Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman of Selectors Kapila Vijeygunawardena says the selection committee is working towards building a settled squad for the next World Cup, while defending several recent changes involving captaincy, senior players and emerging cricketers.

Addressing a media briefing on selections, Vijeygunawardena said Charith Asalanka was appointed vice-captain for the England white-ball tour after returning to both ODI and T20I squads, citing his seniority and previous captaincy experience.

He said Kamindu Mendis losing the vice-captaincy was not due to a performance or disciplinary issue.

“Removal of the vice-captaincy has no relevance in picking the captain,” Vijeygunawardena said.

He added that the selectors wanted Kamindu, regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s key batters, to have greater freedom to concentrate on his batting despite appointing him as Vice Captain for all formats just 3 months ago.

On Sri Lanka’s Test leadership following recent disappointing results, Vijeygunawardena acknowledged the team had not performed to expectations but said it was premature to speculate on whether there would be a change of captain.

He said the matter would be discussed when the next Test squad is selected.

The selectors also explained that Regular Captoan Kusal Mendis had originally been selected for the England tour subject to fitness. Vijeygunawardena said this condition had been clearly communicated when the squad was submitted for ministerial approval, but was omitted when the team was subsequently announced to the media.

The committee has now introduced a policy requiring players returning from injury to prove their fitness in a domestic match before being cleared for international selection.

Vijeygunawardena said the change followed Sri Lanka’s experience during the West Indies tour, when fast bowler Lahiru Kumara returned without playing a domestic match and suffered another injury during a Test.

He said players would now have to establish match fitness before returning.

On the ODI squad, Vijeygunawardena said Dasun Shanaka was being considered as a possible No. 7 batting all-rounder as Sri Lanka searches for a player capable of strengthening the balance of the side ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

That requirement was also one of the factors behind Milan Rathnayake being left out of the ODI squad, although Vijeygunawardena stressed that Rathnayake remained firmly in Sri Lanka’s plans.

Asked why Sri Lanka had included four spinners in the ODI squad for England while leaving out Rathnayake, a fast-bowling all-rounder, Vijeygunawardena said the selection was made after considering the prevailing weather and expected playing conditions.

He said England was experiencing unusually dry and warm conditions at this time of the year and that the selectors expected the pitches to offer assistance to spin. He added that Sri Lanka already had four fast bowlers in the squad and believed the overall bowling attack was balanced.

The selectors said Sri Lanka also continued to have a significant shortage of genuine all-rounders.

Vijeygunawardena described a genuine all-rounder as a player capable of making substantial contributions with both bat and ball, saying such a player was important to the overall balance of the team.

Meanwhile, experienced players including Niroshan Dickwella and Chamika Karunaratne have been considered for the Asian Games squad based on their experience and ability.

Vijeygunawardena said the selectors could not provide guarantees over individual performances but were selecting players according to the requirements of each squad.

He also confirmed that Sahan Arachchige, and not Dickwella, would captain Sri Lanka at the Asian Games.

Several young players who have performed strongly in domestic cricket and the Lanka Premier League remain under consideration, according to the selection chief.

Vijeygunawardena said vacancies in the national team were limited and selectors could not accommodate every player performing well at the same time.

He said players including Sonal Dinusha were being carefully managed, with the selectors keen not to rush cricketers from one format into another merely on the strength of performances elsewhere.

“Sonal Dinusha is a player whose value cannot be overstated,” he said, adding that the selectors believed he had the potential to represent Sri Lanka in all three formats.

Vijeygunawardena also defended the non-selection of some leading domestic performers, saying selectors had to consider team balance and the specific roles required rather than statistics alone.

Asked about Akila Dananjaya’s absence from the recent Test squad despite taking wickets in domestic cricket, he said the selectors preferred an off-spinner who could also strengthen the lower-order batting.

On Sri Lanka’s wider World Cup planning, Vijeygunawardena said the committee hoped to develop a clearer picture of its preferred squad over the upcoming tours of England, Pakistan and New Zealand.

