The International Monetary Fund’s latest endorsement of Sri Lanka’s monetary policy may appear reassuring on the surface, but beneath the optimistic rhetoric lies a far more fragile economic reality that could test the survival of the island’s recovery under the JVP-led National People’s Power Government.

Speaking from Washington, IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou declared Sri Lanka’s monetary policy stance “broadly appropriate” despite the Central Bank’s recent 100-basis-point interest rate hike. The IMF also approved the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility, unlocking nearly $700 million in fresh financing. While the announcement was welcomed by markets, economists warn that the IMF’s cautious optimism should not be mistaken for long-term confidence in the Government’s economic management capabilities.

Papageorgiou highlighted stabilising inflation, improving foreign reserves, and continued growth momentum as signs that the economy remains on track. Inflation, which once soared to nearly 70% during the catastrophic 2022 crisis, has now fallen to low single digits. The Central Bank’s shift away from money printing and deficit financing was also praised as a major structural reform.

However critics argue that the IMF’s technical approval does not address the growing concerns surrounding the Government’s political inexperience, weak diplomatic communication, and lack of international negotiation strategy. Analysts note that the NPP administration continues to struggle in managing relations with key donor countries, multilateral lenders, and foreign investors at a time when Sri Lanka remains dangerously dependent on external financing.

Diplomatic observers point out that Sri Lanka’s foreign affairs machinery has shown limited effectiveness in rebuilding confidence among Western powers, regional lenders, and global institutions. While the IMF remains engaged due to the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s recovery, uncertainty persists over whether the current administration possesses the institutional sophistication necessary to navigate increasingly complex geopolitical and economic pressures.

Papageorgiou defended the flexible exchange rate regime, describing the rupee as a “shock absorber” against external disruptions such as rising oil prices and Middle East instability. However, economists warn that excessive currency flexibility without strong export growth and foreign investment inflows could expose ordinary citizens to renewed inflationary shocks and a higher cost of living.

The IMF’s 3% growth projection may still be achievable, but sustaining it requires investor confidence, political stability, and disciplined governance. Critics fear the Government’s ideological rigidity and weak global engagement could undermine future negotiations with creditors and development partners.

While the IMF continues to support Sri Lanka’s reform path, the island’s long-term recovery may ultimately depend less on monetary discipline and more on whether its leaders can build trust abroad, communicate effectively with global stakeholders, and avoid repeating the policy confusion that triggered the nation’s worst economic collapse.

The government plans to recruit 13,600 nurses to the public health service between 2025 and 2029, with nearly half of that target expected to be achieved before the end of this year, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced.

The minister made the remarks while attending a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to award appointments to 515 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing graduates.

The graduates were appointed as Grade III Nursing Officers after completing their nursing degrees at state universities and successfully undergoing a six-month Nursing Orientation and Coordination Training programme conducted at 31 government hospitals across the country.

Under the Health Ministry’s recruitment programme, the newly appointed nurses will be assigned to vacancies at national hospitals, teaching hospitals and district general hospitals managed by the central government.

Minister Jayatissa said the latest appointments represent a significant step towards achieving the government’s five-year recruitment target. A further 2,867 nursing appointments are scheduled for October, which will bring total recruitment under the programme to approximately 50 percent of the overall target.

The government had already recruited 3,441 nursing graduates from nursing schools last year. With the addition of the 515 newly appointed officers, a total of 3,956 nurses have joined the public health service over the past year.

According to the ministry, the total number of nursing appointments made during 2025 and 2026 is expected to reach 6,823. A further 1,949 recruits are scheduled to receive appointments in 2028, while another 2,920 are expected to join the service by mid-2029.

The recruitment initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to address staffing shortages, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and support the future expansion of health services in line with international standards.

The latest intake is also notable as it marks the first recruitment of BSc Nursing graduates to Grade III nursing positions since 2021.

Sri Lanka has officially launched the second phase of its programme to offer underutilized state plantation lands and assets for investment, as part of efforts to transform dormant public resources into productive economic opportunities.

The initiative, introduced under the 2025 Budget by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is aimed at improving land productivity, attracting investment, and supporting regional economic development.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the latest phase includes a wide range of investment opportunities involving plantation lands, tea factories, bungalows, agro-tourism projects, renewable energy ventures, and value-added agricultural enterprises.

The investment opportunities are located across several districts, including Kandy, Matale, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Monaragala, Kegalle, and Galle.

Key sectors identified for development include agricultural tourism, spice cultivation, renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, plantation modernization, and value-added manufacturing.

According to the Deputy Minister, the available assets have been categorized into various scales, ranging from large plantation estates exceeding 100 hectares to smaller strategic land parcels. Existing facilities such as tea factories and plantation bungalows are also being offered for development.

The programme is open to both local and foreign investors, while Sri Lankan individuals and legally established business entities are eligible to participate through long-term development partnerships.

The Government expects the initiative to help unlock regional economic potential, create employment opportunities, modernize plantation industries, strengthen export-oriented sectors, and promote sustainable investment in tourism and renewable energy.

