AGP Executive Report

Rail & Resilience: Upcountry train services between Colombo Fort, Peradeniya and Gampola will resume from Oct 2 after cyclone “Ditwah” damage, with restoration work covering 103 affected sites and carried out with support from the NBRO and the Way and Works Department. Road Safety Tech: Sri Lanka is piloting a digital Demerit Points System from October to March 31, deducting points for 33 offences and allowing temporary licence suspension when points hit zero. Digital Public Services: GovHR (a central digital HR system) has been launched to manage public-sector recruitment and career records as Sri Lanka plans to hire 120,000+ more staff; separately, GovPay expansion is pushing more government payments online while raising new cybersecurity risks at integration points. Cybersecurity Alert: Researchers say “Red Heron” exploited a flaw in self-hosted Gitea servers and compromised systems including in Sri Lanka. Energy & Industry: Sri Lanka is exploring regional grid integration to strengthen energy independence, while an audit warns expressway loan repayment could take 171 years without changes; Envision Energy also received DNV certification for its TG Pro wind turbine platform. Trade & Health: India sent about 3 tonnes of anti-TB medicines to Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka seeks to boost seafood exports to Russia.

Cybersecurity: Acronis Threat Research flags “Red Heron” exploiting a critical flaw in self-hosted Gitea (CVE-2026-60004), stealing repositories and dropping a new Linux rootkit (“SIXZUT”), with confirmed compromises including Sri Lanka—another reminder that internet-facing dev tools are fast targets. Energy & Climate: Nepal’s UNGA push follows deadly Tibet–Nepal glacial-melt floods, proposing a “Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism” with India and China, while India warns about risks from China’s Medog mega-dam. Digital Economy: Sri Lanka’s judicial transformation moves forward with digital courts and e-filing/paperless steps, alongside broader digital governance momentum. Renewables: First Energy SL wins Clean Energy Week awards for a building-integrated solar (BIPV) roof at People’s Bank HQ in Colombo. Public Health: Sri Lanka’s anti-rabies drive reports 1.69M dogs vaccinated in 2025, tied to falling human rabies deaths. Environment & Conservation: Sri Lanka gazettes 20 more forests as protected reserves, expanding biodiversity and watershed safeguards. Tech Education: MOGO Media Academy and NEXT Campus expand Sri Lankan access to a London Metropolitan University BA (Hons) Digital Media degree.

Digital Courts in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s judicial system has begun e-filing at the Colombo District Court under the e-Courts Project, letting registered lawyers submit cases and documents online via court accounts—aimed at cutting delays and travel for paperwork. Clean Energy in Colombo: First Energy SL won two Sri Lanka Clean Energy Week awards for a building-integrated solar (BIPV) installation on the People’s Bank head office, with custom solar modules designed to act as a waterproof architectural roof. Rabies Control Boost: Sri Lanka reported major progress in anti-rabies efforts, vaccinating about 1.69 million dogs in 2025, alongside sterilisation and public awareness, as dog-to-human exposure remains the main driver of cases. Forests Protected: Sri Lanka gazetted 20 forests as protected areas, adding 9,538.68 hectares to the reserve network to safeguard biodiversity and water-related ecosystems. Digital Education Pathway: MOGO Media Academy partnered with NEXT Campus to offer a BA (Hons) Digital Media degree (London Metropolitan University) for Sri Lankan students. Fishing Enforcement: Authorities plan district committees in 15 fishing areas to strengthen action against illegal fishing, coordinating fisheries officials with police, navy, coast guard and community representatives. AI & Water Governance: ANSO-COMSATS conference wrapped up after exploring AI-enabled solutions for sustainable water governance, security and safety.

