Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy and AI-led product and platform engineering, and Wiley (NYSE: WLY), a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning, today announced a multi-year managed services partnership under which Virtusa will provide infrastructure and application services and support Wiley’s strategic technology initiatives. 

The partnership represents an important first step in accelerating Wiley’s technology transformation to better serve customers and to drive innovation, productivity gains and cost efficiencies. As a result, Wiley will free up capital for high-return investments and enable its technology teams to concentrate on developing next-generation customer platforms and AI-powered solutions that create competitive advantage in its markets. 

“Our collaboration with Virtusa represents a true transformation for Wiley, allowing us to write a new chapter in technology for our company,” said Andrew Weber, Wiley’s executive vice president, technology and operations. “It will lead to material operational efficiencies and cost savings, help us modernize how we manage enterprise technology and allow our teams to focus on product innovation that benefits our customers and stakeholders.” 

Virtusa brings deep expertise in technology transformation and a proven track record of helping organizations modernize their operations. The company provides industrial-scale capabilities and access to market-leading automation and AI platforms, including Virtusa Helio, a suite of platform powered AI-native services that deliver domain driven solutions across enterprise applications and infrastructure.  

“This partnership represents an important milestone for Virtusa as we support leading organizations in their technology transformation journeys,” said Nitesh Banga, president & CEO at Virtusa. “We are pleased to be partnering with Wiley to streamline Wiley’s technology operations and create a focused engine for innovation that will help propel its strategic transformation goals going forward.”  

As part of this collaboration, Virtusa has assumed ownership of Wiley’s Sri Lanka technology operation. With over three decades of innovation and delivery experience in Sri Lanka, Virtusa has an established presence and expertise that will provide continuity to Wiley’s technology operations as the company optimizes its technology foundation and positions itself to respond more rapidly to evolving customer needs.  

Photo Caption:

The Leadership Teams of Virtusa and Wiley at the Announcement of Divesture.

From L to R: 

Denver De Zylva – Senior Vice President, Facilities & Sustainability, Virtusa; Inoka Dias – Senior Director, HR, Virtusa; Shehan Warusavithana – Senior Vice President, Enterprise Applications Group, Virtusa; Andrew Weber – Executive Vice President, Technology & Operations, Wiley; Mehul Trivedi – Group Vice President, Software & Data Engineering, Wiley; Sumit Kaushik – Executive Vice President, BU Head, Virtusa; Amit Bajoria – Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa; Mohit Sharma – Senior Vice President, BU Head, Virtusa; and Ramanan Gunendran – Vice President, Delivery Head Sri Lanka, Virtusa.

About Wiley 

Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning. With more than 200 years at the center of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied. From individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams, Wiley enables the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From knowledge to impact—Wiley is redefining what’s possible in science and learning. Visit us at Wiley.com and Investors.Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Wiley Media Contact: 
[email protected]

About Virtusa 

Virtusa is a global product and platform engineering services company that makes experiences better with technology. We help organizations grow faster, more profitably, and more sustainably by reimagining enterprises through domain-driven solutions. We combine strategy, design, and engineering, backed by unmatched expertise at the intersection of industry, business, and technology to generate real-world business impact for clients. 

Headquartered in Massachusetts with global delivery centers, Virtusa provides a broad range of services, solutions, and assets, including strategy and design, AI advisory and services, digital engineering, data and analytics, digital assurance, cloud and security, and managed services across industries such as financial services, healthcare, communications, media, entertainment, travel, manufacturing, and technology.

Virtusa is a registered trademark of Virtusa Corporation. All other company and brand names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective holders. 

Media Contact:

Paul Lesinski

Edelman

(971) 226-5299

[email protected]

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery in 2026 continues to be undermined by entrenched public sector corruption, with new official data exposing deep procedural failures across key State institutions. The latest Progress Report of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) for 2025 paints a sobering picture of systemic weaknesses that directly affect investor confidence, public revenue, and service delivery.

The report reveals that CIABOC received 8,409 complaints during 2025, a volume that underscores the scale of public distrust in State institutions. Yet structural limitations remain evident. More than 3,600 complaints were dismissed at the preliminary stage due to insufficient evidence or jurisdictional constraints, highlighting gaps in both reporting mechanisms and investigative capacity.

