AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care & Digital Payments: KOKO has joined Mastercard’s “Tap for Change” campaign, linking everyday Tap & Go and KOKO e-commerce purchases to funding for the Karapitiya Trail Cancer Hospital. Child Protection & Accountability: Women MPs are pushing for faster investigations and stronger safeguards in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, with calls to protect the victim from repeated court involvement and to follow court orders closely. Education Reform: PM Harini Amarasuriya launched the first phase of NEMIS’s Human Resources Module and a pilot e-Thaksalawa LMS, aiming to unify school and teacher data across provinces. Elder Safety Crisis: A renewed spotlight is on elderly welfare after a deadly elders’ home fire, with concerns about unregistered homes and minimal facilities. PTA Detention Debate: Suresh Sallay’s detention under the PTA is defended by officials, while legal voices warn about safeguards and judicial oversight. Cultural Spotlight: Iconic actress Iranganie Serasinghe marks her 99th birthday, celebrated for decades of pioneering work in Sri Lankan cinema and theatre. Tea Heritage Abroad: Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea is celebrated internationally with tea tasting events marking International Tea Day and 159 years of Ceylon tea legacy. Diaspora Culture Event: Naadha Gama’s first UK/Europe festival in Wiltshire is set for July 11, reflecting growing Sri Lankan diaspora demand for contemporary music and culture.

ECB Probe & Cricket Culture: England captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are under investigation after a nightclub incident, with the ECB citing a “breach of team protocols” and possible captaincy fallout ahead of the Oval Test. Plastic Reduction Push: Sri Lanka bans single-use plastic bottles at government events from May 31 and introduces a fee for polyethylene shopping bags, though enforcement and recycling capacity remain key concerns. Child Protection & Accountability: Women Parliamentarians review progress in the Anuradhapura child abuse case, urging court-order compliance and faster forensic/medical reports while monitoring related proceedings across districts. Easter Sunday Detention Spotlight: Opposition leaders protest in support of detained ex-intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who has launched an indefinite hunger strike alleging degrading treatment. Education & Youth Development: USA Global Cricket Academy expands coach education and youth pathways, including tours to cricket hubs like Sri Lanka. Women’s Empowerment Talk: Meenakshi Lekhi argues empowerment must go beyond welfare, with Sri Lanka and Rwanda perspectives featured in a leadership dialogue. Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka seeks public input on a common preschool curriculum by 2027 and a new higher education policy framework. Culture & Heritage: India’s Ladakh delegation brings holy relics of Buddha’s disciples back from Mongolia, with Sri Lanka-linked Buddhist participation noted.

PTA and ICCPR scrutiny: Saliya Pieris says laws like the PTA and ICCPR Act have fostered a culture of abuse and torture, arguing detention decisions must rest with judges, not executives. Easter Sunday case: Detained former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay has launched an indefinite hunger strike, alleging torture and inhuman treatment while in custody. Early childhood education: Sri Lanka plans a common preschool curriculum by 2027, with quality supervision and monitoring across provinces. Higher education reform: A nationwide public consultation is underway for a National Higher Education Policy Framework, with an online survey for students and stakeholders. Health and family planning: Doctors urge inherited blood disorder screening, highlighting thalassaemia carrier tests before marriage or pregnancy. Women’s health: An international survey finds 15% of Sri Lankan women are obese, raising lifestyle-related health concerns. Poverty snapshot: New data shows poverty remains uneven, with rural and estate sectors hit hardest. Cybercrime cooperation: China and Sri Lanka agree to strengthen joint action against cybercrime networks, amid claims some operations still persist. Tourism policy: Sri Lanka waives tourist visa fees for 40 countries, but Bangladesh is left out. Culture & lifestyle: A Bahrain-based café owner in Galle Fort is sharing her family’s Sri Lankan roots through local hospitality and food. Sports as culture: London’s Waterloo Bridge was turned into a cricket pitch to launch the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Tourism & Culture: Sri Lanka’s Vesak and Poson season is highlighted as a powerful, under-packaged tourism engine—lanterns, dansal generosity and mass pilgrimage could be better “packaged” to boost arrivals and revenue. Immigration Policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for 40 countries, but Bangladesh is left out, meaning Bangladeshi visitors still pay the standard visa fee. Education Reform: The government is moving toward a common preschool curriculum by 2027, while also launching public consultation for a National Higher Education Policy Framework—both aimed at standardising early learning and reshaping tertiary education. Health & Family Planning: Health professionals urge early blood screening for inherited blood disorders like thalassaemia, stressing carrier tests before marriage or pregnancy. Women’s Health: An international survey finds 15% of Sri Lankan women are obese, raising nutrition and lifestyle risk concerns. Security & Digital Life: Authorities are urged to treat Colombo’s cybercrime arrests as a broader national security failure, not isolated cases. Regional Diplomacy: China and Sri Lanka say they’ve stepped up joint law enforcement against online gambling and telecom fraud, including arrests and handovers. Lifestyle & Food: Colombo’s Cinnamon Life hosts an Italian culinary showcase with Chef Stefano, blending culture and dining.

