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Resignation of Lanka Sugar Chair Raises Questions Over Political Pressure

Resignation of Lanka Sugar Chair Raises Questions Over Political Pressure

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

Former chair cites unlawful requests; minister denies interference The resignation of Lanka Sugar Company’s Chairperson, Attorney-at-Law Sandamali Chandrasekara, has raised questions about possible political pressure within Sri Lanka’s state-owned enterprises. She stepped down from her position on February 17, informing Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti in writing. She is the second chairperson...

10-Year Tax Concessions Approved for Strategic Development Projects in Key Sectors

10-Year Tax Concessions Approved for Strategic Development Projects in Key Sectors

Asian TribuneFebruary 16, 2026

The Government has approved 10-year tax concessions for a range of Strategic Development Projects (SDPs) across multiple priority sectors, aiming to attract large-scale foreign and local investment while accelerating economic recovery and long-term growth. According to official sources, the concessions will apply to projects that meet specific investment thresholds and national development criteria under the...

BASL members decide not to appear in court cases tomorrow in solidarity move

BASL members decide not to appear in court cases tomorrow in solidarity move

Asian TribuneFebruary 16, 2026

Colombo, February 15, 2026 – In a significant show of protest and solidarity, members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have unanimously decided not to appear for court hearings across the country tomorrow. The decision was taken at a special general meeting held today with widespread participation from lawyers affiliated with the association....

‘Star of Pure Land’ enters global record as world’s largest purple star sapphire

‘Star of Pure Land’ enters global record as world’s largest purple star sapphire

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, January 18, 2026 – A rare and enormous natural purple star sapphire called the “Star of Pure Land” has been formally entered into the global record books as the largest documented gemstone of its kind in the world. The gemstone weighs a remarkable 3,563 carats and displays a striking six-ray star pattern (asterism) —...

Agreement on Sinopec Hambantota oil refinery to be finalised in early 2026, says Foreign Minister

Agreement on Sinopec Hambantota oil refinery to be finalised in early 2026, says Foreign Minister

Asian TribuneFebruary 15, 2026

Colombo, January 13, 2026 – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, has announced that the long-delayed agreement with China’s state-owned energy company Sinopec for the proposed oil refinery project in Hambantota is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2026. The statement was issued by the Ministry...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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