AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry launched a three-day study tour for foreign diplomats to showcase the Eastern Province’s culture and tourism potential, with meetings planned with local leaders and officials. Energy Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake oversaw the grid connection of the 5MW “Diyajanani” floating solar plant in Dambulla, aimed at powering about 7,500 households and cutting diesel use. Transport Rule: Seat belts will be compulsory for all passengers on Sri Lanka’s expressways from midnight, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said. Foreign Worker Crisis: Sri Lankan authorities say they are closely monitoring the case of migrant worker Sivarasa Anojan in Saudi Arabia after reports his sentence was reportedly upgraded to death over a Facebook post. Court Watch: Namal Rajapaksa’s bail bid was heard in Colombo, with the case tied to a request linked to a temple ceremony, while he remains remanded in the Airbus bribe case. Digital Governance: Sri Lanka and the World Bank held talks on digitalising government services and modernising the public sector. Politics: Sajith Premadasa welcomed UNP-SJB unity under one platform, calling it a positive step.

Asian Games Spotlight (Cricket): Sri Lanka’s women crushed Malaysia by 86 runs to reach the quarter-finals, with Chamari Athapaththu top-scoring (63) and Kavisha Dilhari making 44* as Sri Lanka posted 160/4 before bowling Malaysia out for 74/7. Asian Games Spotlight (Cricket): India women also surged into the semis, bowling Japan out for 57 and chasing 58 in five overs; Shafali Verma hit 40* off 15 and Shree Charani took 4/10. Local Justice & Governance: Public Security Minister Sunil Watagala says former executive presidents and senior politicians must report to investigators when summoned, with no more home visits for statements. Anti-Corruption/Arrests: SLPP organiser Namal Rajapaksa was remanded after CIABOC action tied to the Airbus transaction. Sports (Sri Lanka in focus): England wrapped up the T20 series vs Sri Lanka with a six-wicket win, while Jos Buttler became the first batter to reach 15,000 T20 runs. Economy/Consumer: Vehicle prices in Sri Lanka have reportedly dropped sharply, with some small models down by Rs. 400,000–1 million, and traders selling at a loss. Energy & Environment: Sri Lanka commissioned its first battery energy storage system (BESS) in Galle, marking a new chapter for renewable power stability. Public Health & Society: Women’s unpaid care work is driving them out of jobs, with officials calling for care to be treated as shared responsibility. Maritime Safety: The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a pilot who fell overboard near Colombo Port entrance during a vessel-boarding operation.

Sri Lanka-England T20 Series: England wrapped up another dominant win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff, chasing 149 with 7.5 overs to spare as Tom Banton hit an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls, with Harry Brook and Jos Buttler chipping in; the result leaves England 2-0 up with the third match still to come. IMF Talks: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told an IMF delegation that Sri Lanka has reached a path of economic stability and wants to turn that into a “transformative era” that improves everyday living standards. Railway Strike: Sri Lanka Railways says it will keep trains running despite a 48-hour strike, with office and school services operating and long-distance services prioritised for safety. Crime & Courts: A three-wheeler driver was shot dead under the Dematagoda Black Bridge; meanwhile, Shiranthi Rajapaksa’s family says her whereabouts will not be disclosed as she was summoned to appear before the FCID on Sept 24. Energy & Investment: Sri Lanka approved a process to invite petroleum exploration proposals for offshore blocks in the Mannar Basin, aiming to restart oil and gas investment efforts. Visa-Free Travel: Sri Lanka and Thailand agreed to fast-track visa exemption talks for ordinary passport holders, alongside wider cooperation on trade, labour and tourism. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka has joined Biratnagar Kings for Nepal Premier League, while Sri Lanka Women face Malaysia in an Asian Games quarter-final today.

Energy & Oil Licensing: Sri Lanka’s Ministerial Consultative Committee on Energy Affairs has approved the Order to call for investment proposals for petroleum exploration and development in identified blocks, setting out how bidders must submit proposals and fees under the Petroleum Resources Act. Rail Disruption: Railway trade unions have launched a 48-hour token strike starting midnight, demanding the removal of Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya, with the Transport Minister saying the demand cannot be met. Anti-Corruption Push: CIABOC arrested SLPP figure and former NTC chairman Renuka Perera over alleged irregular issuance of 56 Southern Expressway passenger service permits, and a Colombo High Court ordered a pre-trial conference in the Karannagoda–Yoshitha Rajapaksa corruption case. Courts & Equality: The Supreme Court ruled judges must pay income tax like other citizens, ending claims of exemption. Public Health Law: A new rabies and dog registration bill bars police from killing animals merely on suspicion, shifting to capture, observation and veterinary checks. Disaster Readiness: Emergency disaster response units will be set up at divisional secretariat level within two weeks as heavy rains loom. Digital Justice: China has pledged support to integrate AI into Sri Lanka’s justice system. Sports (Sri Lanka in focus): England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the 1st T20 at Southampton, with Harry Brook smashing 114*; Sri Lanka’s Asian Games women’s cricket squad updates also continue amid injuries.

