AGP Executive Report

Agritech Drones for Maha: Sri Lanka is set to use locally developed unmanned aerial systems to support paddy cultivation in the upcoming Maha season, including seed distribution, fertiliser application and crop monitoring, following a workshop in Kurukulawa led by the Science and Technology Ministry. Port City Colombo Banking Boost: Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened a new full-service branch in Port City Colombo, offering retail, corporate, trade/treasury, FX and digital banking to back the investment hub’s growth. Higher Education Policy Input: Sri Lanka’s Education Ministry launched a nationwide online consultation to shape a new higher education policy framework, inviting students, academics and the public to weigh in on quality, access and relevance. Cybercrime Safe Havens Focus: A commentary warns that arrests of foreign nationals tied to cybercrime in Colombo point to a wider institutional security failure, urging stronger immigration and regulatory oversight. Regional Tech Trade Link: Sri Lanka participated in Thailand’s THAIFEX–Anuga Asia 2026 via an EDB-coordinated delegation, using the Sri Lanka pavilion and technical exposure programme to strengthen food and beverage trade ties. BIMSTEC Connectivity Push: Nepal’s PM urged BIMSTEC members, including Sri Lanka, to deepen cooperation on transport, trade and digital networks to tackle climate and disaster risks.

Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide public consultation to shape a new higher education policy framework, using an online survey to gather views from students, academics, employers and citizens. Media Sector Professionalisation: A Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka has been gazetted, aiming to set professional standards, training, research, examinations and a code of ethics for media practitioners. Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL supported the renovation of Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with real-time digital displays and Wi‑Fi, pushing Sri Lanka’s move toward citizen-focused, connected transport services. Banking Expansion in Port City: Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened a full-service branch in Port City Colombo, offering retail, corporate, trade/treasury and digital banking for businesses and investors. Cybercrime Focus: A commentary warns that cybercrime “safe havens” in Colombo reflect deeper institutional and regulatory failures, not just isolated arrests. Climate & Water Risk: A drought warning highlights the 90 days that will decide how costly the coming season becomes, as El Niño odds rise.

Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has launched a nationwide public consultation, including an online survey, to shape a new policy framework for the future of higher education, with PM/Education Minister Harini Amarasuriya overseeing work by a specialist panel. Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped renovate Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time digital displays and Wi‑Fi for passengers, as Sri Lanka pushes a more citizen-focused transport tech agenda. Investment Promotion (Digital): The BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform offering 30 structured investment projects with feasibility support and pre-allocated land to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Cybercrime Safe Havens: A commentary warns that repeated arrests of foreign nationals tied to cybercrime in Colombo point to deeper regulatory and national security failures, not isolated cases. Health Policy Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar-reduction push faces criticism over gaps that may leave much of the market outside traffic-light labelling rules, especially informal and low-income channels. Media Professional Standards: A Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka was gazetted, aiming to set training, ethics, examinations and accreditation for media workers. Ocean Conservation: Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister called for stronger international cooperation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, linking marine health to food security and livelihoods.

Media Regulation: Sri Lanka has gazetted a Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka, aiming to set professional standards, run training and examinations, accredit media professionals, and enforce a code of ethics. Digital Investment Push: The BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform listing 30 structured investment projects with feasibility support and pre-allocated land to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Public Finance Oversight: The COPF reviewed the National Audit Office’s 2026 programme, flagging delays in Samurdhi Bank audits and gaps in cyber security audit capacity. Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped modernise Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time displays and Wi‑Fi for passengers. Ocean Conservation Diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister called for stronger international cooperation on marine conservation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo. Climate & Environment: World Environment Day 2026 saw “Climate Week” activities and five forests declared reserved. Regional Tech/Connectivity: ZTE Lanka hosted ZTE Day 2026 on “Creating an Intelligent Future,” showcasing connectivity and digital advancement.