Enforcement outcomes remain modest when weighed against the scale of alleged wrongdoing. While the commission carried out 130 raids and arrested 84 suspects, operational effectiveness was inconsistent, with nearly half of the raids yielding limited results. Only 115 new cases were filed during the year, and by the end of 2025, over 300 cases remained pending across the court system. This backlog continues to fuel perceptions of delay and impunity.

CIABOC Chairman Justice Neil Iddawela has acknowledged these challenges, announcing a strategic shift under the Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023. The commission is transitioning from a passive, complaint-driven model to a more proactive investigative authority, with a stronger focus on complex financial crimes such as money laundering and unexplained wealth.

However, watchdog groups argue that legislative reform alone will not deliver results. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has repeatedly warned that weak enforcement, limited political will, and institutional inertia continue to undermine anti-corruption efforts. It has flagged the absence of a centralised beneficial ownership registry as a critical loophole, limiting the State’s ability to trace illicit financial flows and verify asset declarations of public officials.

The economic consequences are far-reaching. Corruption in revenue agencies, local government bodies, and law enforcement erodes tax collection, distorts public spending, and raises the cost of doing business. The CIABOC report documents arrests across the police force, judiciary, local authorities, and the Inland Revenue Department institutions central to economic governance and rule of law.

High-profile arrests, including former ministers, Members of Parliament, and heads of State-owned enterprises, signal an effort to pursue accountability at senior levels. Yet analysts caution that without timely prosecutions and convictions, these actions risk being viewed as symbolic rather than transformative.

The investigation into the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), where millions of rupees in alleged illicit collections were uncovered, has become emblematic of everyday corruption affecting citizens and businesses alike. Delays, bribes, and opaque systems raise transaction costs and discourage formal economic activity.

As Sri Lanka seeks stability and growth in 2026, restoring trust in public institutions remains as critical as fiscal reform. Without credible enforcement and transparency, corruption will continue to function as an invisible tax one the economy can ill afford.

As Sri Lanka struggles to sustain its fragile economic recovery, the Port of Colombo has re-emerged as a critical national asset one that policymakers believe can deliver growth, foreign exchange, and regional relevance. The Government’s renewed emphasis on port expansion, technology upgrades, and global partnerships signals a strategic bet: that maritime trade can once again anchor the island’s economy.

Speaking at the Terminal Technology and Trade Engagement 2026 in Colombo, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka reaffirmed the State’s commitment to strengthening the ports sector, describing it as a national priority rather than a standalone infrastructure project. His message was clear: Colombo’s status as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub must be defended and enhanced through timely policy decisions and operational reform.

The Port of Colombo has already embarked on a major expansion programme, including new terminals and upgraded facilities aimed at handling larger vessels and higher cargo volumes. These developments are designed to keep Colombo competitive against fast-growing regional rivals such as Indian and Middle Eastern ports. Government officials argue that efficient transshipment services not only generate revenue for the Ports Authority but also lower logistics costs for exporters and importers across the economy.

However, expansion alone is no longer enough. With fiscal constraints limiting large-scale public spending, attention has shifted toward improving productivity within existing infrastructure. Karunathilaka acknowledged that efficiency gaps remain a pressing concern, especially as global shipping lines demand faster turnaround times and predictable service standards.

This reality has pushed the Government to court foreign investment more aggressively, particularly through public-private partnerships. Officials say a more consistent and investor-friendly policy framework is essential to attract global terminal operators and logistics firms. Without such partnerships, Sri Lanka risks falling behind in a region where port modernisation is accelerating rapidly.

International cooperation is also playing a growing role. Technical assistance delivered through the Colombo Plan’s Maritime Advisory Program has supported training, port security enhancements, and operational upgrades at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. Engagements with US and other international technology providers are helping local operators understand global best practices in terminal automation and digital systems.

Despite global trade volatility and lingering economic pressures at home, the Government remains confident that port-led growth can continue. Colombo’s ambition is not merely to retain its regional ranking but to emerge as a major Asian transshipment hub. Whether that vision materialises will depend on how effectively expansion, efficiency, and investment are aligned—at a time when the margin for error is narrow.

Sri Lanka’s planned National Digital Identity system marks a decisive turn toward digital governance—but it also places the country at the center of a broader geopolitical and technological debate. With India financing and technically supporting the SL-UDI project, questions of sovereignty, data security, and long-term dependence are increasingly part of the public conversation.

