AGP Executive Report

Elephant Crisis: Conservationists warn Sri Lanka’s elephant emergency is being slowed by arguments over death tolls, urging focus on root causes like habitat loss, farm encroachment and broken wildlife corridors. War Accountability: Catholic bishops call for an impartial, transparent investigation into alleged Chemmani mass graves in Jaffna, stressing truth and due legal process for war-affected families. Health & Daily Habits: A new study links drinking scalding hot tea/coffee with more than triple the risk of oesophageal cancer, a direct hit at Sri Lanka’s everyday tea culture. Education Reforms: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s education overhaul proposes 40-minute subject periods and a 50:50 assessment model (continuous + summative), with weighted marks replacing GPA, rolling out from Grade 1 and expanding in 2027. Inclusion in Culture: “The Unlabelled Runway” returns on 25 Sept at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, using fashion to challenge stigma by featuring young adults from partner organisations, including persons with disabilities and cancer survivors. Fashion & Design: Colombo Fashion Week’s CFW Couture + Trousseau 2026 runs 17–19 Sept at City of Dreams, framed as “Living Sculpture” and spotlighting South Asian design links. Art Exchange: “Colombo–Male’ 2026” opens at the National Art Gallery, running to Sept 17, strengthening Sri Lanka–Maldives ties through contemporary painting. UNHRC Focus: Sri Lanka’s Geneva scrutiny again centers on accountability, disappearances and reconciliation, with calls to move beyond disputed casualty totals toward “who were they.” Human Rights Watch: Amnesty accuses Russia of trafficking foreigners into fighting in Ukraine, including victims from Sri Lanka, after being lured by job offers and coerced on arrival. Community & Belonging: Dialog Axiata enables LankaQR payments at 260 DSI stores, adding complimentary mobile data for eligible transactions.

Education Reform Watch: Prime Minister and Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya chaired Parliament talks on Sri Lanka’s new Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, with islandwide preschool development planned by 2027 and a push to upgrade preschool teachers’ professional quality. Assessment Overhaul: The Education Ministry also outlined a 50:50 assessment model mixing continuous and summative testing, plus a shift from GPA to a Weighted Average Marks system, with Grade 1 already underway and Grades 2 and 6 set for 2027. School Timetable Changes: Reforms include proposed 40-minute subject periods and revised school-hour arrangements, with key curriculum and assessment documents headed to Cabinet approval. India–Sri Lanka Cultural & Strategic Ties: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrapped a landmark visit, meeting President Dissanayake and Sri Lankan leaders, reaffirming joint regional safety efforts and highlighting shared civilisational links, including a visit to Seetha Amman Temple. Human Rights & Refugees: A Rohingya refugee urged the UN Human Rights Council to release detainees and grant access to UNHCR, legal help and services, warning against labelling refugees as “illegal migrants.” Tourism & Culture: Haputale’s “Misty Weekend” food festival returned for a third year, boosting local tourism and business activity. Sports & Community: Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay hosts the Surfing Championship 2026 (Sept 10–12), with national and open categories drawing international competitors. Tech for Daily Life: Dialog Axiata enabled LankaQR payments at 260 DSI stores nationwide, adding complimentary mobile data for eligible transactions.

India–Sri Lanka Defence Push: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit to Colombo (first in 38 years) is framed around “Sukh-Dukh ke Saathi,” deeper maritime security, and new defence MoUs, including upgrades for Sri Lanka’s Air Force guns and cooperation between cadet and defence education bodies. Regional Security Assurance: Sri Lanka reiterated it will not allow activities hostile to India from its territory, while both sides stress joint efforts for safety and peace across the Indian Ocean. Cultural & People-to-People Links: Singh repeatedly tied the partnership to shared civilisational and cultural bonds, highlighting women’s leadership and education links with Sri Lanka’s PM Harini Amarasuriya. Port of Colombo Milestone: Colombo’s port entered the world’s Top 20 container ports, with calls to avoid complacency and sharpen its global identity. Creative Economy Debate: A fresh argument says Sri Lanka’s craft revival needs a stronger creative economy, not just handloom promotion. Sports & Gender Spotlight: England fielding coach Sarah Taylor’s remarks on being a woman in men’s cricket echo wider conversations on respect and opportunity. Business & Lifestyle: DFCC Bank’s new employee banking partnership with John Keells IT adds lifestyle and loan benefits, while Sri Lanka–Canada business ties were reaffirmed at the chamber’s AGM.