Further information on the available investment opportunities can be accessed through the procurement section of the Ministry of Plantation Industries’ official website, Abeysinghe said.

Germany’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Felix Neumann, has welcomed the Government’s anti-corruption efforts while stressing the need for further reforms to improve the ease of doing business and modernise public services.

Speaking at the Sri Lanka–German Business Forum 2026 held in Colombo on Thursday, Ambassador Neumann said Sri Lanka needs a clear strategy focused on business facilitation, public sector modernisation, and policy consistency.

“While the Government has taken strong strides in anti-corruption measures, challenges remain. The announced improvements are necessary, with a clear strategy in ease of doing business, modernisation of the public sector and processes, as well as consistent policies. We are hopeful that these reforms will take shape in the near future,” he said.

The Ambassador noted that Sri Lanka has been a strong advocate of multilateralism and has played an active role in raising concerns related to maritime security.

“These values are an essential part of doing business where predictability is important,” he added.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the forum as Chief Guest, while Chief Delegate of the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK Sri Lanka), Martin Klose, was also present.

Ambassador Neumann highlighted the resilience shown by both Sri Lankan and German businesses in overcoming challenges and adapting to changing circumstances.

“Both Sri Lanka and Germany have had more than their fair share of difficulties and, of course, successes. Both business communities and entrepreneurs remained resilient, facing every challenge and using opportunities,” he said.

He also identified Sri Lanka’s English-speaking and educated workforce as a key factor behind the country’s achievements.

Commenting on changing global dynamics, the Ambassador said Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean places it in a strong position to benefit from growing East-West trade.

“In a changing global world order where traditional political relations are being reviewed, there is an opportunity for both countries, especially as Sri Lanka is geographically strategically located, which becomes increasingly vital in East-West trade,” he said.

He further noted that Germany is seeking to expand its network of international partners and believes Sri Lanka is well positioned to play a greater role in that effort.

“Germany is looking at expanding its network of new partners and Sri Lanka is well placed to be such a partner, especially for Germany. In this regard as well, Sri Lanka and Germany are a good fit, and these opportunities should be further explored by both countries,” he added.

The Ambassador also highlighted Germany’s longstanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s vocational training sector, noting that German-supported initiatives dating back to 1959 have helped develop a skilled workforce with internationally recognised qualifications.

Sri Lanka Police have urged the public not to be misled by fraudulent messages circulating on social media claiming that the Police Department has introduced a facility to pay fines for traffic violations.

In a statement, the Police Media Division said numerous complaints have been received regarding these cyber threats, which are currently targeting members of the public.

Police warned that the messages are fake and advised the public to exercise caution when interacting with links, messages, or online platforms claiming to offer traffic fine payment services.

Authorities further urged individuals to immediately follow recommended cyber safety measures to avoid becoming victims of online scams and other cyber threats.

Police also requested the public to report any suspicious messages or incidents to the relevant authorities.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says fostering a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential to steer them away from narcotics and other social evils, emphasizing that religious leaders, particularly the Maha Sangha, have a significant role to play in this effort.

The President made these remarks while attending the Vaishakya Festival 2026 held at the Ganewewa Purana Viharaya in Nikaweratiya yesterday (May 29).

Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake stated that, for the first time in Sri Lanka, the political protection that previously existed for drug trafficking and organised crime has been dismantled.

“I can confidently assure you that none of those individuals receive political patronage any longer,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies are working continuously to combat organised crime and narcotics trafficking.

The President noted that while the government can address the issue through laws, regulations, and state institutions, lasting solutions require a deeper transformation within society.

“That is why monks such as Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera are so important. Creating a religious awakening among the younger generation is essential to shutting this destructive gateway,” he said.

President Dissanayake highlighted the influence of modern technology on youth, noting that while it provides unprecedented opportunities for education, communication, and development, it also exposes young people to harmful influences, including drugs, abuse, and criminal networks.

He revealed that since the launch of the government’s anti-drug campaign on October 31 last year, authorities have seized significant quantities of narcotics within seven months, while warning that much larger volumes may still be circulating in society.

“Our greatest challenge today is how to guide this younger generation, which is heading towards this destructive gateway, towards a future that is safe and meaningful,” he said.

The President praised the religious and social work carried out by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera, particularly his efforts to engage young people through Dhamma teachings and spiritual guidance.

He noted that nearly 3.5 million people, many of them young, had been reached through the Thera’s recent Dhamma programmes.

President Dissanayake also stressed the need to establish a new framework of ethics and values in society, encouraging young people to respect elders, appreciate diversity, and embrace compassion toward all cultures, ethnicities, and religions.

During the event, the book “Divi Man Sadaham,” compiled from sermons delivered by Ven. Kathnoruwe Siridhamma Thera, was officially launched along with the temple’s mobile application.

The newly constructed Dhamma Hall, Bodhighara, bell tower, and alms hall of the temple were also ceremonially inaugurated.