The system, built on India’s MOSIP framework, aims to unify existing electronic national ID records with biometric and demographic databases. Officials describe it as a foundation for “digital-first” public services, enabling everything from welfare distribution to online licensing. In theory, this could dramatically reduce bureaucratic delays and leakages that have long plagued Sri Lanka’s public sector.

India’s involvement is framed as developmental cooperation rather than outsourcing. The Rs. 10.4 billion grant relieves pressure on Sri Lanka’s strained public finances, while Indian expertise accelerates deployment. From New Delhi’s perspective, exporting digital public infrastructure strengthens regional influence and showcases India’s home-grown tech models beyond Aadhaar.

However, dependence on external technical know-how carries risks. While Sri Lankan authorities emphasize that data ownership and system control will remain domestic, the initial architecture, standards, and integrations are being shaped with foreign assistance. Over time, critics warn, this could limit Sri Lanka’s flexibility to modify or exit the system without significant cost.

There is also a readiness gap on the ground. Sri Lanka’s digital ecosystem is uneven. While urban youth are deeply embedded in social media—Facebook alone counts around nine million users—large segments of the population lack consistent internet access or digital skills. TikTok and YouTube may dominate among younger users, but digital literacy for transactional services remains patchy, especially outside cities.

Human capital presents another challenge. Migration has drained the country of experienced ICT professionals, raising concerns about whether Sri Lanka can independently maintain and secure such a complex system over the long term. Cyber resilience, data audits, and system upgrades require sustained expertise, not just a successful launch.

Still, the potential upside is difficult to ignore. Coupled with expanded 4G and 5G coverage and proposed “Virtual Special Economic Zones” for tech exports, SL-UDI could anchor a more competitive digital economy. If executed with transparency, strong legal safeguards, and inclusive access, it may reduce inequality rather than deepen it.

Sri Lanka’s digital ID journey is not just a tech project it is a test of governance. Whether SL-UDI becomes a tool of empowerment or a source of controversy will depend on how responsibly power, data, and partnerships are managed.

While India signals readiness to deepen economic engagement with Sri Lanka, domestic indecision and political caution continue to slow Colombo’s response, raising concerns that the country may once again miss a strategic opportunity. Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has called for a more candid national conversation on economic integration with India, warning that prolonged hesitation carries tangible costs.

Reacting to recent political engagements in New Delhi, Dr. de Silva questioned the lack of progress on expanding the bilateral trade framework. “Nothing happened for the last 1.5 years. In fact, ‘ECTA’ does not even appear in any of the official statements during the visits of the President or Prime Minister,” he wrote on social media.

India, now the world’s fastest-growing major economy, already plays an outsized role in Sri Lanka’s investment landscape. According to High Commissioner Santosh Jha, approximately 25% of Sri Lanka’s foreign direct investment in 2025 originated directly from India. When investments routed through global subsidiaries are included, the figure rises to “approximately 40–50% of FDI inflows.”

Projects such as the West Container Terminal at the Port of Colombo, CEAT’s $171 million manufacturing investment, and the revival of Colombo Dockyard with support from Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders demonstrate long-term commercial commitment. Yet critics argue that Sri Lanka has failed to build a coherent policy framework to maximise these linkages.

Dr. de Silva frames the issue not as ideological alignment but economic pragmatism. He warned that delays in trade liberalisation and technology cooperation have translated into lost employment opportunities and slower growth. “This has been a colossal waste of so many thousand young lives and decades of lost time,” he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged the political risks involved. “I am aware that opportunistic nationalists will attack me saying this line of thinking will cost the opposition the next election,” he noted, recalling similar resistance during earlier reforms such as the establishment of the Suwa Seriya ambulance service.

However, Indian officials maintain that engagement remains demand-driven. On proposals ranging from land connectivity to trade upgrades, Jha clarified that progress depends on Sri Lanka’s readiness. “Our proposal to the Government of Sri Lanka still is there to conduct a detailed project report process,” he said.

Constructive critics argue that Sri Lanka must now move beyond fear-driven policy paralysis. With India advancing rapidly on digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence collaboration, renewable energy, and regional logistics, the window for alignment is narrowing. Strategic engagement, they contend, requires not blind acceptance but timely decisions, institutional preparedness, and transparent public debate before opportunity costs deepen further.

Sri Lanka has expressed its interest in re-applying for the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) once the current cycle concludes, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Minister stated that the matter was discussed during a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service. Pampaloni is currently in Sri Lanka to co-chair the 27th Session of the EU–Sri Lanka Joint Commission.