Digital Courts: Sri Lanka’s judicial transformation takes a practical leap as electronic filing starts at the Colombo District Court’s Small Claims Court under the e-Courts Project, letting registered lawyers submit cases and documents online 24/7 instead of visiting court for paperwork. AI & Ecosystem Building: Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 launches as a national push to boost AI awareness, skills and industry collaboration, featuring international experts from major tech firms and a National AI Expo on Sept 29–30. Conservation Boost: Sri Lanka gazettes 20 more forests as reserves under the Vanaspathi programme, adding about 9,538 hectares and bringing protected forest land toward roughly 65,000 hectares. Public Health: The national anti-rabies drive reports nearly 1.7 million dog vaccinations in 2025, with lab surveillance showing most confirmed rabies-positive samples come from dogs. Fisheries Enforcement: Authorities plan dedicated district committees in 15 fishing districts to strengthen action against illegal fishing, coordinating fisheries officials with police, navy, coast guard and the fishing community. Tech in Transport: Vietjet signs a Starlink partnership to bring free, high-speed inflight Wi‑Fi across its network, including the Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route. Agriculture & Trade Pressure: Sri Lanka’s tea industry faces export shock as shipment volumes fall and costs rise, even as value-added teas are seen as the route to protect earnings.

Judicial Digital Shift: Sri Lanka’s e-Courts Project begins at the Colombo District Court’s Small Claims Court, enabling lawyers to file cases and documents electronically via the court website, 24/7, cutting paper and travel. Public Health Push: Sri Lanka reports a rise in Influenza A H1N1 cases through MRI surveillance, urging medical advice for persistent fever and caution with painkillers/NSAIDs. AI for Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 launches as a national push for AI skills, innovation and industry links, featuring international experts and a National AI Expo. Anti-Rabies Drive: Nearly 1.7 million dogs were vaccinated in 2025, with surveillance showing most confirmed rabies-positive samples come from dogs, keeping mass vaccination central. Forests Protected: The “Vanaspathi” programme will gazette 20 more forests as reserves across six districts, adding to nearly 65,000 hectares under protection. Trade & Industry Watch: Sri Lanka’s tea exports face shipment and earnings pressure, while value-added teas are flagged as the route to protect competitiveness. Payments Innovation: Amaiz launches local-rail cross-border payments across 96 countries, aiming to speed smaller business transfers beyond SWIFT. Regional Tech & Connectivity: Vietjet plans free high-speed inflight Wi‑Fi using Starlink, including its Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route.

Digital Courts Rollout: Sri Lanka’s e-Courts Project takes its first operational step with electronic filing at the Colombo District Court Small Claims Court, letting Supreme Court-registered lawyers submit cases and documents online 24/7 instead of visiting court offices. AI & Industry Push: Sri Lanka AI Week 2026 is underway, bringing international tech experts and a National AI Expo (Sept 29-30) to boost AI skills, innovation and collaboration across the local ecosystem. Cybersecurity & Banking Governance: A report on NDB’s alleged fraud flags serious governance and control failures around the CEFT settlement process, raising questions about how suspicious transactions passed through regulated systems. Fraud & Digital Payments: Amaiz launches an international payments service using local banking networks across 96 countries, aiming to speed up small cross-border payments and reduce reliance on SWIFT for eligible transfers. Environment & Water Resilience: The “Vanaspathi” programme will gazette 20 more forest areas (nearly 9,538 hectares) as reserves, while guidance highlights rainwater harvesting as drought pressure grows ahead of an El Niño-driven dry period. Health Alert: Sri Lanka’s National Influenza Centre reports rising Influenza A H1N1 cases, urging medical advice over self-medicating and caution with NSAIDs. Trade Pressure on Tea: Sri Lanka’s tea sector faces export shocks as shipment volumes fall and costs rise, even as value-added teas are positioned as the route to protect earnings.

