AGP Executive Report

Easter Sunday probe: A Court of Appeal writ application seeks to block the arrest of Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara over the 2019 Easter attacks investigation, while a Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered a five-member medical board to assess whether detained former SIS chief Suresh Sallay was subjected to prior ill-treatment. Anti-corruption: CIABOC arrested former Southern Province chief minister Shan Wijayalal De Silva over a chair procurement scam, and the High Court also upheld corruption convictions against former deputy minister Sarana Gunawardena, sentencing him to 16 years. Public health & safety: A national dengue drive found larvae in 1,864 of 31,155 premises inspected, with notices issued and legal action started; separate weather warnings urged fishermen to avoid very rough seas. Economy & policy: The IMF cut Sri Lanka’s 2026 growth forecast to 3% and approved temporary fiscal easing amid Middle East shock and Cyclone Ditwah fallout; the Central Bank also issued new rules on export earnings conversion. Tourism & business: Tourism hit a record May with 145,745 arrivals, and Sri Lanka launched a national accessibility audit for public institutions; a Rs. 76m boat launching ramp is set to open to boost marine manufacturing. Sports & culture: Pakistan women will tour Sri Lanka in July-August for a six-match white-ball series in Hambantota, and Sri Lanka’s FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights were announced for TV1, Sirasa TV and Shakthi TV.

Easter Sunday Probe: Sri Lanka’s government warned that anyone trying to threaten officials or derail the Easter Sunday terror investigation will face legal action, pointing to renewed unrest after foreign travel bans were imposed on key figures. Detention Fallout: Suresh Sallay’s wife renewed an urgent appeal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over his deteriorating health and alleged mistreatment as public debate intensifies. Corruption Conviction: Former MP Sarana Gunawardena was sentenced to 16 years’ rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court over corruption charges linked to the Development Lotteries Board. Public Health: Dengue control efforts found larvae in thousands of premises, including schools, with inspectors warning of serious transmission risk. Water Disruptions: NWSDB announced a 14-hour water cut in Galle and a separate 10-hour cut in parts of Kalutara for maintenance. Economy & Markets: The Central Bank issued new rules on repatriation of export proceeds, while the Colombo Stock Exchange rebounded on lower oil prices and improved sentiment. Labour & Migration: Kuwait updated domestic worker recruitment rules, including allowing hiring from Sri Lanka. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): India A beat Sri Lanka A in the tri-series opener in Dambulla, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut ending early.

Digital Economy Push: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved drafting a Digital Economy Bill to speed up the National Digital Policy, with a new legal framework covering policy, tech roll-out, regulation and enforcement, including AI-focused areas. Anti-Corruption Courts: Former deputy minister Sarana Gunawardena was sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison over four corruption convictions, with fines imposed after CIABOC alleged kickbacks and state losses tied to vehicle and building rentals. Road Safety Plan: The Transport Minister says a demerit system for traffic offences will be piloted nationwide from September to discipline repeat offenders, citing high road-death figures. Public Transport Digitisation: Concessionary railway season tickets for government officials will be fully digitised from July via the Pravesha platform. Fire Tragedy: Three people injured in a Thalawathugoda restaurant fire have died, with investigations ongoing. Maritime Security: Australia and Sri Lanka launched “Operation Disi Rela 3” to boost surveillance and crack down on maritime crime, with ATVs and drones donated to the Coast Guard. Health & Rights: Women MPs urged faster, better-coordinated investigations and safeguards in the Anuradhapura child abuse case. PTA Detention Scrutiny: HRCSL summoned CID officers over the Suresh Sallay investigation, as legal groups demand medical care and PTA reforms. Economy & Finance: Parliament’s finance committee sought a detailed Central Bank report on a USD 2.5m Treasury cyber theft, with the Bank to respond within a week. Green Finance Training: Over 200 stakeholders were trained to apply Sri Lanka’s Green Finance Taxonomy in practice.

Domestic Work Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry issued a new circular on recruiting domestic workers, allowing hiring from 10 countries (including Sri Lanka) while banning recruitment from 27 others, with applications processed through governorate service centres. Suresh Sallay Hunger Strike Update: Former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay remains in remand at Colombo National Hospital and is still refusing food, now on saline, as lawyers handle next steps. Dengue Crackdown: Sri Lanka launched a three-day national dengue mosquito control drive, with over 70,000 premises inspected on day one and legal action initiated where larvae were found. Human-Elephant Conflict: The government cleared three long-blocked elephant corridors—Wetahirakanda, Hadapanagala and Koholankala—aiming to reduce clashes with communities. Road Safety: A bus crash near the Pinnaduwa Interchange on the Southern Expressway injured about ten passengers; police are investigating the cause. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): Sri Lanka Emerging Players ended day one on 302/8 against West Indies Academy in a local ‘Test’ match.