“Planning is key,” he said. “We are planning to succeed, we are not planning to fail.”

He said injuries and player workloads could still force changes, but the objective was to establish the core group that Sri Lanka intends to develop for the World Cup. (Newswire)

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Food inflation in Pakistan is increasingly becoming a story about much more than expensive wheat, sugar or cooking oil.

The latest warning from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has exposed how quickly an external shock can travel through a fragile agricultural system and reach the kitchen table.

Energy prices rise, fertiliser becomes more expensive, transport costs climb, farm production becomes costlier, and food prices follow. But the vulnerability itself is not new.

For decades, Pakistan has struggled with inefficient irrigation, weak water management, low farm productivity, inadequate storage, distorted commodity markets and an agricultural model heavily dependent on a narrow range of crops.

Climate shocks have repeatedly magnified those weaknesses. The result is an economy that can produce substantial quantities of food while still leaving millions of people exposed to shortages, price spikes and declining purchasing power.

The SBP’s August 2026 monetary policy report has now placed that structural weakness against a worsening international backdrop. The central bank warned that food prices could rise more than previously expected as energy, fertiliser and freight costs increase.

The warning comes as global fertiliser prices have already risen sharply and the prospect of another El Niño episode threatens additional pressure on agricultural production.

Global shock, local vulnerability

Pakistan cannot control wars, international energy prices or disruptions to global shipping routes. Yet the impact of those shocks depends heavily on the strength of domestic food systems.

The SBP has identified a clear chain of transmission. Higher energy prices raise the cost of fertiliser production and transportation. More expensive fertiliser increases farmers’ input costs, while higher fuel prices raise the cost of moving crops from farms to markets. Freight disruptions can then tighten supplies further.

That pressure is already visible in wheat markets. The Food and Agriculture Organisation reported in July that Pakistani wheat flour prices increased month-on-month in June despite an above-average 2026 wheat harvest.

Production costs remained elevated, while limited carryover stocks and weaker output in some rainfed areas constrained supplies. Transport costs also remained high. Wheat flour prices in June were between 50 and 75 percent higher than a year earlier.

This is precisely what makes Pakistan’s food inflation problem more serious than a temporary price disturbance. When production costs remain structurally high, even a reasonably good harvest cannot guarantee affordable food.

Wheat exposes policy failures

Few commodities illustrate Pakistan’s agricultural instability more clearly than wheat.

The SBP’s half-yearly report found that food inflation during the first half of FY2026 was driven particularly by wheat and wheat-related products, sugar, rice and edible oils.

Wheat production had fallen by around 11 percent during the Rabi 2024-25 season after farmers reduced the area planted, while flood-related losses and market shortages compounded the supply problem. The report noted that around 201,000 tonnes of wheat stocks were damaged by floods.

The disruption followed a major change in the government’s wheat procurement system. The traditional state-backed procurement mechanism had involved government agencies buying millions of tonnes directly from farmers. Its withdrawal altered the market just as farmers faced uncertainty over prices and demand.

The consequences were visible in subsequent price movements. FAO reported that wheat flour prices surged between July 2025 and January 2026, reaching near-record levels in many markets.

Floods and landslides had damaged stocks and disrupted markets, while the decline in wheat production and strong domestic demand added further pressure.

The episode demonstrated how quickly a policy transition can become a food-price crisis when storage, market coordination and supply chains are insufficiently resilient.

Floods turned structural weakness into immediate scarcity

Pakistan’s agricultural difficulties cannot be separated from its growing exposure to extreme weather.

The devastating 2025 floods damaged major agricultural areas, particularly in Punjab and Sindh.

Rice, cotton and maize were among the crops affected, while damage to farmland, livestock and stored food created further pressure on rural livelihoods and domestic supplies. Reuters reported that more than 1.8 million acres of farmland were submerged, with crop losses estimated at billions of dollars.

