AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Identity Tech: Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says e-Passports will start within less than a year, with new PKI procurement underway and more e-gates planned at BIA; the passport page count is cut from 64 to 48. Digital Literacy & Misinformation Risk: A Digital Outlook Sri Lanka 2026 report finds 81% of users now rely on AI for information and 26% use AI instead of search engines, raising concerns that confidence is outpacing basic digital skills. Governance & Civil Society: Sri Lanka’s Free Media Movement condemns Pakistan’s new restrictions on international media reporting, saying journalists need state permission to report outside Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Public Order & Human Rights: Prison unrest in Sri Lanka continues to escalate, with reports of deaths and dozens injured as the government probes alleged coordinated disturbances and deploys troops. International Relations (Energy): India and Sri Lanka reviewed power-sector cooperation in New Delhi, including HVDC interconnection and Sampur Solar, and discussed cross-border electricity trade and transmission capacity building. Transport Security: Airport police arrested a man at BIA over smuggling foreign cigarettes worth about Rs. 6 million. Sports & Politics Spillover: India’s warm-up vs Sri Lanka XI highlights selection pressure as Devdutt Padikkal’s 142* strengthens his No.3 case while Sai Sudharsan’s toe injury keeps him out; separately, Rishabh Pant’s viral land request gets a public response from Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami.

Prison Crisis: Sri Lanka’s overcrowded jails are again in the spotlight after riots at New Magazine Prison and Kuruwita left 3 inmates dead and dozens injured, with authorities deploying police and special forces and insisting the unrest may be coordinated sabotage while investigations continue. Justice & Law Reform: Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara says bail rules for drug-related offences will be amended as the government moves to tighten responses to prison unrest. Electoral Reform: A parliamentary special committee has started work to appoint an expert panel to review electoral reform proposals, including mixed local election models, better minority and women’s representation, electronic and early voting, and voting rights for Sri Lankans abroad. Civil Society Under Scrutiny: The proposed NGO Registration and Supervision Bill is being debated as a potential clampdown on democratic space, with critics arguing it restricts civil society while supporters frame it as regulation. Budget Inclusion: The Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities is pushing disability-inclusive priorities into the 2027 Budget after participatory consultations. Sports & Politics Collide: Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan says he will return for trial only if his security is guaranteed, but Sri Lanka-based comments and Bangladesh government reactions suggest his political fallout is hardening. Cricket Public Access: Sri Lanka Cricket has announced free selected-gate entry for the India Tests in Galle and Colombo, aiming to boost crowd turnout.

Judiciary Overhaul: Sri Lanka gazetted the draft 22nd Constitutional Amendment, proposing changes to Chief Justice tenure and judges’ retirement ages (Supreme Court at 67, Court of Appeal at 65), while the UNP rejected extending judicial tenure and urged IMF-backed court reforms instead. Prison Crisis: Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said three inmates were killed and 23 injured in two separate prison clashes, with troops deployed to Welikada, Kuruwita and Pallansena amid claims of organized sabotage linked to the anti-drug crackdown. India-Sri Lanka Diplomacy: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit saw India again press for a humanitarian approach to the fishermen dispute, while both sides reviewed progress on HVDC power interconnection and the Sampur Solar project. Digital Public Infrastructure: Sri Lanka advanced its DPI agenda with UNDP and partners, including work on OneRegistry for civil registration modernization. Sports & Public Access: Sri Lanka Cricket announced free entry for fans for the India Test series in Galle and Colombo.

Police modernisation & drug rehab push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake ordered an urgent overhaul of Sri Lanka Police services and a unified rehabilitation drive under “A Nation United,” with progress reviews across 2026 security and public safety programmes. Judicial independence under strain: A fresh legal debate is heating up over the government’s push to extend Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges’ retirement age, with critics warning it risks political interference. Easter bombings verdict: Sri Lanka’s High Court Trial-at-Bar delivered a historic split verdict, sentencing former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death over alleged failures linked to prior intelligence before the 2019 Easter attacks. Investment facilitation reform: Commentators argue Sri Lanka needs a true “single window” for investment that goes beyond software procurement and reshapes how the state manages risk and capital. NGO Bill backlash: The proposed NGO Registration and Supervision Bill faces criticism as unjustified and overly controlling of non-profit activity. Public finance debate: Verité Research says post-crisis tax gains haven’t translated into better jobs and welfare, urging tax reform focused on compliance and a broader base. Transport upgrade: SLTB plans card payments for bus fares to improve convenience and competition. India-Sri Lanka ties (fishermen): Tamil Nadu’s CM urged India’s external affairs minister to seek early release of fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, highlighting recurring Palk Bay disputes.