Public Transport Digitisation: SLT-MOBITEL helped modernise Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with end-to-end digital infrastructure, including real-time displays and Wi‑Fi, as Sri Lanka pushes citizen-focused public services. Media Sector Skills: The Institute of Chartered Media Professionals of Sri Lanka bill was gazetted, aiming to recruit qualified media professionals, set ethics, and support research and training. Ocean Conservation Diplomacy: Sri Lanka urged stronger international action on marine conservation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, linking ocean health to food security and the blue economy. Foreign Investment Push: BOI launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform offering 30 pre-structured projects with feasibility support and land access to speed up approvals and attract foreign capital. Public Finance & Cyber Risks: COPF reviewed 2026 audit progress, flagging delays in Samurdhi Bank audits and gaps in cyber security audit capacity at the National Audit Office. Health Policy Scrutiny: Sri Lanka’s sugar reduction drive faces criticism over loopholes, with much sweetened consumption reportedly outside traffic-light labelling rules, especially via informal markets. Hybrid Work Tech: ZILLIONe and ZTE Lanka showcased new collaboration and connectivity offerings, including Jabra’s Evolve3 headsets and PanaCast video solutions. Regional Mobility Expansion: Uber debuted in Nepal with Uber Go, Uber Comfort and Uber Bike, reporting early driver sign-ups and plans to expand beyond ride-hailing. Climate Action & Protection: World Environment Day saw five forests declared reserved, alongside new environmental reporting and protected-area announcements.

Marine Science & Security: A new Sri Lanka-focused argument says the country can’t protect or manage its ocean without world-class marine science and long-term monitoring. Climate Readiness: NOAA warns this year’s El Niño could intensify fast, raising heat and rainfall risks as Sri Lanka prepares for extreme conditions. World Environment Day 2026: Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, five forests were declared reserved and several conservation and reporting initiatives were announced, including carbon-neutral event certification. Grid Stability Push: Sri Lanka plans its largest battery energy storage rollout, with BESS at 16 transmission substations to store surplus renewables and smooth evening peaks. Agri Mechanisation Finance: HNB and Hayleys Agriculture partner to expand leasing for Kubota and Agrotech machinery, aiming to modernise farm equipment access. Hybrid Mobility: Hayleys Mobility launches the JAECOO J5 HEV, targeting Sri Lanka’s growing new-energy vehicle demand. Hybrid Work Tech: ZILLIONe brings Jabra’s Evolve3 headsets and PanaCast collaboration lineup to Sri Lanka. Digital Identity for Craft: We Are Legacy launches NFC-based digital product identities for handmade goods, starting with a pilot across multiple regions. IMF Update: Sri Lanka’s next IMF programme is still “to be discussed” after current reviews finish, as calls grow for negotiations. Cancer Care Concern: Delays in procuring advanced cancer radiation therapy equipment are blamed for losses and poorer patient outcomes.

IMF Talks: Sri Lanka’s IMF reviews are still under the current Extended Fund Facility, with two reviews left; any fresh programme after it ends is “yet to be discussed” with authorities, despite opposition calls to start negotiations now. Cancer Care: Doctors warn delays in procuring modern cancer radiation therapy equipment are costing patients and the country, arguing Sri Lanka is still stuck with older cobalt-based systems while other countries move to LINAC. Power Grid Upgrade: Sri Lanka is rolling out its biggest battery energy storage push, with BESS planned for 16 transmission substations to store surplus solar/wind and smooth evening peaks. Disaster Readiness: The National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030 was launched to institutionalise “Early Warning, Early Action” using scientific forecasts and community-level preparedness. Green Buildings: Cinnamon Life’s Offices won Sri Lanka’s first GreenRE Gold GreenRE certification for sustainable existing non-residential space. Eco-Industry Support: An EU-backed programme is training over 1,100 stakeholders to expand eco-industrial park practices across Sri Lanka. Digital Public Service: The Digital Economy Ministry plans to shift public services from person-based delivery to a digitised, system-based approach using micro-learning and stronger cyber security training. EV Momentum: New hybrid and electric mobility launches continue, including Hayleys’ JAECOO J5 HEV and SAIGE’s first electric motorcycle showroom in Kadawatha.

