The Ministry of Education has informed students sitting for the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination that schools will remain open until August 7, providing additional time for revision and final examination preparation.

According to the 2026 school calendar, the first phase of the third school term for Sinhala and Tamil medium schools will run from July 27 to August 7, offering a total of nine school days ahead of the examination.

The Ministry has urged candidates to make full use of the remaining classroom sessions and maintain regular attendance to maximize their preparation for the national examination.

The 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination is scheduled to be held from August 10 to September 5, 2026.

Meanwhile, education authorities stated that all necessary arrangements for the conduct of the examination have been finalized, with thousands of candidates expected to sit the examination across the country.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced a financial assistance package worth US$ 4 billion to support 15 countries, including Sri Lanka, in mitigating the economic impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

According to the ADB, the package comprises approximately US$ 3 billion in financing requested by governments and an additional US$ 1 billion in trade finance support for energy and food imports.

“ADB is acting with speed and scale to support countries experiencing a range of impacts from the Middle East conflict, including pressure on finances, remittances, tourism, and fuel and fertilizer supplies,” ADB President Masato Kanda said.

“At this time of acute uncertainty and risk, we are deploying our full suite of crisis response instruments, including budget support, trade finance, and a new mechanism to rapidly repurpose existing portfolio funds to deliver the tailored and timely support our members need to safeguard their economies and communities,” he added.

The ADB stated that it has received formal requests for assistance from 15 affected countries across the region, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Fiji, and the Philippines.

The requested support packages range from US$ 15 million to US$ 1.5 billion and include policy-based loans, countercyclical financing, emergency assistance loans, and the rapid reallocation of funds from existing sovereign projects.

The development bank also revealed that discussions are ongoing with four additional countries experiencing continued economic challenges linked to the conflict.

Separately, India has requested US$ 1.5 billion in ADB financing to strengthen economic resilience and advance key reform initiatives.

The proposed assistance for India includes a US$ 1 billion policy-based loan under its Urban Transformation and Investment Program and a further US$ 500 million for the Accelerating Affordable and Inclusive Rooftop Solar Systems Development Program.

ADB said the solar initiative aims to expand access to clean energy, reduce reliance on imported fuels, strengthen domestic manufacturing, enhance battery storage capacity, promote circular economy practices, and improve long-term energy security.

The latest support package follows a broader financial assistance programme announced by the ADB in March to help member countries address the economic fallout from global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.

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

Fairly heavy falls about 75 mm are likely at some places in these areas.

A few showers may occur in Hambantota and Anuradhapura districts.

Strong winds about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern and North-central provinces and in Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over other areas of island.

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

Colombo Port City has secured Cabinet approval for 77 Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSIs), marking one of the most significant investment announcements since the launch of Sri Lanka’s flagship Special Economic Zone (SEZ). However, while officials celebrate the milestone as a breakthrough for foreign investment, questions remain over how quickly these ambitious projects will translate into tangible economic gains.

The approvals, granted in April 2026 under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act, cover a diverse range of sectors, including real estate, information technology, logistics, tourism, and regional headquarters operations.

Among the most prominent beneficiaries are Prime Melwa Port City Ltd. and Marina Hotel Holdings Ltd., which are jointly developing a marina-front residential and leisure project, as well as Home Lands Port City Ltd., which plans a mixed-use complex near the development’s Central Park precinct.

According to official estimates, land acquisition and project development commitments linked to these primary investments are valued at approximately Rs.125 billion. Authorities expect foreign capital inflows of around $262 million over the next five years.

Developers report strong interest from potential investors and buyers, suggesting confidence in Colombo Port City’s emerging real estate market. Yet analysts note that investor enthusiasm alone may not guarantee sustained demand, particularly in a region where competing financial and business hubs continue to attract global capital.

Government officials argue that the Port City’s regulatory framework and investor incentives provide a competitive advantage. The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) maintains that the Special Economic Zone offers a streamlined business environment designed to attract long-term investment and internationally traded services.

The approvals follow the enactment of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2026, legislation intended to strengthen governance, simplify regulatory oversight, and improve investor confidence.

