Digital Transformation (Workforce & Institutions): Sri Lanka has started talks with international development partners to strengthen digital transformation, focusing on building a skilled workforce and strengthening institutions for digital public services—not just technology. Investor Engagement: The SEC and CSE Colombo investor forums drew 180+ participants, with Central Bank macro updates and stockbroker briefings aimed at boosting retail investor confidence. E-Commerce Trust Gap: An SLIIT Business School study finds Sri Lankan online shoppers still lean toward cash-on-delivery, pointing to security, privacy, payment authentication, and platform reliability as key trust drivers. Financial Crime Policy: Cabinet approved a 2026-2030 national policy to prevent money laundering and counter terrorist financing, citing rapid tech-driven changes in financial transactions and a FATF-aligned national risk assessment. Advanced Healthcare Tech: Sri Lanka marked a milestone with its first AI-assisted robotic surgeries at Asiri Surgical Hospital, while private healthcare leaders highlighted clinical governance and transparency as the backbone for innovation. Air Mobility: CAASL is preparing South Asia’s first passenger drone service pilot, with regulatory work under advanced air mobility plans. Digital Identity Funding: Sri Lanka’s SL-UDI project is under review due to a budget gap, with Indian bids exceeding the grant level. Cyber & Revenue Pressure: A COPF probe into a US$2.5m cyber fraud highlights institutional accountability gaps, while Verité Research says cigarette tax leakage has cost the Treasury over Rs. 25bn since 2025. Sustainability Labs: UNDP and the Environment Ministry handed over LKR 204m lab equipment to strengthen hazardous substance monitoring, including mercury and POPs disposal. Local Startup Push: Logical, a Sri Lankan AI startup, was accepted into Y Combinator and raised 150m+ rupees to build a proactive desktop AI copilot. EV Reality Check: Coverage on Sri Lanka’s EV market stresses that adoption depends on ecosystem readiness—charging, financing, after-sales, parts, and total cost of ownership.