Hunger Crisis Watch: WFP warns a “perfect storm” is pushing millions toward hunger as energy prices stay high while funding drops, citing acute food insecurity in Somalia (2.5m), Afghanistan (2.3m) and Sri Lanka (1.3m). Higher Education Reform: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has opened a public consultation for a National Higher Education Policy Framework, using an online survey to gather views from students, parents and stakeholders. PTA Detention Debate: SLPP organizer Namal Rajapaksa says Major General (Retd.) Suresh Sallay’s PTA treatment is “deeply troubling,” questioning why PTA-opposed activists stayed silent. Inherited Blood Screening: Doctors urge prospective parents to get carrier blood screening for thalassaemia to reduce inherited blood disorders, especially where both partners carry the trait. Cybercrime Crackdown: A commentary flags cybercrime arrests of foreign nationals in Colombo as a wider national security failure, not isolated cases. Media Professional Standards: A new Bill proposes a Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka to set training, exams, accreditation and discipline for media workers. Culture & Food: Colombo’s Hotal Colombo announces a month-long farewell and collaborations before closing end of June, spotlighting Sri Lankan street-food favourites.

Media Regulation: Sri Lanka has published a Bill to set up the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka, aiming to register qualified media workers, set training and professional standards, run exams, and enforce a code of conduct via a 15-member council. Cybercrime & Security: A new push in public debate is calling out Colombo’s growing cybercrime “safe haven” problem, arguing arrests of foreign nationals shouldn’t distract from deeper failures in immigration control, monitoring, and national security oversight. Education & Early Years: Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya says preschool is the “most critical stage” and points to plans for a common preschool curriculum by 2027, alongside stronger teacher training and oversight. Culture & Memory: British Tamils in London marked Mullivaikkal Day with a protest walk, memorial rituals, and Mullivaikkal Kanji, keeping attention on the 2009 war’s final stage. Food & Lifestyle: Colombo’s Hotal Colombo in Hong Kong announced it will close end of June, running a month-long “Greatest Hits” farewell menu featuring classic Sri Lankan dishes. Sports Culture: Sabina Park’s “Mound Mania” is back, reviving the match-day party atmosphere with DJs and crowd energy around cricket.

Food & Culture: Cinnamon Life’s Bistro Des Marées is hosting “An Italiano Culinary Affair” (2–7 June) with Chef Stefano La Penna bringing Italy to Colombo through a story-led, limited-time menu. Ethical Lifestyle: A Chefs’ Congress reflection argues that diners now want provenance—linking taste to safe, sustainably grown ingredients and the livelihoods of growers. Child Wellbeing: Sri Lanka’s malnutrition picture remains stark: about one in five under-fives affected, with stunting, wasting and underweight figures highlighted as a long-term health risk. Public Health Research: A major US-funded study (ASPIRE Cohort) targets why some Asian American communities face higher cancer patterns, including lung cancer among non-smokers. Diaspora Memory: British Tamils in London marked Mullivaikkal Day with a Parliament Square rally, memorial rituals and Mullivaikkal Kanji. Education Policy: PM Harini Amarasuriya says preschool education will get a common curriculum by 2027, alongside stronger training and regulation. Governance & Integrity: Sri Lanka reviews its National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 and internal affairs units in revenue agencies. Sports & Identity: India A names Dhruv Jurel captain for Sri Lanka tour; meanwhile, cricket’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 gets a Hello Kitty partnership aimed at younger fans.