Transport & Services: Vehicle number plate printing resumed after a year-long suspension, with a backlog of about 600,000 plates reduced to around 150,000 and an SMS update system promised for owners. Detention & Justice: Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay remains in Colombo National Hospital after being hospitalised amid a hunger strike, as opposition parties hold a protest near Fort Railway Station and police deny mistreatment claims. Public Health: Dengue cases have surged to 35,228 nationwide, prompting a special nationwide mosquito control drive starting June 8 with red notices and legal action for breeding sites. Elder Care Regulation: Authorities will crack down on unregistered elderly care homes, noting only 148 of 455 are registered, after the Anguruwatota fire that killed residents. Economy & Markets: Foreign investors sold Sri Lanka government securities for a fifth straight week, while the rupee continues to weaken. Sports: Rain washed out the second ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka, leaving Sri Lanka 1-0 up. Weather: A red warning issued for strong winds and rough seas, advising fishing and naval communities to stay ashore.

IMF & Treasury Cyber Heist: The IMF granted Sri Lanka a waiver after a $2.5m missed external debt payment linked to a Treasury phishing scam, saying the breach was “minor” and corrective steps were taken. Public Finance & SOEs: Sri Lanka’s major State-owned enterprises saw profits fall 17.6% to Rs. 444.4b in 2025, with the Ceylon Electricity Board’s swing from profit to loss a key drag. Detention Case in Focus: Former SIS chief Suresh Sallay was admitted to Colombo’s National Hospital for emergency treatment while in CID custody, amid allegations of inhumane treatment and a hunger strike. Tourism & Infrastructure: Prime and Melwa launched the Prime Marina Sales Suite at Port City Colombo, while commentary renewed calls to fix Bandaranaike International Airport to unlock tourism growth. Health Spending: Government has started reviving 25 stalled health projects, budgeting Rs. 76b to complete key hospital infrastructure. Crime & Enforcement: Police raided a Facebook-linked party in Ambalangoda, arresting 28 and seizing cocaine, ICE, cannabis and illegal cigarettes. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): West Indies’ Shamar Joseph will miss the final ODI vs Sri Lanka due to personal reasons; rain already washed out the second ODI.

Local Politics: The SJB has expelled five Bulathsinhala Pradeshiya Sabha members over bribery allegations tied to forming power with the NPP, naming Nihal Mendis and four others after a review of video claims presented to Sajith Premadasa. Road Safety: A drunk hit-and-run on the Embulgama–Panagoda road in Hanwella killed two women; police arrested the driver after CCTV-led investigation and seized the vehicle. Transport Disruption: Private bus operators plan to cut services by 50% from June 8, running mainly during school and office rush hours, blaming fuel costs and lack of fare relief. Consumer Protection: A Nugegoda food supplier was fined Rs 75,000 and ordered to destroy expired stock after Consumer Affairs Authority raids found expired items mixed with fresh goods and missing required details. Public Administration: Divisional Secretaries’ association says it will boycott Monday meetings from June 8, citing Public Day rules and repeated clashes that disrupt citizen services. Health & Safety: A three-day islandwide dengue crackdown starts June 8 in 14 high-risk districts, with stricter enforcement against breeding sites on private premises. Elder Care Oversight: The government is drafting tougher rules for unregistered elderly care homes, with only 148 of 455 reportedly registered. Aviation Security: Sri Lanka’s CAASL chief was appointed chair of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Security Programme for 2026/27 ahead of major regional summits. Education Policy: Sri Lanka launched a public consultation and online survey to shape a new National Higher Education Policy Framework.

Dengue Surge: Sri Lanka’s dengue risk has hit a critical level, with health authorities warning of rapid spread after 35,300 cases were reported so far; officials urge early treatment within 24 hours and warn against self-medicating beyond paracetamol. Coast Guard & Safety: The Sri Lanka Coast Guard marked the legacy of its founding Director General Rear Admiral Daya Dharmapriya, while the Meteorology Department issued a rough-seas and strong-wind advisory for multiple sea routes, urging fishermen and naval communities to stay vigilant. Economy & Rupee Pressure: A fresh push to contain private credit growth is linked to CBSL’s sudden rate move aimed at stabilising the rupee, with critics saying the response was reactive rather than proactive. Sports—ODI at Sabina Park: West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl in the must-win 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka, with rain a factor and Amir Jangoo replacing Matthew Forde; Sri Lanka brought in Eshan Malinga. Cricket—India vs Sri Lanka Pathway: India A will tour Sri Lanka with Dhruv Jurel as captain, while debates continue over India’s selection choices ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Justice in Custody: Police rejected claims by former MP Udaya Gammanpila about Major General Suresh Sallay’s treatment in CID custody, saying procedures are standard and the matter is before courts.

