Digital Payments & DPI: PM Modi announced India and New Zealand will connect India’s UPI with New Zealand’s fast-payment system during a historic state visit, aiming to expand cross-border fintech links. Migrant Workers’ Social Protection: Sri Lanka will introduce a more flexible Rataviru pension scheme for overseas workers, funded with Rs. 2.1 billion from the Kuwait Fund, with benefits tied to employment period and income plus a plan for a dedicated digital app to verify remittance records. Public Healthcare Upgrade: Sri Lanka’s 2027 Budget will prioritise stronger primary care via “Arogya Suwa Seva Centres” and faster tech upgrades in state hospitals, with suspended hospital projects restarting. SME Lending & Tax Records: Union Bank CEO warned SMEs are hurting access to credit by understating revenues and running multiple accounts, forcing banks to rebuild financials. Maritime Tech & Ports: Global shipping lines are exploring stakes in Sri Lanka’s port assets, including Colombo’s East Container Terminal and Hambantota, as transshipment competition heats up. Smart Urban Infrastructure: Hayleys Aventura commissioned Sri Lanka’s first outdoor automated rotary parking system to tackle space constraints in growing cities. Deep-Sea Science: Sri Lanka audiences joined a live ship-to-shore deep-sea event showcasing real-time research operations. Agriculture Climate Support: An Agro-Climate Advisory Lab in Kurunegala is delivering seasonal weather guidance to farmers, building on a multi-year climate-resilient farming and advisory model. Circular Materials Research: University of Moratuwa and industry partners will test turning textile waste into ceiling panels, aiming for lightweight, durable, biodegradable construction inputs.