Category: Lead Story
UN Human Rights Office encourages Sri Lanka to undertake comprehensive review of PSTA before its enactment
The UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) encourages the Government to undertake a further comprehensive review of the draft Protection of the State from Terrorism (PSTA) Bill before its enactment, in consultation with independent institutions, civil society organisations and legal experts. The Office recommends, in particular, that the Government:1) Narrow and clarify […]
Ceylon Chamber Calls for Careful Review of PSTA to Safeguard Competitiveness & GSP+ Access
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has submitted its observations on the proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Act (PSTA) and is in the process of finalising its views on the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Act, which will be communicated to the relevant authorities shortly. Whilst recognising the Government’s efforts to strengthen national security […]
Sri Lanka invites Indian businesses to partner in its next phase of economic growth
Sri Lanka’s transition from economic stabilisation to sustainable growth, opportunities for Indian investment and the potential to build stronger partnerships in industry, technology and entrepreneurship were the key themes of the visit of Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka, to New Delhi from 22 to 23 October 2026. […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports Surpass US$ 13.6 Bn in the First Nine Months of 2026, Recording 5% Growth
Sri Lanka’s total exports have reached US$ 13.61 Bn during the first nine months of 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 5.04% compared with US$ 12.96 Bn in the corresponding period of 2025. This positive performance reflects the continued expansion of the country’s export sector, supported by growth in both merchandise and services exports. According […]
More Draconian Than PTA: Human Rights Commission Demands Withdrawal of Organised Crime Bill
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has called for the immediate withdrawal and substantial revision of the proposed Prevention of Organised Crime Bill, warning that the draft law is “wholly incompatible” with the country’s Constitution and international human rights treaties. In a formal letter to Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara […]
Beyond Recovery: Policy Priorities to Achieve Durable Growth in Sri Lanka
By Rashmi Anupama and Kalani Kiriveldeniya, Research Assistants, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) Sustaining Sri Lanka’s post-crisis macroeconomic stability requires productivity-enhancing reforms to achieve durable and inclusive growth. Against this backdrop, the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) hosted a roundtable discussion on 14 October 2026 on its flagship publication, […]
The Betrayal of Kavanthissa: How Sri Lanka’s Majestic Tuskers Are Being Sacrificed to Negligence and Rhetoric
Kavanthissa. For generations, the gentle giants of Sri Lanka have walked the island’s forests as symbols of majesty, national pride, and spiritual reverence. From the legendary Nedungamuwa Raja to the grand tuskers roaming the dry zone, these magnificent creatures represent the living heritage of a country blessed with irreplaceable biodiversity. Yet today, that heritage is […]
China Merchants Port, Access Engineering & Sri Lanka Ports Authority Pull the Plug on South Asia Logistics Hub
China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited has officially terminated the South Asia Commercial and Logistics Hub project in Sri Lanka following a mutual agreement among all project partners. According to a company announcement released on October 15, 2026, the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, FCGL, alongside Access Engineering and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, signed a settlement […]
TISL Raises Concerns Over Proposed Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) echoes the concerns expressed by human rights actors on the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, gazetted on the 22nd of September 2026, which proposes to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Significant concerns remain regarding its broad definitions of terrorism, expanded executive powers, administrative detention and restrictions […]
Sri Lanka Outlines Strategic Development Plans for Colombo Port East and West Terminals
Sri Lanka is preparing to revamp its maritime infrastructure by bringing in international shipping lines for terminal operations and advancing major expansion projects at the Port of Colombo, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced during the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026. Addressing the forum, President Dissanayake highlighted that while the state will retain ownership […]
Meaning in Every Drop: Sri Lanka’s El Niño Response
An El Niño year is rarely just about drought. It is about extremes. Current forecasts suggest Sri Lanka could face two connected phases. The first may bring heavier rainfall, localised flooding and landslide risks in the latter part of 2026. The second could be a prolonged dry spell stretching well into 2027, putting pressure on […]
Tax exemptions for residential real estate at Port City distort tax regime: Advocata Institute
Residential real estate developments in Colombo Port City currently benefit from a range of tax exemptions and incentives, which create a highly distortionary and unequal tax regime for real estate businesses operating elsewhere in Sri Lanka, the Advocata Institute warned. Both previous regulations (Gazette No. 2343/60 of 4 August 2023) and recent regulations (Gazette No. […]