The consequences did not end when floodwaters receded. Damaged roads and disrupted transport affected the movement of food. Lost stocks reduced market availability. Farmers who lost seeds and productive assets faced difficulties in preparing for subsequent planting seasons.

The SBP subsequently identified flood-induced production losses and domestic supply-chain constraints among the factors behind higher food prices. That is significant because it shows that climate disasters are no longer isolated agricultural events. They are becoming macroeconomic shocks.

Irrigation system under growing pressure

Pakistan’s agricultural economy remains heavily dependent on irrigation, yet the water system itself has long suffered from inefficiencies.

The problem is particularly serious because the country continues to rely heavily on water-intensive crops while facing growing climate variability and pressure on water resources. Inefficient irrigation means that a large volume of water fails to translate into equivalent agricultural output.

The World Bank’s latest regional assessment underlines the scale of the challenge.

It estimates that food demand across the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan region will rise by 67 percent by 2050, while highlighting the importance of water efficiency and agricultural productivity amid increasing pressure on natural resources.

For Pakistan, the contradiction is increasingly stark: agriculture remains central to the economy and employment, yet the foundations supporting agricultural production remain vulnerable.

FAO estimates that agriculture contributes around 23 percent of Pakistan’s GDP and employs about 37.4 percent of the national labour force. Around 70 percent of the country’s exports are directly or indirectly derived from agriculture.

A weak agricultural sector does not simply create expensive food. It also weakens export earnings, rural incomes and the country’s external position.

Export problem worsening food equation

Pakistan’s agricultural weakness is increasingly visible in its trade figures.

The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 reported that food exports fell sharply during July-March FY2026.

Food exports stood at about US$3.8 billion, down 33.9 percent from the previous year, with rice accounting for most of the decline. Rice export values and volumes came under pressure as international supplies normalised and competition from other major exporters increased.

This creates a difficult equation. Pakistan needs agricultural exports to generate foreign exchange, but weaker agricultural competitiveness reduces those earnings.

At the same time, food imports remain substantial. FAO puts Pakistan’s food import bill at around US$9 billion, with edible oil accounting for roughly half of it.

The country remains exposed on both sides: agricultural exports can weaken when international prices and competitiveness deteriorate, while imported food and farm inputs become more expensive when global markets are disrupted.

That vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when foreign-exchange pressures restrict the room to absorb higher import costs.

Crisis is already reaching vulnerable households

Food inflation has consequences that headline inflation figures cannot fully capture.

The SBP reported that food inflation accounted for nearly one-fourth of urban inflation and around two-fifths of rural inflation during the first half of FY2026. Rural households face particular exposure because agriculture determines both their income and, directly or indirectly, their food costs.

The latest food-security assessments underline the human cost. An IPC analysis projected that around 6.7 million people in the analysed rural population could face acute food insecurity at Crisis level or worse between April and September 2026.

The figure cited in recent debate over Pakistan’s food crisis has also reached much higher levels when broader measures of hunger and food insecurity are considered. The SBP has warned that 46 percent of the population is facing hunger-like conditions.

For households already spending a large share of their income on food, even moderate increases in staple prices can mean reduced consumption, lower spending on healthcare and education, and greater indebtedness.

Another climate shock could deepen the problem

The next threat is already emerging on the horizon.

The World Bank’s June 2026 food-security update said global fertiliser prices had risen 35 percent in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

It also put the probability of El Niño emerging by mid-2026 and persisting into 2027 at between 61 and 87 percent. Such a development could have serious implications for cereal production across vulnerable regions, including South Asia.

At the same time, global grain markets remain exposed to geopolitical disruption. Attacks on Black Sea grain infrastructure in August pushed wheat futures sharply higher and raised concerns about supply and shipping disruptions during a critical export period.

Pakistan is confronting a combination of external price pressures and internal agricultural weaknesses. The distinction matters because global shocks are temporary and unpredictable, while the domestic vulnerabilities have accumulated over decades.

