Politics & Government Impact
View all(60)Sri Lanka’s Economic Progress Stalled by Persistent Racism 📈
• Overall Context: Sociological analysis indicates that systemic racism remains a significant barrier to Sri Lanka's peace and prosperity. While prejudice exists across all communities, modern racism is driven by power inequalities and ethno-nationalist narratives. • Policy & Governance: • Article 9 of the Constitution, which grants Buddhism "foremost place," is identified as a primary driver of majoritarian nationalism and administrative bias. • Despite the NPP Government’s secular stance, there are currently no formal proposals to abolish Article 9 due to potential political instability. • President Anura Dissanayake has pledged to eradicate racism, but experts argue that "symbolic rhetoric" must be replaced by measurable affirmative action and institutional restructuring. • Economic & Social Impact: • Trade & Commerce: Economic racism manifests as threat perceptions where minorities are accused of dominating trade, leading to boycotts and the "othering" of contributing communities. • Employment & Education: Systematic disparities persist in healthcare, education, and employment sectors due to ethnic profiling and lack of inclusivity. • Drivers of Instability: Key factors keeping racism "alive and kicking" include political polarization, digital misinformation on social media, and the misuse of religious symbols by radical groups. • Current Status: Based on recent incidents, such as communal tensions in Trincomalee (Nov 2025), the rule of law faces challenges when balancing constitutional religious protections with equal enforcement. Progress requires deep policy reform and educational pluralism to drive long-term change.
📢 Namal Rajapaksa’s Cambridge Speech Cancelled Amid Protests 🇬🇧
SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has commenced a high-profile visit to the United Kingdom, though his scheduled engagement at the Cambridge Union was cancelled following security concerns and anticipated protests. • Key Developments: • Cambridge Union address called off due to security risks. • Oxford Union speech and community meetings remain on schedule. • Commenced visit at the London Buddhist Vihara during its centenary year. • Economic & Political Context: • Engagements with the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK are expected to focus on community relations. • Public demonstrations in the UK reflect ongoing international scrutiny regarding Sri Lankan political leadership and governance. • Current Status: Based on latest reports, the MP continues his itinerary with scheduled diplomatic and community interactions across the UK.
📈 President Dissanayake and PM Modi Strengthen Indo–Lanka Strategic Ties
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Indian PM Narendra Modi today at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, during the AI Impact 2026 Summit. The discussions centered on transitioning the bilateral relationship from emergency assistance toward long-term economic and technological integration. • Economic & Trade Cooperation Talks focused on enhancing bilateral trade (valued at ~US$ 5.5 Bn in FY 2023-24) and finalizing a proposed FTA in services to boost the ICT/BPM and tourism sectors. Priority areas identified for investment include energy (grid interconnection), infrastructure, and the blue economy. India remains the largest source market for tourism, contributing over 20% of total arrivals. • Disaster Recovery & Support President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's US$ 450 Mn assistance package following Cyclone Ditwah. Support includes US$ 350 Mn in concessional credit lines (in Indian Rupees) and US$ 100 Mn in grants for restoring transportation and housing. • Strategic Digital Integration Both leaders explored collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Sri Lanka's digital identity project currently in the tendering phase. _Note: Trade figures and recovery costs are based on provisional 2025/26 data._
SL Joins 100+ Nations Condemning West Bank Annexation 📈
Sri Lanka has officially signed a joint statement alongside over 100 countries and global blocs (including the EU and OIC) to reject Israel’s unilateral measures and potential annexation of the occupied West Bank. • Diplomatic Stand: The move reinforces Sri Lanka's historical support for Palestinian self-determination and a negotiated two-state solution based on 1967 borders. • Key Allegations: The statement condemns "unlawful presence" and measures aimed at altering the demographic character of the territory, including East Jerusalem. • Global Alignment: Initially omitted from the first list of 85, Sri Lanka joined a subsequent wave of signatories including India, China, Japan, and the UK. • Economic/Political Context: While primarily a geopolitical stance, such multilateral engagement reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to international law and its positioning within the Global South and broader Afro-Asian diplomatic circles.
