AGP Executive Report

Dengue Update: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry says a modified dengue strain is driving the current surge, with Deputy Minister Hansaka Wijemuni warning the virus differs from past versions—meaning more people may be vulnerable. Maritime Cooperation: India’s INS Sharda has wrapped up a successful Colombo port call, with training exchanges for Sri Lankan sailors and steps to boost interoperability under the MAHASAGAR vision. Economy & Budget: Sri Lanka plans Rs 2 trillion in capital spending for 2027, and officials also signal public sector salary increases as the government tries to ease pressure on households. Sports—T20 Series: Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 37 runs in the 2nd T20I at Kingston to level the series 1-1, powered by Kamil Mishara’s 60 and Dasun Shanaka’s late blitz, while Chameera and Hasaranga led the bowling. Culture in Colombo: More than 5,000 Bharatanatyam dancers in Colombo reportedly set a Guinness World Record for the largest Bharatanatyam dance lesson, strengthening people-to-people ties with India.

Cricket, T20 Series: West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl in the 2nd T20I vs Sri Lanka in Kingston, with SL making two XI changes—Kamil Mishara for Lasith Croospulle and Dunith Wellalage for Dilshan Madushanka—while WI bring in seam bowler Shamar Springer for Jason Holder. Sports, Women’s T20 World Cup: England crushed Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, powered by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 105* and Freya Kemp’s 4/21, while New Zealand’s title defence also stumbled as West Indies chased down their target with a ball to spare. Public Safety, Dengue: Health authorities warn mosquito larvae density is rising nationwide, hitting 12% last month (up from 8% in April), with sharp spikes in schools and government institutions; officials urge residents to remove breeding sites and seek care for fever. Crime & Security: Police arrested the brother of alleged drug trafficker “Modara Nipuna” after his deportation from Dubai, with investigations pointing to alleged drug trafficking links in Modara and nearby areas. Foreign Affairs & Rights: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will visit Sri Lanka again from 15–24 June, meeting officials, the Human Rights Commission, and civil society. Economy & Climate: The World Bank expects South Asia growth to soften to 6.3% in 2026 amid Middle East conflict pressures, while Sri Lanka reviews preparedness for El Niño impacts. Development & Trade: Japan handed over refrigerated trucks and ice-making machines to strengthen Sri Lanka’s fisheries cold chain, aiming to cut post-harvest losses. Business & Lifestyle: Food Studio expands its Colombo City Centre Dining Gallery with five culinary concepts, and LAUGFS Supermarkets opens a Bing Chun franchise outlet at Pepiliyana.

Women’s Cricket World Cup: England crushed Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge firing an unbeaten 105 and Freya Kemp taking 4/21 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132. Local Sports: Afghanistan A suffered a setback in the tri-nation series, losing to Sri Lanka A by eight wickets under DLS after posting 245. Aviation Safety: A Sydney-bound SriLankan Airlines flight made an emergency return to Colombo after a lightning strike; all 223 onboard were reported safe. Education: PM Harini Amarasuriya said education will be protected in any global crisis, pointing to smart boards and expanded internet access. Energy & Cost Pressures: Hardeep Singh Puri said there’s no energy shortage and cited comfortable LPG/oil supply, while noting fuel price movements across countries including Sri Lanka. Human Rights Watch: UN torture prevention experts will revisit Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to assess detention safeguards. Consumer Protection: Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority raided a Chinese-owned supermarket in Kollupitiya over alleged consumer law violations. Transport Disruption: Train derailed in Rambukkana, with officials saying regular services won’t be affected. Infrastructure & Imports: Tar imports have been disrupted by the Middle East crisis, with RDA seeking alternative suppliers.

Indigenous Rights: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says legal steps will be fast-tracked to protect Vedda traditional land rights after talks with indigenous leader Uru Warige Wannila Aththo, while also ordering urgent relief for Cyclone Ditwah-affected families in Hennanigala and reviewing issues at Dambana School. Police Crackdown: Sri Lanka Police have launched a nationwide operation against vehicles with modified or excessively loud exhaust systems, with impounding replacing routine fines, targeting dangerous motorcycle and three-wheeler stunts linked to drug use ahead of Poson. Finance & Banking: Bank of Ceylon expands banking access by reaching all 331 DSDs, while Cabinet has cleared new forex regulations for overseas investments and emigrant fund transfers; meanwhile, secondary bond activity stays quiet and T-bill yields edge up more slowly. ADB Support: The Asian Development Bank announced a US$4bn crisis package for countries hit by the West Asia conflict, with Sri Lanka among the requesting governments. Sports: England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge smashed a tournament-opening century as hosts beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Global Watch: UN torture prevention experts will return to Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to assess detention safeguards and reforms since 2019.

