President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has told leading representatives of the tea and rubber industries that the Government’s priority is to strengthen local industries, expand exports and increase net foreign exchange earnings in order to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on debt.

Speaking during a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat, the President said Sri Lanka must follow export-driven development models adopted by successful economies and called on industries to improve production efficiency, share reliable data and adopt more scientific approaches to growth.

The discussions focused on a new export strategy to be implemented under the 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan.

In the rubber sector, attention was given to expanding value-added production, addressing shortages of raw materials and labour, and improving cultivation in new regions. Industry representatives also highlighted concerns regarding tyre imports, delays in VAT refunds and regulatory issues affecting exporters.

Tea sector representatives raised concerns about rising export costs to Middle Eastern markets and sought Government intervention on financial matters linked to the Iran “oil for tea” arrangement. They also requested support to improve productivity among smallholder tea growers.

According to officials, the meeting concluded with industry leaders expressing support for the Government’s efforts to strengthen exports, increase foreign exchange earnings and promote long-term economic growth.

Registrations have officially opened for the inaugural Colombo Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on September 13, 2026.

Organised under the theme “Steps for Peace and Humanity”, the event will feature four race categories:

• Full Marathon (42.195 km)
• Half Marathon (21.097 km)
• 10 km race
• 5 km Fun Run

Participants are required to register online through the official Colombo Marathon website at www.colombomarathon.lk.

Organisers have made it mandatory for all participants to submit a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner within one month prior to the event.

The Colombo Marathon is organised by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala says a total of 232 Sri Lankan suspects who are the subject of Interpol Red Notices are currently hiding in various countries.

Speaking in Parliament, the Minister said 96 of them are alleged organised criminals, with authorities having so far identified the whereabouts of 37 suspects. He said steps are underway to arrest and extradite them to Sri Lanka.

According to the Minister, over the past 20 months, Sri Lankan authorities have repatriated 58 suspects, including 23 organised criminals who were the subject of Interpol Red Notices and 35 other suspects who did not have Red Notices.

Wijepala said the 96 organised crime suspects are believed to be hiding in countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Russia, Italy and Saudi Arabia.

He noted that the locations of 37 suspects have been confirmed, including 19 in the UAE, 11 in India, and one each in Malaysia, the UK, France, Canada, Russia, Italy and Saudi Arabia.

The Minister alleged that many of these individuals continue to direct drug trafficking operations from overseas, particularly from the Middle East, and said efforts are underway to arrest and return them to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

He added that authorities have also identified the second and third tiers of these organised criminal networks, with legal proceedings already underway, including measures to seize assets allegedly acquired through criminal activities.

Sri Lanka has been elected to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) at an election held at the United Nations Headquarters.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka secured 144 votes out of 185 valid votes, receiving the highest number of votes among all successful candidates.

The Ministry said the result reflects the confidence of the international community in Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing and protecting the rights of women and promoting gender equality.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women is the UN body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) by States Parties.

A Senior Assistant Secretary attached to the Presidential Secretariat has been arrested by the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) over allegations of facilitating the preparation of a forged passport for an organised criminal, police said.

According to police, the suspect was arrested on Thursday (26) in connection with an investigation by the CCIB’s Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division.

Investigators allege that the official prepared a passport in another person’s name to enable an organised criminal gang member to flee the country.

The suspect is a 41-year-old resident of Kandy who currently serves as a Senior Assistant Secretary to the Presidential Secretariat in the Parliament and Cabinet Division.

Police said the alleged offence was committed while he was serving as the Deputy Controller of the Foreign Missions Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

The arrest was carried out under the supervision of Senior DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku, CCIB DIG Chandana Kodithuwakku and CCIB Director Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kamal Ariyawansa.

Further investigations are underway.

Showers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu districts after 2.00 p.m.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, North-central, North-western and Southern provinces and in Trincomalee district.

The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, long regarded as the backbone of the country’s manufacturing exports, is facing one of its most complex periods in recent years. While export earnings showed signs of recovery in 2026, growing international competition and looming trade barriers threaten to undermine the sector’s hard-earned gains.

According to industry data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), apparel and textile exports rose by 7.96 percent in May 2026 to US$394.14 million, marking the strongest monthly performance recorded this year. The United States remained the industry’s largest market, with exports increasing by 15.36 percent to US$149.96 million. Shipments to emerging markets outside the traditional destinations of the United States, European Union and United Kingdom also expanded by 14.61 percent to US$70.67 million.

Despite this encouraging monthly performance, the broader picture remains challenging. During the first five months of 2026, cumulative apparel exports fell by 4.68 percent to US$1.93 billion, reflecting weak demand and persistent global economic uncertainty. The European Union, United Kingdom and United States all remained in negative territory on a year-to-date basis.

The industry’s most pressing concern is its competitiveness in the United States market. Sri Lanka is currently under scrutiny in a U.S. trade review concerning forced labour regulations. Proposed tariffs of 12.5 percent on Sri Lankan exports would place the country at a disadvantage compared with key competitors such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Cambodia and Indonesia, which are expected to face lower tariff rates.

The implications are significant. The United States accounts for nearly 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports and remains the single most important destination for locally manufactured garments. Any tariff disparity could encourage international buyers to shift orders to lower-cost manufacturing hubs, intensifying pressure on Sri Lankan exporters already grappling with rising production costs.

Competition is also growing across Asia. Bangladesh continues to dominate the global value segment through low-cost production, while Vietnam benefits from extensive trade agreements and modern manufacturing capabilities. India is aggressively expanding its apparel export capacity through infrastructure development and policy reforms, positioning itself as another formidable rival.

