AGP Executive Report

Political Cooperation: Sri Lanka and Lithuania signed an MoU to deepen political dialogue and cooperation in digital affairs, trade, education and tourism during the first-ever high-level Lithuanian state visit. Anti-Corruption Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was remanded until October 13 over allegations that Rs. 10 million intended for a children’s hospital scanner was misused; she denies wrongdoing. Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament that 50 corruption and criminal cases involving politicians and officials were not politically motivated. Anti-Terror Law: The government presented its proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, intended to replace the PTA. Critics are debating whether its definitions and powers adequately protect civil liberties. IMF Talks: Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha said discussions are underway on a long-term, growth-focused arrangement after the current IMF programme ends in March 2027. Foreign Relations: Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is due to visit Sri Lanka to explore agricultural trade and security cooperation, while Colombo faces a diplomatic dilemma over humanitarian assistance to sanctioned Iranian vessels near its waters.

Corruption Probes: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa has been remanded for a week over allegations that donations intended to buy a hospital scanner were misused by her charity. Former minister Rohitha Bogollagama was also remanded in a separate bribery case over alleged improper spending on a 2006 investment event. Security Laws: The Prevention of Organized Crime Bill has been gazetted, while a separate Gazette designates the Central Crime Investigation Bureau as a detention site under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Consular Diplomacy: Amnesty International is urging Saudi Arabia to overturn the death sentence against Sri Lankan worker Anojan Sivarasa over a Facebook comment; Colombo has said a delegation will visit Saudi Arabia. Regional Ties: Sri Lanka and India held their first cyber-security consultations in Colombo, discussing cooperation on AI-related risks, incident response and capacity building.

Anti-corruption Probe: Former first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was arrested and remanded until October 13 over alleged misuse of Rs. 10 million donated through her Siriliya Saviya charity for a children’s hospital scanner. She denies wrongdoing; the former National Savings Bank chairman arrested in the case was released on bail. Rajapaksa Cases: The arrest adds to scrutiny of the family, with Namal Rajapaksa also remanded until October 16 in a separate case. Anojan Sivarasa Case: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath says a Sri Lankan legal team is pursuing an appeal in Saudi Arabia for the 24-year-old migrant worker sentenced to death. A diplomatic delegation may seek clemency after the legal process concludes. Budget and Economy: The 2027 Appropriation Bill is due before Parliament, as the World Bank raises Sri Lanka’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.4% but warns that the recovery remains incomplete.

IMF & Economy: Sri Lanka’s seventh IMF review is moving forward, with a staff-level agreement clearing the way to draw about US$345m, but the Fund warned recovery is still “slow, incomplete and uneven” and tied the next tranche to a 2027 budget and debt-restructuring progress. World Bank Growth Watch: The World Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.4% and says output has returned to pre-crisis levels, while poverty remains above 2019 and inflation is creeping up. Fuel & Energy Politics: CPC Chairman said recent fuel queues were driven by private firms cutting daily releases and panic buying, not a national shortage—while unions again pressed for action over supply cuts. Ports & Trade: Colombo port container volumes rose 10.3% in Jan–Aug on transshipment momentum, and CWIT’s Phase II expansion is set to lift capacity to 3.2m TEUs. Cybercrime & Human Trafficking: Sri Lanka stepped up coordination with IOM and partners to tackle emerging cyber scam operations linked to trafficking for forced criminality. Courts & High-Profile Cases: President appointed two Court of Appeal judges; FCID matters continued around Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Suresh Salley’s discharge proceedings. Foreign Policy & Consular Pressure: Sri Lanka faces mounting public anger over the Saudi death sentence for migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, with legal and diplomatic efforts underway. Maritime Dispute: India’s Supreme Court told the centre to sensitise Tamil fishermen to avoid Sri Lankan waters amid the Katchatheevu fishing row. Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim chairman said ICC wants zero government interference, with indiscipline and misconduct to be handled under rules.

Fuel & Energy Politics: Sri Lanka is seeing fresh fuel queues, with the petroleum workers’ union blaming government failure to ensure supply and alleging private fuel firms restrict sales under regulated pricing; the energy minister says private operators are cutting releases because they can’t sell at regulated prices, pushing more burden onto the CPC. Parliament & Economy: In Parliament, a deputy minister said vehicle import restrictions lifted in 2024 have driven over 800,000 vehicle imports worth about USD 3.8bn, while foreign reserves remain around USD 6.9bn and are expected to reach USD 8bn by year-end. Justice & Security Lawmaking: The Cabinet has moved to gazette the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill to strengthen action against serious offences and align Sri Lanka’s framework with the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Diplomacy & Mobility: Cabinet approved a Sri Lanka–Thailand visa exemption for ordinary passport holders for tourism only (up to 30 days per visit, 90 days total in 180 days), excluding work, studies and media activities. Governance Appointments: The Cabinet appointed M.M.D.J. Senaratne as the new Director General of the Department of National Botanic Gardens. Sports & Public Life: Separate coverage notes Harmanpreet Kaur stepping down as India women’s captain across formats, while Sri Lanka-related court and political remand items continue to draw attention.