During the meeting, Minister Herath conveyed Sri Lanka’s deep appreciation for the EU GSP trade facility, noting that it has played a significant role in supporting the country’s economic growth and export sector.

He also briefed Pampaloni and her delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic progress and ongoing legislative reforms. These include the proposed repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), amendments to the Online Safety Act (OSA), and steps taken to advance reconciliation by strengthening independent national institutions such as the Office on Missing Persons (OMP), the Office for Reparations (OR), and the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR).

The discussions further addressed the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the country’s ongoing recovery efforts, with the Minister expressing gratitude for the European Union’s continued support.

In addition to bilateral matters, both sides exchanged views on global political and economic developments, geopolitical challenges, and broader regional and international issues. The meeting reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the multilateral system.

A special discussion on implementing the Cabinet decision to connect critical government institutions to the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) was held on February 10, 2026, at the Old Parliament Building in Colombo.

Organised jointly by Sri Lanka CERT and the Ministry of Digital Economy, the session marked a significant step towards strengthening the country’s national cyber security framework.

During the discussion, it was emphasised that cyber security is no longer merely a technical matter, but one of national importance that directly affects national security, economic stability and public trust.

Special attention was given to connecting all government institutions operating critical information infrastructure to the NCSOC. Policy-level approvals for this initiative have already been granted through Cabinet decisions. The second phase of the programme, which will link the remaining government institutions to the cyber security centre, is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Priority will be given to critical state institutions, which are also expected to undergo audits by the National Audit Office.

The importance of implementing awareness and training programmes on digital security for public sector officials was also highlighted.

Officials noted that as Sri Lanka advances towards a digital economy, cyber resilience must be treated as a core component of governance and public service delivery. The new mechanism is expected to help prevent and manage disruptions to essential services caused by cyber threats such as website defacements, ransomware attacks and data breaches.

Through the NCSOC, government institutions will gain access to real-time threat monitoring, early warning systems and coordinated incident response capabilities. The initiative was described not merely as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic investment in institutional credibility and resilience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne; Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala; officials from the Presidential Secretariat; Sri Lanka CERT Chairman Tilak Pathirage; Sri Lanka CERT Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kanishka Karunasekera; and several other officials. Heads and senior representatives of government institutions identified as operating critical information infrastructure also participated in the discussion.

The State Vesak Festival for this year will be held at the Midellawala Purana Maha Viharaya in Thihagoda, Matara, General Secretary of the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya, Most Venerable Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero, announced.

Ven. Mugunuwela Anuruddha Thero made the announcement at a media briefing held yesterday (10) at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

He stated that the decision was taken during the third session of the newly established Buddhasasana Council formed by the present government. The venue was selected following a recommendation by the All-Island Sasanarakshaka Bala Mandalaya and was subsequently approved by the Buddhasasana Council along with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abayarathna, announced on January 24 that the government has decided to hold the State Vesak Festival on May 30 this year.

The Minister further noted that the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters had informed the President in writing that it would not be appropriate to observe Vesak Poya on May 1, as the ‘visā nakatha’ does not fall on that date. Accordingly, based on the recommendations of the Poya Day Committee and after due consideration, the decision was taken to hold the State Vesak Festival on May 30.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to visit Nuwara Eliya today (11) to inaugurate the Central Province programme of the “A Nation United” national campaign, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

During the visit, the President is also expected to participate in several events in Nuwara Eliya.

The “A Nation United” initiative was launched with the aim of eradicating the illicit drugs menace in Sri Lanka. The drug problem has been identified as a significant social issue affecting the up-country community.

According to the PMD, the programme seeks to free communities from the threat of illicit drugs through a comprehensive awareness mechanism involving all stakeholders, while also supporting their social and economic upliftment.

The event in Nuwara Eliya will also include the recognition of 62 police officers who have actively contributed to raids and operations related to illicit drugs.

The exposition of the sacred Devnimori relics of Lord Buddha at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo, concluded this morning after drawing large numbers of devotees over the past several days.

Devotees were granted the opportunity to pay homage to the relics from February 05. During the six-day exposition, a significant gathering of worshippers, including ministers, diplomats and members of the public, visited the temple to venerate the sacred relics.

The Devnimori relics, which were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, India, had never previously been taken outside India before being brought to Sri Lanka for the exposition.

A delegation of Indian officials, including the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai C. Patel, and the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday (09) to accompany the relics on their return to India.