Food crisis rooted in deeper agricultural breakdown

Pakistan’s present food inflation problem cannot be explained solely by the latest regional conflict, high energy prices or climate disasters. Those events have exposed weaknesses that were already embedded in the agricultural economy.

The recurring pattern is now familiar: a flood destroys crops, transport networks are disrupted, commodity stocks tighten, farmers face higher input costs, markets become volatile and consumers absorb the increase.

A global energy shock adds another layer. A weaker harvest increases import requirements. Lower agricultural exports reduce foreign-exchange earnings. The same cycle then begins again.

The latest SBP warning is less a prediction of one more period of expensive food than an indication of how vulnerable Pakistan has become to shocks it cannot control.

The country’s agricultural sector remains large, but size has not translated into resilience.

An economy that employs more than a third of its workforce in agriculture and derives a major share of its export earnings from the sector remains exposed to inefficient water use, climate volatility, weak storage, unstable commodity policies and high dependence on imported inputs.

The price of that structural weakness is ultimately paid in the food market. And when staples become unaffordable, agricultural failure ceases to be a problem confined to farms and becomes a direct measure of economic insecurity. (Maldives Insight)

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Sri Lankan-grown independent agency Digibrush Productions has been ranked among Asia-Pacific’s Top 5 Most Effective Independent Agency Offices in the 2025 Effie Index, placing Sri Lanka alongside some of the region’s leading advertising markets on one of the global industry’s foremost measures of marketing effectiveness. 

Digibrush ranked No. 5 in Asia-Pacific, alongside independent agencies from India, Pakistan and New Zealand. The Colombo-based agency also secured No. 24 globally, placing it among the world’s Top 25 independent agency offices.

The Effie Index is an annual global ranking of marketing effectiveness, built on results from the Effie Awards, which have recognised effective marketing since 1968. Now in its 15th year, the Index analyses finalist and winner data from more than 50 Effie competitions, with the wider Effie network spanning 130 markets worldwide. The 2025 Index was compiled from more than 5,700 Effie winners and finalists.

Digibrush Co-Founders Hisham Zulfiqar and Fazaaal Naufer said: “Being ranked among the Top 5 independent agency offices in Asia-Pacific is a proud moment for all of us, but what makes it particularly meaningful is doing so as an agency born and built in Sri Lanka. We have always believed that where you come from should never limit the standard of work you can create. To now see Digibrush alongside some of the most effective agencies from across the region, and among the Top 25 independents globally, reinforces that belief.”

Firmly rooted in Sri Lanka, Digibrush has evolved into a full-service digital and creative agency with deep expertise in performance marketing, serving regional and global brands across Sri Lanka, Singapore, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE and Canada. Its international portfolio includes work with multinational companies such as General Mills, across iconic brands including Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley and Old El Paso.

The recognition further strengthens Digibrush’s evolution from a homegrown digital agency into an independent agency competing across markets, demonstrating that Sri Lankan ideas, talent and effectiveness can earn their place alongside the best in the world.

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Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka delivered a standout performance at the recently concluded Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026 Awards, securing a total of nine awards comprising two Gold Dragons, one Silver Dragon and six Black Dragons, among the festival’s highest overall award tallies. Gold Dragon wins for Phoenix Ogilvy and Ogilvy Digital, together with the seven additional recognitions across multiple categories, highlighted Ogilvy’s ability to combine creativity, strategic thinking and commercial effectiveness to deliver business results.

Organised by the 4As Sri Lanka, the third edition of Dragons of Sri Lanka shortlisted more than 50 agencies and corporates, making it one of the country’s most competitive marketing communications awards. These local awards, along with the chapters in Malaysia and Pakistan are part of the Dragons of Asia platform, one of the region’s leading programmes for marketing communications effectiveness, with entries being judged on strategy, originality, execution and measurable results.

