AGP Executive Report

Easter Sunday Inquiry: Sri Lanka told the UN that a Catholic priest’s complaint about a Channel 4 film led to the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay. The government says his detention is lawful, but its submission does not specify the material supporting the arrest. Sri Lankan Fashion: Model Elina Gunawardana became the first Sri Lankan to walk the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, while Rosh Kumarasinghe made history as the first South Asian Makeup Director on Milan Fashion Week’s official schedule. Cinema: Sri Lanka returns to the Oscars’ International Feature race after 17 years with Riverstone. Education and Sport: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says sports will be an essential part of new education reforms, recognising its role in students’ physical and mental wellbeing. Travel: October’s changeable weather can bring showers across the island, so beachgoers may need a flexible holiday plan.

Student Support: The Cabinet has extended the Suraksha insurance scheme for another year, adding cover for hearing-device repairs, long-term medication, medical screening and cancer-related tests for eligible students. Cultural Life: The cremation of senior Buddhist monk Ven. Keppetiyagoda Siriwimalabhidhana Thera is scheduled for today in Kandy, with State patronage. Local Makers: Lankan Cart is expanding its online platform in the UAE, aiming to connect Sri Lankan small producers and village businesses with Gulf customers. Travel & Food: British Airways is marking its new Colombo route with a Hoppers menu featuring Sri Lankan-inspired dishes, from kalupol-spiced chicken to watalappam bread pudding. Tourism: Industry leaders say Sri Lanka’s tourism potential is being held back by uncertain approvals, high land costs and a lack of coordinated investment planning. Wildlife: A Kandy-hosted World Congress on Snakes brought together experts from 42 countries to advance research, conservation and snakebite prevention.

Religious Heritage: The state will sponsor the October 21 cremation in Kandy of Ven. Keppetiyagoda Siriwimalabhidhana Thera, a senior Ramanna Nikaya prelate who died on October 18, aged 96. Travel Watch: October’s changeable intermonsoon weather can bring afternoon showers across the island; travellers are advised to keep a rain plan, with a disturbance forecast to increase rainfall from October 20. Animal Welfare: British vet Janey Lowes has run 267km of a 600km Sri Lanka charity challenge, raising £63,680 for a new animal hospital and training centre to help the country’s street dogs. Sri Lankan Flavours: British Airways’ new Colombo route will feature a Club World menu created with London restaurant Hoppers, including kalupol-spiced chicken and watalappam bread pudding, from October 23. Wildlife Protection: After the death of iconic tusker Kavantissa, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya pledged strict enforcement against environmental crimes and said a new animal hospital and mobile veterinary service are planned for 2027.

Buddhist Heritage: The cremation of Ven. Kappetiyagoda Sirivimala Thera, a senior monk remembered for his service to Buddhism and Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, is set for Wednesday in Kandy. Colombo on the World Stage: Sri Lanka is hosting the International Police Association’s 69th World Congress—the first in Asia—with delegates from 69 countries invited to experience the island’s heritage and hospitality. Artisan Traditions: Souvenir retailer Lakarcade has joined the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka, pledging to support local craftspeople and promote the country’s cultural heritage. Arts and Entertainment: JAT Lifestyle Studio is partnering with City of Dreams Sri Lanka for “This Is Michael: Relive the Legend,” scheduled for November 8 and 9. Education and Identity: Muslim scholars and education officials have discussed challenges students face in aesthetic subjects, including how to respect religious beliefs while maintaining access to learning. Wildlife and Welfare: Sri Lanka is responding to calls in Thailand to return two gifted elephants, saying veterinary checks are under way and the animals are being cared for.

Community and Faith: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says his government will resist efforts to revive ethnic and religious divisions, stressing coexistence as essential to national progress. Education and Identity: Muslim scholars and officials have discussed challenges students face in aesthetic subjects, including how the new curriculum can respect religious beliefs while preserving educational opportunities. Travel and Heritage: British Airways launches a seasonal London–Colombo route on October 23, three times a week, opening a new direct option for UK visitors drawn to Sri Lanka’s heritage, wildlife and food. Food Culture: A new guide explores Sri Lankan thosai, from its fermented rice-and-lentil batter to the crisp edges that make it a breakfast favourite.

