Sri Lanka

Official foreign reserve assets (+4,6% in August) include the proceeds from the People’s Bank of China swap arrangement; the move comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen its external financial position and rebuild foreign exchange buffers

81% of Sri Lanka internet users use AI to search information and a quarter abandon traditional search engines entirely, Digital Outlook 2026 reports; experts warn that algorithmically generated confidence is dangerously outpacing basic digital literacy

Bank of Ceylon BOC has been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable brand by Brand Finance Lanka, reinforcing its position as the country’s leading banking brand with Brand Strength Rating upgraded to AAA, reflecting strong customer trust

Train services at the Colombo Fort Railway Station have been disrupted after a train derailed blocking operations on two platforms; The incident occurred when Train No. 1164 to Rambukkana derailed while entering the platform after arriving late

Paddy and rice for animal feed production, sale, use are now allowed; the Consumer Affairs Authority issued an Extraordinary Gazette notification to formally cancel the previous restrictions

Unprecedented visitors' arrivals have been registered in 2026, marking a strong recovery in numbers; However, the tourism boom has not translated into higher earnings, as shorter stays and lower spending per visitor have led to declining dollar revenues

People are calling on all five members of the Hajj Committee to accept full responsibility of what has been dubbed 'the Mina disaster' and resign immediately: 3500 pilgrims paid for top-tier service, experienced bottom-tier tents, poor sanitary conditions

Heavy rains triggered flooding in parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in the district of Gampaha, after a persistent low-pressure system brought widespread showers across several provinces disrupting transports

The strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association GMOA over the appointment system for doctors who have completed their internship has no basis for discussion, Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa said

Digital marketplace LilyLanka has been launched to connect small and medium enterprises with customers; the platform includes products, online sales and delivery services and aims to digitalize local trade, expand market access and support SMEs recovery

Sri Lanka Tourism organized a special luncheon for foreign tourists stuck in the country due to disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis; Many visitors have been unable to return home following flight cancellations and airport closures