Ogilvy Digital accounted for eight awards in total, including a Gold Dragon in the Business & Trade Marketing category, and a Silver Dragon in the Innovative Idea or Concept category. The Agency additionally received six Black Dragons across the categories of Innovative Idea or Concept, Business & Trade Marketing, Content Creation, Small Budget, Event or Experiential, and Brand Trial or Sales Generation. 

Commenting on the achievement, Sajith Weerasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of Ogilvy Digital, said, “These recognitions reflect the breadth of capabilities we’ve built across strategy, creative, content, experience design, technology and performance marketing. The fact that the work was recognised across so many different disciplines demonstrates our ability to apply creativity to a wide range of business challenges and objectives. We’re proud that this achievement spans multiple clients, categories and types of work, reflecting both the versatility of our people and our commitment to delivering results.”

The Ogilvy Group’s second Gold Dragon win was Phoenix Ogilvy’s recognition in the Product Launch or Re-Launch category for the relaunch of American Premium Water. It was a multi-dimensional campaign which refreshed the identity and rejuvenated the positioning of one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering bottled drinking water brands, bolstering its 30-year heritage while connecting with a new generation of consumers.

Commenting on the win, Siddhartha Roy, Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Ogilvy, said, “There’s always something special about reimagining a brand with a rich heritage. American Premium Water has been a trusted name in Sri Lanka for more than three decades, but the challenge was to make it relevant and compelling for a new generation of consumers. We created a new blueprint for growth for the brand’s positioning, proposition and visual identity, and manifested it through design, packaging and storytelling. To see that transformation recognised with a Gold Dragon, and more importantly reflected in the brand’s renewed momentum in the market, makes this a particularly rewarding achievement.” 

The Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka operates across multiple marketing communication disciplines and comprises over 290 staff in creative, strategy, digital, media, public relations and integrated communications. As part of the global Ogilvy network, the Group partners with leading local and international brands to create integrated campaigns that build brands, influence behaviour and drive business growth.

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An estimated 20 million children aged 12 to 17 – almost 1 in 5 – were subjected to at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year across 21 countries, according to a new report released by UNICEF today.
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‎Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse combines children’s testimonies with one of the largest bodies of available survey data to warn of a widespread trend of child sexual abuse and exploitation – both online and offline – enabled by technology.
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‎The report estimates that over 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, 9 million were asked to engage in sexual conversations or share sexual images against their will, and 4 million children had sexual images of themselves shared without their consent. However, the true scale of the issue is likely far higher due to underreporting by children.
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‎“The report reveals a painful reality. More than 20 million children across the countries studied were subjected to unwanted explicit sexual content or exploitation online, often in the digital spaces where they learn, play, and connect with friends,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “These experiences cause profound emotional and mental distress. Many children suffer in silence, unsure where to turn for help. We cannot look away.”
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‎According to the findings, nearly 60 per cent of cases took place on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and WhatsApp, and 14 per cent of cases happened in online games, with the platforms’ features, functions, and design used to exploit trust, the report notes. In Montenegro, more than 80 per cent of reported cases involved social media platforms, while in Colombia they were linked to more than half of cases.
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‎Across the countries surveyed, 57 per cent of cases involved someone the child already knew, including peers, romantic partners, friends, and family members, challenging assumptions that online abuse is primarily perpetrated by strangers. At the same time, 38 per cent of children first encountered the perpetrator online, with evidence showing how abuse is facilitated through fake accounts and private messaging features, for example.
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‎Technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse can have a profound impact on children’s emotional well-being, sense of safety, and trust in others. The experiences described by children during research interviews often focused on fear, shame, confusion, and isolation, with many struggling to understand what had happened or where to seek help.
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‎“I didn’t know how to react… I felt a little in shock,” said a young woman from the Dominican Republic, after private images were circulated without her consent at the age of 14. Another research participant, reflecting on a similar experience, said she felt “like the most used, the dirtiest, the worst person.”
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‎Children subjected to tech-facilitated exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or behaviours and self-harm, and reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, according to the analysis. In Mexico or North Macedonia, for example, the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours was more than eight times higher among children who experienced abuse, while in Pakistan the risk of self-harm was over seven times higher.
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‎More than 40 per cent of cases of tech-facilitated abuse were never shared with anyone, while fewer than 1 per cent were reported to authorities such as the police, social workers, or helplines. Globally, the most common reason children remained silent was not knowing where to go or who to tell. In some surveyed countries, non-disclosure rates were even higher, including in Armenia, where more than half of cases were never shared with anyone.
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‎The findings point to an urgent need for action by governments, technology companies, and other stakeholders to better protect children in the digital age. The report calls for urgent action to:
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‎‎• Make digital platforms safer by design, with stronger privacy protections for children, restrictions on unsolicited contact from adults, safer recommender systems, and better detection and reporting of abuse.
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‎• Strengthen laws, regulation and accountability, ensuring governments have the tools and enforcement measures to address evolving forms of abuse, including sexual extortion and AI-generated sexual abuse material.
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‎• Build reporting and support systems children can trust, including investment in child protection, health, justice and social services.
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‎• Shift the burden of protection away from children, ensuring families, schools and communities respond to disclosures with support and help children seek assistance safely.
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‎• Reduce the economic vulnerabilities perpetrators exploit through stronger family support and expanded education and employment opportunities for children and young people.
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‎• Address the social and gender norms that normalise the sexualisation of girls and stigmatise survivors of sexual violence.
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‎“All of us, including governments and technology companies, must do more to protect children online,” said Russell. (UNICEF)

