AliExpress, the global e-commerce platform owned by China’s Alibaba Group, has announced the suspension of several low-cost shipping options to Sri Lanka and Pakistan, citing changes in customs duty regulations introduced by both governments. The suspension, effective from July 7, 2025, has stirred concern among online shoppers and small businesses relying on affordable imports.

In a notice to its global network of sellers, AliExpress stated that logistics routes to Sri Lanka and Pakistan will now be processed offline. Sellers will no longer be able to select certain budget-friendly shipping methods when dispatching goods to these countries. The change primarily affects small parcel shipments, which were a popular means of purchasing inexpensive consumer items ranging from electronics accessories to fashion goods.

The move follows customs reform initiatives introduced by both nations in an effort to strengthen revenue collection and protect domestic industries. In Sri Lanka’s case, the government has replaced its previous flat-rate import duty system with a more structured model that calculates taxes based on the Harmonized System (HS) code—an internationally standardized system for classifying traded products.

Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Chathuranga Abeysinghe addressed the public concern on social media, clarifying that no new tax has been introduced. Instead, the revision aims to close loopholes in the old system. Under the previous structure, a parcel under 1 kg could be cleared with a duty of just Rs. 800—or sometimes even free—if undervalued invoices were presented. This resulted in substantial tax revenue losses and unfair advantages for foreign imports over local products.

The updated policy now evaluates each item based on its true nature and value using the HS Code, ensuring a more transparent and equitable taxation system. Abeysinghe also emphasized that customers will not be required to visit customs offices in person, as courier services will continue to manage clearance and delivery processes.

While the policy shift is intended to curb tax evasion and support local manufacturing, AliExpress’s decision to suspend its low-cost shipping has raised uncertainty in the online shopping community. Many Sri Lankan consumers, especially students and young entrepreneurs, had grown dependent on the platform’s affordable and accessible product range.

To ease concerns, the Sri Lankan government has pledged to introduce fair exemptions for educational, medical, and research-related imports, ensuring essential sectors are not adversely affected by the reform.

The coming weeks will reveal whether other e-commerce giants will follow AliExpress’s lead or adapt to the new regulatory landscape in Sri Lanka.

As Sri Lanka continues to grapple with its worst economic crisis in decades, the country has taken another step forward in managing its crippling debt burden. In a significant development, Sri Lanka signed a bilateral agreement with Hungarian Export Credit Insurance PLC to reschedule loans worth around €30 million (approximately Rs. 10.5 billion), as part of its broader external debt restructuring programme.

This move comes at a critical time when Sri Lanka is striving to rebuild its economy while juggling foreign debt obligations that have ballooned over the years. Hungary, though a relatively small creditor in the global landscape, has played a supportive role in recent years by funding several infrastructure and technology-linked projects in Sri Lanka. These include investments in water treatment, education technology, and urban development, further solidifying diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

The Finance Ministry described the agreement as further evidence of the Government’s commitment to concluding the debt restructuring process swiftly to ensure long-term debt sustainability and support national economic recovery. The agreement with Hungary follows the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), a grouping of bilateral lenders, including major economies such as Japan, India, and France.

Under the new agreement, Hungarian Export Credit Insurance PLC will extend debt relief to Sri Lanka by rescheduling the outstanding liabilities. This relief is expected to offer the island nation some breathing space as it struggles with tight foreign reserves, inflation, and fiscal constraints.

The official signing was held recently, with Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma representing the Sri Lankan Government. On behalf of the Hungarian side, Györgyi Rehoregh, Director of Foreign Corporate Risk Management and Claims and Recoveries, and Dr. Adrienn Hegyi Szénásiné, Head of the same directorate, participated in the formalization of the deal.

Officials noted that beyond easing Sri Lanka’s debt obligations, the agreement marks a positive step in deepening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Hungary has expressed a continued interest in expanding its cooperation with Sri Lanka, especially in sectors such as renewable energy, water purification, and education technology.

With the IMF-backed debt restructuring programme underway and multiple bilateral talks in progress, Sri Lanka is hoping for a comprehensive resolution that can eventually restore investor confidence and economic stability. The deal with Hungary is a smaller yet symbolically important milestone in this broader path to recovery.

In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat corruption, Japan has pledged support for a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s anti-corruption mechanisms.

The $2.5 million, three-year project, titled “Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism”, was officially launched at a signing ceremony attended by senior government officials and diplomatic representatives.

The initiative, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Sri Lanka, aims to support the effective implementation of Sri Lanka’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029 (NACAP).

It focuses on improving institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption, fostering public accountability, and mobilizing citizens—especially youth and journalists—to play an active role in the fight against corruption.

The launch event was graced by Japanese Ambassador Akio ISOMATA, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, CIABOC Commissioners K.B. Rajapakse and Chethiya Goonesekera P.C, and other key officials.

Ambassador ISOMATA emphasized that transparency and good governance are crucial to rebuilding foreign investor confidence and achieving long-term economic growth. “Eradication of corruption is part of the basic infrastructure of any business society,” he said. “Japan closely observes Sri Lanka’s progress and expects a clear, sector-wise strategy to guide new investments under the current administration.”