Courts go paperless: Colombo District Court has launched electronic filing for Small Claims under the e-Courts project, with lawyers submitting files and documents online via the court website 24/7, cutting paper and improving case record handling. Public health alert: Sri Lanka’s National Influenza Centre reports a rise in Influenza A H1N1 positives; doctors urge people to seek medical advice early and avoid painkillers/NSAIDs without guidance, especially for high-risk groups. Digital economy & trade: Sri Lanka’s exports crossed US$12bn in the first eight months of 2026, while Customs moves toward a more automated, risk-based “Green Channel” to reduce discretionary, paper-heavy clearance. Cyber security: Banks are strengthening online defenses against increasingly convincing phishing and fake banking sites. Environment & water resilience: Rainwater harvesting guidance comes as drought affects thousands and El Niño risk stays high; separately, 20 more forests are set to be gazetted as reserves under the Vanaspathi programme.

Cybersecurity: Sri Lankan banks are beefing up online defenses as sophisticated phishing and fake banking sites target customers, with banks rolling out multi-factor authentication, real-time alerts, and stronger checks for high-value transfers. Customs Digital Push: Sri Lanka Customs is moving toward a paperless, risk-based clearance system to cut discretionary “Long Room” practices, aiming for about 80% of low-risk shipments to pass through a Green Channel. Digital Economy & Tax: The Inland Revenue Department is adapting VAT to capture cross-border digital services, applying 18% VAT on non-resident digital providers alongside e-invoicing and reverse-charge steps. Energy & Climate: Sri Lanka’s energy transition gets a boost with grid-linked battery energy storage commissioning and new battery capacity added to the national grid, while global El Niño warnings highlight rising heat and food-water risks. International Tech & Early Warning: China’s MAZU meteorological cloud platform is being supported via a scholarship, with trials and training reported across multiple countries including Sri Lanka. Jobs Scam Alert: SLBFE warns of a fake website using its branding to steal job seekers’ personal data for Israel.

Digital Economy & Tax: Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department is updating VAT rules for the digital economy, introducing an 18% VAT on non-resident digital service providers and using e-invoicing and reverse charge to improve collection. Customs Tech Upgrade: Sri Lanka Customs will move to a paperless customs declaration system from October 1, aiming to speed processing, boost transparency, and enable risk-based controls. Justice & Court Capacity: PM Harini Amarasuriya says justice reforms must reach every citizen, backed by court capacity expansion, technology use, and filling key vacancies including the Government Analyst’s Department. Anti-Terror Law Debate: Sri Lanka has gazetted a new Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill to replace the PTA, expanding what counts as terrorism and adding cyberattack-related protections—prompting rights and media criticism. Climate Risk for Economy: The IMF warns recovery could be derailed by El Niño and Middle East spillovers, with drought and heavy rain risks highlighted by meteorology warnings. Digital Exports Push: The PM is driving a US$5 billion digital exports target, calling for long-term tech partnerships that build local capability. Energy Storage Milestone: Sri Lanka is advancing grid-scale battery energy storage, including commissioning and new BESS additions to strengthen energy security. Sri Lanka-China Tech & Policy Links: The Sri Lanka China Society marks 45 years, while China’s ambassador reiterates deeper ties; meanwhile, China’s MAZU meteorological early-warning solutions are reported as supporting trials including in Sri Lanka.

Digital Exports Push: Sri Lanka is aiming for US$5 billion in digital exports, with PM Harini Amarasuriya urging long-term tech partnerships that build local skills in areas like software, IT services, AI and cybersecurity. Customs Goes Paperless: Sri Lanka Customs will move to a paperless customs declaration system from October 1, enabling electronic submissions to speed processing, improve transparency and strengthen risk-based controls. IMF Caution on Shocks: The IMF says Sri Lanka’s recovery is resilient but warns downside risks from the Middle East war and El Niño, which could bring drought and heavy rain and threaten growth gains. El Niño Health Threat: A University of Chicago study projects over 450,000 heat-related deaths globally tied to El Niño, underscoring the urgency of climate preparedness. Anti-Terror Bill Update: Sri Lanka has gazetted a new Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill to replace the PTA, adding judicial oversight, detention limits and protections for protest and dissent, including cyberattacks in the definition of terrorism. Energy & Tech in Practice: Cargills Bank expands its partnership with Intellect to modernise core banking, lending, trade finance and treasury using a composable architecture. Tourism Cleaner Mobility: Hayleys Mobility and Jetwing Travels add 21 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to cut emissions on airport transfers and tours. Wildlife Conflict Tech: Government support boosts Sri Lanka’s 5,741-km electric fence network with more resources for wildlife officials, including motorcycles for maintenance and supervision.

