AGP Executive Report

Early Childhood Reform: Sri Lanka is rolling out a science-based preschool curriculum and urging parents to choose only government-registered preschools, while the Women and Child Affairs Ministry says reforms won’t threaten teachers’ jobs. Dengue Push: Health authorities and the National Dengue Control Unit are stepping up nationwide action as cases rise, warning households to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek care for fever lasting over 48 hours. Weather Alert: The Meteorology Department warns of rough seas and gusty winds (up to 50–60 kmph) along parts of the south and east, urging fishing and naval communities to stay cautious. Public Service Discipline: A minister says public officers must prioritise Divisional Coordination Committee meetings to resolve grievances faster and avoid delays from absenteeism. Sports Spotlight: Rumesh Pathirage won gold in the Ostrava Golden Spike javelin meet with an 86.57m throw, while Sri Lanka’s women beat New Zealand again in the T20 World Cup chase after a dropped catch. Governance & Courts: Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s writ petition to prevent arrest over Easter Sunday attacks is set to be heard today, and seat-belt enforcement on expressways resumes after the grace period ends June 19. Security Incident: Police are investigating a standoff with Air Force personnel during a raid at Kalpitiya over suspected sea-borne illegal goods.

Women’s Cricket: Sri Lanka stunned defending champions New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, chasing 151 with Nilakshika Silva’s unbeaten 54 and Kaushini Nuthyangana’s 24 to win by five wickets and push the White Ferns toward elimination. Court Watch: Sri Lanka’s Court of Appeal closed a DIG’s writ petition after the Attorney General said there was no arrest decision, while the Court ordered the hearing of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s anti-arrest petition for tomorrow. Anti-Corruption: Yoshitha Rajapaksa was arrested by the Bribery Commission over alleged Navy recruitment and state-funded training irregularities, then granted bail on three Rs. 5m bonds with a travel ban; separately, Basil Rajapaksa faces an arrest order in a Rs. 7.8m tourism case. Security & Justice: CID sealed a secret “Gun Site” detention complex at Trincomalee Naval Base, linked to alleged torture and ransom, with further magistrate inspection scheduled. Public Safety: A seat-belt grace period ends June 19; fines up to Rs. 1,000 will apply after enforcement. Economy: A deputy finance minister said growth is on track after Q1 2026 expanded 5.1% year-on-year.

Cyclone Ditwah Recovery: Repair work on the damaged Nanu Oya–Ambewela railway line is complete, and trains on the Nanu Oya–Badulla section will resume from June 20 under a special timetable, while other damaged stretches between Rambukkana and Nanu Oya are still being restored. Dengue Control: Colombo Municipal Council carried out cleaning, spraying and fumigation in Dematagoda, including houses, shops and railway stations, as dengue risks continue to rise. School Hostels Upgrade: Cabinet approved Rs. 1,008 million to repair and improve 126 school hostels nationwide from 2026–2028 to give students safer, better living and study conditions. Food Prices: Farmers warn vegetable prices could surge further due to a fertilizer crisis, with wholesale prices already jumping sharply at Dambulla. Labour Reform: Sri Lanka plans to introduce a new labour code by end-2026 to consolidate outdated laws and reduce industrial tensions. ADB Funding: Cabinet approved measures to secure $300 million from the Asian Development Bank for post-Ditwah recovery and trade, investment and industry development. Remittances: Workers’ remittances rose 32% in May to $847 million, with the UAE the top source. Sports Discipline & Cricket: Cricket coverage focuses on the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi altercation and calls for stricter discipline and “situation management” training. Legal Move on Easter Attacks: Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s writ petition to prevent arrest was fixed for tomorrow by the Court of Appeal. Anti-Corruption: Bribery Commission arrested Yoshitha Rajapaksa over a Navy-related probe.

Women’s Cricket: Sri Lanka pulled off a major upset in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, beating defending champions New Zealand by five wickets in Southampton. Nilakshika Silva made an unbeaten 54 off 37, then combined with Kaushini Nuthyangana (24* off 14) to chase 151 with two balls to spare, after New Zealand’s dropped chances again proved costly. Court & Security: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa filed a petition at the Court of Appeal seeking to block a possible arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act linked to the 2019 Easter attacks. Easter Probe Pressure: Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay’s “best step” is to disclose what he knows and assist investigators, while also saying Sallay is being held under standard detention procedures with medical care provided. Energy Oversight: A Presidential Commission of Inquiry inspected the Norochcholai Lakvijaya power plant, focusing on coal unloading, storage, sampling and lab testing, to check alleged irregularities in coal imports and generation from 2009 to April 2026. Local Law & Order: Coast Guard and Navy arrested a suspect and seized over 2,000 kg of kendu leaves and 41,000 beedi sticks worth about Rs. 14 million in Chilaw. Politics: SLPP organiser Namal Rajapaksa said the party operates with Basil Rajapaksa’s “blessings,” while leadership should transition to younger figures. Diplomacy/Trade: UK Trade Envoy Lord Hannett will visit Colombo June 17–19 to push trade and investment ties and expand export opportunities for Sri Lanka. Cricket Discipline: Sri Lanka Cricket sanctioned players in the India A vs Sri Lanka A Super Over saga, with uncertainty still hanging over whether Indian teen Vaibhav Suryavanshi faces further action after a heated on-field incident.

