AGP Executive Report

Constitutional & Judiciary Reform: Parliament will debate the 22nd Amendment and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill on 24–25 Sept, with the bills focused on judicial reforms and clearing court backlogs. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: CIABOC questioned former Rajapaksa-era astrologer Sumanadasa Abeygunawardena for nearly three hours, while reports say former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been summoned to appear before the FCID. Easter Sunday Justice: President Dissanayake met Cardinal Ranjith and Catholic clergy to discuss the status of the Easter Sunday investigation and reconciliation steps. Human Rights at UNHRC: Sri Lanka remains under scrutiny at the UNHRC session, with renewed debate over accountability and reconciliation. War Crimes & Graves: Catholic bishops demanded an impartial probe into alleged Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna. Public Safety: Two children died after a hand grenade was thrown at a Dehiwala residence; police have launched an investigation. Economy & Trade: EDB and University of Kelaniya launched a first-ever joint initiative to boost electronics exports; Brandix CEO urged Customs pre-clearance to protect export competitiveness. Energy & Infrastructure: Rooftop solar growth is straining Sri Lanka’s power grid, raising stability concerns. Labour & Migration: Death compensation for migrant workers increased to Rs. 2 million. International Links: New Chinese Ambassador Wei Huaxiang met Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss Sri Lanka–China ties. Maritime Industry: Sri Lanka shipped its first locally manufactured amphibious vessel to Europe.

Judicial & Anti-Corruption: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa told Parliament he suspects senior Ministers in the “two front rows” may be behind an alleged USD 2.5m theft, while also questioning coal procurement speed and irregularities. Courts: The Supreme Court has overturned a presidential pardon for Gnanasara Thera, ordering the jailed monk to return behind bars, reigniting debate over judicial independence and constitutional limits. Economy & IMF: An IMF delegation has arrived for a key review mission on the Seventh Review and Article IV, as the Central Bank warns Sri Lanka must strengthen foreign reserve buffers amid geopolitical and global shock risks. Foreign Policy & Security: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrapped up a landmark Sri Lanka visit, pledging joint regional safety efforts and defence cooperation, including maritime security steps. Migrant Workers: The SLBFE launched the “Ethera Diriya” housing loan scheme for migrant workers, with loans up to Rs.10m and interest support; compensation for deaths abroad was raised to Rs.2m. Education Reform: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s education reforms advance with proposals for 40-minute subject periods and a 50:50 continuous-plus-summative assessment model, starting with Grade 1 and expanding in 2027. Human Rights: Amnesty says Russia is recruiting foreigners to fight in Ukraine through coercion and deception, amounting to human trafficking, including cases involving Sri Lankans. Trade & Industry: Sri Lanka’s first exported high-tech amphibious vessel for Europe was unveiled, while Bangladesh plans a delegation to explore potato and onion exports to Sri Lanka.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Push: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, reaffirming joint work on regional safety and security, including drug-trafficking cooperation. Organised Crime Law: Cabinet approved a Prevention of Organised Crime Bill to replace organised-crime suspects’ detentions under the PTA, with safeguards and no retrospective application. IMF Review: An IMF team led by Evan Papageorgiou arrives for the seventh EFF review, focusing on macro stability and growth reforms through Sept 23. Digital Government: Cabinet also backed Digital Transformation Units across state institutions, led by Chief Digital Officers reporting to institutional heads. Labour Migration: Sri Lanka and Thailand agreed to formalise labour migration cooperation, including a framework to recruit 10,000 Sri Lankan workers legally. Human Rights Row: ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam says UNHRC reporting on Sri Lanka was distorted as an endorsement. Economy & Trade: GRI and EDB signed a multi-year deal to strengthen sustainability reporting for exporters, especially SMEs. Public Finance Watch: A coal procurement case at Lakvijaya reportedly showed a US$1.57m loss tied to contract term changes.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Reset: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, reaffirming “civilisational twins” ties and pledging joint regional safety, including a proposed maritime domain awareness grid and defence cooperation. Anti-India Assurances: Colombo reiterated it will not allow its soil to be used for anti-India activities, with both sides stressing maritime security and crisis support. Air Defence Upgrade: MoUs signed during Singh’s visit include upgrading six Sri Lanka Air Force L70 guns under an Indian grant, plus defence college and cadet corps cooperation. Parliament & Courts: Parliament passed the Chief of Defence Staff (Repeal) Bill, abolishing the post; meanwhile, SLPP MP Chanaka Madugoda said Namal Rajapaksa avoided sub judice comments on his arrest, citing Standing Orders. Constitutional Tension: Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa challenged President Dissanayake’s public remarks on the 22nd Amendment while the Supreme Court process is ongoing. Economy & Governance: PM Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament revenue rose 27.2% in H1 2026; BOI registered a $291.19m 350MW Kerawalapitiya power project expected to create 1,147 jobs. Human Rights & UN: Sri Lanka urged UNHRC to end country-specific mandates with clear exits, while UN rights reporting continues to press for accountability. Public Health: WHO honoured Sri Lanka for 10 years of malaria-free status and maternal/neonatal tetanus elimination.