India–Sri Lanka Security Reset: Sri Lanka reiterated it will not allow anti-India activity from its soil as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, calling the ties “civilisational twins” and “hearts and souls,” with pledges on regional safety and defence cooperation. Defence & Training MoUs: During Singh’s three-day visit, Sri Lanka and India are set to exchange agreements on cadet corps cooperation, defence education links, and air-defence equipment maintenance. Fiscal Pulse: Sri Lanka’s government revenue rose 27.2% in the first half of 2026, a signal of improving tax collection and stabilisation under the IMF programme. Visa Shock for Travellers: Thailand’s revised visa policy from September 15 will affect Sri Lankans, after reported misuse cases. Culture & Identity in Focus: A new debate piece argues Sri Lanka needs a genuinely inclusive national identity beyond communal arithmetic, tying reconciliation to durable economic reform. Sports & Gender Progress: England fielding coach Sarah Taylor’s reflections highlight how women coaching in men’s cricket is becoming “normal,” pushing for competence over labels.

State Literary Awards 2026: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the “Sahithyarathna” Lifetime Achievement Awards to three senior literary figures at the 67th State Literary Awards in Colombo, spotlighting Sinhala, Tamil and English contributions. Budget 2027 Debate: A response to “Budget 2027: From stabilisation to transformation” argues for practical steps to lift productivity, investment and living standards, with special focus on digitalisation and agriculture modernisation. UAE Cultural Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s consulate in Dubai wrapped up the second edition of “Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams,” bringing UAE and Sri Lankan ministers together to boost tourism, trade and investment links. Betel Export Crisis: A report links Sri Lanka’s betel export slump to tariff and regulatory barriers in Pakistan under the PSFTA, pointing to coordination gaps among state institutions. Education & Inclusion: New education reforms are set to strengthen inclusive education and equality, with leaders stressing mutual respect and equal access for all students. Migrant Workers Support: A new SLBFE loan scheme will help Sri Lankan migrant workers invest remittances in housing, education and business. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Office warns that while progress exists, momentum for deeper legal and institutional reforms is slowing. India-Sri Lanka Ties: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s Sri Lanka visit reaffirmed India’s support in crises, framed through shared culture and faith, with defence and maritime cooperation on the agenda. Coastal Biodiversity Project: A UNDP/GEF-backed five-year programme signed for Eastern and Southern coastal regions aims to protect critical biodiversity while supporting coastal livelihoods.

Education & Equality: Sri Lanka’s new education reforms will push inclusive education so “no child is left behind,” with the PM stressing schools should build mutual respect through learning about different cultures. University Life: FUTA has called a one-day strike by university lecturers on Sept 9 over deteriorating conditions in higher education, warning of disruption for students. Migrant Workers: A new multi-purpose loan scheme via SLBFE will help Sri Lankan workers abroad invest remittances in housing, education, business and vehicles. Health & Care: A philanthropist, Eng. Nahil Wijesuriya, donated modern equipment for a National Kidney Stone Referral Centre in Meerigama, aiming for 1,000+ complex procedures annually. Public Health Focus: World Physiotherapy Day coverage highlights physiotherapy and physical activity as key to preventing and managing stroke in Sri Lanka. Environment & Coastal Livelihoods: A UNDP/GEF-backed five-year project will protect critical coastal biodiversity in the east and south while supporting sustainable community livelihoods. Culture & Heritage: “Beyond the Scalpel,” a free Sept 25–27 exhibition at the College of Surgeons, will trace the evolution of surgery in Sri Lanka through Dr. Gamini Goonetilleke’s decades of work. Travel & Lifestyle: Jetwing Hotels reports a rise in affluent Indian travellers choosing higher-value Sri Lanka holidays, not just short getaways. Regional Ties: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh begins a three-day visit to strengthen defence and maritime cooperation, with INS Udaygiri making a Colombo port call. Visa Rules: Thailand will end visa-free entry for Sri Lankan passport holders from Sept 15, citing alleged illegal activities by some travellers.

