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Advocata Commends Decision to Close 33 Non-Operational SOEs & Calls for Divestiture as Next Step
The Advocata Institute welcomes the decision by the Cabinet of Ministers, on the proposal of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy, to formally close 33 non-operational State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) under Phase 2 of the government’s state-sector reform program. The move, to be implemented through a […]
Opinion: Why Smart Regulation, Not Prohibition, Will Protect Sri Lanka’s Youth
By Jithendra Antonio The recent firestorm surrounding e-cigarette use among Sri Lanka’s youth has ignited a critical policy debate in Sri Lanka. So, what’s really at stake here? Protecting our youth is and must always remain a national priority. Yet, regulators and policymakers must resist knee-jerk prohibitionist responses, as any proposed solutions must be evidence-based, […]
World GDP Forecasts Raised, but Evidence of US Slowdown Accumulates: Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings has raised its world growth forecasts for 2025 moderately since the June Global Economic Outlook (GEO) on better-than-expected incoming data for 2Q25. But there is now evidence of an underlying US slowdown in ‘hard’ economic data and positive surprises on eurozone growth have partly reflected US tariff front-running. Fitch still expects world GDP […]
Sri Lanka Can Move to a More Balanced Fiscal Policy, Says World Bank Public Finance Review
Sri Lanka has made remarkable strides in stabilizing its economy, undertaking one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history—equal to nearly 8 percent of GDP over three years. The adjustment was also sharper and faster by international standards – when compared with more than 330 similar efforts in 123 countries worldwide since 1980. A […]
United States and Sri Lanka Launch Multilateral PACIFIC ANGEL 25 Exercise
Today, the United States and Sri Lanka officially launched PACIFIC ANGEL (Pac Angel) 25 at Katunayake Air Base, with U.S. Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Matthew House joining Sri Lanka Air Force leaders to open the exercise. The five-day multilateral program, running from September 8–12, brings together nearly 90 U.S. and 120 Sri Lanka Air Force […]
Foreign Minister to address Human Rights Council Today
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, who will lead the Sri Lanka delegation to the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council, will address the Council following the presentation of the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. This statement will […]
Sri Lanka’s CIABOC Chairman Meets World Bank Officials on Strengthening Asset Recovery Framework
The Chairman of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) of Sri Lanka, Justice Neil Iddawala, met today with Laura Pop, Neha Maryam Zaigham, and Emile van der Does de Willebois of the World Bank at the UN Secretariat in Vienna (MOE 100). The discussions focused on the effective implementation of Sri […]
Godawaya Shipwreck Preservation Project Marks Milestone in US–SL Maritime Partnership
U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, today inaugurated the Godawaya Shipwreck Exhibition at the BMICH in Colombo, together with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU). The event marked the culmination of the multi-year Godawaya Shipwreck Project, funded through the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for […]
Foreign Minister briefs the Colombo-based Diplomatic Corps on current developments
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Vijitha Herath chaired a briefing for the members of the Colombo-based Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry on Tuesday, 02 September 2025. During the briefing, Minister Herath outlined the progress achieved by the Government since taking office 11 months ago, emphasizing several key transformative initiatives launched to protect […]
Marco Polo Makes Its Grand Debut with Flagship Store at One Galle Face Mall
Marco Polo, the premium modern casual wear brand inspired by the legendary explorer, has officially launched its flagship store at One Galle Face (OGF) Mall, Level 2, Shop No. 27. The opening marks a significant milestone for the brand, introducing Sri Lankan consumers to a refined fashion experience rooted in exploration, craftsmanship, and timeless style. […]