Judicial Independence Under Scrutiny: A fresh debate is sparked by allegations that Sri Lanka’s Judicial Service Commission has penalised subordinate judges and compromised independence, raising fresh questions about public trust in the courts. Child Rights & Nutrition Focus: A UNICEF Executive Board delegation met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, urging stronger legal protections, better enforcement against violence, and renewed attention to child malnutrition as education reforms move ahead. Anti-Corruption Push: The government reviewed implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 and the work of Internal Affairs Units in revenue agencies like Customs, Inland Revenue, and Excise. Culture & Expression Under Pressure: Tamil rapper HipHop Sangee’s detention under the PTA draws mounting calls for release, with civil society and parliamentarians questioning the impact on freedom of expression. Labour Rights at ELPHIS LANKA: More than 500 workers, many women, were locked out after a go-slow protest over job security and a planned factory sale, spotlighting workplace rights and dispute handling. Tourism & Lifestyle: Hilton Colombo launches “A Turkish Affair,” a 10-day Turkish culinary showcase at Graze Kitchen, while Sri Lanka’s ETA fee is waived for Australians for up to 30 days to boost arrivals. Craft Transparency: We Are Legacy rolls out digital IDs for handmade products via NFC taps, aiming to make makers’ stories and value more visible—an idea with clear cultural-lifestyle resonance for Sri Lanka’s artisan scene.

Labour & Rights: Sri Lanka’s Suwa Seriya ambulance staff staged a street protest in Colombo over a “military-style” administration and arbitrary transfers, while Workplace Tensions: ELPHIS LANKA workers (mostly women) were locked out after a go-slow seeking job security, raising fresh questions about labour protections. Education & Youth: The Principal Service Grade III recruitment exam is set for June 7, and officials warn that one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren face malnutrition under a “triple burden” of under- and over-nutrition plus micronutrient gaps. Culture & Heritage: India handed IT equipment to Dambulla’s Pirivena for modernised Buddhist education, and Sri Lanka’s presence is highlighted in a global travel/identity spotlight series that includes Sri Lanka. Security Watch: Indian intelligence agencies are reportedly monitoring Batticaloa as a concern area for radicalisation-linked activity. Sports & Pride: Javelin star Rumesh Pathirage set a new mark at the Rome Diamond League, and cricket teen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi arrived in Dambulla for the India A–Sri Lanka A–Afghanistan A ODI tri-series.

Tourism & Entry Rules: Australians can now enter Sri Lanka tourist-free for up to 30 days, with the 30-day ETA fee scrapped for 40 countries including Australia and New Zealand—still requiring an ETA application via the official site. Education Admin: The Examinations Department says the Principal Service Grade III recruitment exam is set for June 7, with admission cards downloadable online. Child Nutrition: Health officials warn that one in five Sri Lankan schoolchildren faces malnutrition, citing a “triple burden” of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and emerging obesity risks. LGBTQ+ Rights: A global roundup highlights how same-sex relations remain criminalised in multiple countries, including Sri Lanka, with severe penalties in some states. Child Protection: A Galle case has sparked outrage after a 16-year-old was allegedly assaulted over unpaid wages, renewing calls for urgent investigation. Religious & Legal Accountability: As Vesak approaches, commentary points to a Sangha crisis over alleged child abuse by Buddhist clergy and weak investigations. Buddhist Education & Heritage: India handed IT equipment to a Dambulla pirivena to support traditional Buddhist education with modern tools. Cyber Safety: A new focus on cyber security training argues it’s an investment in “human firewall” habits, not just an IT expense. Culture & Arts: London’s Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration opens this week, with Sri Lankan-British illustrator Murugiah launching a major solo exhibition. Sports Lifestyle: Padel House brings in Mahela Jayawardene and Trade Promoters Ltd., signalling sports-led, community-style investment momentum in Sri Lanka.