Religious Reconstruction: Cabinet approved funding to rebuild 90 more places of worship damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, expanding restoration across 1,328 affected sites. Hospital Fire: A fire at the transformer supplying power to the Cancer Unit of Teaching Hospital Karapitiya was brought under control after the unit was disconnected as a safety precaution. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal reserved July 3 for its ruling on Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s revision plea in the “Menik Malla” money laundering case. Road Safety: Seat belt enforcement on expressways becomes strict from June 20, ending the grace period. Public Health: Dengue cases climbed to 42,232 with 24 deaths, as a nationwide Dengue Control Week and school-focused prevention drive continues. Transport & Cost of Living: A 10% toll discount for ETC users on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway was announced, with online registration and automated deductions. Security for Poson: Over 3,000 police officers will be deployed around Anuradhapura for Poson festival security. Weather Alert: Strong winds and rough seas are expected from Galle to Pottuvil, with risks for fishing and maritime activities. Sports Drama: Sri Lanka A beat India A in a Super Over in Dambulla, but tempers flared after the match involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Tri-Nation A Series Drama: Sri Lanka A edged India A in Dambulla after a Super Over thriller, but the night ended in heated exchanges in fading light, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage reportedly getting physical before Niroshan Dickwella stepped in; the match also featured confusion over whether a Super Over should be played and a late run-out finish that forced the tie-breaker. Sports Discipline Watch: Multiple reports say Sooryavanshi’s conduct after the loss is drawing scrutiny, with match officials expected to consider sanctions. Cricket Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s Emerging Players gained an edge over the West Indies Academy on day one of an unofficial Test at Hambantota, powered by Chamod Battage’s four-wicket haul. Foreign Affairs Row: Bangladesh summoned India’s deputy high commissioner after Bangladesh PM adviser Zahed Ur Rahman was reportedly held at Delhi airport for “verification” linked to past remarks, before he chose to return to Dhaka via Colombo. Anti-Corruption Push: CIABOC warned asset-declaration defaulters to file before June 30 via the central online system, warning of fines and legal action. Wildlife Crime: Two suspects were arrested in Bogawanthalawa for allegedly killing and selling sambar deer meat. Aviation Incident: SriLankan Airlines said a lightning strike ripped part of an engine during a flight from Colombo, forcing an emergency return; all onboard were safe.

Judicial Independence: The Badulla Bar Association urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake not to push an urgent constitutional amendment to raise the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges, warning it could weaken public confidence in the judiciary. Fuel Prices: With the Rs. 57bn fuel subsidy nearing exhaustion, the government is considering keeping domestic fuel prices unchanged if global oil prices keep falling, and says the subsidy will continue until the allocation is used up. NDB Fraud Oversight: Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance said the Rs. 13bn NDB fraud reflects “catastrophic” institutional governance failures, while the IMF has asked the Central Bank to tighten supervision and regulation. Housing Delivery: Funds have been allocated to rebuild 2,844 abandoned houses in the Northern and Eastern provinces under the “A Place of Our Own” programme. Wildlife & Wildlife Crime: Police arrested two suspects over the alleged killing and sale of sambar deer meat, and wildlife officers arrested a jeweller for making ornaments using animal body parts. Health Controversy: A fresh dispute erupted over claims expired rabies vaccines were administered, with doctors questioning the Health Secretary and NMRA’s silence. Sports (T20): West Indies beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the 3rd T20I at Sabina Park to win the series 2-1, with Shamar Joseph taking 5/33 and Sherfane Rutherford scoring 54*.