Tourism Policy: Sri Lanka’s ETA for Australians is now free for up to 30 days (still requiring an ETA via the official government site), a move aimed at boosting arrivals. Electric Mobility: SAIGE opened Sri Lanka’s first showroom for its electric motorcycles in Kadawatha, pitching lower running costs and a 5-year battery warranty. EV Market Push: Evolution Auto launched the Xpeng G6 in Colombo, targeting range anxiety and aftersales concerns with test drives and tech-focused positioning. Digital Public Services: The Ministry of Digital Economy plans to shift public service delivery from “person-based” processes to a digitised “system-based” approach, using micro-learning and an e-learning platform. Disaster Readiness: Sri Lanka launched the National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030, focusing on “early warning, early action” using scientific forecasts. Cyber Security: A new piece argues cyber security training is a strategic investment, not just a cost, because attackers exploit human behaviour. Health Workforce: A gazette notice calls for recruiting an additional 3,000 student nurses to reach 13,600 new nurses by 2029. Renewables Logistics: HayWind’s Mannar wind farm received the first 25 MW turbines at Trincomalee Port, with transport to the site continuing over coming months. AI & Data Skills: BCS Sri Lanka’s AI and Data Analytics Summit 2026 highlighted generative AI and skills for Sri Lanka’s digital future.

Renewables & Grid Stability: HayWind’s Mannar wind farm hit a key milestone as the first 25 MW turbines arrived at Trincomalee Port, with the 50 MW project expected to cut imported fossil fuel costs by about Rs. 100 billion over 20 years. Energy Storage Rollout: Sri Lanka is set to commission large battery energy storage systems across 16 substation sites, using grid-forming tech to store 40MWh and discharge up to 10MW during evening peaks to support higher solar and wind. Health Workforce Boost: A gazette notice was issued to recruit 3,000 additional student nurses, feeding into a 13,600 target for 2025–2029, with applications open until June 30. Digital Economy & ICT Exports: The Computer Society of Sri Lanka says ICT exports have surged to become the country’s third-largest export earner, driven by software, digital solutions, AI services and cybersecurity. Fisheries Skills Link: Sri Lanka and Japan agreed to create technical employment pathways in Japan for Sri Lankan fisheries graduates while upgrading Sri Lanka’s fisheries value chain and tech. Climate Watch: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked lower rainfall, raising risks for water, agriculture, power and public health. Human Rights in Tea: Amnesty reports forced-labour indicators and abuse against Malaiyaha Tamil workers across southern private tea estates. Cross-border Payments: NPCI International launched UPI acceptance in Cambodia via Bakong KHQR, enabling QR payments for Indian travellers and paving the way for a two-way corridor. Maritime Cooperation: BIMSTEC’s maritime transport pact entered into force after Myanmar’s ratification, leaving Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh as holdouts.

Digital Payments & Fraud Prevention: Sri Lanka’s Central Bank kicked off a month-long “Be Scam Proof” campaign, warning that digital banking and social platforms are making scams easier to scale while urging the public to spot illegal schemes and pyramid-style operations. Energy Storage & Renewables: Sri Lanka is set to commission its biggest battery energy storage rollout yet—grid-forming BESS units across 16 sites, storing 40MWh and discharging up to 10MW to stabilize the grid and better integrate solar and wind. ICT Exports & Transformation: The Computer Society of Sri Lanka says ICT exports have surged to become the country’s third-largest export earner, pushing Sri Lanka toward a knowledge-based, innovation-led economy. Climate & Heat Risk: Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked rainfall drops, raising pressure on water, farming, power and public health. Fisheries Skills Link: Japan and Sri Lanka agreed to expand fisheries cooperation, including technical employment pathways for Sri Lankan fisheries graduates. Ocean Conservation: Over 30 island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit focused on climate resilience, marine conservation and financing. Labour Rights: Amnesty reports forced-labour indicators affecting Malaiyaha Tamil tea workers across southern estates. Regional Payments Tech: NPCI International launched cross-border UPI QR payments in Cambodia via Bakong’s KHQR.