Elephant Welfare: Sri Lanka is in talks with Thai authorities after animal-rights activists called for two elephants gifted to the country to be returned. Veterinary checks are being carried out following past concerns over the care of another Thai elephant, Sak Surin, repatriated in 2023. Buddhism and Religious Freedom: Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka and Thailand both give Buddhism a foremost place while protecting the right to practise any religion. Cinema: Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s new film, starring Tilda Swinton, follows a widow who travels to Sigiriya to scatter her husband’s ashes; the story moves between time, memory and the supernatural. Colombo Events: City of Dreams Sri Lanka hosts four nights of Oktoberfest from October 21, with Bavarian food and live music. Living Heritage: Sri Lanka has donated three traditional wooden Raksha masks, made by Ambalangoda craftsman R. M. L. Ravindra, to the FAO Museum in Rome. Sri Lankan Flavours: British Airways and London restaurant group Hoppers are bringing island-inspired dishes and a Ceylon Pearl cocktail to the airline’s new Colombo route from October 23.

Education: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya says new Grade 2 and 6 curricula are planned for 2027, following this year’s Grade 1 rollout, with reforms intended to ease pupils’ academic burden. Screen Culture: Tilda Swinton is attached to Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s new film, which follows a Thai widow to Sigiriya to scatter her husband’s ashes and moves between history, memory and the supernatural. Food & Travel: British Airways and London restaurant group Hoppers are creating a Sri Lankan-inspired Club World menu for the airline’s new Colombo route, launching October 23. Heritage: Sri Lanka has donated three traditional Raksha masks to the FAO Museum in Rome, showcasing Ambalangoda mask-making and its links to ritual and agrarian life. Music: Brazilian artist Erica Lanka is preparing a Portugal performance of a song inspired by Colombo’s Lotus Tower. Rights: Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission says militarisation continues to affect land access and livelihoods in the Tamil-majority north and east.

Sri Lankan Creator: Brazilian artist Erica Lanka says her bond with Sri Lanka has shaped her creative career, despite criticism over videos on the civil war and Lotus Tower. She is set to perform her Sri Lanka-inspired song in Portugal on November 7. Rights in the North and East: Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission says militarisation persists 17 years after the war, with land appropriation and restrictions on traditional livelihoods. It urged the state to return occupied land and reduce military involvement in civilian life. Cultural Exchange: Japanese taiko drummers brought their music to audiences at the Universities of Moratuwa and Peradeniya, with SriLankan Airlines carrying the performers and instruments. Heritage Abroad: Sri Lanka has donated three traditional Raksha masks to the FAO Museum in Rome, showcasing the craft of Ambalangoda master artisan R.M.L. Ravindra. Food Traditions: Guides to roadside tea and kola kenda offer a taste of everyday Sri Lankan life, from strong milk-free kahata to leafy rice porridge served with jaggery.

Sri Lankan Creativity Abroad: Brazilian artist Erica Lanka is preparing to perform a song inspired by Colombo’s Lotus Tower in Portugal on November 7. Her management says her videos drew more than 50 million views in 90 days, though the figures have not been independently verified. Cultural Exchange: SriLankan Airlines flew Japanese taiko drummers and their instruments to performances at the Universities of Moratuwa and Peradeniya, carrying a burst of Japanese performance culture to local audiences. Living Heritage: Sri Lanka has donated three traditional Raksha masks, made by Ambalangoda craftsman R.M.L. Ravindra, to the FAO Museum in Rome. Food Traditions: New guides introduce the everyday rituals of roadside kahata tea and the leafy, rice-and-coconut breakfast drink kola kenda. Rights and Education: Sri Lanka’s Human Rights Commission says militarisation and land appropriation continue in the Tamil-majority North and East, affecting livelihoods and property rights. Separately, the government is preparing education reforms for next year and has launched a website to explain the plans amid calls for wider public discussion.

Education: Sri Lanka’s second phase of education reforms is planned for next year, but the government faces a test of public trust after criticism that it failed to explain the changes early enough. Heritage: Mahinda Rajapaksa’s tribute to elephant Kavanthissa recalled the animals’ place in Sri Lankan history, Buddhist traditions and the Perahera. Sport & Inclusion: Colombo will host Test Twenty from November 14, a new cricket format in which boys’ and girls’ scores combine for one result; 160 young players are expected to take part. Foodways: Traditional favourites including kiribath with lunu miris and Sri Lankan rice packets are in the spotlight, celebrating everyday food culture. Cultural Rights: Sri Lanka Customs has been ordered to release detained Tamil books after the Human Rights Commission found rights violations. Wildlife: Reports warn that shrinking forests are driving deadly human-elephant conflict, underscoring the pressures on communities and wildlife.

Cricket & Inclusion: Colombo will host the debut of Test Twenty at the SSC from November 14–29. The new format brings boys’ and girls’ matches together, with their runs combined for one result; 160 young players are expected to compete. Faith & Public Life: Supporters calling for the release of Buddhist monk Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara moved to Viharamahadevi Park after a court order barred them from staying near the Presidential Secretariat. Cultural Heritage: A showcase in Brussels introduced travel-industry guests to Sri Lankan food, wildlife and heritage, with a live hopper station among the attractions. Food & Craft: Traditional rice parcels and kiribath remain part of everyday food culture, while brass artisans in Pilimathalawa carry on a craft facing declining patronage.