Child Rights Watch: A Sri Lanka-based Muslim rights group has urged the UN to probe the Child Marriage and Divorce Act, alleging loopholes that enable marriage registrations for girls under 12, with religious approvals by a Quazi. Child Protection Crisis: In Galle, outrage is growing after an alleged assault on a 16-year-old teen worker over unpaid wages, with calls for immediate action by the National Child Protection Authority and police. Education & Youth: The Examinations Department says future G.C.E. O/L applicants must submit their NIC number, pushing students to secure IDs early; separately, officials warn over one-fifth of children face nutritional challenges. Health System Strain: Blood cancer care is under pressure, with only four leukemia specialists available for bone marrow transplant treatment. Justice & Accountability: A court has imposed a foreign travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as investigators widen the Easter Sunday probe; he was also allowed to testify online in a disappearance case. Culture & Community: VOPP marked International Tea Day in Deniyaya, spotlighting Malaiyaha plantation workers’ long-running struggles over housing, education and health. Sports & Lifestyle: Padel House welcomes new strategic investors including Mahela Jayawardene, signaling momentum for sports and wellness-led ventures.

Easter Sunday probe tightens: A Sri Lankan court has imposed a foreign travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa as investigators widen their 2019 Easter bombings case, with the CID stopping short of naming him but linking him for the first time as a “person of interest.” Rights case moves online: Rajapaksa has also been allowed to testify online in a long-running disappearance hearing involving Tamil rights activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraju and Kugan Muruganandan. Education push: The government says 23,000 teachers will be recruited by the end of 2026, aiming to cut vacancies and support upcoming education reforms. Schooling crisis in the margins: One Monaragala school, Ethpattiya Junior School, has reportedly ended up with no students, highlighting how teacher shortages can hollow out rural education. Labour rights spotlight: Amnesty reports serious abuses against Malaiyaha Tamil tea workers on private estates, including intimidation, violence, harassment, and debt-related coercion. Digital economy note: The Computer Society of Sri Lanka says ICT exports have surged to become the country’s third-largest export earner, signalling a shift toward a knowledge-driven economy. Culture & heritage: Sri Lanka’s urban development plan gets Cabinet approval, with city branding and priority infrastructure projects slated for places including Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Kataragama. International cultural release: “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is set for an India-wide June 19 release after receiving an “A” certificate, with Sri Lanka also scheduled for the same date.

School Sports & Youth: Sri Lanka’s school rugby is under threat as schools increasingly rely on imported players and aggressive recruitment, risking the long-built spirit of homegrown development. Urban Heritage & Tourism: The Cabinet has approved a Rs. 1.475 billion urban development programme to boost city branding and priority infrastructure, with heritage-focused redevelopment flagged for Anuradhapura, Kataragama, Colombo and Kandy, plus wider projects across the north and south. Labour Rights & Tea Culture: Amnesty reports serious labour abuses on Malaiyaha Tamil tea estates in the Southern Province, describing intimidation, abuse, harassment and debt coercion that may amount to forced labour. Health & Schools: A meningitis outbreak has hit multiple districts, with many cases among schoolchildren; authorities say it’s currently viral and patients are recovering quickly. Justice & Accountability: Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been allowed to testify online in the 2011 disappearance case of two rights activists, continuing pressure on post-war accountability. Culture & Film: “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is set for release in India on June 19 after receiving an “A” certificate, with the film also planned for Sri Lanka the same day. Business & Community: People’s Leasing and Finance marks 30 years of supporting Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs and communities, including MSMEs, through leasing, loans and deposits. International Links: India’s High Commissioner presented scholarships to University of Jaffna students and visited the Jaffna Public Library, reinforcing education and people-to-people ties. Sports Diplomacy: New Zealand Cricket announced a major all-format India tour in late 2026, and a separate home series against Sri Lanka in January-February. Diaspora & War Legacy: Catholic priests in the north renewed genocide allegations tied to wartime violence and the burning of the Jaffna Public Library, reigniting a painful debate over religious and state responsibility.

