News

Following the successful conclusion of his participation at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has departed for Japan.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), he left John F. Kennedy International Airport last night (September 25) to commence an official visit to Japan, which will take place from September 27 to 30, at the invitation of the Japanese government.

During the visit, President Dissanayake is scheduled to hold an audience with His Majesty the Emperor of Japan and engage in a summit meeting with the Japanese Prime Minister to discuss a wide range of matters of mutual interest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism stated.

President Dissanayake will also address a Business Forum attended by senior representatives of major Japanese corporations and investors, focusing on emerging economic opportunities in Sri Lanka. Additionally, he will participate in “EXPO 2025 Osaka” as a Guest of the Government of Japan on the occasion of Sri Lanka Day, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage and economic potential to an international audience.

The President will further meet with members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community in Japan. He will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, along with senior government officials.

The Ministry noted that the visit aims to further consolidate and strengthen the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Sri Lanka has recorded the arrival of 111,823 tourists so far this September, according to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Among the visitors, India leads with 32,570 tourists, accounting for 29.1% of the total. Other top contributors include the United Kingdom (8,021), Germany (6,994), China (6,316), and Australia (6,097).

With the latest September arrivals, the total number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka in 2025 has reached 1,678,346. India remains the largest source, with 358,165 arrivals, followed by the UK with 159,162 and Russia with 121,116 visitors, the SLTDA reported.

The figures highlight a continued recovery in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, with international arrivals steadily rising across key markets.

Parliament Receives 2026 Appropriation Bill; Total Government Expenditure Set at Rs. 4,434 Billion

The Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2026 was presented to Parliament today (26) by the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Gazetted on September 18, the Bill outlines the allocation of funds for government expenditure in the upcoming financial year. This marks the second budget to be presented by the National People’s Power (NPP) government. According to the Bill, total government expenditure for 2026 is projected at Rs. 4,434 billion.

The Ministry of Finance is set to receive the largest allocation, amounting to Rs. 634 billion. The Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government has been allocated Rs. 618 billion, while the Ministry of Public Administration will receive Rs. 596 billion.

Manusha Nanayakkara, who served as Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment in 2023, has been summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) to give a statement tomorrow (26th).

This relates to the agreement signed on 5th November 2023 between the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and the State of Israel under the agricultural employment program, concerning the deployment of Sri Lankan workers to Israel. CIABOC has notified the former minister that a statement is required regarding this matter.

Manusha Nanayakkara was previously summoned on 8th September 2025 to give a statement, but he could not attend as he was overseas.

He has now been asked to appear tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at the CIABOC office, Division IV, located on the second floor of the Old National Identity Card Office building, Jawatta Road, Kappetipola Mawatha, to provide his statement.

High Court Schedules Pre-Trial Conference in Namal Rajapaksa ‘Krrish’ Case

The Colombo High Court has directed that the case filed by the Attorney General against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, in connection with the controversial ‘Krrish’ project, be taken up for a pre-trial conference on December 18.

When the matter was called before court today, MP Namal Rajapaksa was present, according to the Ada Derana court correspondent.

Following a review of the proceedings, the presiding Judge ordered that the original case record maintained by the Fort Magistrate’s Court be summoned.

The Attorney General has instituted legal action against Rajapaksa under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The allegations state that the parliamentarian unlawfully accepted Rs. 70 million from the Indian company ‘Krrish’, purportedly for the promotion of rugby in Sri Lanka.

The Colombo High Court has ordered that Shadhika Lakshani, the wife of Bako Saman, who is in custody under charges of money laundering, be remanded further until the 9th of this month.

After considering submissions from the Criminal Investigation Department and the suspect’s lawyers, Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodagamuwa issued this order.

The magistrate also directed the Criminal Investigation Department to submit a compressed report to the court on the next hearing, detailing how the suspect was allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the Middeniya area.

President Dissanayake Confident Sri Lanka Will Restore 2019-Level Economic Stability by Next Year

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka’s economy will return to the level it enjoyed in 2019, prior to the financial crisis, by next year.

The President made these remarks while addressing members of the Sri Lankan community in the United States during his visit to New York for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Highlighting the nation’s progress, President Dissanayake recalled that Sri Lanka officially declared bankruptcy in April 2022, when it was unable to service its foreign debt obligations. However, he emphasized that the country has since made rapid strides in overcoming the crisis.

He further underlined the crucial role played by Sri Lankans living overseas, noting both their financial contributions and moral support during the 2024 presidential and 2025 general elections. According to him, this support was instrumental in securing his party’s historic electoral success.

“In the 2019 elections, our party obtained only about 3% of the national vote. Yet, in the 2024 presidential and subsequent general election, we were able to secure the largest number of parliamentary seats in Sri Lanka’s history,” he stated.

