Sri Lanka

Only One MP Declines Salary as Sri Lanka Reveals Parliamentary Allowances

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Debate intensifies over MPs’ benefits after new disclosures in Parliament Details of salaries and allowances paid to Members of Parliament in Sri Lanka have come under renewed scrutiny following disclosures made in Parliament on February 19. Responding to a question raised by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Chaminda Wijesiri, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya outlined the...

Law, Power, and Public Trust: Where Is Sri Lanka Heading?

Asian TribuneFebruary 20, 2026

Sri Lanka’s past week has been marked by two significant developments that have reignited public debate — the expression of regret in a Supreme Court case related to an arrest under the ICCPR Act, and renewed scrutiny over the salaries and allowances of Members of Parliament. Taken together, these developments raise a fundamental question: Is...

Former Deputy Secretary General Challenges Suspension in Court

Asian TribuneFebruary 19, 2026

A former Deputy Secretary General of Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Chaminda Kularatne, has filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension from duty. In his petition, he argues that the decision to suspend him was taken without a fair inquiry, rendering it unlawful. The respondents named in the petition include the Speaker...

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

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

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

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

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

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...