UN Human Rights Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s reform promises are under fresh pressure as the UN Human Rights Council session opens in Geneva, with OHCHR flagging continued use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, custodial violence claims, and weak security-sector accountability. Debt and Daily Life: A new analysis argues Sri Lanka now spends far more on debt interest than on running the country, squeezing social spending and turning the state into a debt-servicing mechanism. Business Bottlenecks: The government’s new National Business Facilitation Centre is pitched as a one-stop fix for red tape—aimed at helping firms earn foreign exchange as debt repayments loom. Expo 2027 Push: SriLankan Airlines will brand a specially liveried Airbus A321neo to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027 across key markets, with discounts for foreign buyers and investors. Local Development Drive: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says mega capital works will roll out across every district next year, with Rs. 2 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure. Food Systems & Culture: Bhutan’s Global Conscious Food Systems Summit in Paro spotlights how values and culture shape food policy, with Sri Lanka’s PM attending. Travel Rules Hit Sri Lankans: Thailand ends visa-free entry for Sri Lankan passport holders from Sept 15, requiring visas via e-Visa. Sport & Youth: Zahira College Matale’s U-18 hockey team reaches the All-Island final, finishing runners-up.

Visa & travel rules: Thailand will end visa-free entry for Sri Lankan passport holders from Sept 15, 2026, requiring an e-Visa before travel. Border enforcement: Sri Lanka arrested 13 people after they were turned back from India by sea; police are checking for links to illegal activity. Local development push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says mega development work will start in every district from 2027, with Rs. 2 trillion in capital spending and district-level funds for roads, water and waste. Health & rights focus: Sri Lanka’s Health Minister warned South-East Asia faces dengue, ageing, chronic illness, workforce shortages and digital risks for children, calling for stronger regional cooperation. Food systems & culture: Bhutan’s GNH-inspired summit is exploring how values and mindsets shape food systems, with Sri Lanka’s PM Harini Amarasuriya speaking at the opening. Education & wellbeing: A School Meal Programme update highlights how meal support reaches 1.4 million children (grades 1–5). Sports inclusion: A new discussion argues Sri Lanka must move from “inclusion by medals” to real access for girls, disabled children and low-income youth. Perahera tradition: The tusker Wasana will be withdrawn from routine peraheras outside major historic sites to protect his health. Media & environment: Sri Lanka signed a EU-backed deal with Canal France International to train journalists on climate, green investment and just-transition reporting. Women’s empowerment: CCWE’s workshop calls for collective action to strengthen women’s economic empowerment beyond training alone. Culture on screen: Taapsee Pannu’s Gandhari is trending globally on Netflix, including Sri Lanka, as the film’s mother-and-child story finds wider audiences. Food safety: Control Union Sri Lanka hosted an FSSC awareness session on stronger food safety systems for global market trust.

Gandhara as a living pilgrimage: Pakistan’s Gandhara–Cradle of Buddhism push is shifting from archaeology to a full visitor journey—visas, site management, guides, and community-ready tourism—so sacred ruins become an easy, respectful pilgrimage experience. Food safety push: Control Union Sri Lanka and partners held “Food Safety Forward” to strengthen Sri Lanka’s food safety systems and boost global market trust. Tax fairness debate: A new critique argues Sri Lanka’s resident tax on interest (up to 36%) versus non-resident rates (10%) is driving unfair loopholes and worsening brain drain. Sport inclusion: A call to move beyond medal-only “inclusion,” urging real access for children with disabilities, rural girls, and low-income youth. Muslim-friendly tourism: Sri Lanka is urged to package its Islamic heritage, halal food, and mosque-and-community experiences into a consistent, strategic tourism offer. Women’s economic empowerment: CCWE’s national workshop backs collective action to connect women entrepreneurs with finance, markets, and enabling policy. Digital economy & telecom: Govt says SLT-Mobitel will stay a strategic state asset to power digital identity, payments, AI skills, and nationwide connectivity. UN human rights warning: UN urges Sri Lanka to match anti-corruption momentum with stronger action on torture, custodial deaths, and impunity. Culture on the coast: A new Chabad House in Hiriketiya sparks protests and competing claims, testing Sri Lanka’s religious pluralism and local tourism tensions. Education & school term: Dengue eradication activities are scheduled as the second phase of the third school term begins, alongside A/L results timelines. Health milestone: Asiri Central Hospital completes its 100th ASD surgery under the Suraksha Insurance Scheme, expanding access for schoolchildren.

Digital Economy & Telecom: Sri Lanka is keeping SLT‑Mobitel as a strategic state asset, with Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne pointing to the firm’s turnaround and stressing its role in digital identity, broadband, AI-enabled services, and a wider 5G push. Education & Daily Life: The second phase of the third school term starts tomorrow, with dengue eradication inspections and extra transport buses planned; A/L results are expected before year-end. Culture & Heritage: Serendib Flour Mills brought over 100 elderly farming parents to Kandy to witness the sacred Dalada Perahera, using dedicated buses and access arrangements. Human Rights & Accountability: The UN urged Sri Lanka to match anti-corruption progress with stronger action on rights abuses, citing ongoing concerns over torture, custodial deaths, and arbitrary detention. Tourism & Lifestyle: Taapsee Pannu’s Netflix film “Gandhari” is trending across multiple countries including Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka’s tourism push also highlights value-focused strategies and local experiences. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): England’s squads for the home series vs Sri Lanka were announced, with Brydon Carse sidelined to “work through” off-field issues.