Cricket Shock in Southampton: England crushed Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I as Harry Brook hit 114* and Jos Buttler made 80, setting 254-4 and bowling Sri Lanka out for 135 to win by 119 runs. Asian Games Cricket Update: Sri Lanka named their women’s 15-member squad for Japan 2026 with Chamari Athapaththu as captain; Nilakshika Silva is out with a finger injury and other changes include Dewmi Vihanga replaced by Nimasha Meepage. Athletics Setback: Javelin star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage returned home after winning abroad, only to find his javelins snapped in transit. Health Policy Warning: Public Health Inspectors warn a proposed rabies dog registration bill could disrupt vaccination work and raise human rabies risk. UN Rights Watch: A UN report says people cooperating with the UN face intimidation and reprisals, with Sri Lanka again in UNHRC crosshairs. Road Safety: A multi-vehicle crash in Mattakkuliya killed two and left four injured. Business & Trade: Sri Lanka launched a National Business Facilitation Centre for entrepreneurs, while the Export Development Board pushed creative and lifestyle SMEs at a Maldives hospitality trade event.

Javelin Setback for Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage: World Athletics Ultimate champion Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage returned home to find all his competition javelins damaged after a Turkish Airlines flight, prompting complaints and talks on assessment and compensation ahead of the Asian Games. England vs Sri Lanka T20I: England crushed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the 1st T20I as Harry Brook hit an unbeaten 114 and Jos Buttler made 80, with Buttler also moving past Rohit Sharma to become the second-highest T20I run-scorer. Weather Watch: Sri Lanka faces fairly heavy rains up to 75mm today, with the Meteorology Department warning of hazards like lightning and strong winds. Diplomacy & Travel: Sri Lanka and Thailand agreed to fast-track visa-free arrangements for ordinary passport holders, aiming to boost tourism and people-to-people ties. Judicial & Public Order: Supreme Court developments around Gnanasara Thero have triggered confusion over his whereabouts, while protests erupted over Sri Lanka-India agreements. Economy & Jobs: Sri Lanka’s 2025 employment rate rose to 96.1%, and the country’s Q2 economy grew 4.2%.

Cricket (England tour): Sri Lanka won the opening T20I after England’s Jos Buttler made 80, then fell at the boundary as the chase tightened. T20I build-up: At the toss for the first match, Sri Lanka chose to bowl, backing their bowlers on a dry Utilita Bowl pitch; England named Aneurin Donald for his debut. Sports calendar: SAFF Championship fixtures were released, with Bangladesh hosting Nov 5–17 and Sri Lanka set to play Bhutan (Nov 5) and Bangladesh (Nov 11). Aviation milestone: Sri Lanka’s first private long-range jet touched down at Ratmalana, signalling a push for more private aviation and investment. Weather alert: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across several provinces, with over 100mm possible in places—people were urged to take precautions. Public services: Sri Lanka Police temporarily suspended online Police Clearance Certificates due to system maintenance, directing applicants to police stations. Governance spotlight: SLID marked 25 years advancing corporate governance and board leadership, with a keynote on tariffs and the changing trade order.

Javelin Glory, Airport Headache: World Ultimate champion Rumesh Tharanga returned to Sri Lanka to find his specialised javelins damaged in transit, and the Sports Ministry says it will provide a new set. Anti-Crime Push: The FCID questioned former Air Force Commander Donald Perera over the controversial MiG aircraft deal, as investigations continue. Drugs at the Gate: Two abandoned bags of “Kush” worth about Rs. 320 million were found at Bandaranaike International Airport, with probes underway to trace who left them. Child Safety Screening: The Women and Child Affairs Ministry is moving to require police clearance certificates for public-sector workers who deal directly with children, including renewals during service. Weather Warning: The Meteorology Department issued a red alert for severe lightning risk across 21 districts. Road Safety Concern: New figures link stray dogs to around a third of road accidents, renewing calls for stronger control measures. Water Infrastructure: The Rs. 73 billion Kalu Ganga Water Project is set to improve supply for Colombo and Kalutara. Coastal Heritage Under Threat: Beach Wadiya faces court action over a coastal clean-up that could lead to demolition of seafront premises. Sports Discipline: ICC fined India’s Kranti Gaud for a code-of-conduct breach in the Women’s Asia Cup final.