Port City Colombo Pitch: Sri Lanka is courting Gulf investors in Dubai, pitching Port City Colombo as a South Asia gateway at a high-level forum that drew nearly 200 business and diplomatic leaders. Sports Tourism Boost: FIFA has agreed to support building an international football stadium in Negombo, with Kadolkale Stadium identified as the site—aimed at lifting sports tourism beyond cricket. Women’s Cricket Opener: England and Sri Lanka kick off the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Edgbaston, with Sri Lanka hoping for an upset led by Chamari Athapaththu. Online Safety Debate: Parliament is set to debate the Online Safety (Repeal) Bill on June 23, with the National Environment (Amendment) Bill expected on June 24. Court Backlog: An NPP MP says Sri Lanka faces a backlog of 1.1 million court cases, while the Justice Minister says judiciary shortcomings will be addressed. Currency Watch: The Sri Lankan rupee weakened further against the US dollar, with some banks quoting dollar selling rates above Rs. 340. Easter Probe Politics: Protests in support of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay continue, with families of the 2019 Easter attack victims demanding the probe not be politicised.

El Niño Preparedness: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered state agencies to draw up detailed plans to protect food security, drinking water and electricity generation ahead of expected El Niño conditions, with officials citing reservoir and Yala cultivation steps. Energy Forecast: Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka told Parliament the grid could lose 127 GWh due to El Niño, and said alternative measures are already being discussed across ministries. Dengue Alert: Health authorities warn Sri Lanka is at high risk of a dengue epidemic as cases near 39,000 this year; a nationwide drive found mosquito larvae in thousands of premises. Easter Attacks Court Case: The Court of Appeal heard that former SIS chief Suresh Sallay’s lawyer claims senior police officers accused of failing to stop the 2019 Easter attacks are now investigating him. Underworld Weapons: Police say criminal groups are increasingly using homemade and counterfeit firearms as raids reduce access to military-grade weapons. US Navy Port Call: USS Canberra arrived in Colombo for a brief stop, underscoring US-Sri Lanka maritime ties. Cricket (T20): West Indies beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the first T20 at Sabina Park, with Shai Hope’s unbeaten 65 steering the chase. Women’s World Cup: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins today, with England set to face Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. Trade Talks: UAE-Sri Lanka CEPA talks are expected to move quickly, with officials saying it could be signed within a year. Port City Update: Colombo Port City has received Cabinet approval for 77 businesses of strategic importance, with investment plans worth about Rs. 125 billion.

Green Finance Push: Sri Lanka operationalised its Green Finance Taxonomy with EU support, training banks and stakeholders to better classify environmentally sustainable projects and unlock greener investment flows. Anti-Corruption Drive: CIABOC arrested 32 public officials in the first four months of 2026, with bribery complaints rising to 2,686 by April. Air Connectivity: SriLankan Airlines expanded Saudi links via new partnerships with Saudia and Flynas, adding more domestic and international connections. Minerals Policy Overhaul: Sri Lanka’s National Mineral Policy was fully revised after 27 years and takes effect today, aiming to boost value addition instead of exporting raw minerals. El Niño Preparedness: President Dissanayake chaired a high-level meeting on El Niño risks, focusing on food, drinking water and energy, including earlier Yala cultivation steps. Sports—U19 Tour: Anvay Dravid was named in India’s Under-19 one-day squad for Sri Lanka, with matches in Hambantota, Galle and Colombo starting July 4. SLAF Modernisation: The SLAF completed the first test flight of the upgraded Kfir C12 at Katunayake.

Food Security Shock: The World Food Programme warns the Iran war is quietly pushing millions into severe hunger, with spillovers hitting Sri Lanka too as food and fuel costs rise and trade gets disrupted. Energy & LNG Debate: Environmental groups say Sri Lanka’s LNG power plans are being undermined by high standby costs and the fact that plants are still running on diesel because no LNG terminal exists. Fuel Pricing Questions: A fresh challenge is raised over the government’s claim that fuel worth about Rs. 720 is sold for Rs. 433, questioning the basis of the higher figure and whether private suppliers would also absorb such losses. NDB Fraud Scrutiny: Parliament is pressing the Central Bank to explain overseas transfers linked to the alleged Rs. 13bn NDB fraud, including how TT-based remittances were routed through shell companies. Easter Bombings Case: Sri Lanka’s public security minister says ex-spy chief Suresh Sallay “directed” the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, as Sallay denies involvement and protests continue. Public Safety & Fire Exits: Commentaries highlight repeated deadly fire incidents and argue that weak enforcement of mandatory emergency exits is putting lives at risk. Sports (Women’s T20 World Cup): England kick off the tournament against Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka’s women’s campaign is set to begin amid a packed schedule and major broadcast coverage for fans in Sri Lanka. Local Cricket: Sri Lanka Emerging Players hold a strong position against West Indies Academy after Layne’s late burst swings the contest. Environment Day: Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia beach access routes are set to be officially named today to protect public access and improve emergency response.