Counterterrorism Reform Under Fire: Human Rights Watch says Sri Lanka’s proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill keeps abusive powers, including an overbroad terrorism definition and weak safeguards, warning it could undermine rights and EU trade benefits. High-Profile FCID Case: Former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa returned from Singapore and filed for anticipatory bail after being summoned over the Siriliya Saviya Foundation probe. Diplomacy & Regional Security: Nepal Home Minister Sudhan Gurung will visit India next week for the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting since 1997, with Sri Lanka among member states. IMF Momentum: Sri Lanka and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement for the seventh EFF review, paving the way for about US$345 million. Foreign Relations & Trade: Pakistan and Sri Lanka plan a joint working group to expand cooperation in IT and telecom. Consular Pressure: Sri Lanka is seeking Saudi clemency for Anojan Sivarasa, sentenced to death over Facebook comments. Public Institutions: Sri Lanka’s regulator IRCSL launches an inter-university insurance quiz to boost insurance literacy. Sports-Politics Spillover: Cricket Australia faces calls to improve women’s scheduling, while Sri Lanka’s football team beat Mauritius 3–2 in a friendly.

Rabies & Dog Registration Bill: Veterinary groups warn Sri Lanka’s rabies prevention push is being undermined and argue the proposed Rabies Elimination and Dog Registration Bill is meant to update outdated laws, as officials cite millions of dog vaccinations but still record human deaths. Defence University Leadership: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed retired Air Chief Marshal Kolitha A. Gunathilake as Chancellor of Kotelawala Defence University. Anojan Sivarasa Case: A four-member legal team heads to Saudi Arabia to appeal Anojan Sivarasa’s death sentence, with meetings set for 7–8 October and a possible clemency request expected to be carried to the Saudi King. IMF Financing: Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement for the seventh EFF review, clearing the way to draw about US$345 million. Energy & Digital Services: Government signed an ADB deal for $35m concessional financing plus EU and JFJCM grants to expand smart-grid and virtual net metering; separately, high-speed fibre rollout is connecting thousands of government secondary schools. Housing Delivery: 5,000 assisted houses are set to be handed over on World Habitat Day, targeting 13,000 families living in unsafe homes. Trade & Food Security: India’s NCEL and Sri Lanka’s COOPFED signed an MoU to facilitate essential food supplies, alongside talks on updating the India–Sri Lanka FTA. Fisheries Tensions: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay urged India’s Jaishankar to press Sri Lanka to stop recurring arrests of fishermen in the Palk Straits after nine were detained. Police & Governance: Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera alleged police “disarray” after controversial transfers were cancelled.

IMF Deal: Sri Lanka reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for the seventh review of its Extended Fund Facility, unlocking about US$345m in SDRs—pending IMF Executive Board approval, the 2027 Budget’s presentation to Parliament, and a financing assurances review tied to debt restructuring progress. Foreign Policy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath rejected claims of US pressure over Iranian vessels outside Sri Lanka’s 12-nautical-mile limit, saying Sri Lanka acts on humanitarian grounds while safeguarding neutrality and sovereignty. Courts & Rights: Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara was remanded after arrest following the Supreme Court’s reversal of his presidential pardon, with the case linked to an older contempt conviction and multiple warrants. Energy & Digital Services: Government signed on rooftop solar and Virtual Net Metering financing—US$35m concessional ADB loan plus EU and Japan grants—while officials also pushed AI-powered public services built around privacy, security and inclusion. Cricket & Politics: Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20 squads for Pakistan were announced as the tour begins, with captain Kusal Mendis stressing squad depth and testing combinations ahead of World Cup 2027.

Cricket & World Cup prep: Kusal Mendis says Sri Lanka’s immediate priority is building a strong 15–17 core while testing wider combinations, with emerging players getting chances ahead of major tournaments. ODI squad update: SLC named a 16-member ODI squad for the Pakistan tri-series starting Oct 18, captained by Mendis; Pathum Nissanka’s travel is conditional on medical clearance. Foreign policy row: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath rejected claims of US pressure over supplies to Iranian vessels outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, stressing neutrality and maritime-law compliance while acknowledging the sanctions risk shaping Sri Lankan decisions. Legal crackdown: Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara was remanded after arrest, with the case tied to a long-running contempt conviction and the Supreme Court’s reversal of a 2019 presidential pardon. Navy action: Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian trawler and arrested nine fishermen near Delft Island, handing them to fisheries authorities for legal steps. Humanitarian focus: Sajith Premadasa told the ICRC that missing persons work must be evidence-based, inclusive, and protected from external influence. Education & welfare: The government launched a National School Meal Forum to strengthen coordination and long-term sustainability, with meals reaching over one million children in Grades 1–5.