Opposition Urges Humanitarian Appeal for Imran Khan 📈
• Context: Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera submitted an adjournment motion in Parliament on February 19, 2026, regarding the detention of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. • Key Concerns: The motion cites "credible reports" concerning Khan’s health and wellbeing while in custody, urging the Sri Lankan Government to engage with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. • Core Requests: • Ensure access to adequate and independent medical care. • Make a humanitarian appeal for his release or relief based on human rights standards. • Sports Diplomacy: The proposal highlights Khan's legacy as the 1992 Cricket World Cup-winning captain, noting his role in fostering goodwill within the cricketing community and Sri Lanka. • National Stance: The motion calls for the Government to reflect the sentiments of the Sri Lankan public while reaffirming a commitment to democratic values and international goodwill.
Maithree Wickremesinghe Summoned Over 2023 London Visit ⚖️
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned former First Lady Professor Maithree Wickremesinghe to appear before the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) on February 20, 2026. • Case Allegations: The investigation focuses on the alleged misuse of approximately Rs. 16.9 million in public funds for a private visit to London in September 2023. The trip reportedly involved attending a graduation ceremony at the University of Wolverhampton. • Official vs. Private: While the trip was conducted during an official state tour (from Havana to the US), investigators allege that state resources—including airfare, security, and butler services costing £1,000 per day—were utilized for personal purposes. • Key Figures & Status: • Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was previously arrested in August 2025 regarding these charges and maintains that no public funds were misused. • Former Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, accused of approving the release of funds, was granted bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday (February 18) after being in remand. • Next Steps: Professor Wickremesinghe’s statement is expected to clarify the approval process and funding sources for the delegation, which reportedly totaled ten individuals. Note: Based on ongoing court proceedings and provisional CID data.
⚖️ MP Amarakeerthi Murder: High Court Sentences 12 to Death
The Gampaha High Court Trial-at-Bar has delivered a landmark ruling regarding the 2022 Nittambuwa violence, signaling a firm stance against mob justice and political violence. • Legal Verdict: 12 individuals found guilty of the murder of former MP Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer were sentenced to death. • Additional Rulings: 4 individuals received six-month prison sentences (suspended for five years), while 23 accused were acquitted. • Context: The incident occurred on May 9, 2022, during nationwide unrest. The court's decision addresses the brutal killing of an elected official and a police officer amidst the Aragalaya protests. • Economic & Political Impact: The ruling underscores the importance of the rule of law for national stability. While the 2022 protests highlighted grievances over economic policies and organic fertilizer mandates, the court emphasized that "taking the law into one's own hands" remains a punishable offense regardless of political motivation. • Current Status: Following the conviction, some groups have called for a presidential pardon, though legal experts and party officials emphasize that accountability is essential to prevent future impunity.
Sri Lanka's Parliament has passed the Parliamentary Pensions (Repeal) Bill, a landmark legislative move to abolish pension entitlements for Members of Parliament (MPs) and their spouses.