Food Security Shock: The World Food Programme warns the US-Iran war is pushing millions into acute hunger, citing higher fuel and food costs plus disrupted trade; it flags Sri Lanka among the hardest hit, with millions facing worsening food insecurity. Court & Accountability: Former Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau official Rumy Jauffer was remanded over alleged misuse of Rs. 7.8 million tied to election campaign spending, while warrants and court orders continue in the case. Easter Sunday Probe: Sri Lanka says investigations into the 2019 Easter attacks found credible grounds to believe retired Major General Tuan Suresh Salley directed extremists, with claims of pre-attack intelligence gathering. Local Safety Alert: Three school students were swept away by waves at Galle Face; two were rescued and one remains missing as Navy divers search. Diplomacy: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake congratulated India PM Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected premier, reaffirming close bilateral ties. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): Pakistan’s women’s tour of Sri Lanka is set for July, and the Women’s T20 World Cup schedule places Sri Lanka in Group 2. Business & Mobility: New vehicle financing partnerships and EV leasing deals are expanding across Sri Lanka, while DIMO delivered 134 TATA cabs to Sri Lanka Police. Economy Watch: Sri Lankan shares fell again, extending the market’s losing streak.

Food Security Shock: The World Food Programme warns the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz bottlenecks are pushing fuel and food prices up, with millions facing acute hunger—Sri Lanka is named among the hardest hit. Sri Lanka Economy Rules: The Central Bank issues a new Gazette rule forcing exporters to convert foreign exchange earnings into rupees within a set deadline, with limited permitted uses first. Mattala Airport Drive: Sri Lanka extends the deadline for expressions of interest to develop Mattala International Airport, with dozens of parties still in the race. NDB FX Scam: Police and Customs say millions—including Rs. 13 billion from NDB—were siphoned out via telegraphic transfers under “import” claims, using many accounts across banks since 2023. Weather Watch: El Niño is expected to start affecting Sri Lanka’s weather next month, with officials set to discuss preparedness. Education Staffing: Approval granted for teacher recruitment, targeting over 31,000 hires this year amid a large vacancy gap. Public Services Access: A national accessibility audit begins at government institutions to improve facilities for persons with disabilities. Port City Banking: Sampath Bank opens its Colombo Port City branch, marking a key step for the Port City investment push.

Tri-Series Cricket (SL vs India A): India A kicked off their Sri Lanka tour with an 8-run win over Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: the 15-year-old made his India A 50-over debut but was out for 14, while Ruturaj Gaikwad: struck a century (101) to steady the innings. Sri Lanka A looked set in the chase, but a late collapse swung the match back to India A. Rail Disruption Warning: Sri Lanka Railway controllers’ union says night trains will run to finish journeys, but morning services may not report for duty due to planned union action. Digital Push: Cabinet approved drafting a Digital Economy Bill to speed up Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, including AI-related work. Public Services Online: concessionary railway season tickets for government officials will go fully digital from July via the Pravesha platform. Anti-Graft Jail Term: former deputy minister Sarana Gunawardena was sentenced to 16 years for corruption-related charges. Environment After Cyclone Ditwah: government plans an authority to manage upper watershed areas in the central highlands after cyclone damage.

Foreign Capital & Markets: Foreign investors kept selling Sri Lanka government securities even after the Central Bank’s May 26 rate hike, with net outflows of Rs. 4,768m in the week to June 4, adding pressure as the rupee weakens and inflation worries grow. PTA Detention Scrutiny: The Human Rights Commission has ordered CID officers to appear this week over the welfare and treatment of former SIS chief Suresh Sallay, amid claims of serious health decline and alleged ill-treatment. Elderly Safety Crisis: A wave of concern follows the deadly nursing home fire that killed 12 elderly residents, with renewed calls for proper registration, oversight, and real protection for seniors living alone. Health Access: A heart-care complaint highlights long waits for angiograms in Colombo, raising fears that “free” care is not truly timely for patients. Cricket—Sri Lanka in the Caribbean: Sri Lanka clinched an ODI series win in West Indies after the third ODI was abandoned due to rain, making it their first ODI series victory in the Caribbean since 2003. Cricket—T20I Squad: West Indies named a 15-man T20I squad for the series vs Sri Lanka, adding Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste and Shamar Springer, with Shai Hope to lead. Tri-Series Focus: India A and Sri Lanka A kick off their tri-nation ODI series in Sri Lanka today, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi again in the spotlight.