Anti-Corruption Transparency: Sri Lanka’s House Leader Bimal Rathnayake says a draft bill amending the Anti-Corruption Act will be revised to keep public access to politicians’ asset and liability declarations, after concerns that proposed changes could weaken meaningful scrutiny. Foreign Policy & Aid: India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other leaders in Colombo, reviewing bilateral projects and exchanging agreements on INR-denominated Lines of Credit worth USD 350 million tied to Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction. Public Administration: Transport and Highways Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena says Sri Lanka Transport Board measures will move bus fare payments toward card-based systems to improve service quality and convenience. Legal/Regulatory: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Employment Agency signed an MoU with Japan’s METATECHNO INC to expand recruitment and placement of skilled Sri Lankan professionals, especially in IT and engineering, with an emphasis on legal and ethical hiring. Maritime Security: The Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 11 fishermen near Neduntheevu islet on poaching charges, after a drifting trawler incident. Sports Diplomacy (Regional): ACC schedules confirmed Women’s Asia Cup 2026 in Dubai, with Sri Lanka placed in Group B alongside UAE, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

India-Sri Lanka Diplomacy: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Colombo for a day of talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Harini Amarasuriya, FM Vijitha Herath and Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, reviewing bilateral projects and connectivity, and pushing for early provincial council elections. Fishermen File: Misri urged Sri Lanka to cooperate on the early release of detained Indian fishermen and boats, stressing a humanitarian approach. Trade & Finance: Colombo and New Delhi agreed to move forward on updating the Free Trade Agreement and to sign a Social Security pact soon, while exchanging INR lines of credit worth USD 350m tied to Cyclone Ditwah reconstruction. Tax System Pressure: A National Audit Office report says Rs.108bn in disputed tax revenue is trapped at the Tax Appeals Commission due to stalled hearings and leadership gaps. Governance & Courts: Sri Lanka’s cabinet backed extending superior court judges’ tenure, while legal debates continue around judicial independence and reforms. Online Gambling Crackdown: Sri Lanka blocked access to 24 major betting sites, ordering telecom providers to implement the ban. FIFA Fallout (Global, but political): FIFA apologized to member associations over mistakes in its abandoned World Cup commercial-rights sell-off and reaffirmed support for Infantino after a Morocco crisis meeting.

Court & Tax: Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal has asked the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for clarification before ruling in the tax dispute involving the national cricket captains, after Parliament amended the Inland Revenue Act to treat “sports persons” as Independent Service Providers (ISPs) that may not attract APIT. Diplomacy: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and also held talks with FM Vijitha Herath in Colombo, focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation. India Credit Line: Sri Lanka and India exchanged agreements for INR-denominated Lines of Credit worth USD 350 million to support cyclone reconstruction and procurement needs. Security/Army: The newly appointed Army Commander, Lt Gen Nilantha Premaratne, paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Defence Minister, Major Gen Aruna Jayasekara (Retd). Education & Digital Push: The government reiterated it will keep investing in education despite economic strain, including connecting all 10,000 schools to the internet under a digital transformation drive, while laptops were distributed to top A/L students. Sports Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket awards sponsorship continues as Dialog extends title sponsorship for the 2025 awards, while separate cricket governance stories highlight wider regional disciplinary actions. Wildlife Law: A court fined a beauty pageant contestant and a snake handler after a viral incident involving a protected python, with the animal released unharmed.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino’s World Cup investor plan has been scrapped after fierce pushback, with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom telling staff the “sad and reproachable series of events” is over, while Arsene Wenger says the withdrawal was “necessary and beyond question.” Judicial Reform Backlash: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved extending judges’ retirement ages, but critics warn it risks politicising the judiciary and deepening a backlog of around 1.1 million cases. Disaster Response: Heavy rains in the tea-growing hill country have killed at least seven, damaged hundreds of homes, evacuated nearly 3,500, and shut some schools as navy and army units rescue trapped residents. Public Health Aid: India has gifted 500 litres of Technical Malathion to Sri Lanka to support dengue fogging and spraying amid roughly 86,000 reported cases. Local Governance & Safety: 4x4 owners and modification groups are urging the government to balance new vehicle modification rules with safety and the practical role of properly equipped off-road vehicles in emergencies. International Spotlight: UN experts renewed calls for justice for the families of Muttur humanitarian workers killed 20 years ago, citing failures in past domestic processes.

