Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
Supreme Court Mandates Referendum for Strict Bail Restrictions Under Anti-Corruption Bill
In a major constitutional determination announced in Parliament today by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled that key provisions of the proposed Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill cannot become law without a two-thirds parliamentary majority and direct approval by the people at a public referendum. The Court’s ruling targets critical judicial, corporate governance, […]
Supreme Court Clears 22nd Amendment Without Referendum, Exempts Incumbent CJ from 6-Year Term Limit
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature Amendment Bill do not violate core constitutional provisions and can proceed to a vote in Parliament without requiring a public referendum, according to an official announcement by the Speaker of Parliament. The Supreme Court ruled […]
IMF Team to Visit Sri Lanka next week for EFF Seventh Review and Article IV Consultation
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, announced on September 3, 2026, that an IMF staff team will visit Sri Lanka from September 10 to 23, 2026. During the visit, the team will hold discussions with Sri Lankan authorities regarding the combined Seventh Review of the country’s reform program supported by […]
Port City Expansion: Regulations for 68 Strategic Businesses Head to Parliament
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to present to Parliament the regulations issued under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, No. 11 of 2021. The cabinet decision, dated August 31, 2026, remains subject to confirmation at […]
Cabinet Approves Bilateral MoU Between Sri Lanka and China on Immigration Control Cooperation
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to enter into a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on immigration control cooperation between the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka and the National Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China, subject to confirmation at the next cabinet meeting. The proposed agreement aims to establish […]
Sri Lanka Placed on Elevated Concern as Climate Shocks & Energy-Driven Cost Pressures Converge Ahead of Maha Season: FAO Report
Sri Lanka has been categorized under “Elevated Concern” (Tier 2) in a joint Asia-Pacific risk assessment published by UN agencies and global climate monitors. The classification comes as the island nation faces a dangerous convergence of intensifying climate anomalies and lingering global price shocks across fuel, fertilizer, and food systems (3FS). With the critical Second […]
Sri Lanka to Install 300,000 Smart Meters Under Time-of-Use Billing Project
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved a two-year project to install 300,000 smart electricity meters equipped with a Time-of-Use (TOU) billing system as part of efforts to modernise the country’s electricity grid and support renewable energy development. The project will utilise US$12.5 million from a US$15 million loan facility provided through the Asian Development Bank’s concessional […]
Sri Lanka Revises Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs
Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission has approved new feed-in tariffs for renewable energy power projects, effective August 25, 2026, and valid until February 24, 2027. The revised tariffs cover mini-hydro, wind, biomass, municipal waste, waste heat recovery, ground-mounted solar and floating solar projects. New rooftop solar tariffs range from Rs. 15.81 to Rs. 23.11 per […]
Cabinet Approves Publication and Parliamentary Submission of New ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism’ Bill
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has formally approved a proposal to publish the draft bill for the ‘Protection of the State from Terrorism Act’ in the Government Gazette and subsequently submit it to Parliament for legislative enactment. The decision, reached at the Cabinet meeting on August 17, 2026, remains subject to formal approval at the […]
Cabinet Approves Amendment to Foreign Exchange Act to Criminalize Unauthorized Outward Fund Transfers
In a significant regulatory shift aimed at strengthening financial law enforcement, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval in principle to amend the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017. The proposed amendment will classify the unauthorized transfer of funds out of Sri Lanka as a criminal offense, addressing a crucial gap in the […]
Governor’s remarks do not signal future policy rate path or level: CBSL
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) clarified that recent media reports had misinterpreted remarks made by the Governor during a media interview. CBSL said its monetary policy is “forward looking and data driven” and that decisions to increase, decrease or maintain policy rates are made at each Monetary Policy Review based on the latest […]
Sri Lanka remains vulnerable to energy price shock but is more resilient than in the past – Moody’s Ratings
Bangladesh (B2 negative), Pakistan (Caa1 stable) and Sri Lanka (Caa1 stable) are among the most vulnerable economies in Asia to high oil prices stemming from the Middle East conflict, Moody’s Ratings said in their latest analysis. However, the countries have built capacity to absorb shocks in recent years, so are less exposed than in 2022, […]