Sri Lanka-West Indies Cricket: Sri Lanka stormed back to level the T20 series against West Indies with a 37-run win in Kingston, driven by Kamil Mishara’s unbeaten 61, Dasun Shanaka’s 19-ball fifty, and a ruthless bowling finish with Chameera and Hasaranga taking three wickets each. Health: The Health Ministry says a modified dengue strain is behind the surge, warning more people may be vulnerable because many have not been exposed to this variant before. Maritime Ties: India’s INS Sharda wrapped up a successful Colombo port call, with training for Sri Lankan sailors in small arms, firefighting, first aid and rescue, and more interoperability between the two navies. Governance & Rights: A renewed custody and due-process debate is growing after Major General (Retd) Suresh Sallay’s detention under the PTA, with HRCSL scrutiny and comparisons drawn to older custody controversies. Business & Policy: The government has appointed a restructuring committee to tackle SriLankan Airlines’ Rs. 340 billion balance-sheet hole, aiming for long-term commercial viability. Culture: ‘Sangamam 2026’ set a Guinness record in Colombo with 4,988 Bharatanatyam dancers performing together at Galle Face Green.

Courtroom Clash: Colombo District Court allowed SJB organiser Tissa Attanayake to serve interrogatories on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in a Rs. 100 million defamation suit tied to a 2024 election rally, with the case set for July 20. Sports — T20 Series: Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 37 runs in the 2nd T20I at Kingston, leveling the series 1-1 after Kamil Mishara’s 61 and Dasun Shanaka’s 58 off 24, while Chameera and Hasaranga took three wickets each. Public Health — Dengue: The National Dengue Control Unit says 80% of mosquito breeding sites are in public places, with larvae density rising to about 12% in May, urging urgent clean-up in schools and homes. Consumer Watch: CAA launched an investigation into a Kollupitiya supermarket over imported food labels lacking key details like importer info, MRP, batch numbers, and expiry dates. Safety & Weather: Meteorology warns of rough seas and strong winds across several coastal areas, while authorities announce stricter seat-belt enforcement on expressways from later this month. Economy/Ports: President Dissanayake met CHEC’s chairman on Port City Colombo investment and said IMF policy stability is improving the environment for FDI.

Judicial Independence: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association warned Sri Lanka against a reported move to extend the retirement age of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges, saying piecemeal constitutional changes could undermine judicial independence and public confidence. UN Rights Oversight: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will return to Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to assess whether authorities have implemented reforms since its 2019 visit, including joint work with Sri Lanka’s national preventive mechanism. Education Support: University students with disabilities have begun receiving a monthly Rs. 5,000 allowance, with payments and arrears disbursed from this month under a scheme effective from January. Health & Weather: Colombo’s dengue risk is rising, prompting a Special Dengue Prevention Week (15–21 June), while a minor flood situation has been reported in the Kuda Ganga sub-basin, with residents urged to stay alert. Transport & Safety: SriLankan Airlines Flight UL606 returned safely to Colombo after a lightning strike affected an engine, with all passengers and crew unharmed. Sports (Sri Lanka in focus): England crushed Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener, powered by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 105* at Edgbaston.

Women’s Cricket: England crushed Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston, posting a record 219/1 as Danni Wyatt-Hodge smashed an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls, with Freya Kemp taking 4-21. UN Rights Watch: The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture will return to Sri Lanka from 15–24 June to assess detention safeguards, including how authorities are implementing past recommendations. Justice & Detention: Former MPs urged the President to uphold the rule of law in the Suresh Sallay case, as debate grows over his treatment while in police custody under the PTA. Environment & Trade: The government plans tighter controls on plastic imports and steps to stop clinical waste entering Sri Lanka, including proposals for animal quarantine centres. Infrastructure: Sri Lanka will resume construction of the main airport terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport in November, targeting completion within 30 months. Public Safety: Police launched a nationwide crackdown on modified loud exhaust vehicles ahead of Poson, with impounding for offenders. Sports (Local): Colombo Athletic Football Academy became the first Sri Lankan youth team invited to Portugal’s Iber Cup, departing June 27.

Women’s T20 World Cup: England opened their home campaign in style, smashing Sri Lanka Women by 87 runs at Edgbaston after Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit an unbeaten 105 and England posted a tournament-record 219/1; Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 with Freya Kemp taking 4/21. Sports diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s men’s rugby match against South Korea in the Asian Rugby Championship was cancelled after visa problems blocked the team’s travel. Courts & accountability: The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar fixed a verdict date of July 31 in the case against former IGP Pujith Jayasundara over alleged failures linked to Easter Sunday intelligence warnings. Parliament & lawmaking: The Online Safety (Repeal) Bill debate is set for June 23, with further bills scheduled for June 24 and June 26. Economy & policy: Sri Lanka launched a new National Mineral Policy to curb corruption and push value-added processing; a Rs. 20bn supplementary estimate was approved for relief linked to the Middle East conflict. Business & society: Nazri Nizar became the first Sri Lankan elected to the YPO Global Board; Facebook and Messenger suffered a major global outage.