As Sri Lanka seeks to accelerate economic recovery and attract foreign direct investment, the success of these projects will likely be measured not by approval numbers alone, but by the extent to which promised investments materialise, jobs are created, and foreign exchange earnings reach projected levels.

Sri Lanka’s currency market witnessed a dramatic turnaround this week as the rupee recorded one of its strongest single-day gains against the US dollar following a decisive intervention by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The move, aimed at accelerating the conversion of export earnings into local currency, has reignited debate over exchange-rate management, export competitiveness, and the broader health of the economy.

The rupee strengthened sharply on Wednesday, with the USD/LKR spot rate closing at Rs. 332.25/333.00, a significant appreciation from Tuesday’s close of Rs. 337.00/337.75. The rebound came just hours after the CBSL announced a major regulatory change requiring exporters to convert their foreign currency earnings within 30 days, down from the previous 90-day period.

The policy shift follows weeks of mounting pressure on the currency. Earlier this week, the rupee had weakened steadily, sliding from around Rs. 330 per dollar to an intraday low exceeding Rs. 337. Market analysts say the depreciation was driven by a surge in dollar demand from importers seeking to hedge against potential disruptions to global trade routes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

At the same time, exporters were accused of delaying the conversion of their foreign exchange earnings, anticipating further depreciation of the rupee and the possibility of securing higher returns later. This practice effectively reduced the supply of dollars available in the domestic market, contributing to increased exchange-rate volatility.

By shortening the conversion deadline, the Central Bank has deployed a powerful liquidity-management tool designed to force a quicker inflow of export-generated foreign currency into the banking system. The immediate market reaction suggests the strategy has succeeded in boosting dollar availability and restoring confidence among traders.

However, the measure raises important questions about its longer-term impact on Sri Lanka’s export sector. Exporters argue that tighter conversion rules reduce flexibility in managing foreign currency receipts, particularly for firms that rely on imported raw materials and maintain international payment obligations. Some industry representatives warn that excessive regulatory intervention could increase operational costs and weaken competitiveness in global markets.

Economists, however, view the move differently. They argue that a stable exchange rate is critical for maintaining investor confidence, controlling inflation, and supporting economic recovery. A stronger rupee can reduce the cost of imports, particularly fuel, machinery, and essential goods, helping businesses and consumers alike. It can also ease pressure on foreign debt servicing and contribute to overall macroeconomic stability.

The CBSL maintains that Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange fundamentals remain strong, supported by healthy export earnings, robust worker remittances, and growing tourism revenues. The latest regulation is therefore seen not as a crisis response but as a mechanism to ensure that foreign exchange generated by the economy enters the financial system more efficiently.

Whether the rupee’s recovery proves sustainable will depend on future export performance, global economic conditions, and the willingness of market participants to adapt to the Central Bank’s tighter regulatory framework. For now, the message from policymakers is clear: speculative holding of export dollars will no longer dictate the direction of Sri Lanka’s currency market.

Japan’s latest assistance package to Sri Lanka highlights a paradox increasingly visible in the country’s development landscape: generous international support continues to arrive, but the pace of implementation remains frustratingly slow.

In addition to committing US$1.33 million through UNDP for cyclone recovery initiatives, Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata recently handed over six refrigerated trucks to the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and secured an additional 200 million yen to strengthen Sri Lanka’s cold-chain infrastructure. The objective is clear reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security, and support economic recovery.

These contributions reinforce Japan’s longstanding role as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable development partners. However the question increasingly being asked by affected communities, development experts, and local administrators is why so much externally funded assistance struggles to translate into rapid outcomes.

The cyclone recovery programme administered through UNDP is designed to improve waste management systems, rehabilitate community facilities, and promote climate-smart housing solutions. The project carries the ambitious goal of transforming disaster recovery into long-term resilience.

On paper, the framework is sound. In practice, however, implementation challenges continue to undermine progress.