Health & Safety: Sri Lanka’s health authorities warned people to seek care if they have fever for more than 48 hours, as mosquito-borne risks rise, and announced an islandwide mosquito control push for June 8–10 across 72 MOH areas. Public Health Watch: A new malaria-related parasite that can infect both humans and animals is being monitored, with officials urging heightened surveillance to protect gains in malaria control. Disaster Update: The death toll from a fire at an unregistered nursing home in Anguruwatota has risen to 13, with the director arrested over alleged negligence. Environment & Governance: The EU-backed revised National Green Reporting System Guidelines were launched, aiming to strengthen sustainability reporting across public and private sectors. Transport & Daily Life: SLT-MOBITEL helped digitise Colombo’s Central Bus Stand with real-time displays and Wi-Fi, while the DMT plans free “vehicle tuning Dansala” services on June 10–11 to cut emissions. Economy & Consumer Protection: Customs says vehicle imports haven’t dropped as expected despite a temporary surcharge, and the CAA secured fines and confiscation of 179 urea bags in a Matara fertilizer price scam. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): India named Shreyas Iyer as T20I captain for Ireland and England and included 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi; India A will tour Sri Lanka for multi-day matches starting June 25. Weather: A sea-area warning advises fishermen and naval communities to avoid risky ventures due to rough seas and strong winds around Sri Lanka.

Cyclone Recovery in Badulla: The “Gammadda Rebuild” programme continued its second day in Badulla, moving from emergency relief to long-term rebuilding, with vocational training at Badulla Technical College and toolkits for tradespeople, plus laptops for affected university students. Green Reporting Push: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched revised EU-backed green reporting guidelines, updating Sri Lanka’s National Green Reporting System to align with Global Reporting Initiative standards and help firms meet international ESG expectations. Drug and Arms Raid: Police seized 19 firearms, T-56 ammunition, crystal meth (“Ice”) and over 100,000 pregabalin pills in a Dematagoda raid linked to a trafficking network across Southern and Western provinces. Rupee Debate: SJB MP Mujibur Rahman blamed “wrong decisions” for the rupee devaluation crisis, while the Deputy Finance Minister said the currency move is driven by global fuel prices and market supply-demand, not an economic crisis. World Environment Day: National celebrations at Temple Trees included declaring five forests as protected reserves and rolling out a Climate Week with programmes nationwide. Nursing Home Fire Aftermath: Reports say a nursing home fire in Sri Lanka killed 12 elderly residents, with survivors relocated and the manager arrested. US Defence Support: The US transferred 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the SLAF under the Excess Defence Articles programme, with Sri Lanka covering operating and integration costs.

Water Supply Disruption: NWSDB says a rupture in the Ambatale-to-Kolonnawa pipeline has cut supply and low pressure in Moragasmulla, Rajagiriya, Nawala, Obeysekara Pura and Kolonnawa areas until 8.00 p.m., with repairs underway. Dengue Control Push: Health authorities will run a special dengue mosquito control programme on June 8-10 across 74 MOH divisions in 14 districts, with police and tri-forces support and legal action against breeding sites; cases have risen to 35,228 this year. IMF Talks Unclear: The IMF says Sri Lanka’s next programme after the current EFF is “yet to be discussed,” urging completion of remaining reviews. Cancer Drug Crisis: Doctors warn of shortages of key cancer medicines and steep price hikes outside state hospitals, pushing some patients to spend over Rs. 500,000 monthly. Hunger Warning: WFP links the Middle East conflict to rising fuel and transport costs and aid shortfalls, warning Sri Lanka is among the countries facing worsening food insecurity. Elders’ Home Fire: A blaze at an elderly care facility in Anguruwatota/ Horana area killed 12, with police arresting the director and continuing investigations. Public Safety Weather: Meteorology forecasts around 100 mm rain in parts of the island with strong winds and lightning risk, urging precautions. Crime & Accountability: Illegal Assets Investigation Division has frozen Rs. 30m worth of properties under money laundering laws in a suspected drug trafficking case; separate reports note arrests over a Rs. 35m Horana bank theft and suspensions of four police constables for drug use.

Elderly Care Tragedy: A fire at the unlicensed “Senehasa Kendella” elders’ home in Horana/Anguruwathota killed 12 people, with dozens rescued; the director was arrested and remanded as police and forensic teams investigate violations and the blaze’s cause. Cost of Living Pressure: Trade union leader Ananda Palitha warns LP gas, water and electricity tariffs may rise soon, including a possible Rs. 300+ jump in gas cylinder prices, though no official announcement has been made. Disaster Preparedness: Sri Lanka launched a National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026-2030 to push “early warning, early action” using scientific forecasts, with support from the World Food Programme. Climate Resilience: World Environment Day coverage highlights Sri Lanka’s shift from climate risk planning to turning adaptation priorities into real investments and on-the-ground action. Marine Enforcement: The Navy arrested 44 people and seized vessels, explosives and illegal gear in raids targeting unlawful fishing across eastern and northern waters. Education & Health: The Principal Service Grade III recruitment exam is set for June 7, while health officials say one in five schoolchildren is affected by malnutrition. Sports & Spotlight: Rumesh Pathirage made history with a 92.62m javelin throw at the Rome Diamond League, becoming the first to cross 90m in 2026.