Energy Storage & Renewables: Sri Lanka is set to commission the country’s largest battery energy storage program, with grid-forming systems storing 40MWh and discharging up to 10MW at peak across 16 substation sites, supporting the 70% renewables target by 2030. Heat & Water Stress: The Department of Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked rainfall drops, raising risks for water resources, agriculture, power generation and public health. Digital Payments Push: CBSL will run a Trincomalee digital payment promotion (June 5–6) to help the public and businesses try e-payments and get on-the-spot support for LANKAQR and other services. Scam Shield & Fraud Awareness: CBSL launched its month-long “Be Scam Proof” campaign, warning that illegal schemes, pyramid operations and sophisticated digital fraud are eroding household wealth and trust in regulated institutions. Cybersecurity for Digital Identity: Sri Lanka plans a unified National Cybersecurity Framework to protect SL-UDI and other digital public infrastructure as identity fraud and AI-enabled impersonation threats grow. Health Alert: A meningitis outbreak is being monitored after reports of cases among school children, with authorities urging precautions without panic. Investment & Industry: EU-backed work is promoting eco-industrial parks to attract sustainable manufacturing investment, while German firms show renewed interest in Sri Lanka for logistics, renewable energy and maritime services. Labour Rights in Tea: Amnesty reports forced-labour-like conditions affecting Malaiyaha Tamil tea workers in southern estates, citing intimidation, abuse, harassment and debt coercion.

National Cybersecurity: Sri Lanka plans a unified National Cybersecurity Framework to protect government systems and citizens as it rolls out SL-UDI, a MOSIP-based digital identity for authentication and e-KYC, with officials warning today’s cybersecurity is fragmented across agencies and urging coordinated defenses against identity fraud and AI-enabled impersonation. Digital Identity Tech Partnerships: Emptech and Covestro signed an MoU to deliver secure government identity document solutions for emerging markets, combining document personalization and polycarbonate film tech, while Morocco digitised national ID renewal with online pre-fill, document uploads, digital fee payments, and biometric capture. Foreign Investment Push: Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof met US officials in Washington to attract American investment in ports, logistics, energy and data centres, arguing Sri Lanka must stay open and investment-ready after the 2022 crisis. IMF and Reform Reality Check: An IMF mission chief said Sri Lanka needs deep structural reforms to escape the middle-income trap, boosting productivity and FDI, while economists also questioned the true cost of the latest IMF funding as global borrowing rates stay higher. Cybercrime Warning: A report argues Sri Lanka’s rising arrests of foreign-linked cybercrime suspects show a pattern, but says public debate is wrongly drifting toward blaming landlords instead of fixing institutional failures. Science & Tech for Resilience: Japan is helping restore flood-soaked court documents in Kandy after Cyclone Ditwah, using improved restoration methods that cut processing time by about 90%. Tech in the Economy: The Ministry of Finance launched a nationwide call for revenue-enhancing proposals, asking for tax administration reforms, tech use, and formalising informal activity to reach 20% of GDP revenue. EV Market Context: A wider regional report notes Asia’s EV race is increasingly shaped by Chinese industrial policy and rivals to Tesla, with charging build-out still lagging.

Mosquito-borne disease tech: Google’s Alphabet is seeking US permission to release 32 million lab-bred mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia in California and Florida, aiming to cut dengue and other virus transmission. Regional telecom push: BIMSTEC has joined the ITU Development Sector (ITU-D) as a sector member, opening doors for cooperation on digital connectivity, AI, and capacity building. Standards for exports: IBCSL will lead a Sri Lanka delegation to the China–South Asia Standardisation Cooperation Conference in Chengdu, targeting reduced non-tariff barriers for tea, apparel, gems, rubber and IT services. AI in enterprise operations: Sysco won a Newsweek AI Impact Award for its “agentic” AI rollout (SAGE) that embeds AI into supply chain, sales and customer e-commerce workflows. Infrastructure industry calendar: INFRACON 2026 (3–5 July, Colombo) returns with HVAC-R, power/energy, green grid, safe water and build materials as focus areas. Disaster recovery know-how: Japan is helping restore flood-damaged court documents in Kandy after Cyclone Ditwah, using faster restoration methods learned from Japan’s past disasters. Cybercrime warning: A Daily Mirror report argues Sri Lanka must treat foreign-linked cyber fraud operations as an organised pattern, not isolated incidents.

