Education & Youth: Lasitha Jayasinghe made history for Sri Lanka at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai, earning the nation’s first-ever silver medal. Economy & Finance: S&P Global Ratings affirmed Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating at CCC+/C with a stable outlook, citing resilience amid shocks. Public Services: A new fleet of 104 Metro buses has arrived, with card-based fare systems planned for deployment by September 20. Environment: Sri Lanka has collected over 43 containers of plastic pellets washed ashore after the MSC Elsa 3 spill, with cleanup costs covered by the shipping company. Governance: Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says judges should not be put in a difficult position over a proposal to extend their retirement age, calling for a referendum. Transport Tech: A commentary questions why Kadawatha’s ETC exit isn’t yet integrated, leaving some drivers without proof of payment. Culture: The Colombo Literary Festival wrapped up, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s trilingual literary heritage.

Sri Lanka Cricket & Tours: Sri Lanka have named a refreshed 15-player squad for the T20I series against Pakistan, bringing in Under-19 call-ups Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda plus seamer Rashmika Sewwandi, while Hansima Karunaratne and two seamers miss out. Commonwealth Games Watch: Neeraj Chopra returns to Glasgow for CWG 2026 javelin action, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage flagged as a serious threat in the same medal mix as Arshad Nadeem. Local Sports Spotlight: In the Durand Cup, Indian Air Force beat Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC 2-1 in Group C, with Naorem Somananda Singh scoring and a late Defenders rally falling short. Tourism & Services: DFCC Bank rolled out Sri Lanka’s first eight-language self-service ATMs and Cash Recycler Machines at key visitor spots including Bandaranaike International Airport, Hiriketiya, Ella and Arugam Bay. Health & Wellness: Siddhalepa Ayurveda products and its health resort won GlobalHealth Sri Lanka awards in Colombo.

Judicial Reform Row: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has kicked off a Special General Meeting in Colombo to decide its response to a proposed constitutional amendment that would extend judges’ retirement age, with lawyers warning it could undermine judicial independence and public confidence. Pharma Push for Exports: Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical manufacturers say they want to shift from import substitution to becoming an export hub, targeting the US$1.8tn global market and calling for removal of product development taxes and red tape. Tourism Momentum: Sri Lanka welcomed 1.31 million international tourists between Jan 1 and July 26, with July alone bringing 167,401 arrivals; India remains the biggest source market. Dengue Response Boost: The US Embassy launched a dengue prevention and vector-control programme with Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry and the National Dengue Control Unit, bringing preventive medicine and surveillance support. Online Scam Trafficking Warning: The IOM says victims are being coerced into online fraud schemes through threats and violence, urging stronger cross-border action to protect victims. Cricket—India vs SL Build-up: India named Saransh Jain for the Sri Lanka Tests, with Washington Sundar ruled out for the opener due to injury, while West Indies captain Roston Chase credited a camp for confidence after beating Pakistan.

India-Sri Lanka Tests: India named a 15-member squad for the two-match Test series starting Aug 15 in Galle, with Saransh Jain earning a maiden call-up after Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury; Ravindra Jadeja returns after recovering from tennis elbow, while Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is fitness-dependent. Coaching shake-up: The BCCI confirmed it will not extend contracts for assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fielding coach T Dilip, with a new fielding coach expected to be named soon for the Sri Lanka tour. Sri Lanka cricket (women): Chamari Athapaththu starred with both bat and ball as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the 3rd ODI to clinch the series 2-1. Judicial reform debate: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet moved to raise judges’ retirement age to tackle a backlog of about 1.1 million cases, drawing criticism over possible impacts on judicial independence. Ratings & economy: S&P affirmed Sri Lanka’s CCC+/C rating with a stable outlook, citing resilience and revenue gains, while warning external pressures are rising. Regional diplomacy: India said it knows who is “stymieing” SAARC cooperation, as the bloc’s summits have stalled since 2014. Human trafficking warning: The IOM warned criminal networks are increasingly forcing people into online scam operations, including victims from Sri Lanka.

India-Sri Lanka Tests: India named Shubman Gill as captain for the two-match series starting Aug 15 in Galle, with KL Rahul as vice-captain. Squad shake-up: Ravindra Jadeja returns after recovering from a tennis elbow injury, while Washington Sundar is ruled out for the first Test and Saransh Jain earns a maiden call-up. Fitness watch: Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan are in the squad but their participation depends on fitness clearance. Judicial independence row: Sri Lanka’s Judicial Service Association opposes a Cabinet-backed plan to extend judges’ retirement age, warning it could weaken judicial independence and stall promotions. Property rights ruling: Sri Lanka’s Civil Appellate High Court ordered a developer to hand over interim possession of a condominium unit to an elderly buyer, setting a buyer-protection precedent. Prison overcrowding: Sri Lanka says delays in Government Analyst reports are blocking bail and worsening overcrowding, with about 39,000 inmates currently held. Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Prof. Fazeeha Azmi presented credentials in Iran, signaling renewed cooperation. Trade strategy: Sri Lanka’s RCEP push is back in focus as policymakers weigh regional trade gains against risks.