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The ‘Gem City Ratnapura International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition 2026’, held from August 31 to September 2, concluded on a high note, drawing strong international participation and renewed confidence in Sri Lanka’s gem industry.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe said the increased turnout compared to last year reflects a revival of the sector. 

He emphasized that the Government’s priority is to transform Ratnapura into a major international hub for gems, strengthening the value chain from mining to value addition, manufacturing, and exports, while unlocking the sector’s estimated US$3 billion potential.

The Deputy Minister noted that steps are being taken to enhance traceability and global confidence, simplify import and export procedures, introduce regulations and facilities, build skills among youth, and expand research and knowledge in the industry.

This year’s exhibition attracted entrepreneurs from India, Pakistan, Thailand, the United States, China, Japan, Poland, and other countries, providing local entrepreneurs with a vital platform to showcase products and access international markets.

Abeysinghe extended appreciation to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Traders and Miners Association, and all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka says a joint counternarcotics operation has disrupted a Pakistan‑based trafficking network attempting to move crystal methamphetamine through Sri Lanka to international markets.

The Embassy said in a statement that acting on intelligence developed between August 14–29 by the DEA’s Foreign Counterparts Unit and Pakistan’s Anti‑Narcotics Force Special Investigations Cell, Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) intercepted suspicious maritime containers arriving from Pakistan. 

The seizure yielded approximately 463 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, concealed in bath towels, with an estimated street value of $21 million. Several suspects, including Pakistani nationals, were taken into custody.

The US Embassy stressed that the operation underscores the strength of the US–Sri Lanka partnership in dismantling transnational criminal organizations that fund terrorism and threaten communities in both countries.

It further noted that this cooperation builds on longstanding training and technical assistance provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to Sri Lanka Police and Customs.

The United States reaffirmed its commitment to working with Sri Lanka and regional partners to aggressively pursue transnational criminal organizations, deny them revenue from illicit drug trafficking, and protect citizens from the dangers of narcotics. (Newswire)

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Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their Test squad following two heavy defeats against England, dropping seven players and releasing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.

Five players who featured in the opening two Tests — Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have also been sent home without featuring in the series.

Pakistan have called up seven replacements, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have previous Test experience.

Five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah — have also been added to the squad.

The changes extend to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul released. Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke will take charge for the final Test.