Cricket Tech & Governance: The ICC suspended Cricket Canada for serious membership breaches but kept Canadian players eligible for ICC events, while also approving reforms including a trial to switch from red to pink balls in Tests to reduce bad-light stoppages. Digital Payments Security: Commercial Bank of Ceylon rolled out 3DS 2.x authentication for UnionPay e-commerce transactions, strengthening online payment protection for cardholders. Connectivity Upgrade: Dialog Axiata launched Dialog Air Fibre, a 5G-powered Wi‑Fi service with plug-and-play setup and backup power for up to six hours. Public Sector Tech Procurement: Sri Lanka’s e-passport project controversy clarified that only a supporting component tender was reportedly cancelled, not the entire programme. Energy & Cost of Living: CPC fuel prices rose again, with petrol and diesel increases expected to feed into transport and food costs. Global Policy Watch (for Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka is set to engage at the ILO conference on platform-economy decent work, with calls to protect gig workers as international standards take shape. Science Communication: At Sharks International in Colombo, researchers warned that shark conservation needs better public understanding, not just more science.

Digital Payments Security: Commercial Bank has rolled out 3-D Secure (3DS 2.x) authentication for UnionPay e-commerce transactions, strengthening online payment protection across Sri Lanka. E-Passport Project Update: A cancelled component tender does not mean the whole e-passport programme is halted; the affected procurement covers supporting tech for secure operations, not the entire system. Connectivity Upgrade: Dialog Axiata launched Dialog Air Fibre, a 5G-powered “plug-and-play” Wi‑Fi service with a battery backup for up to six hours. Foreign Investment Pipeline: BOI introduced “Ready to Invest,” a digital platform showcasing $3b+ in investor-ready projects across tourism, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, and more. Cost-of-Living Pressure: CPC fuel prices rose again, with petrol 92 up to Rs. 434 and petrol 95 to Rs. 495, renewing inflation fears. Labour Rights & Tech Work: Sri Lanka is urged to shape a fair deal for gig workers ahead of an ILO platform-economy standard in Geneva. Education Reform: The Prime Minister called for a transformative overhaul of Sri Lanka’s education system beyond job-market training. Ocean Conservation & Rights: Greenpeace warns ocean protection targets will fail without human-rights-centred governance. Tourism Growth Idea: A “concert economy” push is proposed as a new tourism growth engine for Sri Lanka.

FDI Push: Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment launched “Ready to Invest,” a digital portal listing 30+ investor-ready projects worth over US$3b across tourism, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, agriculture, urban development, aviation/maritime and renewables—aimed at faster approvals and online investor engagement. Energy Storage: The first commercial-scale grid battery energy storage systems (BESS) arrived at Port of Colombo, part of a 16-system, 160MW plan to store daytime solar surplus and dispatch power during peak demand, marking Sri Lanka’s move into grid-scale battery tech. Digital Public Services: Government is rolling out a new digital network to modernise public services, alongside PIC-NET steps to expand digital champions and public-sector digitalisation. Model Cities Plan: The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative proposes a network of Model Cities with digitally connected, sustainable communities, but planners warn implementation will hinge on funding and capacity. ICT Retail Growth: Creative Information Technologies opened a premium showroom at Unity Plaza, while IT Gallery Computers won Lenovo’s Distributor Excellence Award for gaming and visual computing growth in Sri Lanka. Marine Science & Data: A new look at the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead highlights how Sri Lanka’s fisheries monitoring and landing records can shape conservation outcomes. Research Spotlight: A quantitative study examines how investigative journalism performed during Sri Lanka’s 2022 mass protests amid monitoring and legal pressure.