Category: Other
‘s New Stablecoin Law Mandates Full Reserve Backing, Monthly Disclosures
President Donald Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, making it the first U.S. federal legislation to regulate stablecoins. The law requires full reserve backing, monthly reserve disclosures, and strict rules to prevent misleading marketing. The move triggered a rally in digital assets, with Bitcoin surpassing $123,000 during the debate in the House, and […]
Sri Lanka’s Plantation sector sounds alarm over 30% U.S. tariff
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has expressed grave concern over the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan tea and rubber exports, set to take effect from August 1st. The Association warns that this move could devastate two of Sri Lanka’s most historic and employment-intensive sectors, tea and rubber undermining […]
VIDEO: Why China Is Building Ships in the Desert
In the middle of the Chinese desert, miles from any ocean, lie massive naval ships. In this video, we explore why China built them in the sand and what they’re used for.
Supreme Court Holds State and Corporate Actors Accountable in X-Press Pearl Disaster and Aftermath
In a landmark judgment the Supreme Court today (July 24) delivered its judgment in Fundamental Rights petitions in relation to the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster, one of the worst environmental disasters in Sri Lanka’s history. TISL filed the intervention petition to intervene in case no. SC/FR 168/2021, filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice seeking […]
Transparency International Sri Lanka Challenges the National Audit (Amendment) Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed legal action on Tuesday 22 July 2025, in the Supreme Court challenging the National Audit (Amendment) Bill which was published in the gazette on 23rd June 2025. The Bill is to amend the National Audit Act No. 19 of 2018. The petition has been filed in public interest. The […]
TISL expresses deep concern over the inertia in appointing the Chairperson of the RTI Commission
As of July 9, 2025, Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) remains without a duly appointed Chairperson. The seat has been vacant since the resignation of retired Supreme Court Justice Upaly Abeyrathne in March 2025. The undue delay in the appointment, despite calls by concerned stakeholders, including civil society and media, to expedite the appointment […]
SLT-MOBITEL partners AI Pazz, Sri Lanka’s First AI-Powered Legal Research Platform
In a landmark move set to redefine legal research in Sri Lanka, SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has partnered with Redblocks AI (Pvt) Ltd to launch AI Pazz, the country’s first-ever AI-powered legal research platform featuring Sri Lanka’s largest and the most up-to-date digital legal library, to offer unprecedented access to advanced legal research tools. This revolutionary platform […]
Sri Lanka Receives 2.5 mn USD from Japan to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Mechanisms
Corruption undermines sustainable development, the well-being of its citizens, their trust in institutions and tax morale. The cost of corruption is felt by all segments of society and the economy. Corruption significantly deters foreign investments, as it creates an unpredictable and risky business environment. Investors often perceive high levels of corruption as indicative of weak […]
TISL Launches Report on Sri Lanka’s Progress in Combating Corruption under UN Convention
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), on 26 June 2025, released an independent Civil Society Report assessing Sri Lanka’s progress in fulfilling its commitments under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the first legally binding global instrument to combat corruption. Sri Lanka signed and ratified the UNCAC in 2004, committing to align national laws and […]
Union Bank Launches Trade Connect For Seamless Trade Services
Union Bank proudly unveiled Union Bank Trade Connect, a modern, fully equipped one-stop hub for all trade services. Union Bank Trade Connect was inaugurated by Dilshan Rodrigo, Director/CEO at the Bank’s Head Office and marks a new milestone in delivering seamless, efficient trade solutions to the Bank’s valued customers.
Harshana Suriyapperuma Appointed New Secretary to the Ministry of Finance
President Anura Kumara Disanayake has appointed Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Finance. The letter of appointment was handed over to Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma by the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat. Dr. Suriyapperuma has been involved in capital market regulation […]
Transparency International Sri Lanka Challenges the Companies (Amendment) Bill
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) filed legal action on Thursday 19 June 2025, in the Supreme Court challenging the Bill to amend the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007. The petition has been filed in the public interest. The amendment introduces a critical anti-corruption tool – a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) register. TISL contends that […]