AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Logistics: Luxembourg-backed WEAIR Cargo Airline began operations in Sri Lanka on June 6, aiming to boost air cargo capacity and regional connectivity. Public Safety & Climate Impacts: Sri Lanka’s drowning toll has topped 50 deaths in the first five months, with researchers pointing to monsoon-driven river currents, flash rains, silt and eroding banks. Trade & Policy: Sri Lanka is moving toward RCEP membership, with the Trade Ministry saying responses to the bloc’s questionnaire were submitted and committees set up to progress the process. Health Systems Lessons: South Korea’s hypertension turnaround is highlighted as a global model for both prevention and treatment of high blood pressure. Finance & Regulation: Fitch revised the Philippines and Sri Lanka banking outlooks to “deteriorating,” citing inflation and slower growth tied to US-Iran tensions. Tax Tech: Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department expanded its Digital Invoicing System to more VAT-registered businesses to improve compliance and reduce leakages. Business Growth: The government targets lifting Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurship rate from 3.2% to 10% by 2030, with MSME-focused initiatives across industrial sectors. Resilience: People’s Bank became the first state-owned bank in Sri Lanka to earn ISO 22301:2019 certification for business continuity.

Digital Tax Push: Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department has rolled out the second stage of its Digital Invoicing System, extending beyond exporters to more VAT-registered businesses to cut leakages and speed VAT refunds. AI & Policy: Cabinet has approved drafting a Digital Economy Bill to build a legal framework for Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, with focus areas including AI. Currency Reality Check: A commentary argues Sri Lanka’s exporters are wrong to rely on rupee depreciation for competitiveness, warning that imported inputs can erase any gains. Consumer Credit Watch: Research highlights a surge in consumer durable loans, raising concerns that credit-fuelled spending could pressure foreign exchange stability. Business Continuity: People’s Bank becomes the first state-owned bank in Sri Lanka to earn ISO 22301:2019 certification for business continuity. Water Disruption: NWSDB announces a 14-hour water cut in Galle Municipal Council area on June 10 for essential maintenance. Regional Tech & Trade: Bangladesh reaffirmed BIMSTEC’s push for connectivity, trade, and technology transfer across the Bay of Bengal region. Maritime AI Angle: A South Asia piece says ports need AI-driven logistics decisions, not just basic digitisation.

Digital Economy Bill: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved drafting a Digital Economy Bill to speed up digital transformation, strengthen regulation and enforcement, and back emerging areas like AI, with a new institutional framework and private-sector participation. Education Tech Rollout: PM Harini Amarasuriya launched the first phase of the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) Human Resources Module and a pilot e-Thaksalawa Learning Management System, aiming to unify school HR data and streamline teacher transfers. Water Supply Disruption: NWSDB says Galle Municipal Council area will face a 14-hour water cut on June 10 (9am–11pm) for urgent maintenance at the Wakwella Water Treatment Plant. Cybercrime & Scams: A report warns that after Cambodia’s crackdown, scam networks are relocating to Sri Lanka, with authorities setting up a cybercrimes unit and arresting 1,000+ people this year. Renewables & Energy: A feature explains Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a steady, base-load option for tropical countries like Sri Lanka, using warm surface and cold deep seawater. Maritime Security: Australia donated ATVs and long-range drones to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard under Operation Disi Rela’s third phase to boost coastal surveillance and enforcement. Health Payments for Cancer Care: KOKO joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign to support building the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital via contactless and e-commerce transactions.

Digital Policy Push: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved drafting a Digital Economy Bill to speed up the National Digital Policy, with a new legal framework covering AI and enforcement, while keeping private sector participation central. Household Debt Pressure: A study says personal loans jumped 35% from Dec 2024 to Mar 2026, with consumer durable loans up 213%, showing families leaning on credit to cope. Payments & Fraud Watch: A report on India’s UPI highlights how real-time digital payments are spreading across borders like Sri Lanka, but also warns of rising QR phishing and scam losses. Education Tech Rollout: The PM launched the first phase of NEMIS’s Human Resources Module and piloted the e-Thaksalawa LMS to manage school HR nationally and support teacher transfers. Maritime Security Upgrade: Australia donated ATVs and drones to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard under Operation Disi Rela’s third phase to boost coastal surveillance and crack down on illegal activity. Energy Infrastructure: New petroleum pipeline plans aim to reshape Sri Lanka’s fuel logistics, including links to Colombo Port, Katunayake Airport, and potential Trincomalee expansion. Plastic Reduction: Sri Lanka banned single-use plastic bottles at government institutions and introduced fees for polyethylene shopping bags to curb waste. Scam Network Shift: Investigators say Cambodia’s crackdown is pushing scam operations toward Sri Lanka, prompting a new cybercrimes unit and arrests of 1,000+ people in 2026.

