Sri Lanka moves to strengthen apparel exports with new investment and trade initiatives

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath reaffirmed that Sri Lanka always acts with neutrality and in accordance with international law during discussions with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sri Lanka recorded 1,069 dengue cases within the past 24 hours, pushing the total number of infections reported this year to 47,179, as health authorities warn that hospitals are coming under severe pressure due to the rapid spread of the disease.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says tourism earnings fell by 11.9 percent during the first five months of 2026, while foreign remittance inflows recorded a significant increase compared to the same period last year.

General Kevin Schneider, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (June 21) on a three-day official visit.

Sri Lanka aims to become a US$300 billion economy within the next decade through reforms, foreign investment, and stronger global partnerships, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe said.

The Court of Appeal has dismissed a writ petition filed by Daya Group Limited and Daya Apparel Export, challenging the decision of People’s Bank to sell properties mortgaged to the bank through a public auction under the Parate Law.

A discussion was held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation on June 17, 2026 to review progress on expanding foreign employment opportunities and obtaining Certificates of Competency (COC) for retiring Sri Lanka Navy personnel seeking careers in the merchant shipping and marine sector.

Sri Lanka’s sugar industry contributes around Rs. 11 billion annually to the rural economy and supports about 250,000 families in Monaragala, despite facing mounting challenges from low sugar prices, VAT costs, and increased import competition, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe says.

A full report on the $2.5 million stolen from Sri Lanka’s General Treasury by cybercriminals has been submitted to the Auditor General, according to Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

The Department of Examinations in Sri Lanka has released the results of the 2025 G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination.

Sri Lanka Customs is moving towards the full implementation of its Paperless Document Processing programme, with all customs declarations and related documents set to be submitted electronically in the future.

Former State Minister Shasheendra Rajapaksa and two others have been indicted before the Colombo High Court over allegations of unlawfully obtaining Rs. 8.85 million in compensation through the misuse of official influence.

The General Manager of Lanka Salt Limited, Rathnayake Mudiyanselage Gunaratne, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (June 19).

Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said ensuring the education and well-being of children is a shared responsibility of the entire nation, not only the government and teachers.