Elderly Care Tragedy: A fire at the Maupiya Sewana Elders Home in Anguruwatota, Horana, killed 12 residents and injured eight, with the director arrested as investigations continue. Fuel Crisis & Cost Pressure: The government is weighing ways to cut diesel use by 500 tonnes a day to ease a fuel import bill that has topped US$500 million monthly, but no specific plan is final yet. Rupee Slips: The Central Bank says the rupee weakened further, with the dollar selling rate rising to about Rs. 340. Public Sector Strain: Doctors’ union says fuel allowances for officials haven’t been updated since March 1, leaving many out of pocket after fuel price hikes. Cyber Scams: SLCERT reports 360 online financial fraud cases so far in 2026, including WhatsApp account hacks and cases involving children. Local Safety: A tree fall in Nawalapitiya killed a schoolboy, his mother, and another woman; police are investigating. Sports (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against West Indies with a 41-run win at Sabina Park.

Fuel & Cost of Living: CPC says Sri Lanka’s fuel import bill will fall from USD 512m in May to USD 318m in June and just USD 198m in July, citing fewer shipments and changing refinery and power-generation needs. Local Transport Pressure: Three-wheeler operators warn they may face “Saradiel-style” rules as fuel prices keep rising; they say the QR fuel system limits them to 20 litres weekly, far below what they need to survive. Easter Sunday Justice Update: Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court heard that detained ex-SIS chief Suresh Salley is suffering PTSD, severe stress and depression, with allegations of torture and risk of self-harm; CID also told court the 2019 Easter attacks were planned and coordinated, leading to foreign travel bans for Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two Army personnel. Forced Labour Trade Watch: The US USTR lists Sri Lanka among 54 economies it says failed to enforce bans on forced-labour imports, setting up potential Section 301 tariff action. Public Safety: A fire at an elderly care home in Horana left 11 missing and dozens rescued. Middle East Spillover: Sri Lankan workers were injured in an Iranian attack at Kuwait airport; Iran also claims it targeted a “command-and-control” center aboard a US destroyer. Cricket (Regional Stakes): West Indies begin a three-match ODI series vs Sri Lanka in Jamaica with World Cup qualification pressure; Sri Lanka are ranked sixth in ODIs while the hosts sit ninth.

Fuel & Power Politics: Cabinet spokesman says a fuel price hike is unavoidable to keep supplies uninterrupted, while Namal Rajapaksa blames mismanagement and coal import losses for the burden. Water & Sanitation: Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa met UNICEF and SWA to strengthen Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation under Heads of State initiatives. Electricity Billing Confusion: Questions are raised over WhatsApp/SMS claims from “CEB” and “LECO” after the CEB was dissolved and responsibilities shifted to EDL. Easter Sunday Probe: Colombo Fort Magistrate imposed a foreign travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two military officers in the Easter attacks investigation. Money Laundering Case: Court of Appeal issued notice on AG in Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s money laundering revision application, with trial paused pending the appeal. Health Alert: Meteorology warns July-August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño, risking water, agriculture, power and public health. Sports (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka women’s T20 World Cup squad named with Chamari Athapaththu as captain, departing for England; school rugby faces pressure from imported player culture. Business & Tourism: BOI deal backs 98 Acres Resort & Spa expansion in Ella with $5.1m investment.

IMF & the economy: Sri Lanka’s critics say the government isn’t heading for a Gotabaya-style free-fall, but for a Yahapalanaya-themed stagnation—while fuel pricing stays “cost-reflective” and bus fares remain unchanged under the existing formula. Currency pressure: Commentators warn the rupee’s day-to-day swings are becoming a political obsession, pushing leaders toward risky reserve-draining moves. Fuel & transport: The deputy transport minister says no bus fare hike is due now because the latest fuel change didn’t cross the 4% threshold. Governance & courts: A senior lawyers’ case over the Kapila Chandrasena death investigation continues, and a Nuwara Eliya PS chairman alleges his signature was forged to approve salary payments while he was in custody. Environment: Government plans to gazette five forests as protected reserves, with focus on the Ellanga wewa cascade system and new elephant corridors. Public safety: Police recovered a locally made Mini Uzi-style firearm from a Colombo cemetery. Sports (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka Cricket awarded 46 national contracts for 2026-27, including new names; and LPL 2026 draft headlines include Avishka Fernando as No.1 pick and Vijay Shankar joining Kandy Royals.