Judicial Reform: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a constitutional move to raise judges’ retirement ages by two years, pushing Supreme Court judges from 65 to 67 and Court of Appeal judges from 63 to 65, with further changes expected for High Court and Magistrates’ Court tenures. Sports Integrity: A Colombo court rejected bail for Indian nationals Manjot Kalra (Jaffna Kings co-owner) and Yuvraj Pushpa in the LPL match-fixing probe, keeping them in remand as investigations continue. Cricket Development: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee to discuss hurdles in developing cricket and what government support can be provided. Energy Costs: PUCSL’s proposed Feed-in Tariff for battery storage tied to rooftop solar is drawing backlash over fears it could raise electricity bills despite claims it will boost investment. Port & Procurement: Colombo Port’s tender to remove old gantry cranes has been delayed again, with bidders questioning the process and committee handling of appeals. Maritime Security: U.S. and Sri Lanka forces kicked off CARAT Sri Lanka 2026 in Trincomalee, reinforcing joint readiness and interoperability. Public Health: Dengue control efforts are ramping up as cases continue to climb.

National Integrity Week: Sri Lanka kicked off National Integrity Week under “A Culture of Integrity – A Clean Sri Lanka,” with a pledge and a new Code of Ethics rolled out across the Presidential Secretariat and government institutions, plus complaint channels through Internal Affairs Units. Dengue Fight: Health authorities launched a nationwide mosquito control drive running until July 31, as dengue cases climb to 81,511 with 61 deaths, with Gampaha the worst-hit district. Anti-Corruption Push Abroad: Sri Lanka sent a joint CID–CIABOC investigative team to Australia tied to the 2013 SriLankan Airlines aircraft procurement bribery allegations, aiming to build cases for international action. Port City Murder Case: Two Chinese suspects arrested over the Colombo Port City abduction and murder are set for an identification parade, with investigations also pointing to cybercrime links. Crime Spike: Police report 22 shooting incidents this year, with 15 deaths and 12 injuries, largely linked to rival drug trafficking and organised criminal networks. Oil Pressure: CPC sought an urgent meeting with President over volatile global oil prices, warning diesel and petrol have jumped sharply this month. India–SL Cricket: India’s Test squad for Sri Lanka is expected soon, with Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness in doubt and other injury concerns shaping selection.

Sri Lanka–India Tests: India’s selectors are weighing fitness ahead of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with Ravindra Jadeja back in consideration after a tennis elbow issue, while Washington Sundar and Harshit Rana remain key question marks due to hamstring problems. Commonwealth Games 2026: Neeraj Chopra says the Glasgow men’s javelin field is “very tough,” naming rivals including Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem and Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage; meanwhile Mirabai Chanu made history with a third straight CWG gold in the women’s 48kg weightlifting. Local sport (LPL): Jaffna Kings have replaced Taskin Ahmed with Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy for the Lanka Premier League season. Legal fraternity: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka rejects claims made in Parliament about its president, saying the remarks are false and politically motivated. Economy/FX: Government moves to restore criminal sanctions for serious foreign exchange offences after a reported $715m advance import payment fraud exposed gaps in the Foreign Exchange Act. Health: Hemas Hospitals and Adora Cosmetic Centre lead the GlobalHealth Sri Lanka Awards 2026 with seven national honours.

Customs Crackdown: Sri Lanka Customs says it will auction or sell 1,025 uncleared imported vehicles at Hambantota Port, with 625 stuck for over six months, using Section 109 to recover taxes and port/storage charges. Dengue Surge: The National Dengue Control Unit reports 81,511 cases and 61 deaths this year, with July the worst month so far (26,136 cases) and Western Province leading (43,132). FDI & Tax Reform Push: CA Sri Lanka urges urgent reforms to modernise tax and investment policy as the OECD Global Minimum Tax reshapes competition for foreign investment. Central Bank Outlook: CBSL Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe says the May rate hike is starting to cool excess demand, with import demand and credit growth moderating. Labour Benefits Overhaul: Government launches the first EPF/ETF review since their creation to improve efficiency and services, citing millions of members and large fund assets. Cricket Spotlight: Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan Women by 8 wickets to level the ODI series 1-1, setting up a decider.