Field-level officials describe a system weighed down by procedural delays. Project proposals often move through multiple government agencies before approvals are granted. Procurement processes remain lengthy, while coordination between ministries, provincial councils, and local authorities frequently becomes a source of delay.

Economic analysts point to another factor: the government’s cautious spending approach. Faced with fiscal constraints and pressure to maintain credibility with international lenders, authorities appear reluctant to release funds rapidly without exhaustive reviews. While fiscal discipline is important, critics argue that excessive caution can become counterproductive when communities urgently require assistance.

There are also concerns regarding institutional capacity. Years of economic crisis have weakened many public institutions, leaving them understaffed and overstretched. Even when funds are available, local agencies often lack sufficient technical expertise to prepare project documents, manage procurement, and oversee implementation efficiently.

Political observers note that the NPP administration entered office promising greater accountability and transparency in public spending. While these objectives have broad public support, the resulting emphasis on compliance and scrutiny may inadvertently be slowing project execution. Officials often prefer delaying decisions rather than risking criticism over procedural shortcomings.

The consequences are becoming increasingly visible. Delayed infrastructure rehabilitation prolongs vulnerability to future disasters. Slow housing reconstruction affects thousands of families. Waste management challenges remain unresolved despite available funding and technical assistance.

Japan’s continued willingness to provide grants, equipment, and development financing demonstrates enduring confidence in Sri Lanka’s recovery potential. Nevertheless, donor-funded programmes can only achieve their intended impact when matched by efficient domestic implementation mechanisms.

Unless bureaucratic bottlenecks are removed, institutional capacity strengthened, and decision-making accelerated, Sri Lanka risks creating a troubling pattern in which foreign assistance arrives promptly while reconstruction efforts advance at a pace far slower than the needs of the people they are intended to serve

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament that no official Cabinet approval has been granted to extend the retirement age of judges in Sri Lanka’s judicial system, including those serving in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

The Minister made the statement in response to questions raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27(2) in Parliament.

Nanayakkara noted that several professional groups have requested an increase in retirement ages, citing factors such as rising life expectancy and the migration of experienced professionals. However, he stressed that the Cabinet has neither approved nor finalized any proposal to extend the retirement age of judges.

“As a Government, we are considering these requests positively,” the Minister said, adding that while some proposals appear reasonable, others may be politically motivated.

He emphasized that no official decision has yet been taken on the matter.

The Minister also reiterated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and ensuring that judicial vacancies are filled.

He explained that the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal falls under the authority of the President and that the Presidential Secretariat is currently taking steps regarding the appointment process.

“At present, I do not have information regarding the timeline or methodology being followed to fill those vacancies,” Nanayakkara said.

Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against 2,401 property owners who failed to comply with health regulations during the three-day National Dengue Mosquito Control Programme, which concluded on Wednesday.

The National Dengue Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media said a further 3,348 Red Notices containing legal directives were issued during the islandwide operation, which was conducted across 72 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) divisions in 14 districts.

According to the programme’s final report, officials inspected 97,871 premises over the three-day period. Of these, 25,626 premises (26.2%) were identified as potential dengue mosquito breeding sites, while dengue larvae were detected in 6,268 locations (6.4%).

The report revealed that factories and construction sites recorded the highest prevalence of mosquito larvae. Around 32.9% of inspected factory premises and 21.8% of construction sites were found to contain dengue mosquito larvae.

Among the 89,417 residential properties inspected, larvae were discovered in 5,250 homes.

Health authorities said immediate corrective measures were taken during inspections, with 21,025 premises cleaned and rectified on-site to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.

The special programme targeted high-risk areas identified by Medical Officers of Health and the Director General of Health Services. Inspections covered residential properties, government and private institutions, schools, workplaces, religious sites, industrial premises, commercial establishments, vacant lands, and both public and privately owned abandoned properties.

The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the Tri-Forces, Police, government institutions, MOH offices, non-governmental organisations, community groups, Public Health Inspectors, Medical Officers of Health, and dengue control assistants.

Health authorities have urged the public to continue maintaining clean surroundings and eliminate stagnant water sources to help prevent the spread of dengue.