Reflecting on the country’s economic collapse, the President observed that the government in power at the time not only declared bankruptcy but also, for the first time in the nation’s history, turned against its own people.

“Our immediate task was twofold: to resolve the pressing economic crisis and to ensure that safeguards were put in place to prevent such a collapse from happening again,” he explained.

The President stressed that significant progress has been made within a relatively short period, with international organizations, credit rating agencies, and financial institutions recognizing Sri Lanka’s accelerated recovery compared with other nations that have faced similar crises.

He pointed out that, typically, economic experts estimate a recovery period of nearly a decade following such a collapse.

“If Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy occurred in 2022, then a full recovery would normally be expected by 2032. However, we are confident that by next year, Sri Lanka will have restored the level of stability it had achieved in 2019,” President Dissanayake affirmed.

Summary of the speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is as follows:

In his first address as President of Sri Lanka to the UN General Assembly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized global peace, justice, and human dignity. He congratulated the new UNGA President, acknowledged past leadership, and highlighted the responsibility of nations to address pressing global challenges.

He focused on eradicating poverty, ensuring education for all children, and tackling debt burdens in developing nations. He called for international cooperation to combat drugs, organized crime, and corruption, stressing that corruption obstructs development and democracy.

President Dissanayake condemned war and opportunistic power politics, citing Sri Lanka’s own experience with a three-decade conflict. He urged the international community to act decisively to end suffering in conflict zones, particularly Gaza, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution for Palestine. He also spoke against religious extremism, racism, and inequality, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize human rights, education, and healthcare over militarization.

The President highlighted Sri Lanka’s domestic reforms, including inclusive governance, women’s participation in parliament, poverty eradication, digitalization, and non-corrupt administration. He stressed the importance of digital democracy and equitable access to AI and technology for global development, proposing the creation of a neutral sovereign Artificial Intelligence zone.

He concluded by urging the international community to work collaboratively to build a dignified, peaceful, and equitable world, emphasizing that the UN must lead with hope, not fear, to ensure a better future for all.

The Full Speech :

"Madam President, Mr. General Secretary, honoured invitees and distinguished delegates, Allow me, Madame Annalena Baerbock, representing the beautiful country of Germany, to begin my speech by offering my warmest congratulations to you on being elected the President of the 80th session of this organisation, formed with the noble aim of bringing about a just and lasting peace among the nations of the world. I would also like to use this opportunity to express my country's appreciation to His Excellency Philemon Young for the exceptional leadership he provided during the 79th session. We are gathered here today to plan the future path of this organisation, which has worked tirelessly for eight decades to bring about a world of peace. It is my honour to address this August Assembly for the first time as the President of Sri Lanka. As representatives of nations, we all bear the responsibility to work towards fulfilling the aspirations of our people. The decisions we make now will impact people across the world and play a decisive role in the future of this planet, our common home. Distinguished delegates, Our decisions will have a very important impact on our future. Poverty, a tragedy as old as human civilisation, has accompanied humankind on its journey through time. For centuries, countries across the world have faced this painful and relentless struggle. Poverty and problems stemming from it are also casting an oppressive shadow on our future. This assembly must pay special attention to eradicate extreme poverty. I believe our conscience dictates us to do so. Distinguished delegates, For centuries, many countries in the world are struggling against poverty. Poverty is a terrible enemy with many faces. Even as we gather here in the countries we represent, including in my own, children are suffering from hunger. A child's right to education is an internationally accepted fundamental right. This right is enshrined in the constitutions of most of our nations. Yet, across the world, poverty has denied this right to hundreds of thousands of children. In a world which boasts of its technological advances, how can there be children without access to education? Education is the foundation of every great nation. It is the most vital factor deciding one's future. We firmly believe that investment in education is an investment in global progress. Many developing countries are constrained in their struggle against poverty by indebtedness. Low-income countries allocate twice as much on debt servicing than on education or healthcare. Our people and our countries are caught in debt traps. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development pledges to leave no one behind and to reach the last first. The Agenda acknowledges the most critical challenge before the world is the challenge to end poverty. I would also like to recall the decisions taken at the Global Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen in 1995. However, wars and political upheavals and the COVID pandemic have obstructed the fulfilment of these hopeful agendas. I propose to you that the time has come to accept that inequality and poverty are a global catastrophe and we should act accordingly. Madam President, esteemed guests, Drugs and organised crimes linked to drugs have become a serious concern to this world.