Legal & Human Rights: A four-member Sri Lankan legal delegation will travel to Saudi Arabia to pursue avenues to secure relief for death-row migrant worker Anojan Sivarasa, with meetings planned with Saudi legal firms and an appeal expected via the Attorney General’s Department. Maritime Security & Livelihoods: The Sri Lanka Navy apprehended nine Rameswaram fishermen and seized their trawler near Neduntheevu, triggering anger among fishermen who say permits were obtained; the cases will move through fisheries authorities. Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel import spending rose sharply—Sri Lanka spent about US$4.07bn on fuel in the first eight months of 2026, up roughly 62% year-on-year—while lawmakers and former officials renewed calls for transparency on domestic fuel pricing. Procurement & State Capacity: The government opened bids for 1,000 new 4WD automatic diesel double-cab vehicles, alongside other equipment tenders, with revised technical thresholds aimed at widening eligibility. Police Reform: IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya flagged organised crime, drugs, and traffic discipline as top challenges, citing a major police manpower gap and new recruitment and promotion backlogs being addressed. Justice & Courts: Buddhist monk Galanagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was arrested under an open warrant after the Supreme Court invalidated a presidential pardon that had interrupted his contempt-of-court sentence. Public Health Policy: The GMOA warned proposed changes to dog vaccination law could disrupt Sri Lanka’s rabies control programme, arguing current coverage and staffing models would be undermined.

Police & Courts: Prominent Buddhist monk Galanagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera was arrested after a court warrant was revived following the Supreme Court invalidating a presidential pardon that had interrupted his contempt-of-court sentence. Public Health & Animal Welfare: The GMOA warned that proposed dog-vaccination legal amendments could disrupt Sri Lanka’s rabies control, arguing that limiting vaccinations to veterinary-surgeon supervision is impractical and could cut coverage. Energy & Infrastructure: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake backed new CPC Jet A-1 pipeline and aviation fuel storage projects at Muthurajawela to strengthen fuel security, while the government urged the public to cut fuel use and switch toward EVs and solar-backed energy transition. Economy & Delivery Constraints: The Central Bank said a bitumen shortage slowed road construction in August, alongside shortages of skilled workers and other materials. Governance & Institutions: Prof. G.L. Peiris launched a trust to fund legal education and research, with royalties from his publications earmarked for the fund. Law & Order (Local): A Kalutara NDF candidate was arrested over an alleged Rs. 1.2m job fraud scheme. Sports (Regional): Sri Lanka’s cricket team lost the Asian Games bronze match to Bangladesh by 63 runs. Security (Police Capacity): IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya flagged organised crime, drugs and traffic discipline as top police challenges, citing a major personnel shortage and progress on recruitment and delayed promotions.

Energy Security & Fuel Infrastructure: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched new fuel storage and pipeline works in Muthurajawela, including a 21-km aviation fuel pipeline to Katunayake airport and five aviation fuel tanks (90,000 cu m), aiming to lift national storage from about 23–25 days to at least 45 days and push fuel subsidy reforms. Anti-Corruption Capacity: CIABOC will expand with 23 regional offices and recruit 971 staff, with equipment funded via a Japanese grant through UNDP, as part of IMF-linked anti-corruption commitments. Governance & Heritage: Cabinet approved a special committee to reclaim Sri Lankan cultural artefacts held overseas under the 1970 UNESCO convention, building on 2023 returns from the Netherlands. Digital Connectivity Scrutiny: Dialog claims district-wide 5G coverage across all 25 districts, but its own reporting suggests population coverage is under 40%, raising questions about rollout messaging. Trade & Sanctions Risk: Reports say nearly 20 Iranian oil tankers are stranded off Sri Lanka, highlighting how U.S. sanctions can ripple into ports, banking, insurance and shipping services. Education & Jobs: ADB approved a $100m results-based loan to transform TVET from 2027–2031, targeting skills-to-employment links for over 100,000 youth. Sports & Diplomacy (minor): Sri Lanka named a 15-player T20I squad for Pakistan with Kusal Mendis as captain; separate coverage notes India’s Asian Games final vs Pakistan after Sri Lanka’s semifinal loss.