Hitherto Sri Lanka retains several advantages. The country has built a global reputation for ethical manufacturing, compliance with labour standards, product quality and reliability. International brands continue to source from Sri Lanka because of its strong sustainability credentials and ability to produce high-value garments.

Industry leaders argue that favourable trade policies, improved market access and continued investment in innovation will be crucial if Sri Lanka is to maintain its position in the global apparel supply chain. The outcome of ongoing negotiations with U.S. authorities could determine whether the recent export rebound becomes the beginning of a sustained recovery or merely a temporary respite in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.

Sri Lanka’s strong presence at the 10th China–South Asia Exposition and the 30th China (Kunming) Import and Export Fair has once again highlighted the growing importance of China as one of Colombo’s most significant economic partners. The six-day event, held in Kunming in June 2026, attracted one of the largest Sri Lankan business delegations ever sent to China, demonstrating the country’s increasing reliance on the Chinese market for trade expansion and investment opportunities.

Led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, the delegation included government officials and more than 250 business representatives from nearly 100 export companies. Their participation reflected Sri Lanka’s efforts to diversify export destinations and capitalize on China’s vast consumer market.

The Sri Lanka Pavilion, comprising 100 exhibition booths, showcased a broad range of products, including Ceylon tea, spices, gems, jewellery, apparel, seafood, coconut-based products, handicrafts and wellness services. Organizers reported strong buyer interest, with several participating companies securing sales and initiating discussions on long-term distributorships and export contracts.

A key outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between a Sri Lankan beverage exporter and a major Chinese liquor distribution company, highlighting the potential for niche Sri Lankan products to penetrate China’s highly competitive market. Business-to-business matchmaking sessions organized by Yunnan provincial authorities also facilitated direct engagement between entrepreneurs from both countries.

Supporters of deeper Sri Lanka–China economic engagement argue that such events provide crucial access to one of the world’s largest consumer economies. China offers Sri Lankan exporters opportunities to move beyond traditional Western markets while attracting much-needed foreign investment, technology transfer and industrial cooperation. Participation in seminars involving universities, research institutions and industries further underscored prospects for innovation partnerships and knowledge exchange.

However, analysts caution that expanding economic relations with China also presents challenges. Despite growing exports, Sri Lanka continues to face a significant trade imbalance with China, importing far more than it exports. Critics argue that trade fairs and investment agreements must ultimately translate into sustainable export growth rather than symbolic diplomatic achievements.

There are also concerns about excessive dependence on a single economic partner. Past Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka have generated debate over debt sustainability, transparency and long-term economic returns. Some economists warn that while Chinese investment can stimulate growth, Sri Lanka must carefully evaluate projects to ensure they generate employment, foreign exchange earnings and broader economic benefits.

The Kunming exposition nevertheless demonstrated that both countries remain committed to strengthening commercial ties. The challenge for Sri Lanka lies in converting exhibition successes into measurable export growth while maintaining a balanced and diversified foreign economic policy. If managed effectively, stronger engagement with China could support economic recovery and industrial development. If not, concerns over dependency and trade imbalances may continue to shadow the relationship.

Sri Lanka is seeking to transform its petroleum sector from a domestic energy supplier into a major export revenue generator, with policymakers increasingly viewing petroleum-based products, bunkering services, and logistics operations as critical pillars of the country’s ambitious export expansion strategy.

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe recently outlined plans to raise Sri Lanka’s annual export earnings from approximately US$17.2 billion recorded in 2025 to US$36 billion within the next several years. Achieving such a target would require the country to identify new high-value export streams beyond traditional sectors such as apparel, tea, and rubber products.

At the centre of the strategy is Sri Lanka’s strategic location along one of the world’s busiest maritime routes. Authorities believe the island can capitalize on its position by developing petroleum-related exports, including marine fuel supply, petroleum blending, storage, refining, and re-export activities.

Discussions involving the Board of Investment, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, and other stakeholders have reportedly produced several proposals aimed at attracting investment into petroleum-linked industries. Officials argue that value-added petroleum exports could help diversify foreign exchange earnings while strengthening Sri Lanka’s standing as an Indian Ocean logistics hub.

The timing is significant. Sri Lanka’s overall export sector has shown resilience despite global economic uncertainties. According to EDB estimates, total export earnings reached US$17.25 billion in 2025, representing a 5.6 percent increase from the previous year.

During the first four months of 2026, exports exceeded US$5.78 billion, recording further growth despite a sluggish global trade environment. Petroleum products continue to be included among Sri Lanka’s notable export categories, although precise sector-specific earnings remain relatively modest compared with apparel and ICT services.

However, industry observers note that the petroleum export vision faces several structural obstacles. Sri Lanka remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil and refined fuel. Unlike regional competitors such as Singapore, the country lacks large-scale refining capacity capable of generating significant export surpluses. The ageing Sapugaskanda refinery requires modernization, while investment in downstream petrochemical industries remains limited.

Another challenge is policy consistency. Investors have repeatedly expressed concerns over regulatory uncertainty, delays in approvals, and lengthy procurement processes. While the National People’s Power (NPP) administration has pledged transparency and institutional reform, potential investors continue to seek clearer guidelines regarding energy sector liberalization and long-term investment incentives.

Moreover, transforming Sri Lanka into a petroleum export hub will require substantial capital investment in storage facilities, pipelines, bunkering infrastructure, and port connectivity. Without these upgrades, experts warn that ambitious export targets may remain aspirational rather than achievable.

The Government’s petroleum export strategy offers considerable promise. Yet success will ultimately depend on whether policymakers can convert strategic geography into tangible infrastructure, attract large-scale investment, and deliver reforms quickly enough to compete with established regional energy hubs.