Constitutional & Justice Reform: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has cleared the path for the 22nd Constitutional Amendment, gazetting draft changes to extend superior court judges’ tenure by two years to help cut a backlog of over a million cases and ease pressure on overcrowded prisons. Police & Governance: Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said the government is considering a one-year service extension for police officers who reach 60, alongside ongoing recruitment and training to address vacancies. Political Accountability: The Acting IGP has ordered the CCIB to investigate SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam’s remarks about the IGP being “assaulted to death,” after the government flagged it as a serious public-security concern. Public Health: India donated 500 litres of technical-grade Malathion to support Sri Lanka’s dengue control, targeting insecticide-resistant mosquito areas. Courts: A Court of Appeal bench ordered that the bribery-related case against former minister Johnston Fernando and others over alleged CWE misuse proceed at the High Court. Human Rights: UN experts renewed calls for accountability for the 2006 Muttur killings of 17 humanitarian workers, saying no one has been arrested or punished after 20 years. Disaster Response: Heavy rains forced school closures in tea-growing regions as floods and mudslides killed five and injured three, with evacuations underway. Regional/Trade Links: Sri Lanka and Jordan’s business chambers discussed expanding trade and investment, including a Sri Lanka trade exhibition planned for next year.

Judicial Reform Row: Sri Lanka’s Church of Ceylon warns a Cabinet-backed amendment to extend judges’ retirement age could erode rule of law, arguing vacancies in appellate courts remain unexplained and the move lacks “bona fides.” Northern Politics: A six-party Tamil-Muslim alliance met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss election conduct, provincial council polls, and constitutional reform, with the President pointing to a parliamentary selection committee. Prison Crisis: Commentaries and reporting keep spotlighting Sri Lanka’s overcrowding and rehabilitation vs incarceration debate, after a deadly Mahara prison riot that exposed severe system strain. Sports Governance: Minister Gayton McKenzie pushed back on claims of denied sport funding, saying allocations to federations are fixed by Parliament and managed under public finance rules. Finance & Markets: Bond yields see-saw as liquidity is managed via standing deposit facilities and repo auctions; Commercial Bank of Ceylon also gained UNFPA CRJB Champion Status for workplace gender and reproductive health initiatives. International Spotlight: US UN envoy Mike Waltz urged airlift support for Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force, explicitly naming Sri Lanka among potential contributors.

Constitution & Elections Talks: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met representatives of a six-party Tamil and Muslim alliance, with provincial council elections and plans for a comprehensive new Constitution high on the agenda, alongside concerns affecting the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the Malayagam community. Judicial Retirement Age Row: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka renewed its appeal to pause the proposed constitutional amendment to extend judges’ retirement age, warning the process lacks consultation and risks undermining public trust. Prison Overcrowding Exposed: Rights groups renewed pressure after the Mahara Prison riot, alleging severe overcrowding far beyond capacity and calling for urgent reforms even as security was tightened. Anti-Corruption Indictments: The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption filed indictments in the Colombo High Court against Yoshitha Rajapaksa and former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda over alleged corruption linked to a UK naval course. Fisheries Pressure: The Communist Party urged the President to act on Indian trawlers entering Sri Lankan waters and damaging livelihoods in Jaffna. Economy & Markets: Fitch affirmed People’s Bank at ‘AA-(lka)’ with a stable outlook, while the rupee’s depreciation in 1H 2026 was highlighted as reserves and volatility management remain key. Sports & Youth: Sri Lanka’s schools debating team topped preliminary standings at the World Schools Debating Championships, and Commonwealth Games javelin gold medallist Rumesh Tharanga is set to return home after ending a 76-year wait.

Prison Crisis: Sri Lanka has tightened security across prisons after the Mahara riot left one inmate dead and six injured, with officials citing extreme overcrowding (about 4,100 inmates against capacity near 1,000) and damage during unrest during family visiting hours. Political Accountability: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa said the disturbances show institutional failure, arguing that more security won’t fix the problem unless leadership and the prison system are overhauled. Easter Bombings Legal Fallout: A Sri Lankan court sentenced former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Ministry secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death for criminal negligence linked to the 2019 Easter attacks, with appeals expected. Economy & External Sector: The current account deficit widened to $149m in June, the third straight monthly deficit, as fuel import spending rose sharply and trade terms deteriorated. Finance Markets: The secondary bond market ended the week bullish, with T-bill yields falling for a third straight week and foreign holdings rising for an eighth week. Sports (SL-India link): India’s Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Tests due to a knee injury, with Auqib Nabi set for a maiden call-up.