Civil Liberties: Transparency International Sri Lanka is urging the Government to withdraw its proposed anti-terror Bill, warning broad definitions and expanded detention powers could threaten rights and civic freedoms. Travel: Searches by Indian travellers for Sri Lanka stays this festive season rose 262% year-on-year, according to Agoda. Books & Identity: Rizvina Morseth de Alwis’s new novel follows a mother searching for her missing son after the Easter Sunday attacks, exploring faith and belonging in Sri Lanka. Food Heritage: Sri Lanka’s embassy in Stockholm showcased Ceylon cinnamon, its producers and culinary traditions at a Swedish food event. Wildlife: A documentary on Sri Lanka’s natural heritage drew more than 400 viewers at a Belgian nature festival; meanwhile, human-elephant encounters continue to exact a heavy toll on people and elephants. Colombo Lifestyle: IN GOOD TASTE returns to City of Dreams on 7–8 November with food, fashion, art and live entertainment.

Civil Liberties: Transparency International Sri Lanka has urged the Government to withdraw its proposed anti-terrorism bill, warning broad powers could threaten due process, free expression and civic freedoms. Books & Identity: Rizvina Morseth de Alwis’s new novel, Talking to the Sky, follows a Malay mother searching for her son after the Easter Sunday bombings, exploring faith, belonging and ethnic stereotypes. Wildlife: Sri Lanka’s human-elephant conflict is taking a devastating toll, with an average of 138 people and 402 elephants killed annually since 2019 as shrinking forests bring elephants closer to villages. Food & Heritage: Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Stockholm marked Cinnamon Bun Day with a showcase of Ceylon cinnamon, linking local production with Swedish food traditions. Women’s Lives: On International Day of Rural Women, a UN Women-backed programme highlighted efforts to support women’s livelihoods, businesses and decision-making across six districts. Nature on Screen: A Sri Lankan wildlife documentary drew more than 400 viewers at Belgium’s Namur International Nature Festival, ahead of a planned TV broadcast in November.

Migrant Rights: Sri Lankan activist Rajkumar Rajeevkanth welcomed the overturning of Sivarasa Anojan’s death sentence in Saudi Arabia, but says his release is not yet secured and calls for clarity on his remaining sentence. Wildlife and Heritage: Human-elephant conflict continues to claim lives: an average of 138 people and 402 elephants have died each year in Sri Lanka since 2019, as shrinking forests bring animals closer to villages. Cultural Exchange: Sri Lankan classical and folk dances featured at an international festival in India celebrating indigenous heritage. Sri Lanka is also among the countries at a UNESCO seminar in Jakarta on preserving documentary heritage. Travel: Tour operator Inside Japan has added seven Sri Lanka trips, with plans to work with local communities; Dubai’s Global Village has refreshed its Sri Lanka pavilion for the new season.

Education: The Ministry published provincial lists of graduates eligible for first-round interviews for 23,006 Sinhala-, Tamil- and English-medium teaching vacancies. Faith and Prison Reform: A committee has proposed allowing imprisoned Buddhist monks to wear robes when leaving prison on official duties; similar provisions could apply to other clergy. The proposals are under review, not yet in force. Culture in Dubai: Global Village opened Season 31 on October 14, with refreshed experiences at the Sri Lanka Pavilion among its 29 cultural pavilions. Travel: Intrepid is adding Sri Lanka walking and trekking trips to a slate of more than 80 new tours for 2027, while Inside Japan has launched seven Sri Lanka itineraries, including community-focused experiences. Food and Culture: Hilton Colombo’s Indonesian Food Festival runs through October 17, showcasing dishes such as rendang and nasi goreng. A new feature on Jaffna’s crab curry takes readers to Passaiyoor’s fish market and fishing cooperative.

Rights & Liberty: Sri Lanka’s proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill is drawing concern over expanded police powers and the risk of criminalising association. Mental Health: A renewed push for community-based care highlights Sri Lanka’s move away from isolated institutions and the need to protect people’s rights and choices. Food & Culture: An Indonesian food festival at Hilton Colombo runs through October 17, serving regional favourites and bringing the two countries’ culinary traditions together. Tourism: Visitor numbers hit a record 2.36 million in 2025, but earnings rose just 1.6%, renewing questions about whether Sri Lanka is attracting higher-value travel. Heritage: Navi Pillay’s Nobel Peace Prize has prompted celebration among relatives in Tamil Nadu, reviving stories of her family’s roots and migration to Sri Lanka. Language Rights: The Human Rights Commission has ordered Customs to release detained Tamil books, citing rights violations.