Detention Update: Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay remains in Colombo National Hospital under remand custody, with his wife Manori Sallay saying he is refusing food and is on saline, as lawyers handle next steps after reports of a hunger strike and police denial of mistreatment. Child Protection Oversight: The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus ordered authorities to ensure investigations in an Anuradhapura abuse case follow court orders, urging faster forensic/medical reports and monitoring proceedings across Anuradhapura, Attanagalla and Dambulla to reduce repeated trauma for the victim. Wildlife & Land Use: Sri Lanka’s government cleared three long-blocked elephant corridors—Wetahirakanda, Hadapanagala and Koholankala—blaming past unplanned development and land allocations, and plans “Elephant Enrichment Zones” to ease human-elephant conflict. Markets & Finance: CBSL said the financial system stayed resilient in 1Q 2026 despite risks, while the CSE ended the week under pressure with ASPI down and foreign outflows reported; meanwhile LB Finance crossed Rs. 25b pre-tax profit in FY26 and Commercial Bank opened a Port City Colombo branch. Insurance & Compliance: Amana Takaful added two independent directors, Allianz expanded access via Dedigama branches, and IRCSL ran an awareness session with FIU on the National Risk Assessment update.

Hostage Rescue: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry says three Sri Lankans held hostage by an organised criminal gang in Ethiopia have been rescued in a joint operation with Ethiopian authorities, and arrangements are underway to bring them home. Health & Custody: Former SIS director Suresh Sallay, detained under the PTA over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, has been admitted to the National Hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit after his family raised urgent concerns about his condition and alleged mistreatment in CID custody. Cybersecurity & Debt: The IMF granted Sri Lanka a waiver after a Treasury cyber heist led to a missed external debt payment of about $2.5 million to Australia, saying the breach was minor and corrective steps were taken. Financial Markets: Sri Lanka’s banks remain resilient with strong credit growth and capital buffers, but foreign investors have continued pulling back, with the Colombo bourse seeing net foreign outflows and cautious market sentiment. International Cooperation on Scams: China and Sri Lanka are stepping up cooperation against online gambling and telecom fraud networks, with the Chinese Embassy highlighting cross-border organised crime risks. Tourism Policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries (via free ETA), but Bangladesh is not included. Regional Cricket: Rain washed out the second ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Kingston; West Indies trail 1-0 and will play the series decider on Monday.

Detention and health concerns: Former SIS chief Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has been admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit of the National Hospital in Colombo while in CID custody, following allegations by his wife of torture, degrading treatment and denial of medical care under the PTA probe into the Easter Sunday attacks. Education reform: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says Sri Lanka will introduce a common preschool curriculum across the country by 2027, with stronger supervision and monitoring for early childhood education. Public transport shake-up: Private bus operators plan to cut services by 50% from June 8 over fare disputes and rising costs, warning commuters of major disruptions and cancellations. Business and investment: Commercial Bank of Ceylon opens a new full-service branch in Port City Colombo, aiming to serve growing local and international demand in the financial district. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): World Athletics VP Adille Sumariwalla urges no “unnecessary pressure” on Neeraj Chopra after Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Pathirage’s Diamond League Rome success. Cricket (Sri Lanka in focus): Rain washes out the 2nd ODI in Kingston, leaving West Indies’ series hopes fading against Sri Lanka.

ODI Series Update: Persistent rain at Sabina Park in Kingston forced the abandonment of the 2nd ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka with no ball bowled, leaving Sri Lanka 1-0 up after their 41-run win in the opener and keeping the series alive only through Monday’s final match. LPG Cost Shielding: India’s Petroleum Ministry says domestic LPG prices rose by Rs 29 per 14.2kg cylinder, but households are still effectively paying far less than market-linked costs, with the government absorbing under-recovery of about Rs 700 per cylinder amid West Asia-linked price pressure. Food Security Alarm: The UN World Food Programme warns Iran conflict-driven fuel and food shocks are pushing millions toward acute hunger, estimating an additional 1.3 million in Sri Lanka among those struggling to meet basic needs. Health Prevention: Sri Lanka health authorities highlight that a simple blood test can help prevent genetic blood disorders like thalassaemia, noting about 3% of the population are carriers. Detention Claims: Former minister Udaya Gammanpila alleges detained retired Major General Suresh Salley has started a hunger strike over mistreatment in CID custody. Cybercrime Crackdown: China’s embassy says joint Sri Lanka-China law enforcement efforts have intensified since early 2026 to tackle online gambling and telecom fraud linked to cross-border criminal networks.