Asian Tribune

Govt remains silent on proposal to import 1,775 double cabs for state use

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – The Sri Lankan Government has yet to publicly clarify its position on a controversial proposal to import 1,775 double cab utility vehicles — a plan that has drawn criticism from Opposition politicians and civil society alike. The proposal, floated as part of the 2026 Budget and state procurement plans, would...

Digital ID project: MSI engagement expected by mid-April

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – The Government of Sri Lanka is advancing its Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) initiative, with engagement of a Master Systems Integrator (MSI) expected by mid-April 2026 to begin implementation of the national digital identity system. Five Indian technology firms have been shortlisted to compete for the SLUDI contract, which...

SriLankan Airlines to convert Rs. 25 b government funding into equity

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, is planning to seek shareholder approval next month to convert Rs. 25 billion already provided by the Government into equity stakes in the airline. The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the airline’s balance sheet and capital structure, following years of...

Environmental activists to sue Government over plastic pollution failures

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – A group of Sri Lankan environmental campaigners and activists is preparing to take fresh legal action against the Government, accusing authorities of failing to properly enforce laws and regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution across the island. Activists have raised concerns that ongoing plastic and microplastic contamination is harming coastal...

GMOA announces further escalation of trade union action in health sector

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has confirmed that it will continue and further escalate its trade union action across the island in response to unresolved issues in Sri Lanka’s public health system. The GMOA, representing thousands of government doctors, has been conducting ongoing trade union measures aimed at pressuring the Ministry of Health and...

Higher education: UGC circular draws ire from unions, lecturers

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – A controversial University Grants Commission (UGC) circular requiring enhanced supervision for all student-organised activities at State universities has sparked strong objections from both student unions and university lecturers in Sri Lanka. The UGC Circular No. 02/2026, issued on 6 February to vice-chancellors and directors, instructs that every student-organised event must...

India and Pakistan set for high-octane clash in Colombo

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are gearing up for a highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group A showdown tonight in Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo. The blockbuster fixture between the two cricketing giants has captivated fans across South Asia and beyond, with excitement and tension building in equal measure ahead of the match. The...

Domestic oversupply widens gold price gap in Sri Lanka market

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Sri Lanka’s domestic gold market is facing a growing disparity between local and international bullion prices, largely driven by oversupply within the country. Current rates show that 22-carat and 24-carat gold jewellery prices continue to trade at a premium locally, even as global gold benchmarks ease. Local traders say that abundant domestic stocks and weaker...

Sri Lanka’s Education Reforms at a Crossroads: An Analysis of a Deepening Crisis

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

For decades, education reform has been a recurring theme in Sri Lanka’s policy discourse. Successive governments have promised to modernise the system, align it with global standards, and prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. Yet despite repeated reform initiatives, the education sector today finds itself in a state of uncertainty and mounting crisis....

Sri Lanka Faces Renewed Political Debate Over Electoral Reform

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Sri Lanka’s political discourse has once again turned to electoral reform, as parties debate changes aimed at improving representation and stability.Sri Lanka Parliament chamber wide shot Sri Lanka’s political landscape has entered a renewed phase of debate following fresh discussions on electoral reform, an issue that has remained unresolved for decades. Lawmakers from across the...