Prison Crisis: Sri Lanka has tightened security nationwide after a deadly Mahara Prison riot left one inmate dead and six injured, with hundreds of soldiers and STF commandos deployed to restore order; officials say the unrest followed severe overcrowding (about 4,100 inmates in a facility meant for roughly a quarter of that), and damage included the hospital, kitchen, and rehabilitation facilities. Opposition Pushback: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa says the disturbances are not isolated, blaming poor management and the absence of a permanently appointed Commissioner General, arguing that more guards won’t fix systemic failures like overcrowding, weak healthcare, and limited rehabilitation. Economic Signals: Inflation inched up to 7.3% in July (from 6.8% in June), driven by food prices, while the Central Bank says May’s policy tightening is starting to cool demand and expects a return toward the 5% target over time. Digital Economy Plan: Government unveiled a Digital Export Roadmap targeting US$5bn in digital exports by 2030, including a proposed Government-backed fund-of-funds to boost venture capital and startup financing. Civil-Military Land Talks: A civil-military coordination meeting in Mullaitivu discussed long-running land issues affecting Army- and Navy-occupied areas, with officials urged to balance security needs and people-centred solutions. Sports (Sri Lanka-Pakistan): Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets in the second T20I at Dambulla to seal the series 2-0 with one match left.

Easter Bombings Accountability: Sri Lanka’s High Court has sentenced former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Ministry Secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death for criminal negligence over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, with both set to appeal to the Supreme Court within two weeks. Prison Security Under Strain: A riot at Mahara Prison outside Colombo left at least one inmate dead and six others injured, prompting expanded police deployment and renewed scrutiny of overcrowding after earlier deadly jail clashes. Judicial Reform Debate: A fresh push to extend judges’ retirement ages is drawing sharp resistance from the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, with arguments focused on judicial independence and constitutional safeguards. Local Administration & Transport: The government says Metro bus services will expand beyond Colombo to Jaffna and Kandy by year-end, with new fleets entering service after legal and registration steps. Cross-Border Livelihoods: SLMC MP Rauff Hakeem urged a permanent, humanitarian solution to the India–Sri Lanka fishermen dispute, calling for coordinated action by Tamil Nadu and both countries’ fisheries and foreign ministries. Army Leadership Change: Lieutenant General Nilantha Premaratne assumed duties as the 26th Army Commander, following formal military observances at Army HQ.

Easter Bombings Accountability: Sri Lanka’s former police chief Pujith Jayasundera and former defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando were sentenced to death for negligence over the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, with both men saying they will appeal to the Supreme Court; the case has sparked renewed debate over the death penalty and Sri Lanka’s long-standing de facto moratorium. Local Transport Push: Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake says the Metro bus service will expand beyond Colombo to Jaffna and Kandy by year-end, with new fleets arriving from China and an additional 50 buses expected from Japan, alongside plans for new routes and multilingual passenger information. Parliament Watch on Ports: A parliamentary oversight committee warned that delays in Port of Colombo expansion could hurt Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as India pushes ahead with Vizhinjam and other regional port projects, calling for impact assessments and audits into procurement delays. Youth and Governance: CPID concluded its inaugural youth empowerment workshop on China–Sri Lanka cooperation, bringing together 45 emerging leaders to discuss geopolitics, governance, and economic transformation. Regional Football Leadership: Sri Lanka’s Jaswar Umar was unanimously elected SAFF vice president, while Kazi Salahuddin was re-elected SAFF president unopposed, keeping the focus on developing South Asian football. Public Services and Consumer Enforcement: The Consumer Affairs Authority fined a railway canteen operator Rs. 500,000 for overcharging bottled water above the MRP, with further inspections promised.

Easter Sunday Accountability: A Sri Lankan court has sentenced former police chief Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Ministry secretary Hemasiri Fernando to death for criminal negligence over the 2019 Easter bombings, after finding they failed to act on intelligence warnings; both can appeal, and Sri Lanka’s execution moratorium since 1976 means the death penalty is typically commuted to life. Judicial Independence Clash: The wider political fight over extending judges’ retirement age is back in focus, with the Bar Association and opposition warning it could undermine confidence in superior courts, while the government says it’s needed to tackle a backlog of about 1.1 million cases. Governance & Security Debate: A separate commentary argues that organised online trolling and intimidation have been used to target government opponents, echoing how social media campaigns shaped past political outcomes. Conservation Policy: Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa hosted “Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2026” to push stronger conservation measures, including tackling habitat fragmentation and wildlife crime. Economy & Trade Signals: FCCISL congratulated the EDB after Sri Lanka’s exports surpassed $9bn in the first half of 2026, while Brand Finance reported the country’s top 100 brands hitting a record Rs. 652bn, led by banking. Regional Diplomacy: India’s developmental assistance to Sri Lanka has crossed $7.5bn across all 25 districts, with renewed commitments discussed with Sri Lankan ministers.