Vocational Education Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says Sri Lanka will fund vocational education in the 2027 Budget, after 2026’s biggest-ever capital allocation and rising enrolments across 310 government training institutions. Digital Access Rights: A citizen was reportedly blocked from a government appointment because he didn’t have a mobile phone number, reigniting debate on the right to access public services without digital-only gatekeeping. Humane Dog Management: Sri Lanka completed the LEAP Dog programme workshop in Negombo to draft a science-based national plan for its estimated 2.5 million dogs, including sterilisation, rabies vaccination, stronger laws, and better veterinary services. Chemicals & Lab Capacity: The Environment Ministry and UNDP handed over advanced analytical equipment worth about Rs. 204 million to six institutions to strengthen hazardous chemicals and pollutant management. Health Tech Cooperation: India signed an MoU to grant Rs. 600 million to equip Deniyaya Base Hospital with disaster-ready medical, lab, imaging, and neonatal care units. Security & Regional Tech Links: BIMSTEC security chiefs met in New Delhi, with Sri Lanka among participants, focusing on counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security, and disaster resilience. Drug Smuggling via Mail: Customs warned that traffickers increasingly use small international postal parcels to smuggle narcotics, relying on scanning tech to target suspicious consignments. Easter Sunday Intelligence Allegations: The Court of Appeal heard submissions claiming SIS intelligence warnings naming Easter Sunday bomber Zahran Hashim were shared months before 2019 attacks but not acted on. Textile Industry Expo: Intex and InMac Sri Lanka 2026 run 5–7 August at BMICH, aiming to modernise supply chains with new fibres and automation-focused garment machinery.