Sri Lanka’s rise to 79th in the global ease of doing business rankings for 2026 signals a recovery in business confidence following a period of economic turbulence. The improved ranking reflects a more stable regulatory environment, supported by easing inflation and declining borrowing costs that have enhanced access to capital for businesses.

Yet, a closer examination reveals that this progress may be masking deeper structural issues that continue to hinder sustainable economic development.

The latest Global Soft Power Index, compiled by Brand Finance, places Sri Lanka at 100th globally, marking a drop from its 97th position in 2025. With a score of 33.8 out of 100, the country’s declining soft power underscores persistent weaknesses in governance and institutional effectiveness.

Soft power plays a crucial role in shaping international perceptions, influencing decisions by investors, corporations, and global institutions. While Sri Lanka has improved its image as a tourist destination ranking higher for its food, friendliness, and overall appeal these gains have not been sufficient to offset declining confidence in governance.

This divergence presents a key challenge for policymakers. While economic stabilisation has improved perceptions of doing business, global views on governance have deteriorated, indicating a disconnect between economic reforms and institutional progress.

For entrepreneurs and investors, this creates uncertainty. Although lower borrowing costs and improved financial conditions make it easier to start and expand businesses, concerns over regulatory consistency and transparency remain significant barriers.

Adding to these challenges is Sri Lanka’s declining global media influence, which fell from 104th to 129th. Reduced international visibility can weaken the country’s ability to promote itself as an investment destination, particularly in an increasingly competitive global market.

Regionally, Sri Lanka’s position also raises concerns. It ranks just below Nepal in soft power, while countries facing greater instability, such as Afghanistan, remain significantly lower. Meanwhile, the United States continues to dominate global influence rankings, highlighting the wide gap Sri Lanka must bridge.

Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka’s strengths should not be overlooked. Its resilience in tourism and people-to-people engagement offers a foundation for rebuilding global trust. Leveraging these strengths, alongside targeted reforms in governance and institutional transparency, could help the country convert its improved ease of doing business ranking into sustained economic growth.

In conclusion, while Sri Lanka’s improved ranking reflects positive momentum, the path forward requires addressing deeper structural issues. Without meaningful governance reforms, the country risks undermining the very progress that has boosted business confidence in the short term.

The government has assured that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies will remain sufficient in the coming months, based on scheduled shipments by both state and private suppliers.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said Litro Gas is expecting a 22,000 metric tonne shipment on March 28, followed by another 22,000 metric tonnes in April.

Private supplier Laugfs Gas has also scheduled shipments, including 8,000 metric tonnes on March 30 and 31, and 21,000 metric tonnes between April 25 and 27, he said.

Jayatissa noted that Laugfs typically supplies between 7,000 and 8,000 metric tonnes per month, and that the combined shipments from both suppliers are expected to exceed national demand.

However, he acknowledged that there are ongoing distribution challenges.

Responding to remarks by the President regarding the possible use of Laugfs storage facilities in Hambantota, the minister said discussions are still underway on the matter.

The head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Pirhossein Kolivand, has reported extensive damage to civilian infrastructure בעקבות recent attacks, describing them as “alarming acts and war crimes” by Israeli and U.S. forces.

Kolivand called on international bodies to take immediate action to halt attacks on civilians, medical personnel, relief workers, schools and critical infrastructure, and to ensure legal accountability.

According to field assessments, over 81,000 civilian units have been damaged across Iran, including 61,555 residentialand 19,020 commercial units. In Tehran province alone, 24,605 units have been affected.

He also reported damage to key public services, including 275 medical and emergency centres, 498 schools, 17 Red Crescent centres, three helicopters, and 48 operational vehicles, such as ambulances and rescue units.

Kolivand stressed that under international humanitarian law, civilians and essential services—including hospitals, schools and aid workers—are entitled to special protection and must not be targeted.

He warned that attacks on such facilities undermine fundamental humanitarian principles and called for independent and transparent investigations into incidents involving civilian harm.

The Iranian Red Crescent said it is continuing to report damages through international humanitarian channels and urged the global community to take decisive action to protect civilians and uphold international law.

The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the March allowance for senior citizens over 70 years of age under the first phase of the Aswesuma welfare benefit scheme will be credited on March 26.

Accordingly, 622,462 senior citizens will receive payments under the first phase, with a total allocation of Rs. 3.1 billion.

In addition, under the second phase, 71,339 beneficiaries will receive a total of Rs. 356 million.

The Board stated that the relevant funds will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on Thursday, and recipients will be able to access their payments from March 26 onward.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have held a phone conversation to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi said both leaders also reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India–Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security.

As close and trusted partners, President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 pm.

Mainly dry weather will prevail over the other parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the early hours of the morning.

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