Economic Outlook: A new commentary argues Sri Lanka isn’t headed for a Gotabaya-style free-fall, but risks “autopilot” stagnation unless decisive liberalisation and public investment follow. Energy & Cost of Living: It points to fuel-queue memories and debates over cost-reflective pricing, noting how past politically driven subsidies hit the CPC’s balance sheet. Education & Culture Ties: India’s High Commissioner in Colombo presented scholarships to Jaffna University students under an India-backed scheme and visited the Jaffna Public Library’s “Bharat Corner,” donating books. Justice & Accountability: Courts allowed former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to testify online in the disappearance case of two rights activists from 2011, keeping the long-running post-war accountability spotlight on. Women’s Rights: Grace Asirwatham was appointed Chairperson of Sri Lanka’s National Commission on Women, with the NCW operating under the 2024 Women Empowerment Act. Religious Life & Discipline: Sri Lanka is moving toward tighter legal handling of monastic discipline, as debate continues around a proposed Dharmadhikaranaya. Safety & Society: A separate report warns cybercrime networks are becoming an organised pattern, urging focus on how suspects operate—not scapegoating landlords. International Sports (Youth): Sri Lanka is listed among 15 countries taking part in the 2026 NASCO/ITF J30 junior tennis championship in Abuja.

Workplace wellbeing: Crystal International expanded its free vision screening across Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia, reaching 38,000 workers with on-site eye tests and free glasses. Women’s rights leadership: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake appointed retired Ambassador Grace Asirwatham as Chairperson of Sri Lanka’s National Commission on Women, moving the new women’s rights body into operational readiness. Sustainable finance push: The Colombo Stock Exchange partnered with the EU-funded Green Recovery Facility to build Sri Lanka’s pipeline for Green, Social, Sustainable and Sustainability-Linked (GSS+) bonds through training and C-suite engagement. Culture & heritage support: Japan is helping restore flood-damaged court documents in Kandy after Cyclone Ditwah, with specialists training local staff and cutting restoration time by about 90%. Tourism investment: Uva Greenlands Estate signed a BOI deal for USD 5.1m to expand Ella’s 98 Acres Resort & Spa, aiming for ultra-luxury growth and new jobs. Diaspora & identity: A Sri Lankan family in the UK says children with legal status received “Leave the Country” letters, highlighting stress on migrant care workers and families. Religious life and reform debate: Commentary continues on Sri Lanka’s proposed legal overhaul to tighten monastic discipline, amid wider concerns about misconduct and accountability.

Women’s Rights & Inclusion: DFCC Bank was named among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Mom-Inclusive Workplaces, spotlighting support for working mothers and career growth. Tourism & Lifestyle: Uva Greenlands Estate signed a USD 5.1M BOI deal to expand Ella’s 98 Acres Resort & Spa, aiming for ultra-luxury hospitality and new jobs. Culture & Community: The National Commission on Women has a new Chairperson, retired Ambassador Grace Asirwatham, as Sri Lanka moves to operationalise the Women Empowerment Act framework. Labour & Rights: Sri Lanka is set to engage at the ILO conference on a platform-economy decent work standard, with calls for real protections for gig workers. Vesak & Public Safety: A cab crash near a Vesak dansala in Meegoda killed six and injured seven, raising questions about road safety during major religious events. Diaspora & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met Sri Lankans in Melbourne to address consular, education and investment concerns and strengthen cultural ties. Heritage & Knowledge: Japan helped restore flood-soaked Sri Lankan court documents after Cyclone Ditwah, supporting preservation of legal records.