Judicial Reform at UN: Sri Lanka told the UN that the proposed 22nd Amendment is meant to strengthen judicial independence, tackle court backlogs and improve the justice system, as Colombo seeks to show reform progress amid ongoing international scrutiny. Parliament Clash: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara sparred in Parliament over the Commonwealth Lawyers Association’s concerns about Supreme Court proceedings tied to the 22nd Amendment. India Defence Pivot: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began a three-day visit to Colombo, with talks expected to deepen defence and maritime cooperation and implement last year’s India-Sri Lanka defence agreement. US-Iran Maritime Watch: The US flagged Iranian vessels operating off Sri Lanka; Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said Sri Lanka is monitoring them and none entered territorial waters. Digital Inclusion: Sri Lanka Police launched a WhatsApp video-call emergency service for hearing-impaired citizens via the 119 helpline. Economy & Finance: Central Bank eased related-party guarantee rules for banks while tightening reporting, and CAL warned that reform fatigue could threaten the recovery reaching households. Labour Pact with Thailand: Colombo and Bangkok are set to formalise bilateral labour and employment agreements to protect Sri Lankan workers. Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court dismissed about 40 police promotion-related petitions. Cabinet Approvals: Government approved Rs. 173.86m for tourism consultancy and over Rs. 4.5bn to settle long-outstanding plantation workers’ dues.

Maritime Security: The US has formally alerted Sri Lanka about Iranian vessels operating off the island, and Colombo says it is monitoring 47 ships in international waters. India-Sri Lanka Defence: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived for a three-day visit to deepen maritime and defence cooperation, including talks with Sri Lankan leadership and the President. Organised Crime Law: Cabinet cleared a draft Bill to combat organised crime, to be gazetted and sent to Parliament, aligning Sri Lankan law with the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. Digital Governance: Cabinet approved dedicated Digital Transformation Units across government institutions, with Chief Digital Officers to coordinate reforms. Trade Policy: Government plans a National Trade Negotiation Committee to review existing Free Trade Agreements and guide new bilateral deals. Labour Migration: Sri Lanka and Thailand are set to sign a labour cooperation MoU and a supplementary agreement for five-year employment arrangements. Public Services: From October 1, private-sector workers can get monthly railway season tickets online. UN Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s President will skip this year’s UNGA; Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath will lead the delegation.