Land & Security-to-Development: Sri Lanka’s Security Forces formally released about 187.56 acres of former military-used State land in Kankesanthurai, Jaffna for civilian development, as part of plans for an investment zone. Governance & Accountability: A police sergeant in Gampaha was suspended over an alleged chicken-meat bribe linked to a bail request, with investigations ongoing. Energy Policy: The Government urged the public to cut fuel use as well as manage prices, saying energy security depends on lower consumption and a shift toward solar and EVs. State-Owned Enterprise Costs: CPC said it is still losing on diesel and petrol per litre despite subsidy and price increases, blaming global market pricing. Human Rights / Diplomacy: Mahanayake Theros asked the President for State intervention to secure the release of Sivarasa Anojan, sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia. Digital Push: The Digital Summit Asia Sri Lanka 2026 opened in Colombo with 600+ participants, positioning Sri Lanka as a regional digital hub. Public Safety: Sri Lanka reported nearly 10,000 snakebite cases annually, as experts gathered in Kandy for a major snakes congress.

Export Policy Coordination: Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board convened lead agencies to accelerate the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, aiming to boost competitiveness, diversify markets, improve trade facilitation and logistics, and strengthen access to trade finance. Customs Digital Push: Sri Lanka Customs moved to paperless declarations with digital signatures mandatory from 1 October 2026, with the President’s Office saying it will speed clearance and cut fraud. Tax Compliance Update: A new Inland Revenue Department circular makes TIN verification a routine requirement for key transactions involving banks, local authorities, motor traffic, and company registration. Health Funding Debate: Advocata warned the new “Ayubo” lottery could be regressive, arguing lower-income citizens may end up subsidising universal free healthcare. Forensic Capacity: The IGP backed CA Sri Lanka’s new Faculty of Forensic Accounting and Investigation, linking it to stronger responses to cyber fraud and economic crime. Diplomacy & Trade: Sri Lanka and Palestine reaffirmed plans to deepen economic cooperation, with Sri Lanka Expo 2027 flagged as a platform for Palestinian participation. Political Parties: MP Kavinda Jayawardena urged stronger party institutions over leader-centric politics, warning against misinformation and calling for transparency in party financing. Cricket (Local Angle): ICC confirmed World Cup 2027 groupings placing Sri Lanka in Group B and setting India–Pakistan for Oct 10 at Johannesburg’s Wanderers.

ICC World Cup 2027: The ICC has unveiled the ODI World Cup 2027 schedule, with India and Pakistan drawn in the same Group A and their blockbuster set for Oct 10 in Johannesburg; the tournament runs from Oct 2 to Nov 21 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, with Sri Lanka placed in Group B. Central Bank Watch: Sri Lanka’s current account swung to a $133m surplus in Aug 2026 as import spending eased, while CBSL also flagged softer vehicle imports (down to $189m) amid tighter LTV rules and a government surcharge decision. Party Politics & Media: MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena urged European partners to back stronger party institutions over leader-centric politics, warning against social media and AI-driven misinformation and calling for transparency in party financing. Labour & Care Work: A free Caregiver NVQ Level 03 course began at NILS, aiming to professionalise caregiving and build a skilled workforce for elderly and patient care. Health & Vaccines: Government says it will fund 100% of required immunisation vaccines from next year, alongside efforts to improve medicine availability and cut procurement delays. UN & Security: UN chief Guterres condemned a deadly Haiti gang attack involving the Sri Lankan Gang Suppression Force, underscoring the ongoing toll of gang violence. Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket’s transformation committee says “drastic changes” are coming after poor recent results, including plans for a CEO and stronger checks and balances under the new constitutional framework.

World Children’s Day: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Harini Amarasuriya used Oct 1 messages to push equal access to education, health, nutrition, social protection and protection from violence and discrimination, with emphasis on safeguarding children online and offline. Child protection policy push: Deputy Minister Dr. Namal Sudarshana said the government is integrating child-protection institutions and taking legal steps to strengthen safeguards, stressing that the goal isn’t just more laws but safer lives and real opportunities. Customs digitisation: Sri Lanka Customs begins a paperless customs declaration process from Oct 1, requiring digital signatures and aiming for faster, more transparent clearance while reducing fraud and document tampering. Port security probe: The IGP ordered a criminal investigation into alleged negligence and delays by police officers after a major drug consignment seizure at Colombo Port on Aug 31. Trade and infrastructure: PM Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated Adani Ports’ Colombo West International Terminal Phase II, doubling capacity to 3.2 million TEUs with a $750m investment. Legal/political tensions: SLPP operations chief Johnston Fernando alleged the government is targeting opponents through legal action, including remands and new cases. Consumer enforcement: CAA seized 801 reusable plastic bottles in Pettah raids, citing compliance requirements under SLS standards.