Customs Digital Shift: Sri Lanka Customs will move to a paperless customs declaration system from October 1, letting traders submit and process declarations and documents electronically to cut delays, boost transparency, and enable risk-based controls. Macroeconomic Weather Risk: The IMF says Sri Lanka’s recovery gains could be threatened by El Niño impacts and spillovers from the Middle East conflict, urging continued reforms to protect fiscal and external buffers. Groundwater Alarm: EDF, IUCN and IWMI launched a global call for faster action on groundwater resilience, warning that aquifer depletion is already undermining water security and food supply. Tourism Cleaner Mobility: Hayleys Mobility and Jetwing Travels are rolling out 21 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for airport transfers and tours, aiming to reduce emissions while keeping service quality. Digital Marketing Growth: SLIM DIGIS 2.6 opened to international participants for the first time, with 550+ entries and a focus on innovation and measurable impact. Trade Bloc Update: RCEP ministers agreed to deepen implementation and start preparations for a 2027 upgrade, including an accession working group for Sri Lanka and others. Fintech Expansion Watch: PhonePe received in-principle UAE central bank approval for two payment licences, moving it closer to regulated domestic payments operations. Energy & Tech in Finance: Cargills Bank selected Intellect’s composable eMACH.ai core banking architecture to modernise core banking, lending, trade finance and treasury.

Digital Infrastructure Boost: Malaysian telecom tower and shared-infra firm EDOTCO is investing $10 million in Sri Lanka to expand shared connectivity and power for the country’s digital government push, including plans for macro towers, smart lamp poles and energy sites. Identity Tech Upgrade: Germany’s Muhlbauer has won a €4.93 million contract to supply 5 million durable polycarbonate cards for Sri Lanka’s National Identity Card system. Energy Storage Milestone: Sri Lanka is moving ahead with grid-scale battery energy storage, including a 10MW/40MWh system added to the national grid and other BESS commissioning activity. Subsea Cable Support: Global Marine is set to use Orange Marine’s new Alpha ROV for advanced submarine cable inspection and burial operations, tied to a next-gen cable maintenance vessel under construction in Colombo. Governance & Courts: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court determination on the 22nd Amendment shapes the path for parliamentary action without a referendum, while the court also extended the CBSL asset freeze on six firms. Geoscience Discovery: Researchers report a major ancient rock structure 100–200 km beneath central Sri Lanka, pointing to deep subduction history linked to Gondwana formation. Disaster Watch: NBRO keeps highest-level landslide evacuation warnings active across multiple divisions as unsettled weather continues.

Governance & Integrity: CIABOC chief Ranga Dissanayake told the IMF Sri Lanka’s 2022 crash wasn’t just debt and mismanagement, but also corruption and a failure of integrity. Water Infrastructure: Cabinet approved Engineer P.M. Jayadeera as the new Irrigation DG from Oct 6, replacing Dr. K. Weligepolage. National ID Tech: German firm Muhlbauer won about €4.93m to supply 5 million durable polycarbonate cards for Sri Lanka’s National Identity Card system. Energy & Transport: Sri Lanka approved a US$40.84m aviation fuel pipeline and storage tank project linking Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike Airport. Road Safety Tech: Authorities plan roadside drug-testing kits for motorists to tackle drug-impaired driving. Disaster Risk: NBRO kept Level 3 red landslide evacuation warnings active across six districts as heavy rain continues. Science Discovery: Researchers reported a 500-million-year-old deep geological structure beneath central Sri Lanka, tied to ancient ocean-plate subduction. Digital Payments: PhonePe got in-principle UAE licences (retail payments and stored value), moving beyond cross-border UPI toward local operations. Local Innovation: The Navy built Sri Lanka’s first waveless referee boat for rowing and canoeing events.