UN Human Rights Council: UNHRC will review Sri Lanka’s latest human rights report in Geneva on Sept 8, with renewed scrutiny on reconciliation, accountability, and continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Constitutional Challenge: A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court alleging fundamental rights were violated after the Court allegedly failed to hear a challenge to the 22nd Amendment Bill. High-Profile Politics: SLPP organiser Namal Rajapaksa, remanded in the Airbus graft case, is set to attend Parliament after prison and parliamentary arrangements. Digital Government: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced a major digitalisation drive, targeting 80% of government services online via mobile, plus 1,000 new 4G towers. Tech & Regulation: Sri Lanka is developing a national strategy to standardize, test and commercialize drone technology, while also flagging legal and policy barriers. India Security Ties: Police announced Colombo traffic restrictions for Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Sept 8–10 visit, expected to focus on maritime security and defence cooperation. Business & Trade: Southern Province business chambers pressed Treasury for time-bound solutions to regulatory and taxation bottlenecks; meanwhile, BOI held talks with Japanese investors on operational issues. Economy & Risk: UN pledged support for post-Cyclone Ditwah resettlement and disaster preparedness amid El Niño conditions. Infrastructure Accountability: Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake disclosed a 99-year lease for a Southern Expressway service area at Rs. 10,000 annually, raising concerns over maintenance and irregularities.

Constitutional & Accountability: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says Sri Lanka’s post-2009 record still lacks recognition or accountability for international crimes, pointing to limited progress and continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act against rights defenders and journalists. Parliament & Governance: SLPP organiser Namal Rajapaksa is set to attend Parliament after the Secretary General arranged prison facilities for his participation. Disaster Preparedness: A Parliamentary Select Committee questioned senior police over Cyclone Ditwah response, probing preparedness and media comments by former MP Nimal Piyatissa. Transport & Urban Services: Kadawatha’s second Metro Bus depot has started operations; the fleet is set to rise to 172 buses with 50 more planned, while traffic curbs will be imposed for Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Sept 8-10 visit. Public Health: A health expert warns reforms must move beyond paperwork toward implementation, while Sri Lanka and India discuss tech cooperation to strengthen healthcare and manage non-communicable diseases. Environment & Tourism: Government moves to remove unauthorized coastal constructions to develop the coast as a tourist attraction. Security & Law: Court orders destruction of 8,500+ bottles seized over counterfeit SLS standards and misleading branding. Sports & Diplomacy: England appoints Kevin Pietersen as specialist white-ball mentor for the 2027 World Cup, with the role beginning during the Sri Lanka series later this month.

Constitutional & policing push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government will not hesitate to introduce Constitutional amendments to tackle drug trafficking and crime, warning that record police raids won’t matter if delays persist between arrests and sentencing. Healthcare reform: He also announced a new primary-care first system, with 1,000 “Arogya” centres directing patients to the right hospital or specialist level to cut unnecessary visits. High-stakes politics & courts: UNP marked its 80th anniversary with Ranil Wickremesinghe promising a “modern UNP” with new faces in December, while the SriLankan Airlines-Airbus graft case continues to test judicial follow-through against powerful figures, including the Namal Rajapaksa remand proceedings. India-Sri Lanka defence ties: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set for a Sept 8–10 visit, expected to deepen defence and maritime cooperation and discuss air-defence collaboration. Digital economy: FITIS launched the Digital Excellence Awards 2026 under an “AI Revolution” theme, with government backing for standardised and certified digital services. Business & governance: FCCISL and the Industry Ministry discussed a nationwide SME roadmap to incubate 1,000–5,000 scalable firms across districts. Sports (public interest): Sri Lanka booked Women’s Asia Cup semi-finals after Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten knock against Bangladesh.