The project will target three key areas: strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to tackle corruption, fostering civic engagement to hold authorities accountable, and building public awareness to promote a culture of integrity across sectors. A notable aspect is its effort to involve young people and journalists, seen as catalysts for change, in promoting transparency and good governance.

UNDP’s Azusa Kubota described the initiative as a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s reform journey. “This is not just about institutions—it’s about restoring public trust and dismantling barriers to sustainable development,” she said. “Through a whole-of-society approach, we aim to transform anti-corruption efforts into meaningful progress.”

Corruption has long been a major challenge in Sri Lanka, undermining public trust, deterring foreign investment, and weakening essential services like healthcare and education. The UNDP-Japan partnership aims to reverse this trend, helping Sri Lanka build a more resilient and equitable society.

By aligning with NACAP goals, the project is expected to make lasting contributions to Sri Lanka’s governance landscape—ensuring transparency is not only a policy but a lived national value.

Sri Lanka has unveiled an ambitious five-year roadmap to transform its digital economy, aiming for a fivefold boost in digital GDP—from 3–4% to over 15%—alongside a threefold surge in digital exports and a doubling of the digital workforce to 200,000.

 The plan, presented by Chief Presidential Adviser on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, marks a significant pivot from past fragmented digital efforts to a comprehensive, trust-driven strategy aimed at making Sri Lanka globally competitive.

Speaking at the inaugural Data Privacy and Protection Summit in Colombo, Dr. Wijayasuriya described the digital economy as a “whole-of-economy tool” for macroeconomic acceleration. The roadmap positions digital infrastructure, trust-based governance, legal frameworks, and institutional reform as cornerstones of this transformation.

In contrast to previous administrations’ slower, more isolated efforts—such as the early introduction of broadband and e-government services under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration and sporadic attempts at digitisation since 2010—this new strategy embraces integration and interoperability.

 Earlier momentum was stalled due to weak policy design, limited cross-sector alignment, and siloed digital infrastructure, Dr. Wijayasuriya noted.

Now, the government plans to develop an open-source, API-driven digital public infrastructure. Key components include a unique digital identity, biometric verification, federated data exchanges, e-lockers, and digital signatures—all enabling plug-and-play access for private innovators and public service providers.

“We don’t need to rebuild the grid, just plug into it,” he remarked, stressing the need for scalable, efficient systems across healthcare, education, finance, and transport.

Crucially, the new framework mandates universal broadband access, improved affordability, and expanded digital literacy nationwide—ensuring that rural and underprivileged areas are not left behind.

Dr. Wijayasuriya emphasised that digital transformation must also be cultural and managerial, requiring Ministries, civil services, and businesses to integrate digital operations as core strategy—not side projects.

The strategy introduces robust governance mechanisms, including a new Digital Economy Act, updates to cybersecurity legislation, and full enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Institutions like the Digital Economy Authority and Data Protection Authority will steer regulatory oversight, ensuring global-standard data privacy, ethical tech use, and internet governance.

To address infrastructure gaps, particularly in AI computing, the blueprint recommends hybrid cloud-first models and data embassies to lower costs while preserving data sovereignty. Innovation-enabling regulation—such as sandboxes and gradual law enforcement—will encourage experimentation without risking compliance.

As Dr. Wijayasuriya put it, “Governance and trust—not just low cost—are today’s benchmarks for digital competitiveness.” The strategy empowers local startups, supports initiatives like Code4Lanka, and seeks to modernise public administration and citizen services using AI and smart technologies.

With execution now in the spotlight, Sri Lanka’s bold digital pivot depends on timely coordination across sectors. The vision is clear: shift the entire economy—not just tech—and make Sri Lanka a global digital force.

Rewritten News Report:
The Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) has donated Rs. 100 million to the President’s Fund, according to a statement released by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The donation was officially handed over by LIOC Managing Director Dipak Das to Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, during a ceremony held today (July 4) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

The PMD noted that this contribution is in addition to LIOC’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka’s education, health, and cultural sectors, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to national development and social welfare.

Also in attendance at the event were Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage and several representatives from LIOC.

Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Minister and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriyaemphasized the urgent need to reposition vocational education as a core pillar of Sri Lanka’s education system, stating that it will become a decisive subject in the country’s future development.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the launch of the “Shrama Meheyuma” programme held yesterday (July 4) at the Gampaha Technical College. The nationwide initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, aims to revamp vocational training institutions and establish a well-structured, modern, and attractive institutional system to support national revival.

“I’m deeply thankful for the initiative taken by Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage in bringing this programme to life. While Shrama Meheyuma may be the starting point, our larger goal is to place vocational education at the forefront of national discourse,” the Prime Minister said.

She stressed that the Education Ministry bears the responsibility for preparing human resources for the modern labour market, yet the role of vocational training often remains underappreciated. “Vocational education should not be seen as a fallback option. It is a smart, practical, and vital choice that contributes significantly to both individual empowerment and national growth,” she added.

