The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has approved new regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021, according to an official statement from Parliament.

The regulations, issued via Gazette No. 2475/28 dated February 13, 2026, introduce changes to duty-free retail operations within the Colombo Port City, including easing restrictions on purchases by Sri Lankan citizens.

The move is aimed at increasing local participation in retail activity within the zone, particularly as foreign tourist arrivals to the Port City remain low—accounting for around 1.5% of total visitors. Authorities believe the policy shift will help improve the commercial viability of duty-free outlets.

COPF was also informed that the Port City Economic Commission is closely monitoring the potential misuse of duty-free goods entering the local market through unauthorised channels.

In addition, the Committee approved amendments to regulations issued under several gazette notifications dated January 16, 2026, relating to the Termination of Employment of Workmen Act (TEWA).

The revisions follow a petition filed before the Court of Appeal, prompting the government to adjust an earlier policy decision. Under the new framework, only Sections 2, 11, and 12 of the Act will be exempted for certain strategically important businesses, while the remaining provisions will continue to apply.

Officials further noted that steps are being taken to extend similar exemptions to other categories of strategically important enterprises, identified as Secondary Businesses of Strategic Importance (Secondary BSI).

Remittances from Sri Lankan migrant workers increased by 26.5% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, citing Central Bank data.

A total of $2.294 billion was received between January and March 2026, up from $1.815 billion recorded during the first three months of 2025.

Monthly inflows stood at $751 million in January, $729 million in February, and $815 million in March.

The Bureau attributed the growth to improved financial confidence and increased use of formal remittance channels encouraged by authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire with Hezbollah by three weeks following talks held at the White House.

Trump said discussions between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States “went very well,” marking the second round of high-level negotiations since last week. The initial 10-day ceasefire, which began last Friday, had been due to expire on Monday.

“The United States is going to work with Lebanon in order to help it protect itself from Hezbollah,” Trump said, adding that he hopes to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in the near future.

The talks included senior U.S. officials such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside diplomats from both countries.

Lebanese representatives expressed appreciation for U.S. mediation efforts, while Israel reiterated its position that disarming Hezbollah remains key to lasting peace. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the militant group as the main obstacle to normalisation between the two countries.

Lebanon, meanwhile, is expected to push for broader negotiations aimed at a permanent ceasefire, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops, release of detainees, and reconstruction efforts in affected areas.

Despite the extension, tensions remain high. Hezbollah has rejected the talks, stating it will not adhere to any agreements reached through direct negotiations.

The conflict, which escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in early March, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with thousands killed and over a million people affected in Lebanon.

While the ceasefire extension offers temporary relief, both sides have reported violations, underscoring the fragility of the truce.

The Department of Examinations has announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the 2026 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination will expire today (24) at 12.00 midnight.

According to Commissioner General of Examinations A.K.S. Indika Kumari Liyanage, applications have been accepted exclusively through the online platform from March 24 to April 24, 2026.

The Department emphasised that the application process will be strictly closed after the deadline, and no extensions will be granted under any circumstances.

Applicants seeking further information are advised to contact the Department of Examinations via the following channels:

• Telephone: 0112785922 / 0112784208 / 0112784537
• Fax: 0112784422
• Email: [email protected]

Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.

Fairly heavy falls above 75 mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Southern provinces.

Showers may occur in the coastal areas of Southern province and Kalutara district during the morning.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, North-central and Uva provinces and in Vavuniya and Kurunegala 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.