India-Sri Lanka Defence Push: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Colombo from Sept 8–10, leading a high-level delegation for talks with Sri Lankan leadership and meetings with the Indian diaspora, with defence and maritime cooperation expected to be central. Illicit Finance Claim: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a rally Sri Lanka is losing about US$1 billion a year through illicit financial channels, citing steps by the CID and Customs to curb black-economy foreign currency leakage. Opposition Under Pressure, UNP Warns: Ranil Wickremesinghe accused the government of undermining democracy and weakening opposition, pointing to actions against political parties and other professional groups, and linking concerns to the 22nd Amendment debate. Digital Economy Stakes: Government says SLT-Mobitel will be retained as a strategic State asset to power the digital economy, with plans for digital identity, broadband expansion and AI-enabled services. WHO Regional Role: Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa heads to Timor-Leste for the 79th WHO Regional Committee session, continuing as chair after being elected in Colombo in 2025. Education & Public Health: The second phase of the third school term starts tomorrow, with dengue eradication activities and transport support in place.

Tax Relief Push: President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake urged urgent steps to ease the PAYE tax burden, calling for faster Inland Revenue reforms and stronger capacity at the Inland Revenue Department. Anti-Graft Case: Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Namal Rajapaksa in remand and said bail steps would be taken; Namal remains in custody over an alleged Rs. 100 million bribe linked to the SriLankan Airlines Airbus deal. Security at Rallies: Sri Lanka Police asked the Department of Fisheries to keep outer-sea fishing boats anchored off Beruwala for two hours on 6 Sept, citing a security risk during the President’s rally. Water Infrastructure: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake moved to fast-track the Lower Malwathu Oya reservoir project, restarted with Rs. 5 billion and targeted for completion by 2029–2030. Rural Export Plan: Government launched a “Ceylon King Coconut Village” programme to establish 250 king coconut villages by 2028, aiming to lift rural incomes and expand exports. El Niño Drought: Reports highlighted severe El Niño-driven drought impacts, with water shortages worsening for farmers in eastern districts like Ampara. Drug Bust: Pakistan, US and Sri Lankan agencies jointly disrupted an Afghan-linked meth network, seizing 671 kg of crystal meth across Karachi and Colombo ports.

Parliament Staffing Crisis: Sri Lanka’s Parliament is facing an unprecedented exodus, with nearly 30 officers and officials reportedly leaving in recent months—mostly for the private sector—blamed on the loss of allowances and benefits such as leave encashment, raising fears about retention of experienced staff. High-Profile Anti-Graft Case: Opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa has been remanded until Sept 18 in the Airbus bribery probe, with prosecutors citing a joint investigation and alleging bribe payments linked to the controversial aircraft transaction. Presidential Push on Water Infrastructure: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake moved to fast-track the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project, restarting construction with Rs. 5 billion allocated in the 2026 Budget and targeting completion by 2029–2030 to ease water shortages and support rural livelihoods. Justice for War Victims: Tamil families continue demanding answers over enforced disappearances, with rights groups criticising slow progress on accountability despite reconciliation promises. Political Speculation: Former minister Kanchana Wijesekera is being discussed internally as a possible common presidential candidate ahead of the 2029 election, though no formal decision has been made. Maritime Security Clarification: Sri Lanka’s defence authorities say they received no formal request from Iran regarding Iranian vessels anchored near the EEZ, and that the US raised no concerns.