Labour Mobility Deal: Sri Lanka and Thailand signed two agreements in Bangkok to formalise safe, regular recruitment of Sri Lankan workers, with Thailand approving an initial intake of 10,000 and a framework covering contracts, welfare, visas and repatriation. Fuel Price Pressure: Private diesel retailers say they are losing up to Rs.160 per litre and some pumps have gone empty, while the Energy Minister says Sri Lanka is reviewing fuel prices and is weighing options like subsidies or price bands. Cricket—Women’s Asia Cup Fallout: India beat Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai but refused to accept the trophy from ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi, with BCCI calling it a “collective decision”; meanwhile, India’s Kranti Gaud was fined 10% for a send-off gesture in the final. Cricket—England vs Sri Lanka Build-up: England’s white-ball setup brings Kevin Pietersen as a specialist mentor, while Sri Lanka face a tough T20 stretch against a strong England side. Regional Tech Cooperation: BIMSTEC and Sri Lanka signed an agreement to set up a Technology Transfer Facility in Colombo to speed up science and innovation exchanges. Energy & Climate Watch: Sri Lanka’s clean-energy push is colliding with payment and grid governance problems, and officials warn El Niño makes disaster preparedness urgent. Public Health: A new push to make Sri Lanka rabies-free by 2030 hinges on enforcing dog registration and vaccination rules at local level.

Women’s Cricket Spotlight: India’s women clinched a record eighth Women’s Asia Cup title by beating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana driving a 129-run opening stand and Sree Charani leading the bowling as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. Trophy Row: Despite the win, India refused to accept the trophy from ACC/PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, repeating last year’s men’s stand; BCCI calls it a “conscious, institutional” decision and coach Amol Muzumdar says the tournament is “over” for them, while fans also heckled Naqvi with “Trophy Chor” chants. Local Sports & Talent: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage won men’s javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with 91.09m. Road Safety: Sri Lanka will strictly enforce seat belt rules on expressways from Sept 19, including rear-seat passengers and buses. Health & Weather: Major reservoirs sit at 33.6% storage amid dry conditions, and dengue cases are reported near 97,000. Security: Customs arrested a Ugandan at BIA for allegedly swallowing cocaine pills worth over Rs. 50 million.

Women’s Cricket: India crushed Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final in Dubai, posting 183/5 after a record 129-run opening stand between Shafali Verma (68) and Smriti Mandhana (59), then bowling Sri Lanka out for 111 with Sree Charani’s 4/20 and Deepti Sharma’s 3/19. Trophy Controversy: India refused to collect the winner’s trophy from ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, sparking fresh debate after a similar men’s final incident; Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu received the runners-up cheque and medals. Local Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s javelin star Rumesh Pathirage won the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a 91.09m throw, adding another title to a dominant season. Energy Update: Sri Lanka connected its first 3MW solar project under a 300MW programme to the national grid in Veyangoda, targeting clean power expansion via private participation. Maritime Enforcement: Sri Lanka Navy arrested 65 people in illegal fishing raids, seizing banned nets and boats and handing suspects and gear to fisheries authorities for legal action.

Women’s Cricket Spotlight: India and Sri Lanka set for a Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 final rematch in Dubai on Sunday, both unbeaten, with India chasing an eighth title and Sri Lanka defending after their 2024 win; Weather Watch: Dubai is forecast hot and sunny with essentially no rain risk, so the match should go ahead as planned; Local Roads & Safety: The Colombo–Kandy main road (km 96–99, Lower Kadugannawa) has been flagged as a high-risk landslide zone, with a US$101.3m mitigation project due to start soon and finish by December next year; Economy & Families: Sri Lanka’s foreign remittances rose 19.8% to US$6.131bn in the first eight months, and August alone brought US$748.6m; Health Funding: ADB launched a Rs. 6.7bn programme to strengthen Sri Lanka’s health sector across all nine provinces; Crime & Enforcement: Police arrested five people in Mount Lavinia drug raids, seizing Kush, hashish, “Phil” pills and heroin; Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will visit Thailand (Sept 14–16) to sign labour and employment cooperation documents; Public Finance: Sri Lanka raised Rs. 120bn via three Treasury bond issues (2030, 2034, 2037).