The drastic overhaul follows Pakistan’s innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley and a 194-run loss at Lord’s. Pakistan were dismissed for fewer than 200 runs in all four innings across the two matches.

The second Test was also overshadowed by controversy after the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to abandon the match and the remainder of the tour over an interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan broadcast during the Test.

Pakistan eventually continued with the match, while captain Babar Azam and Sarfaraz later said they were unaware of any planned boycott.

The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sept. 9. (Newswire)

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Two Pakistani nationals are among three suspects arrested in connection with the seizure of 463 kilograms of suspected crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, from a container at the Colombo Port.

Police said the three suspects were arrested at a hotel in Colombo by officers of the Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB).

The arrests came as part of an investigation into the large consignment of suspected narcotics detected inside a container at the Colombo Port.

Police are continuing investigations into the consignment and those linked to it. (Newswire)

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The Central Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) has uncovered a large stock of narcotics inside a container at the Colombo Port.

According to reports, the Police stated that the consignment is suspected to be methamphetamine (ICE). 

The Police said that the drugs had been smuggled into the country from Pakistan, concealed within towels packed inside the container.

Investigations are underway into the discovery. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its positive growth in 2026, with total exports surpassing the US$ 10 Bn milestone during the first seven months of the year, according to the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka (EDB).

Combined merchandise and services exports are estimated to have reached US$ 10,487.80 Mn during January–July 2026, recording a 5.5 % year-on-year growth compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Merchandise exports remained the primary contributor to overall export earnings, with cumulative earnings reaching US$ 8,188.32 Mn during January–July 2026. This represents a 5.05% increase compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, reflecting the continued resilience of Sri Lanka’s merchandise export sector amid evolving global market conditions.

Meanwhile, services exports continued to demonstrate strong growth, reaching an estimated US$ 2,299.48 Mn during the first seven months of 2026. This represents a 7.02% year-on-year increase, further strengthening the contribution of the services sector to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings.

The continued expansion of both merchandise and services exports highlights the resilience and broad-based growth of Sri Lanka’s export sector, while reinforcing its increasingly important role in generating foreign exchange, supporting economic growth, and strengthening the country’s external sector performance.

Provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs shows, together with estimated export values for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports amounted to US$ 1,285.31 Mn in July 2026, representing a 1.3% year-on-year decrease compared to July 2025.

Meanwhile, the services export sector continued its positive growth momentum, generating an estimated US$ 351.92 Mn in July 2026, representing a 3.75% increase compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. The continued expansion of services exports highlights the sector’s growing contribution to Sri Lanka’s export earnings, foreign exchange generation, and overall economic resilience.

Consequently, Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached an estimated US$ 1,637.26 Mn in July 2026, recording an increase of 2.63% year-on-year growth compared to July 2025. 

Overall, Sri Lanka’s export performance during January–July 2026 demonstrates the continued resilience of the country’s external sector, with total exports surpassing the US$ 10 Bn milestone. The positive performance of both merchandise and services exports reflects continued progress towards developing a more diversified, competitive, and export-oriented economy, in line with Sri Lanka’s long-term economic development objectives.

The sustained expansion of services exports further underscores the increasing importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy. High-value service industries, including ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, and transport and logistics continue to play a pivotal role in diversifying the country’s export basket, enhancing value addition, attracting foreign exchange earnings, and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

Commenting on the export performance in July 2026, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), stated, “Crossing the US$ 10 Bn mark in total exports within the first seven months of 2026 is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka and a clear reflection of the resilience and determination of our export community. This performance demonstrates that, despite uncertainties in the global trading environment, Sri Lankan exporters continue to identify opportunities, adapt to changing market conditions and compete successfully in international markets.

Our priority now is to build on this momentum by strengthening the competitiveness of existing export sectors while accelerating the development of new products, services and markets. Greater value addition, innovation, technology adoption, market diversification and integration into global value chains will be essential to achieving sustainable export growth.