SLPP Rally After Namal Remand: SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa’s arrest and remand has set up a major Anuradhapura rally on Sept 12, with Limini Weerasinghe Rajapaksa expected to take the main stage for the first time, while Mahinda Rajapaksa is tipped to attend but not headline. Justice Delays Under Fire: A UN-backed human rights report and Human Rights Watch criticism say Sri Lanka is still delaying prosecutions over past grave abuses, with victims’ families pointing to long-running impunity and repressive laws. Digital ID Rollout: Sri Lanka is preparing the phased launch of SL-UDI, with e-NICs for 16-year-olds and a QR-based e-Locker, after procurement and funding delays. Energy Reliability Warning: Norochcholai’s coal shortage is forcing generation cuts and exposing planning gaps in fuel procurement timing. Rural Economy Push: The government’s plan for 250 king coconut villages by 2028 aims to turn smallholder farming into an export-linked rural production model. Climate Hit to Farmers: El Niño-linked dry weather has damaged 8,500 acres, with about Rs. 3 billion allocated for crop insurance compensation. Anti-Graft/Arrests: Namal Rajapaksa’s Airbus-linked bribery case remains central as legal processes continue.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Sri Lanka’s CIABOC arrested opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa and remanded him until Sept 18 over alleged bribes tied to the 2013 Airbus purchase for SriLankan Airlines, with the probe linked to payments routed through accounts in Sri Lanka and Singapore; Rajapaksa denies wrongdoing. Human Rights Watch: The UN human rights chief warned that Sri Lanka’s pledges on accountability and reform risk losing momentum, citing gaps in truth and justice efforts despite some progress on corruption and investigations. Maritime & Security Links: U.S. maritime regulators will visit Sri Lanka to deepen cooperation on shipping and Indo-Pacific trade, as Colombo’s role as a container hub draws Washington’s attention. Regional Disaster Response: Nepal’s Bhotekoshi flood rescue entered its 10th day, with thousands still missing and hundreds of foreign nationals among them; Sri Lanka is among countries providing support. Trade & EU Path: A Netherlands envoy said the Benelux bloc could help Sri Lankan exporters further integrate with Europe, urging smoother processes to extend GSP+ and move toward an EU free trade deal.

Judicial Reform Row: Sri Lanka’s opposition, lawyers and activists protested in Colombo against proposed judicial reform legislation, warning it could undermine judicial independence; the amendment would raise top judges’ retirement age and expand higher-court benches, with debate yet to be scheduled. Constitutional Litigation: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka told the Supreme Court it will not file post-hearing written submissions in the 22nd Amendment special determination challenge after the court denied an oral reply. Human Rights Watch: A UN Human Rights Council report urges Sri Lanka to strengthen accountability and institutional reforms, criticising continued reliance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act and citing arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions. IMF Engagement: An IMF staff team will visit from Sept 10–23 for the Seventh Review under the Extended Fund Facility and the 2026 Article IV consultation. Security & Policing: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake warned police officers colluding with drug traffickers and organised crime to leave the force or face disciplinary action. Transport Modernisation: Government says electric rail electrification could start by May/June next year, targeting completion of the first phase by 2030 on key commuter corridors. Capital Markets/Business: Commercial Bank showcased a global-first digital banking architecture deployment in Copenhagen; Lanka IOC marked its 25th year on the CSE with the market opening bell.

Judicial Reform Protest: Hundreds of opposition MPs, lawyers and activists rallied in Colombo against the government’s proposed judicial reform, warning it would extend top judges’ terms and expand benches in ways that could undermine judicial independence. Supreme Court Procedure: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka told the Supreme Court it will not file post-hearing written submissions in a Special Determination matter, citing the court’s refusal to grant an oral right of reply after the Attorney General’s submissions. Court Appointment: Sajeewani Dilka Lakmali Karunannayake was sworn in as a Court of Appeal judge at the Presidential Secretariat. Cricket Governance Fallout: Sri Lanka Cricket accepted the ICC’s decision to move the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy 2027 to India after governance concerns and the lack of elections, while Sri Lanka’s women’s team secured automatic qualification. Foreign Employment Push: SLFEA announced a new overseas jobs programme, including Japan roles for school dropouts with language requirements, alongside recruitment for South Korea, Israel and Middle Eastern countries. Infrastructure & Daily Life: Polonnaruwa Railway Station reopened after a Rs. 35 million upgrade under the “Dream Destination” programme. Energy Skills Gap: PUCSL warned Sri Lanka needs about 5,000 qualified solar technicians annually to meet renewable targets, as it launches training efforts. Trade/Regional Finance: Sri Lanka and India moved to finalise an MoU for Kankesanthurai Port development, including joint monitoring and technical oversight. Transport Costs: Vehicle import duty surcharge extension is already driving sharp price hikes on popular models.