### Key Legislative Developments 📈 • Vote Count: The Bill was passed with an overwhelming majority of 154 votes in favor and only 2 against. • Legal Clearance: The Supreme Court ruled the Bill constitutional, allowing it to be enacted with a simple majority. • Implementation: The Act repeals the _Parliamentary Pensions Law, No. 1 of 1977_, effectively ending a 49-year-old system of political perks. ### Fiscal & Social Context • Scope of Reform: The move affects over 550 former MPs and their dependents who currently receive benefits. • Service Disparity: Previously, MPs qualified for a lifetime pension after just 5 years of service, whereas ordinary state employees require 10 years. • Economic Alignment: The reform is part of a broader crackdown on political privileges, including the recent withdrawal of state-funded housing and vehicles for former presidents. ### Economic Impact • Fiscal Discipline: Portrayed as a cost-saving measure, the savings will be redirected to fund essential public services. • Public Trust: This fulfills a key electoral pledge to dismantle a "privilege-based political culture" amidst the nation’s ongoing economic recovery and IMF-backed restructuring. _Note: This summary is based on provisional legislative data as of February 18, 2026._
UK Deputy PM David Lammy Visits SL to Boost Economic & Humanitarian Ties 📈
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy arrived in Sri Lanka today (Feb 17) for a high-level visit focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership and reviewing recovery efforts following Cyclone Ditwah. • Diplomatic Engagements: Lammy is scheduled to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to discuss economic cooperation, reconciliation, and humanitarian priorities. • Humanitarian Aid: The visit includes a review of the UK’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, which caused widespread damage late last year. The UK has provided a total of £1 million (approx. US$ 1.32 Mn) in emergency aid to support affected communities through partners like the Red Cross and UN agencies. • Social Welfare & Reform: A key highlight is Sri Lanka’s engagement with the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform. Lammy will attend a summit at the UN office in Colombo to sign an agreement aimed at strengthening family-based care and protecting vulnerable children. • Economic Context: Discussions are expected to explore boosting trade and investment links, essential for Sri Lanka's ongoing economic stabilization and diversification efforts. _Note: Summary based on official visit schedules and provisional humanitarian data._
China Confirms Visa-Free Access for UK & Canada from Feb 17 📈
• Overall Policy: China’s foreign ministry has announced visa-free entry for citizens of the UK and Canada starting February 17, 2026. Travelers can stay for up to 30 days for tourism, business, or family visits. • Timeline & Scope: The policy is initially set to remain in effect until December 31. This move aligns the UK and Canada with 50 other nations, including Japan, Australia, and several EU members. • Economic Context: The relaxation follows a diplomatic reset between PM Sir Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping. While no formal Free Trade Agreement was reached, both nations agreed to deepen ties in services, healthcare, green technology, and finance. • Market Impact: • Facilitates easier expansion for British and Canadian businesses into the Chinese market. • Significant scale: Approximately 620,000 UK nationals traveled to China in 2024 alone. • Focus on "people-to-people exchanges" to boost tourism and investment flows. • Note: This decision follows the approval of a new Chinese embassy in London, despite local concerns regarding national security.
BASL Boycotts Courts Following Killing of Lawyer ⚖️
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has declared a nationwide court boycott today, February 16, 2026, following the daylight assassination of Attorney-at-Law Buddhika Mallawarachchi and his wife in a high-security zone. • Key Resolutions: The BASL General Membership unanimously adopted a four-point mandate: Court Boycott: All lawyers are to refrain from appearing in courts across the country today. Security Demand: Urging the Government to end the "culture of brutal killings" and restore public security. Law Enforcement: Calling for the immediate apprehension of perpetrators and swift legal action. Media Concern: Expressing displeasure over the circulation of unverified narratives allegedly linked to the Police. • Economic & Social Context: The BASL highlighted an "existential threat" to the legal profession and the judiciary, drawing parallels to the 2004 assassination of High Court Judge Sarath Ambepitya. Such instability in the legal sector can impact investor confidence and the overall rule of law, which are critical pillars for Sri Lanka's economic stability. 🚨 • Status: Based on urgent resolutions passed during a Special General Meeting.
⚖️ Govt to Repurpose Official Residences for Anti-Corruption High Courts
Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has directed the conversion of four former ministerial residences in Colombo 07 into special High Courts. The move is a key component of the Anti-Corruption Action Plan (2025–2029) to expedite high-profile prosecutions. • Infrastructure Expansion: Four properties on Gregory Road, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Wijerama Road, and Stanmore Crescent have been earmarked for judicial use to reduce massive case backlogs. • Easter Sunday Cases: A specialized court is already operational at No. C 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, specifically to fast-track proceedings related to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. • Aluthkade Complex: Following the completion of China-aided renovations at the Superior Courts Complex, the Supreme Court has returned to its original building. This transition allows for the potential establishment of five additional High Courts within the Magistrate’s Court building. • Strategic Goal: The initiative aims to strengthen judicial efficiency and ensure timely adjudication for public interest cases, reinforcing the rule of law to support economic governance and transparency.