Energy Storage: Sri Lanka’s first grid-scale battery energy storage system is now connected, with a 10MW/40MWh Anuradhapura BESS commissioned by WindForce and Vidullanka, part of a wider 130MW/520MWh rollout aimed at solar shifting, frequency response, peak support and voltage regulation. Digital Identity: TruePass launched a Sri Lanka-built digital identity platform, bringing publishers together to shape the future of digital media. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure: Sri Lanka CERT and the ADB convened stakeholders to review findings from a critical national information infrastructure assessment. STEM & Education: The Department of Examinations released the 2026 A/L practical test schedule, while a new Sri Lanka-linked push highlights how tech and skills gaps are hurting youth employment. Jobs & AI Skills: An IMF report flags Sri Lanka’s highly educated youth unemployment at about 43%, warning that faster AI adoption could worsen labour-market pressure. Health & Environment: NBRO warned of heavy-rain ground instability risks across multiple districts, with red warnings in place for several areas. Governance & Courts: A proposed 22nd constitutional amendment would change Supreme Court and Court of Appeal retirement ages, sparking debate over judicial independence. Parliament & International Tech Links: Sri Lanka parliamentarians visited China and South Africa for forums including traditional medicine cooperation.

Youth Jobs & Skills: The IMF says Sri Lanka has the highest unemployment among highly educated youth in its Asia comparison, at about 43% (vs ~42% India and ~36% Bangladesh), warning that graduates face a growing mismatch as AI and labour markets shift. Digital Divide: Sri Lanka’s census data shows only 20% of households own a computer, leaving most families shut out of online education, services and work. Education Readiness: The Department of Examinations released the 2026 A/L practical test schedule, urging schools and candidates to prepare labs and equipment early. Tech for Identity & Media: TruePass launched a Sri Lanka-built digital identity and authentication platform, forming a Media Alliance to help publishers build trusted, first-party audience relationships. Maritime Industry: The Ceylon Chamber of Shipping was launched to unify Sri Lanka’s shipping and maritime stakeholders and strengthen international connectivity. Climate & Disasters: Heavy rain continues to trigger river rises and landslide warnings, while a major landslide has blocked the Hatton–Bogawantalawa road. Energy & Infrastructure: Sri Lanka’s Galle battery energy storage system is set for commissioning, supporting grid stability. Governance & Culture: An interim governing body is set up to run the India-built Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre. Justice & Science: Authorities confirmed remains of 572 individuals from a mass grave, with forensic identification expected.

Hill Country Disruption: A major landslide has completely blocked the Hatton–Bogawantalawa road, stranding travellers and forcing diversions while clearance operations are expected to be difficult. Flood Watch: Heavy rains are pushing up river levels across the Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu, Nilwala and Gin systems, with residents in low-lying areas urged to stay vigilant. Landslide Alerts: NBRO issued Level 3 Red warnings for parts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya, and also flagged additional high-risk areas as monsoon conditions persist. Digital Security: Sri Lanka CERT and ADB convened stakeholders to review findings from a Critical National Information Infrastructure assessment, focusing on gaps and next steps for cybersecurity resilience. Energy Storage Push: Sri Lanka is commissioning new battery energy storage systems, including a Galle BESS milestone, to stabilise the grid and better integrate renewables. Spice Value-Add: IFC urged Sri Lanka’s spice sector to use AI and move up the value chain to boost export potential. Workforce Culture: A new report highlights “professional ghosting” as a growing drain on Sri Lanka’s hiring and workplace stability. Fuel Costs: Fuel prices were hiked by Tk20 per litre, raising diesel, petrol, octane and kerosene—an expected pressure point for transport and prices.