Youth & Democracy: Gen Z protests in India are framed as a fresh push for education and jobs, reopening democratic space after years of poll-driven politics. Human Rights & Reconciliation: A UN human rights report urges Sri Lanka to strengthen accountability and move beyond the “long legacy of impunity,” warning that repressive PTA use continues arbitrary arrests and surveillance. Culture & Youth Arts: The 3rd Bell Children and Youth Theatre Festival in Colombo brought together young Sri Lankan performers with plays tackling mental health, inequality, education and conformity. Digital Identity & Daily Life: Sri Lanka plans its first production digital identities via SL-UDI next quarter, starting with e-NICs for 16-year-olds and aiming for active use across banking, SIM registration, education and services. Northern Lifestyle & Festivals: Commercial Bank’s Q+ push in Jaffna ramps up merchant sign-ups and cashback ahead of the Nallur Festival, boosting cashless culture during a major religious and commercial event. Tourism & Heritage: Sri Lanka showcased MICE tourism at BLTM 2026, pitching hotels, convention facilities and cultural/wellness experiences to hosted buyers. Pageantry & Women’s Empowerment: Miss World fast-track results highlight Sri Lanka’s Prathibha Liyanarachchi, whose Beauty With a Purpose project supports underprivileged women artisans through craft.

Youth & Biodiversity: Rainforest Ambassador International Network (RAIN) 2026 brought youth from Sri Lanka and seven other countries together in Malaysia for rainforest learning, linking biodiversity conservation with natural and cultural heritage. Digital Safety: A viral “free laptops for students” website circulating on WhatsApp and social media was flagged as a scam that collects personal details and pushes users to share the link to spread the fraud. Justice & Memory: Tamil families in Sri Lanka’s north and east kept demanding answers on enforced disappearances, with women and human rights groups criticising the gap between reconciliation promises and action. Culture & Creativity: The “3rd Bell” children and youth theatre festival in Colombo showcased 13 original plays tackling mental health, inequality, education and the environment, run by young artists nationwide. Human Rights Watch: A UN human rights report urged Sri Lanka to strengthen accountability and end the long legacy of impunity, warning that repressive laws still enable arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention. Digital Identity Rollout: Sri Lanka is preparing the phased rollout of its SL-UDI digital identity platform, starting with e-NICs for 16-year-olds and aiming for broader everyday use over the next few years. Education & Youth Jobs: NSB joined EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 as official banking partner, backing youth access to education and financial inclusion at BMICH. International Cultural Exchange: A diplomatic corps visit to Kandy included Kandy Esala Perahera briefings and temple ceremonies, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage. Arts Abroad: The Norton Simon Museum opened “The Art of Kandy,” a focused exhibition of Kandyan-era works highlighting Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and its courtly artistry.

Digital Identity Push: Sri Lanka is set to begin issuing production digital identities next quarter under the SL-UDI rollout, starting with e-NICs for 16-year-olds and a phased expansion aimed at real everyday use of digital credentials. Human Rights & Accountability: A new UN human rights report urges Sri Lanka to strengthen truth and justice, warning that repressive use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and ongoing surveillance risk stalling reconciliation. Culture in Motion (Kandy): The Diplomatic Corps visited Kandy to witness the Kandy Esala Perahera and learn about Sri Dalada Maligawa’s heritage, blending education with living religious tradition. Northern Festival Cashless Drive: Commercial Bank of Ceylon expanded its Q+ digital payments push in Jaffna ahead of the Nallur Festival, activating 40+ merchants and canvassing 350+ shops. Tourism & Business Events: Sri Lanka showcased MICE tourism at BLTM 2026 in Delhi, pitching hotels, convention facilities, wellness and destination weddings to hosted buyers. Arts & Heritage Abroad: The Norton Simon Museum opened “The Art of Kandy,” bringing 13 Kandyan-era works to international audiences. Live Entertainment (Colombo): Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Gatz are rolling out September dining and music programming, from Noodles’ return to a rotating supper-club lineup. Education & Youth Finance: NSB joined EDEX Expo Mid-Year 2026 as official banking partner, backing students with education loans and youth accounts.