Dengue Alert: Sri Lanka is facing a fast-rising dengue threat, with health authorities warning of a possible epidemic as cases near 39,000 this year and Colombo accounts for about a quarter of infections. A dengue eradication programme is set to run from June 15 to 20, targeting public places and schools. Judicial Independence: The Attorney General has withdrawn a move to call an Awissawella High Court judge as a witness, after the Court of Appeal heard arguments that summoning a sitting judge could undermine judicial independence. Airline Restructuring: Cabinet approved a high-level committee to review and restructure SriLankan Airlines, aiming to cut the state’s long-term burden and improve commercial viability. Courts Under Strain: Parliament heard that Sri Lanka has a backlog of 1.1 million court cases, while officials again faced questions over judge appointments. Public Safety & Justice: Police will seize noisy motorcycles during Poson, prisons are overcrowded with the inmate population rising to 40,000, and a court ordered DNA testing in a case involving a monk. International Moves: The US Navy’s USS Canberra arrived in Colombo for refuelling and supplies, underscoring continued Indo-Pacific engagement.

T20 World Cup Opener: England host Sri Lanka at Edgbaston as Nat Sciver-Brunt says the “extra pressure” of a home tournament is a privilege, with Sri Lanka arriving on a run of five straight T20 wins and replacing injured Shashini Gimhani with Chethana Vimukthi. Youth Cricket: The BCCI named India Under-19 squads for Sri Lanka next month, with Anvay Dravid earning a maiden call-up; the tour starts with three one-day matches in Hambantota (July 4, 6, 9) before multi-day games in Galle and Colombo. Courts & Governance: Parliament is roiled by a proposal to raise Superior Court judges’ retirement age, with the government saying no Cabinet approval has been obtained yet, but protests and legal-sector opposition are growing. Health Warning: Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry cautioned against non-standard plastic food containers and utensils, warning heat can release harmful chemicals and microplastics linked to long-term disease risks. Finance & FX: The Central Bank tightened export repatriation rules, requiring exporters to convert leftover foreign currency proceeds into rupees by the 10th of the next month, as markets watch dollar liquidity and rupee volatility. Sustainable Finance: Sri Lanka operationalised its Green Finance Taxonomy with EU support, training stakeholders to steer capital toward climate-resilient projects. Corruption Watch: A Ragama hospital coroner was arrested over an alleged Rs. 100,000 bribe demand tied to a judicial medical report.

SLAF Modernisation: Sri Lanka Air Force carried out its first test flight of the upgraded Kfir C12 fighter aircraft at SLAF Base Katunayake, after ground validation and systems integration, with Defence Ministry and Air Force top officials present. Anti-Corruption Push: CIABOC arrested 32 state officials in the first four months of 2026, spanning education, law enforcement, judiciary, local government and environment; it also received 786 complaints in April. Public Safety & Weather: Meteorology warned of rough to very rough seas around parts of the coast, urging fishing and naval communities to avoid risky waters. Drugs Crackdown: Police arrested a 42-year-old in Werahera with Ice and heroin, recovering multiple drug quantities during a raid. Judiciary: Colombo High Court rejected Shashi Weerawansa’s appeal over an irregular passport conviction, upholding the sentence. Parliament Oversight: A US congressional delegation is in Colombo to support Sri Lanka Parliament in setting up a Parliamentary Budget Office and strengthening fiscal analysis capacity. Coastal Access: Five Dehiwala beach access roads were formally named for World Environment Day, with plans for sea-bathing pools. Dengue Update: A three-day dengue prevention drive led to 2,400 legal cases and 3,300 red notices; dengue cases are nearing 39,000 this year. Sports (Sri Lanka-linked): India U-19 squads for a Sri Lanka tour were announced, with Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan captaining and Rahul Dravid’s son Anvay Dravid named in the one-day squad.

Food Security Shock: The World Food Programme warns the US-Iran war is pushing millions into severe hunger, with Sri Lanka among the hardest hit as food and fuel costs rise and trade is disrupted. School Dropouts: Sri Lanka’s PM told Parliament that 267,138 children dropped out of school between 2018 and 2024, with no data for 2010-2017. Easter Sunday Probe: A five-member medical board has been ordered to examine former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay over allegations of torture in CID custody, as the Easter investigation continues amid public tension. Corruption Court Case: Former Southern Province CM Shan Wijayalal de Silva was remanded over alleged procurement irregularities involving Rs. 16.5 million for chairs. Public Safety: Three students were swept away by waves at Galle Face; two were rescued and one remains missing. Infrastructure Disruption: A 12-hour water cut is scheduled for Mahara and Gampaha areas for Central Expressway pipe relocation. New Cargo Airline: WEAIR launched in Sri Lanka to expand air cargo capacity and connectivity. Cricket (Sri Lanka link): Pakistan’s women’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka is set for July-August in Hambantota.