Category: South Asia
Foreign Minister’s Visit to Thailand opens up 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded his official visit to Thailand from 14 to 16 September 2026, following an invitation from the Thai Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat. During the two-day visit, Minister Herath and Thai Minister of Labour Amornvivat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and […]
Sri Lanka expects India’s full support in fight against Indian Ocean drug trafficking
Sri Lanka expects India’s fullest support in combating drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, as the Indian Ocean has increasingly become a hub for the trade. The President made the remarks at a meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Presidential Secretariat, during Singh’s official visit to […]
SL appeals to Human Rights High Commissioner to conclude country-specific mandates where national processes demonstrate progress
Addressing the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 08 September 2026 during the General Debate under the Agenda Item 2, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake emphasized that no Council mandate should be regarded as indefinite. The written update on human […]
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 Extends US$ 1 Million Humanitarian Assistance to Nepal
In a demonstration of Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastating floods and landslides that have caused loss of life, displacement and widespread destruction, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka has directed the Government to provide a financial contribution of US$ 1 million to Nepal to support its ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts. […]
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & Maldives Business Chamber Sign MOU to Expand Bilateral Business Opportunities
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Maldives Business Chamber have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will create new opportunities for businesses in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to expand trade, investment, and commercial partnerships. The signing took place in the presence of Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security […]
Sri Lanka Business Delegation to India: Strengthens Bilateral Trade and Opens New Opportunities for Gem & Jewellery Sector
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, is organizing a Sri Lankan Business Delegation to India from 8th to 13th August 2026, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations and expanding opportunities for […]
VIDEO: Are Sri Lankans now richer than Indians? Here’s what the World Bank says
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. So why is it still a lower-middle-income country while Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines have moved up? In this video, we explain how the World Bank classifies countries, why per capita income matters more than the size of the economy, and what India needs to […]
Oil Market Will Return to Oversupply Once Hormuz Reopens: Fitch Ratings
The Hormuz strait closure created a logistical supply shock but does not alter the direction of the market, Fitch Ratings says in a new report. A rapid production recovery in the region, strong non-OPEC growth and potentially more aggressive OPEC policy are likely to re-establish oversupply in 4Q26 and drive prices lower once the strait […]
Bangladesh Authorities’ Request for a New IMF-supported Program
Ivo Krznar, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Bangladesh issued the following statement: “The Bangladeshi authorities have requested a new IMF financial arrangement to support their economic reform program. IMF staff are engaging with the authorities on their reform agenda and policy priorities as part of the Fund’s consideration of possible next steps. “Bangladesh’s […]
Fitch Upgrades Maldives to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Maldives’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this Rating Action Commentary. The rating upgrade reflects Fitch’s assessment that default risks […]
Ceylon Chamber Leads High-Level Corporate Delegation to India for India–Sri Lanka Business Forum
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will lead a senior corporate delegation to Mumbai for the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum on 13 May 2026, held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The delegation brings together the leadership of some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent companies, representing a broad cross-section of the economy. Participants […]