US Tariff Shock for South Asia Trade: Bangladesh’s RMG sector gets a boost after landing in the lower 10% tier under the new US Section 301 forced-labour regime, giving it a 2.5-point edge over rivals like China, Vietnam and Thailand. Legal & Governance: Sri Lanka has revised guidelines for appointing President’s Counsel, now requiring at least 20 years’ professional experience; applications are open until Aug 31. Courts & Independence: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka rejects claims made in Parliament about its president, calling them false and politically motivated. Cricket—Women’s ODI: Sri Lanka Women thrashed Pakistan Women by 8 wickets with twin centuries from Vishmi Gunaratne (123) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (100*), leveling the series 1-1. Cricket—Test Build-up: West Indies captain Roston Chase backs leadership by example as the WI-Pakistan first Test gets underway after rain disrupted early play. Sports—Debating: Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya won the Sirasa Debater Season 05 grand finale, with Sanadi Amarasinghe named best speaker. Security & Defence: Sri Lanka’s Navy wrapped up Trincomalee Naval Exercise TRINEX-26 with drills including VBSS and UAV launch from a vessel.

Asian Games Cricket Draw: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all secured direct knockout berths for the men’s Asian Games 2026 in Japan, while the women’s quarter-finals kick off with India vs Japan, Bangladesh vs China, Sri Lanka vs Malaysia and Pakistan vs Thailand. US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US has imposed new 10%–12.5% Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labour claims, with Sri Lanka listed in the 10% bracket—raising landed costs for exporters even as India’s rate was set lower than earlier drafts. Sri Lanka Migrant Support: President Anura Dissanayake ordered a programme to provide underutilised land and project support for returning migrant workers, reviewing 2026 plantation and community infrastructure projects and 2027 priorities. Forest Raid Arrests: Nine suspects were arrested after an Akkarayankulam reserve forest raid turned violent, with STF and wildlife officers assaulted and a JCB used for illegal clearing seized. Dengue & Public Health Pressure: Sri Lanka continues battling a major dengue surge, with drones and military support used as cases and deaths climb. Industrial Tragedy: Five workers died in a helmet factory fire in Homagama, with authorities investigating safety compliance and a suspected electrical short circuit.

US Forced-Labour Tariffs: The Trump administration has launched sweeping Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labour claims, with rates of 10% for countries including Sri Lanka and 12.5% for others; the move replaces a temporary 10% surcharge and covers most US imports, though with product exemptions. Prison Overcrowding Reform: Sri Lanka is considering house arrest and other technology-based alternatives to imprisonment to ease severe prison overcrowding, with faster Government Analyst reports aimed at cutting remand delays. Environment & Mangroves: Sri Lanka plans to gazette eight mangrove ecosystems in Puttalam as new protected reserves, covering 162.72 hectares, with the move timed around World Mangrove Day. Asian Games Cricket Draw: Sri Lanka’s men’s team has direct entry to the Asian Games 2026 men’s cricket knockouts, while the women’s team will face Malaysia in the quarter-finals. Dengue Response: Sri Lanka is using drones to hunt mosquito breeding grounds as dengue cases surge. Markets: Sri Lankan shares closed slightly lower, with healthcare stocks dragging despite gains in IT and financials. India Visa Update: India’s High Commission in Colombo says there’s no change to visa fees for Sri Lankan pilgrims, but free group (gratis) visas are being reintroduced for eligible groups of 10+.

US Tariff Shock for Sri Lanka: The Trump administration has imposed new forced-labour tariffs on 60 trading partners, with Sri Lanka included, after a temporary 10% global tariff expired. Sri Lanka’s US tariff rate was reported to drop to 10% following negotiations, but officials warn more hurdles may follow. Port City Violence: Police are investigating a deadly clash between Chinese nationals at Colombo Port City, after an alleged abduction and murder; two suspects were arrested at the airport. Anti-Counterfeit Crackdown: Japan’s NGK brand, via local legal action, led to raids in Horana where counterfeit NGK spark plugs were seized under Sri Lanka’s intellectual property laws. Corruption Referrals: COPE has decided to refer 23 bribery/corruption cases involving eight state institutions to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. Environment & Coastline: President Dissanayake ordered tougher action to protect Northern and Eastern coastlines ahead of the 2027 Budget. Agriculture Finance Deal: HNB partnered with Lanka Commercial Trading to expand leasing access for tractors and harvesters, backed by Govi Saviya financing. Sports: West Indies named Joshua Bishop and Kirk McKenzie for Tests vs Pakistan, with Alzarri Joseph missing selection for personal reasons.