Sri Lanka’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Agriculture and Resource Sustainability has recommended that the government explore the production of environmentally friendly paper bags as an alternative to polythene bags. The proposal comes as authorities consider imposing a charge on polythene bags at points of purchase. Committee Chairman MP Hector Appuhamy emphasized the need to…
Sri Lanka commemorated its 81st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Flower Ceremony on 16th November, at the Cenotaph War Memorial in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. Organized by the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association in partnership with the Armed Forces, the annual event honored the service and sacrifice of Sri Lankan military personnel who lost their lives…
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is assessing Sri Lanka’s newly announced 2026 budget—including its ambitious 7% economic growth target—to determine whether it meets the requirements of the country’s ongoing bailout program. At a press briefing yesterday (13), IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack said staff are “reviewing the published budget documents to evaluate whether the 2026…
Five newly appointed envoys formally presented their credentials to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (13), marking the beginning of their diplomatic assignments in the country. The diplomats who presented credentials were: President Dissanayake welcomed the new envoys and expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with each of…
Sri Lanka’s Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has introduced a new insurance scheme designed to protect seed paddy producers from major cultivation risks. The initiative was developed in response to repeated requests from farmers seeking greater security against climate- and wildlife-related threats. Under the scheme, farmers can insure their seed paddy production for a premium…
Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have officially established the Sri Lanka–Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council, marking a major step toward deepening bilateral economic cooperation. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced the launch, describing it as a “historic milestone” in strengthening economic ties between the two nations. The Council was formed…
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, met with senior executives of Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, a major healthcare provider in the Middle East. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister noted that he toured one of the group’s advanced medical facilities, which integrates cutting-edge…
Sri Lanka is launching a national initiative today (November 9) to distribute 500,000 coconut plants to households across the country, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote home-based coconut cultivation. The official ceremony will take place in Uhana, Ampara, under the patronage of Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, alongside Deputy Minister of…
Sri Lanka will issue its first digital identity cards in the third quarter of 2026, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced. He assured the public that personal data will be securely protected, despite concerns raised by some groups. The President highlighted several initiatives underway to support the country’s shift toward a digital economy, including the Sri…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced during the 2026 Budget Speech that Sri Lanka has received USD 823 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as of September 2025. He noted that the government aims to attract further investment by introducing investor-friendly policies. In addition, a new State Enterprise Management Act is expected to be presented to…