Human Rights & Accountability: UN rights chief urged Sri Lanka to tackle its “long legacy of impunity,” saying truth and justice efforts are stalling despite some anti-corruption and investigations. Culture & Memory: Colombo Public Library’s “It’s About Time” and “Archive of Memory” invite schoolchildren to revisit Sri Lanka’s post-independence story through language, economy, conflict and media. Tourism & Lifestyle: Colombo’s next tourism push aims to move beyond visitor numbers—encouraging longer stays and higher spending—while a new World Bank-backed plan faces real delivery risks. Food & Everyday Safety: Sri Lanka launched its first National Food Safety Policy, aiming to fix fragmented responsibility across the food chain and strengthen labs, surveillance and coordination. Sustainable Development: Northern Islands’ hybrid renewable project (solar plus storage) is set to replace diesel-heavy power and open doors for habitation, tourism and small industries. Arts & Heritage Exports: Creative Sri Lanka 2030 is expanding a craft-to-brand push to connect artisans, designers and exporters to global markets. Education Cooperation: Sri Lanka and Bhutan agreed to deepen education and vocational training links, including exchanges and a joint working group. Workplace Culture: A Sri Lankan American production assistant sued over alleged hostile conditions on Amazon MGM’s “Criminal,” adding another spotlight on harassment and discrimination in creative workplaces.

Children’s Literature & Values: M.D. Gunasena launched Roshenka Jayamaha’s chapter book Adventure Don & the Sea Turtle Rescue, Sri Lanka’s first “multi-faceted” series format with theme song, quizzes, badges, wildlife fact cards and a planned reading club. Judicial Reform Protest: Opposition lawmakers, lawyers and activists rallied in Colombo against proposed constitutional changes that would raise judges’ retirement age and expand higher courts, arguing it could weaken judicial independence. Faith & Community Dialogue: A mosque in Negombo opened for non-Muslim visitors under “Welcome to Our Mosque,” offering guided tours, Sinhala Qur’an translations and cultural introductions to build coexistence. Human Rights Accountability: A UN Human Rights report urges Sri Lanka to accelerate reconciliation and end impunity, warning that the Prevention of Terrorism Act still enables arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention. Tourism Push Abroad: Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Johannesburg promoted the island’s heritage, wildlife and cuisine at Rosebank’s Sunday Market, drawing strong interest from visitors. Culture & Heritage Spotlight: Kandy’s Esala Perahera wrapped up, while excavations at the Chemmani mass grave site near Jaffna concluded with 583 sets of remains recovered. Education & Skills Links: Sri Lanka’s University of Vocational Technology signed partnerships with Chinese firms for internships, technical mentoring, and a Chinese teaching center.

Judicial Reform Protests: Opposition lawmakers, lawyers, trade unions and rights activists rallied in Colombo against proposed constitutional judicial reforms that would extend top judges’ retirement age and increase court numbers, arguing it’s a political move to control the judiciary. Human Rights Accountability: Human Rights Watch says Sri Lanka’s progress on prosecuting past abuses is still too slow, urging stronger action on unresolved cases involving killings, disappearances and attacks on journalists. Tourism & Culture Promotion: Sri Lanka’s High Commission in South Africa promoted the island’s heritage, wildlife and cuisine at a Johannesburg market event, drawing strong interest from visitors. Education & Skills Partnerships: Sri Lanka’s University of Vocational Technology signed deals with Chinese firms for internships and technical mentoring, and plans a Chinese teaching centre on campus. Elephants & Heritage Memory: Coverage highlights the Esala Perahera’s elephant and performer scale, while another report notes the Chemmani mass grave excavation phase ending with hundreds of remains recovered, with further forensic work still ahead. Food Systems Policy: Sri Lanka launched its first National Food Safety Policy with support from FAO and the EU, aiming for coordinated, risk-based control across the food chain. Legal Education Links with Bhutan: PM Harini Amarasuriya discussed deeper cooperation with Bhutan on legal education, including exchanges and joint research. Immigration Crackdown (Diaspora Link): UK immigration raids in Scotland arrested nine people tied to a suspected rogue fishing fleet, including five Sri Lankan nationals, amid allegations of exploitation and illegal working. Power Stability: Sri Lanka’s grid remains stable despite reduced coal generation at Norochcholai, with hydropower stepping in while new coal shipments are expected. Creative Export Push: EDB’s “Creative Sri Lanka 2030” aims to turn craft heritage into a modern export engine by linking established brands with regional artisans and designers.