As part of the 2026 education reforms, vocational education will receive special attention, with plans to integrate training into the school curriculum itself. These reforms aim to shift public perception and encourage informed, deliberate decisions among students based on their skills and interests.

Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage, addressing the gathering, said: “To achieve the Government’s vision of a dignified life and national revival, our institutions must modernize. While today’s youth are evolving with technology, our institutions must catch up. Shrama Meheyuma spans 311 institutions with over 160,000 participants, marking only the beginning of a larger transformation.”

Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe acknowledged that while enrolment in vocational courses is growing, some centres face student shortages. He attributed this to gaps in the general education system and pledged to strengthen Labour Ministry-run institutions to ensure quality and accessibility.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Withanage, MP Lasith Bhaskantha, Ministry Secretary Nalaka Kaluwawa, Gampaha Mayor, District Secretary, and Gampaha Technical College Principal P.M.K. Gomes, along with government officials, parents, and students.

The Shrama Meheyuma initiative is seen as a critical step in transforming vocational training into a respected and central pathway, aligned with the country’s socio-economic needs and aspirations for the future.

The Anuradhapura District’s anti-HIV programme has recorded significant success, with a marked drop in new infections and continued expansion of awareness and testing initiatives, according to Anuradhapura Divisional Health Services Deputy Director Dr. Dhammika De Silva.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Anuradhapura AIDS Prevention Committee, held at the North Central Provincial Health Services Director’s Office, Dr. De Silva stated that the district currently has adequate laboratory facilities for blood testing, including an online system, and is conducting well-structured awareness programmes.

Consultant Venereologist Dr. Ajith Karawita revealed that while 21 HIV-positive cases were identified in 2024, only four new cases have been reported so far in 2025. Since 2003, a total of 155 HIV cases have been documented in the district, with 97% of those patients now living healthy lives due to consistent treatment and monitoring.

He also noted that over 12,500 blood tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, were conducted in 2024 alone. “The programme continues without interruption,” Dr. Karawita confirmed.

Dr. Hema Weerakoon, of the Sexual Health Centre at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, shared that 150,000 condoms were distributed in the district last year as part of prevention efforts. Nationwide, the Ministry aims to distribute 5 million condoms in 2025 to reduce unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs.

Statistics shared during the meeting indicated that more than 600 people in Sri Lanka seek medical treatment each year for various STIs. Genital herpes remains the most commonly reported infection, followed by gonorrhea, syphilis, and genital warts.

Current estimates suggest that approximately 4,000 individuals in Sri Lanka are living with HIV. Experts warned that multiple sexually transmitted infections are spread through unprotected sexual contact, with eight major pathogens linked to high transmission rates. Of these, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are curable, while HIV, hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable but manageable.

Dr. Karawita also highlighted that anal sex carries the highest risk of HIV transmission, with a 5% risk, compared to 0.1% for vaginal sex, due to the vulnerability of the anal mucosa to trauma and exposure to blood, facilitating virus transmission.

Health officials emphasized the continued importance of education, testing, and protection in curbing the spread of HIV and other STIs, especially among high-risk groups and rural populations.

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National Transport Commission (NTC) Director General Naomi Jayawardena has urged passengers to report any violations of the newly implemented bus fare revision by calling the NTC hotline 1955.

The NTC recently announced a 0.55% reduction in bus fares, effective from yesterday, as part of the annual fare adjustment. While the minimum fare of Rs. 27 and the next two lowest fare tiers—Rs. 35 and Rs. 45—remain unchanged, revised fares apply from the fourth fare band onward, Jayawardena said.

According to the fare revision:

• Fares such as Rs. 56, 77, 87, 117, 136, and 141 will be reduced by Rs. 1.
• Several other fare bands will see reductions of Rs. 2 or Rs. 3, depending on the distance.

Jayawardena also emphasized that all buses must display the updated fare charts clearly. If passengers are overcharged or denied tickets, they are encouraged to file complaints through the hotline. “We will treat all complaints seriously,” she assured.

To ensure compliance, the NTC Flying Squad will operate round the clock to inspect buses and take action against non-compliant drivers and conductors.

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Former Minister S. M. Chandrasena was arrested yesterday (July 4) by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on charges related to the misuse of public resources for political gain. He was subsequently remanded until July 18 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

Chandrasena was taken into custody after appearing before CIABOC to record a statement regarding an ongoing investigation. In an official statement issued following the arrest, CIABOC revealed that the charges pertain to the unlawful distribution of maize seeds to political allies in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, causing a financial loss to the Government.

According to the investigation, Chandrasena allegedly pressured the Planning Director and other officials at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat to divert government maize seed stocks for distribution among his political supporters, in an effort to influence voter support during the election.

CIABOC officials produced Chandrasena before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his remand custody until July 18 as inquiries continue.

This arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for election-related corruption and abuse of state resources.

Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts during the afternoon or night.

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

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