This has been acknowledged in the World Drug Report 2025 published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The drug problem is a complex issue affecting millions of people globally. The market for drugs and the related criminal organisations are creating issues globally. Drug cartels are turning entire states into their hunting grounds. They pose a major threat to global health and politics and eventually global well-being as well. While Sri Lanka is taking effective steps to address this challenge, I respectfully request all of you to join in the effort to implement the global agenda on drugs and crime. I bring to your notice the need to implement the law strictly against these drug traffickers and prevent drug traffickers from taking refuge in our countries and also to set up rehabilitation centres for rehabilitation purposes. Madam President, honoured guests, We regard corruption as an epidemic causing widespread harm to broad swathes of society. We believe corruption to be an obstruction for development, a decisive threat to democracy and global well-being and also a cause for poverty. Let me remind you that fighting corruption is dangerous, but not fighting corruption is even more dangerous. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 was a remarkable victory for the people of the world.

Civilisational achievements were never accomplished overnight. They were all results of unwavering efforts and sacrifices. And the struggle against corruption is also a difficult one. We must take the necessary steps here. The first step may be difficult, but if the courageous first step we take is correct, a thousand steps will follow. That is what I believe. Madam President, delegates, be brave. All the rest will follow. Sri Javaharlal Nehru has once stated so. I represent a small island of nearly 22 million people. Sri Lanka's population is about 0.30 of the global population. It is true that we are small in size and in numbers, yet we have begun the struggle against corruption for the future generations of our country and the world. I propose that an integral part of the culture of all UN member countries should be to fight against corruption. Madam President, I feel confident that all of you will join me in condemning war. There is no nation in the world that desires a war. The result of a war is a tragedy wherever it happens. We all know that. Even now, many countries of the world are experiencing the pain of that tragedy. As a country that lived through a three-decade war, we know well the futility of war. No one who sees the pain and the suffering of parents, spouses and children of the victims of war would never dream of another war. We have witnessed these painful sights with our own eyes. Even as suffering caused by conflict has reached unprecedented levels, the international community has become reduced to bystanders. Opportunistic power politics has turned the lives of children and innocent civilians into a game. No one has the right to inflict pain and suffering on another to enhance one's own power. The duty of a ruler is not to destroy lives but to protect them. We are deeply distressed by the ongoing catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Gaza has been turned into an open prison full of pain and suffering, echoing with the cries of children and the innocent civilians. The United Nations Organisation and all related parties must work towards an immediate ceasefire, enable adequate humanitarian aid to these areas and to ensure the release of hostages of all parties. We recognise the Palestinian people's inalienable right to their own state. We also believe that legal, security and humanitarian concerns of Israel and Palestinian people need to be acknowledged. Sri Lanka reiterates the importance of early implementation of the UN General Assembly resolutions regarding a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. The time has come for the international community to stop being a mere spectator and to move decisively to end the suffering of millions. Religious extremism and racism have been major causes of wars and conflicts, bringing suffering to millions of people.

Although a century has passed since the abolition of slavery, the poison of racism still lingers in many places. Extremist and racist ideas are as deadly as epidemics. We must ask ourselves how these extremist and racist ideas survive like sparks under the ashes in a world that has witnessed so many advances on so many fronts. I believe that we must awaken our conscience to oppose racism and religious extremism in protection of human rights and freedoms. We must be brave enough to speak up for peace. We must not be afraid to speak up against war. We must be afraid to speak up for war. In a world where millions of children die of hunger, we spend millions on weapons. When tens of millions die of inadequate health facilities, hundreds of millions are spent on futile wars. When hundreds of thousands of children are denied the right to an education, millions are spent on invading another's land. If every inch of this world can be turned into peaceful communities, what a wonderful world would it be. As a country that suffered the horrors of war for decades, where families still weep in remembrance of their loved ones, we have a duty to make that heartfelt proposal. I would like to remind you that at the last election, the people of Sri Lanka decided in favour of a centuries-old dream. A legislature has been established according to that decision, reflecting the ethnic and religious diversity of the country. A parliament has been established with women and other marginalised communities in representation. We believe that the duty of legislatures is to develop the country and the people, not to develop themselves. And we have established that idea. Madam President, distinguished guests, Our people have chosen light over darkness.