Anti-Corruption Drive: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a farmers’ rally in Polonnaruwa there will be “no mercy” for fraud, corruption, and organized crime, saying the public mandate is to enforce the law and bring suspects back from overseas. Political Showdown: SLPP held a rally in Anuradhapura with Namal Rajapaksa’s message read out from remand custody, as supporters rally around the bribery probe case. Drugs Crackdown: Police uncovered an illegal cannabis and hashish cultivation attempt, raising fears that drug networks are shifting toward local production. Health Regulation: NMRA is considering local testing of a rejected 160,000-unit Filgrastim batch after labelling non-compliance, balancing strict rules with patient supply needs. Fuel Watch: CPC says fuel prices won’t change immediately despite global crude spikes, while some private stations report diesel shortages. Trade Pressure: Sri Lanka’s betel leaf exports to Pakistan are hit hard as Islamabad imposes steep tariffs. Port & Investment: SLPA plans to launch an FDI-backed logistics hub near Colombo Port within 2–3 months, aiming to boost warehousing capacity. Women’s Cricket: India and Sri Lanka set for the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sept 13, with India chasing an eighth title and Sri Lanka defending champions.

Women’s Asia Cup Final Set: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the second semi-final in Dubai, chasing 131 after a shaky start (33/4) and booking a title clash with India on Sunday. Digital Emergency Help: Sri Lanka Police launched a new “Sri Lanka Police” app with an SOS button that, when held for 10 seconds, sends location details to the nearest station—alongside the 119 hotline. Dengue Surge: Dengue cases in 2026 have climbed past 97,000, with 74 deaths reported as health authorities warn the outbreak is worsening. Agricultural Census: Sri Lanka will begin an agricultural census in October as part of the once-a-decade economic census. Universal Basic AI Pilot: Sri Lanka is exploring a world-first universal basic AI pilot to curb “digital dollar drain,” with a programme planned alongside Australia. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s doubles pair Aahil Kaleel and Rehan Gunawardena reached the ITF Week 1 final in Colombo; badminton will send Viren Nettasinghe, Dumindu Abeywickrama and Ranithma Liyanage to the Asian Games in Japan.

Women’s Asia Cup: Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by four wickets in the second semi-final in Dubai, chasing 131 with eight balls to spare after a 67-run recovery stand; Fatima Sana’s 47* and four-for went in vain, and Sri Lanka now face India in the final. Politics & protest: SLPP says it will hold a mass rally in Anuradhapura tomorrow to pressure the government over alleged unmet promises to farmers and the public. Labour policy: Government, employers and workers are working with the ILO to review and strengthen Sri Lanka’s wage-setting institutions through a three-day workshop in Colombo. Health & disasters: UNFPA handed over emergency supplies worth about $250,000 to support women and girls during crises, including solar-lit safe-space tents and maternity kits. Transport & commuters: Railway trade unions warn disruptions and technical failures are eroding public trust, urging urgent fixes to restore reliable service. Diplomacy: Sri Lanka says it will handle Iran’s request to replace three crew members in Sri Lankan waters through diplomatic and defence channels. Business & trade: Sri Lanka is exploring importing potatoes and onions from Bangladesh, with Dhaka set to send a trade delegation to assess demand and export prospects.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Push: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India will help Sri Lanka set up an Artificial Intelligence lab for the Sri Lankan Army, alongside MoUs on upgrading L70 guns and defence education cooperation during his visit. Supreme Court Justice: Sri Lanka’s top court overturned a presidential pardon for hardline monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara and ordered him back to prison over contempt and intimidation linked to missing cartoonist Prageeth Eknaligoda’s wife. Fishing Industry Under Strain: Sri Lanka’s fishing sector is being squeezed by rising costs, declining catches and illegal destructive practices, threatening livelihoods and marine sustainability. Telecom Crackdown: TRCSL plans stricter SIM registration rules, including live photo verification and full identity checks by 2027, to curb untraceable connections used in crime. Migrant Workers Support: Sri Lanka increases death compensation for migrant workers to Rs. 2 million and expands housing-loan eligibility under “Ethera Diriya.” Sports—Asia Cup: Deepti Sharma says India will study the Pakistan-Sri Lanka semi-final before the final, stressing they won’t underestimate either side. Cricket—Siraj Rhythm: Mohammed Siraj links his pace dip in Sri Lanka to a long break, saying long spells in the Duleep Trophy helped him regain rhythm. Criminal Probe: CCIB questions the father of a suspected drug trafficker over a Rs. 30 million apartment purchase tied to the investigation.