Plastic Policy: Sri Lanka banned single-use plastic water bottles at government institutions from May 31 and introduced a mandatory fee for polyethylene shopping bags, but environmentalists warn enforcement and recycling capacity will decide whether the move actually cuts pollution. Wildlife & Tech for Conservation: Three long-blocked elephant corridors—Wetahirakanda, Hadapanagala and Koholankala—have been cleared to reduce human-elephant conflict, with plans for “Elephant Enrichment Zones” inside forest reserves. AgriTech: Sri Lanka is preparing drone-assisted technology for Maha paddy cultivation, including seed distribution and fertiliser application, using locally developed software and control systems. Ports & Research: A Sri Lankan university researcher found thriving corals near Hambantota Port, highlighting how marine life can persist around major infrastructure and opening new research angles. Digital/Finance Governance: Sri Lanka’s insurance regulator (IRCSL) visited Hong Kong to learn best practices on supervision, actuarial work and IT-driven regulatory approaches. Market Pulse: The Colombo Stock Exchange slid sharply as Middle East tensions triggered risk-off selling.

Agritech Drones for Maha: Sri Lanka is set to use locally developed unmanned aerial systems to support paddy cultivation in the upcoming Maha season, including seed distribution, fertiliser application and crop monitoring, following a workshop in Kurukulawa led by the Science and Technology Ministry. Port City Colombo Banking Boost: Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened a new full-service branch in Port City Colombo, offering retail, corporate, trade/treasury, FX and digital banking to back the investment hub’s growth. Higher Education Policy Input: Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry launched a nationwide online consultation to shape a new higher education policy framework, inviting students, academics and the public to weigh in on quality, access and relevance. Cybercrime Safe Havens Focus: A commentary warns that arrests of foreign nationals tied to cybercrime in Colombo point to a wider institutional security failure, urging stronger immigration and regulatory oversight. Regional Tech Trade Link: Sri Lanka participated in Thailand’s THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026 via an EDB-coordinated delegation, using the Sri Lanka pavilion and technical exposure programme to strengthen food and beverage trade ties. BIMSTEC Connectivity Push: Nepal’s PM urged BIMSTEC members, including Sri Lanka, to deepen cooperation on transport, trade and digital networks to tackle climate and disaster risks.

Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide public consultation to shape a new higher education policy framework, using an online survey to gather views from students, academics, employers and citizens. Media Sector Professionalisation: A Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka has been gazetted, aiming to set professional standards, training, research, examinations and a code of ethics for media practitioners. Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL supported the renovation of Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with real-time digital displays and Wi‑Fi, pushing Sri Lanka’s move toward citizen-focused, connected transport services. Banking Expansion in Port City: Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened a full-service branch in Port City Colombo, offering retail, corporate, trade/treasury and digital banking for businesses and investors. Cybercrime Focus: A commentary warns that cybercrime “safe havens” in Colombo reflect deeper institutional and regulatory failures, not just isolated arrests. Climate & Water Risk: A drought warning highlights the 90 days that will decide how costly the coming season becomes, as El Niño odds rise.

Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide public consultation, including an online survey, to shape a new policy framework for the future of higher education, with PM/Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya overseeing work by a specialist panel. Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped renovate Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time digital displays and Wi‑Fi for passengers, as Sri Lanka pushes a more citizen-focused transport tech agenda. Investment Promotion (Digital): The BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform offering 30 structured investment projects with feasibility support and pre-allocated land to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Cybercrime Safe Havens: A commentary warns that repeated arrests of foreign nationals tied to cybercrime in Colombo point to deeper regulatory and national security failures, not isolated cases. Health Policy Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar-reduction push faces criticism over gaps that may leave much of the market outside traffic-light labelling rules, especially informal and low-income channels. Media Professional Standards: A Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka was gazetted, aiming to set training, ethics, examinations and accreditation for media workers. Ocean Conservation: Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister called for stronger international cooperation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, linking marine health to food security and livelihoods.

Media Regulation: Sri Lanka has gazetted a Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka, aiming to set professional standards, run training and examinations, accredit media professionals, and enforce a code of ethics. Digital Investment Push: The BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform listing 30 structured investment projects with feasibility support and pre-allocated land to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Public Finance Oversight: The COPF reviewed the National Audit Office’s 2026 programme, flagging delays in Samurdhi Bank audits and gaps in cyber security audit capacity. Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped modernise Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time displays and Wi‑Fi for passengers. Ocean Conservation Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister called for stronger international cooperation on marine conservation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo. Climate & Environment: World Environment Day 2026 saw “Climate Week” activities and five forests declared reserved. Regional Tech/Connectivity: ZTE Lanka hosted ZTE Day 2026 on “Creating an Intelligent Future,” showcasing connectivity and digital advancement.

Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped modernise Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time displays and Wi‑Fi, as Sri Lanka pushes citizen-focused public services. Media Sector Skills: The Institute of Chartered Media Professionals of Sri Lanka bill was gazetted, aiming to recruit qualified media professionals, set ethics, and support research and training. Ocean Conservation Diplomacy: Sri Lanka urged stronger international action on marine conservation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, linking ocean health to food security and the blue economy. Foreign Investment Push: BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform offering 30 pre-structured projects with feasibility support and land access to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Public Finance & Cyber Risks: COPF reviewed 2026 audit progress, flagging delays in Samurdhi Bank audits and gaps in cyber security audit capacity at the National Audit Office. Health Policy Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar reduction drive faces criticism over loopholes, with much sweetened consumption reportedly outside traffic-light labelling rules, especially via informal markets. Hybrid Work Tech: ZILLIONe and ZTE Lanka showcased new collaboration and connectivity offerings, including Jabra’s Evolve3 headsets and PanaCast video solutions. Regional Mobility Expansion: Uber debuted in Nepal with Uber Go, Uber Comfort and Uber Bike, reporting early driver sign-ups and plans to expand beyond ride-hailing. Climate Action & Protection: World Environment Day saw five forests declared reserved, alongside new environmental reporting and protected-area announcements.

Marine Science & Security: A new Sri Lanka-focused argument says the country can’t protect or manage its ocean without world-class marine science and long-term monitoring. Climate Readiness: NOAA warns this year’s El Niño could intensify fast, raising heat and rainfall risks as Sri Lanka prepares for extreme conditions. World Environment Day 2026: Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, five forests were declared reserved and several conservation and reporting initiatives were announced, including carbon-neutral event certification. Grid Stability Push: Sri Lanka plans its largest battery energy storage rollout, with BESS at 16 transmission substations to store surplus renewables and smooth evening peaks. Agri Mechanisation Finance: HNB and Hayleys Agriculture partner to expand leasing for Kubota and Agrotech machinery, aiming to modernise farm equipment access. Hybrid Mobility: Hayleys Mobility launches the JAECOO J5 HEV, targeting Sri Lanka’s growing new-energy vehicle demand. Hybrid Work Tech: ZILLIONe brings Jabra’s Evolve3 headsets and PanaCast collaboration lineup to Sri Lanka. Digital Identity for Craft: We Are Legacy launches NFC-based digital product identities for handmade goods, starting with a pilot across multiple regions. IMF Update: Sri Lanka’s next IMF programme is still “to be discussed” after current reviews finish, as calls grow for negotiations. Cancer Care Concern: Delays in procuring advanced cancer radiation therapy equipment are blamed for losses and poorer patient outcomes.

IMF Talks: Sri Lanka’s IMF reviews are still under the current Extended Fund Facility, with two reviews left; any fresh programme after it ends is “yet to be discussed” with authorities, despite opposition calls to start negotiations now. Cancer Care: Doctors warn delays in procuring modern cancer radiation therapy equipment are costing patients and the country, arguing Sri Lanka is still stuck with older cobalt-based systems while other countries move to LINAC. Power Grid Upgrade: Sri Lanka is rolling out its biggest battery energy storage push, with BESS planned for 16 transmission substations to store surplus solar/wind and smooth evening peaks. Disaster Readiness: The National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030 was launched to institutionalise “Early Warning, Early Action” using scientific forecasts and community-level preparedness. Green Buildings: Cinnamon Life’s Offices won Sri Lanka’s first GreenRE Gold GreenRE certification for sustainable existing non-residential space. Eco-Industry Support: An EU-backed programme is training over 1,100 stakeholders to expand eco-industrial park practices across Sri Lanka. Digital Public Service: The Digital Economy Ministry plans to shift public services from person-based delivery to a digitised, system-based approach using micro-learning and stronger cyber security training. EV Momentum: New hybrid and electric mobility launches continue, including Hayleys’ JAECOO J5 HEV and SAIGE’s first electric motorcycle showroom in Kadawatha.

Tourism Policy: Sri Lanka’s ETA for Australians is now free for up to 30 days (still requiring an ETA via the official government site), a move aimed at boosting arrivals. Electric Mobility: SAIGE opened Sri Lanka’s first showroom for its electric motorcycles in Kadawatha, pitching lower running costs and a 5-year battery warranty. EV Market Push: Evolution Auto launched the Xpeng G6 in Colombo, targeting range anxiety and aftersales concerns with test drives and tech-focused positioning. Digital Public Services: The Ministry of Digital Economy plans to shift public service delivery from “person-based” processes to a digitised “system-based” approach, using micro-learning and an e-learning platform. Disaster Readiness: Sri Lanka launched the National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030, focusing on “early warning, early action” using scientific forecasts. Cyber Security: A new piece argues cyber security training is a strategic investment, not just a cost, because attackers exploit human behaviour. Health Workforce: A gazette notice calls for recruiting an additional 3,000 student nurses to reach 13,600 new nurses by 2029. Renewables Logistics: HayWind’s Mannar wind farm received the first 25 MW turbines at Trincomalee Port, with transport to the site continuing over coming months. AI & Data Skills: BCS Sri Lanka’s AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 highlighted generative AI and skills for Sri Lanka’s digital future.