They have given their approval to realise the vision of a thriving nation, a beautiful life. To fulfil this historic mandate, we have focused on establishing non-corrupt administration, poverty eradication, and digitalisation. And we have also placed great emphasis on education health as well. We are moving towards these goals step by step. Digital democracy is one of our aims. Ensuring that every person and every country can enjoy the opportunities of the digital age is a global challenge. If we succeed in our task, we will be able to open doors to technology, accelerate development, and to strengthen governance. If we fail, technology will turn into one more force, worsening inequality, insecurity, and injustice. The digital gap between states that can and cannot establish access to digital tools is clear. An even greater gap is being created in relation to artificial intelligence. Sri Lanka and many other developing nations in Asia and also many other nations are facing challenges in using AI as a development tool due to the inadequate infrastructure facilities. Madam President, distinguished delegates, I ask the international community to work together and we have to develop a dignified society, a dignified world. I present this August assembly a proposal to set up a neutral sovereign Artificial Intelligence zone. We must build a new and better world, a world which represents the dignity of humankind. You as members of this assembly must be the architects of that better world. As President Harry Truman stated on the occasion of founding the United Nations, in your hands rests our future. We must not act in fear or under compulsion, but with hope for a better and more secure world. Today we must commit ourselves not to lead the world to another disaster, but to make it a better place for the next generation. I have dreams and expectations for my country. Similarly, you have dreams and expectations for your countries. My dream is to ensure that my people are rich and they have happiness. I believe that you too have such dreams. We must try to achieve these dreams not in competition with each other, but by working arm in arm, peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet. That is the motto of the United Nations organisation. Therefore, let us become the true healers of the world. Thank you very much."

(Source - Anura Kumara Dissanayake)

Opposition Leader Questions Government’s Decision to Remove SVAT Despite Export-Friendly Policy

The Opposition Leader stated that if the government is genuinely pursuing an export-friendly policy, it is questionable why, from October 1, the SVAT system (Simplified Value-Added Tax) is being abolished under IMF directives.

He expressed these views yesterday (25) during the parliamentary debate on the export sector.

Concerns for SMEs and Cash Flow Issues “The government must consider not only the overall economy but also the micro-economy—individuals, households, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Even today, small-scale economic actors are under pressure. If the government truly supports export-oriented policies, why abolish the SVAT from October 1 under IMF conditions?

If a new agreement had been reached with the IMF, as promised during the elections, the SVAT could have been retained as an export incentive. Through SVAT, exporters are relieved of cash flow issues since VAT is suspended on value added within the registered supply chain. This creates a favorable environment for export growth.

Instead of paying VAT to suppliers, exporters issue an SVAT invoice. If exporters are valued, why remove this under IMF conditions? The harmful effect will be the creation of serious cash flow problems for exporters. Moreover, delays will occur, efficiency will decline, administrative costs will rise, and while competitor countries move swiftly, Sri Lanka will be left at a disadvantage. Small and medium-scale enterprises will also face capital constraints,” he stressed.

Economic Growth Targets and IMF Conditions He further highlighted that while surpassing economic growth targets for two consecutive quarters is commendable, the IMF’s June 2024 conditions on VAT compliance and revenue collection are tied to the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility. As a result, exporters are facing heavy burdens.

He urged the government to renegotiate with the IMF at the final stage and request that the abolition of SVAT be postponed until digitalization is complete.

He reminded that during the recent financial collapse, 260,000 entrepreneurs were adversely affected, and stressed that Sri Lanka should not continue to simply “dance to the tune” of the IMF. He emphasized that despite the government presenting optimistic data, he would not engage in petty politics. However, he questioned whether the country is prepared to repay USD 5.5 billion annually from 2028 onwards. He added that if the previous IMF agreement had been renegotiated, debt repayments could have been extended until 2033.

Need for a Clear Program to End Poverty The Opposition Leader also pointed out that nearly 50% of institutions in the country suffer from various forms of poverty—consumption poverty, income poverty, production poverty, and investment poverty.

He acknowledged that the President’s recent remarks at the UN General Assembly regarding poverty were welcome, but insisted that mere statements would not end poverty. “The current approach only targets consumption. There is no focus on exports, production, or savings. While consumption may temporarily provide relief, what the country needs is a clear and practical program to eradicate poverty,” he concluded.

On the afternoon of September 24 (U.S. time), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held bilateral discussions with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and his delegation at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York. The discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic ties, enhancing economic and cultural cooperation, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Portugal and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue on global and regional issues.

Sri Lanka’s iconic Lotus Tower is set to add a new thrill to its skyline — South Asia’s very first bungee jump attraction, and the world’s tallest bungee jump from a tower, scheduled to open in 2026.

Currently in its planning and engineering phase, the project is being developed through a collaboration between expert structural engineers and the tower’s technical team.

Announcing the initiative, Lotus Tower Management Company Chairman Shirantha Peiris said the attraction is designed to transform the tower into South Asia’s leading hub for culture, technology, adventure, and entertainment.

Peiris emphasized that rigorous safety measures will be in place, noting that the initiative is a commercial venture and not linked to the Sports Ministry.

Once launched, the bungee jump is expected to draw adrenaline junkies from across the globe, elevating Sri Lanka’s status as an adventure tourism hotspot while offering locals and visitors alike a once-in-a-lifetime leap from the skies above Colombo.

On the afternoon of September 24 (U.S. time), President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took part in bilateral discussions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his delegation at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York. The discussions focused on strengthening political and economic cooperation, promoting trade and investment opportunities, and exploring new avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Australia.