The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has announced that tourist arrivals in the country have surpassed 850,000 for the year 2026. This milestone reflects a continued recovery and growth trend for the nation's vital tourism sector as it attracts international visitors from key global markets.
Two members of the Sri Lanka men's under-19 cricket squad were arrested by police in Dambulla following allegations of filming female guests at their hotel. The players were subsequently released on bail as investigations into the incident continue. Sri Lanka Cricket has launched an internal inquiry into the matter.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has addressed ongoing challenges within the nation's energy sector. During recent remarks, the President reaffirmed his administration's commitment to maintaining essential fuel and electricity subsidies to support the public, despite the fiscal pressures facing the country's energy infrastructure.
A new report from the Atlantic Council indicates that Sri Lanka's long-term stability remains precarious. The analysis points to decades of governance neglect and a persistent reliance on short-term crisis management as primary factors hindering the nation's economic recovery and social cohesion following its recent financial collapse.
India has bolstered its diplomatic and economic partnership with Sri Lanka through extensive infrastructure projects, humanitarian aid, and regional cooperation. This engagement focuses on post-war development, energy connectivity, and financial stability, reflecting a commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and shared regional security interests.
Sri Lankan Olympic athletes have joined forces to support the 'Rebuilding Sri Lanka' initiative, donating funds to aid recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The contribution aims to assist affected communities in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services across the country.
Former Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Prasanna Ranatunga, was arrested and subsequently granted bail by the Colombo Magistrate's Court on November 12, 2025. The arrest by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stems from alleged corruption during his 2021 tenure, involving a financial irregularity that reportedly caused a loss of over Rs. 4.7 million to the state.
The World Bank's latest 'Sri Lanka Development Update' reports a strong but incomplete economic recovery in Sri Lanka, projecting 4.6% growth in 2025. Poverty remains twice as high as pre-crisis levels, affecting a significant portion of the population. The Bank urges urgent structural reforms, including efficient public spending and private sector-led growth, to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake commenced his three-day official visit to Japan by serving as Chief Guest at Sri Lanka Day festivities at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. The event, co-organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Sri Lankan Embassy, showcased the nation's rich culture and vision for the future at the global exposition themed 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'.
Harsha Ilukpitiya, Sri Lanka's former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Supreme Court for contempt of court. The ruling stems from his failure to comply with a court order regarding a controversial electronic visa outsourcing deal. He had been in remand since September 2024.
Singapore-based X-Press Feeders has refused to pay US$1 billion in court-ordered damages to Sri Lanka for the 2021 X-Press Pearl environmental disaster. The company cites concerns over setting a 'dangerous precedent' for global maritime liability and the open-ended nature of the penalty, despite having already spent over US$170 million on cleanup and compensation. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court had mandated an initial US$250 million payment by September 23, 2025.