Renewables & Grid Stability: HayWind’s Mannar wind farm hit a key milestone as the first 25 MW turbines arrived at Trincomalee Port, with the 50 MW project expected to cut imported fossil fuel costs by about Rs. 100 billion over 20 years. Energy Storage Rollout: Sri Lanka is set to commission large battery energy storage systems across 16 substation sites, using grid-forming tech to store 40MWh and discharge up to 10MW during evening peaks to support higher solar and wind. Health Workforce Boost: A gazette notice was issued to recruit 3,000 additional student nurses, feeding into a 13,600 target for 2025–2029, with applications open until June 30. Digital Economy & ICT Exports: The Computer Society of Sri Lanka says ICT exports have surged to become the country’s third-largest export earner, driven by software, digital solutions, AI services and cybersecurity. Fisheries Skills Link: Sri Lanka and Japan agreed to create technical employment pathways in Japan for Sri Lankan fisheries graduates while upgrading Sri Lanka’s fisheries value chain and tech. Climate Watch: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked lower rainfall, raising risks for water, agriculture, power and public health. Human Rights in Tea: Amnesty reports forced-labour indicators and abuse against Malaiyaha Tamil workers across southern private tea estates. Cross-border Payments: NPCI International launched UPI acceptance in Cambodia via Bakong KHQR, enabling QR payments for Indian travellers and paving the way for a two-way corridor. Maritime Cooperation: BIMSTEC’s maritime transport pact entered into force after Myanmar’s ratification, leaving Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh as holdouts.

Digital Payments & Fraud Prevention: Sri Lanka’s Central Bank kicked off a month-long “Be Scam Proof” campaign, warning that digital banking and social platforms are making scams easier to scale while urging the public to spot illegal schemes and pyramid-style operations. Energy Storage & Renewables: Sri Lanka is set to commission its biggest battery energy storage rollout yet—grid-forming BESS units across 16 sites, storing 40MWh and discharging up to 10MW to stabilize the grid and better integrate solar and wind. ICT Exports & Transformation: The Computer Society of Sri Lanka says ICT exports have surged to become the country’s third-largest export earner, pushing Sri Lanka toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy. Climate & Heat Risk: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked rainfall drops, raising pressure on water, farming, power and public health. Fisheries Skills Link: Japan and Sri Lanka agreed to expand fisheries cooperation, including technical employment pathways for Sri Lankan fisheries graduates. Ocean Conservation: Over 30 island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit focused on climate resilience, marine conservation and financing. Labour Rights: Amnesty reports forced-labour indicators affecting Malaiyaha Tamil tea workers across southern estates. Regional Payments Tech: NPCI International launched cross-border UPI QR payments in Cambodia via Bakong’s KHQR.

Energy Storage & Renewables: Sri Lanka is set to commission the country’s largest battery energy storage program, with grid-forming systems storing 40MWh and discharging up to 10MW at peak across 16 substation sites, supporting the 70% renewables target by 2030. Heat & Water Stress: The Department of Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked rainfall drops, raising risks for water resources, agriculture, power generation and public health. Digital Payments Push: CBSL will run a Trincomalee digital payment promotion (June 5–6) to help the public and businesses try e-payments and get on-the-spot support for LANKAQR and other services. Scam Shield & Fraud Awareness: CBSL launched its month-long “Be Scam Proof” campaign, warning that illegal schemes, pyramid operations and sophisticated digital fraud are eroding household wealth and trust in regulated institutions. Cybersecurity for Digital Identity: Sri Lanka plans a unified National Cybersecurity Framework to protect SL-UDI and other digital public infrastructure as identity fraud and AI-enabled impersonation threats grow. Health Alert: A meningitis outbreak is being monitored after reports of cases among school children, with authorities urging precautions without panic. Investment & Industry: EU-backed work is promoting eco-industrial parks to attract sustainable manufacturing investment, while German firms show renewed interest in Sri Lanka for logistics, renewable energy and maritime services. Labour Rights in Tea: Amnesty reports forced-labour-like conditions affecting Malaiyaha Tamil tea workers in southern estates, citing intimidation, abuse, harassment and debt coercion.