The event was attended by senior members of the Maha Sangha, religious leaders, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, North Western Province Governor Tissa Warnasuriya, Members of Parliament, government officials, indigenous leader Vannila Aththo, and a large gathering of devotees.

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 and Batticaloa districts after 1.00 pm.

Fairly strong winds about (30-40) kmph can be expected at times over Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, 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

Roger Srivasan

Justice must be administered impartially and without favour, firmly rooted in the sacrosanct principle of innocent until proven guilty. The law derives its legitimacy not from the status, wealth, influence, or religious standing of those who stand before it, but from its equal application to all.
It is therefore understandable that the President’s recent proposal to establish an alternative judicial pathway for religious dignitaries has generated considerable public debate. Many law-abiding citizens have expressed concern that such a measure could create the perception of a two-tier system of justice within a unitary state—one for ordinary citizens and another for those occupying positions of religious authority.
The timing of this proposal is particularly unfortunate. Public confidence in institutions has already been tested by a succession of controversies, allegations, and scandals that have dominated public discourse. Fairly or unfairly, sections of the clergy have found themselves subjected to heightened scrutiny, while calls for greater accountability have grown louder. At such a moment, the public is unlikely to be reassured by arrangements that appear to confer special treatment upon any group.
The issue is not whether religious leaders deserve respect. They unquestionably do. Religious institutions play a vital role in the moral and spiritual life of the nation. However, respect for religious office cannot and must not translate into legal privilege. The robe, the cassock, the turban, or any other religious vestment should neither diminish nor enhance one’s obligations before the law.
A mature democracy is measured by its willingness to uphold equal justice even when doing so is uncomfortable. Once exceptions are carved out for particular groups, however well-intentioned, the principle of equality before the law begins to erode. What starts as a seemingly modest concession may become a slippery slope, inviting demands for further exemptions and creating uncertainty about where the boundaries should lie.
The answer is not to construct parallel avenues of justice, but to strengthen public confidence in the existing system by ensuring that investigations are conducted professionally, prosecutions are undertaken fairly, and verdicts are reached without fear or favour. The law should protect the innocent, punish the guilty, and remain blind to rank, influence, and religious standing.
My message to all religious leaders is simple: public office, public influence, and public reverence inevitably bring public scrutiny. If one cannot withstand that scrutiny, one should not seek the privileges and responsibilities that accompany positions of trust. To borrow a familiar expression: if you cannot stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen.
A nation is not led into prosperity by hollow declarations, but by the unwavering application of one law for all and special favours for none.

Sri Lanka has launched an urgent overhaul of its agricultural export controls following serious concerns raised by European regulators over excessive pesticide residues found in locally exported fruits and vegetables.

The Cabinet of Ministers earlier this week approved new regulations mandating that all fresh produce exports to the European Union must comply with Sri Lankan Good Agricultural Practices (SL-GAP) certification standards. Only registered exporters operating through authorised processing and packaging facilities will be permitted to handle shipments bound for European markets.

The decision comes after the European Commission’s Health and Food Safety Regulatory Authority detected pesticide residue levels in certain Sri Lankan agricultural exports that exceeded the EU’s legally permitted Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). Officials described the contamination levels as posing a significant food safety concern.

European Union member states enforce a highly coordinated food safety regime designed to protect consumers from harmful chemical exposure. Imported products failing to satisfy these standards can face rejection at ports, stricter inspections, and potentially damaging trade restrictions.

The warning has exposed weaknesses in Sri Lanka’s agricultural monitoring systems, particularly regarding chemical usage, traceability, and export quality assurance. Authorities now face growing pressure to restore confidence among European buyers and regulators before the issue escalates further.

Government officials say the newly approved measures are intended to strengthen oversight across the entire export supply chain. Enhanced testing systems, tighter certification procedures, and improved product traceability are expected to become central pillars of the new framework.

The reforms are also likely to increase accountability among growers and exporters, many of whom will now be compelled to adopt safer agrochemical practices and internationally accepted cultivation methods in order to retain access to high-value overseas markets.

Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha presented the proposal as concerns mounted over the long-term implications for Sri Lanka’s export economy.

The European Union remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important trading partners, accounting for 25.5% of total merchandise exports. According to official trade figures, exports to EU markets climbed 4.97% year-on-year to $224.42 million in April 2026. Cumulative exports during the first four months of the year increased 4.62% to nearly $997 million.

Fresh fruit and vegetable exports generated approximately $27.5 million between January and April 2026, underscoring the economic significance of maintaining uninterrupted access to European markets.

Trade experts warn that the latest developments could place considerable financial strain on producers, particularly small-scale farmers who may struggle to meet the costs associated with certification, laboratory testing, and compliance upgrades.

At the same time, exporters fear that any additional scrutiny from European authorities could slow shipments and undermine Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable agricultural supplier.

Although the Government maintains that the tougher standards are essential for protecting export earnings and ensuring consumer safety, industry observers caution that implementation challenges could determine whether the reforms ultimately strengthen or destabilise the country’s agricultural export sector.