The EDB will continue to work closely with exporters, industry associations and government stakeholders to create an enabling environment for businesses to expand internationally and to support Sri Lanka’s ambition of becoming a more diversified, competitive and resilient export-oriented economy.”

Major Exports in July 2026

1. Products and Services with Positive Growth (Increases)

Rubber and Rubber-Based Products recorded a positive performance in July 2026, with export earnings increasing by 3.17% year-on-year to US$ 87.24 Mn, supported by improved performance across several key product segments. Notably, exports of Industrial and Surgical Rubber Gloves increased by 19.01%, making a significant contribution to the sector’s overall growth. Meanwhile, exports of Gaskets, Washers, Seals and other Hard Rubber Products increased substantially by 47.56% compared to July 2025, reflecting sustained international demand and the continued competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber-based manufacturing sector.

Spices and Concentrates recorded particularly strong growth in July 2026, with export earnings increasing by 95.98% year-on-year to US$ 72.14 Mn. This significant expansion was primarily driven by a remarkable increase in Pepper exports, which grew by 450.32% compared to July 2025, making a substantial contribution to the sector’s overall performance.

Activated Carbon, a high-value value-added product derived from coconut shells, recorded a significant 26.72% year-on-year growth, reaching US$ 24.28 Mn in July 2026. This strong performance underscores the growing contribution of diversified, value-added coconut-based products to Sri Lanka’s export earnings and highlights the sector’s considerable potential for further value addition, product diversification, and expansion in global markets.

The Electrical and Electronic Components sector recorded an exceptional growth of 99.74% in July 2026, with export earnings to reach US$ 76.34 Mn, compared to the corresponding period of 2025. This remarkable performance was mainly supported by a significant rise in exports of Insulated Wires and Cables, which grew by 150.15% compared to July 2025, highlighting Sri Lanka’s expanding role in global supply chains. In addition, exports of Boilers, Piston Engines, Pumps, and Vacuum Pumps increased to US$ 5.87 Mn in July 2026, compared to US$ 0.21 Mn recorded in July 2025, marking a substantial increase driven by enhanced export performance and international demand.

On the services export front, ICT/BPM exports are estimated to have reached US$ 143.24 Mn in July 2026, maintaining a strong contribution to the country’s services export performance. The continued expansion of this knowledge-intensive sector reflects the resilience of Sri Lanka’s services economy and its growing importance in generating export earnings, while further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive destination for technology-enabled services in global markets.

Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)

The Apparel and Textiles sector faced a challenging period in July 2026, with export earnings declining by 8.82% year-on-year to US$ 437.59 Mn. The decline was observed across major export destinations, with shipments to the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union decreasing by 6.28%, 5.73%, and 8.61%, respectively, compared to July 2025. This performance reflects continued challenges in the global apparel industry, including subdued consumer demand and evolving market conditions, which have affected export orders during the period.

Tea export earnings declined by 17.22% year-on-year to US$ 116.73 Mn in July 2026, mainly due to lower earnings from Tea Packets and Bulk Tea, which decreased by 10.14% and 26.96%, respectively. The decline was primarily attributable to weaker export performance in key markets, particularly the Middle East, where tea exports decreased by 47.93% compared to July 2025. Within the region, exports to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq recorded notable declines of 57.49%, 73.09%, 3.44%, and 78.54%, respectively, reflecting challenging market conditions affecting Sri Lanka’s tea exports.

Tea export earnings recorded a 17.22% year-on-year decline in July 2026, amounting to US$ 116.73 Mn, primarily due to lower earnings from both Tea Packets and Bulk Tea, which decreased by 10.14% and 26.96%, respectively. The decline was mainly attributable to subdued export performance in key markets, particularly the Middle East region, where tea exports fell by 47.93% compared to July 2025. Within this region, exports to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq experienced notable reductions of 57.49%, 73.09%, 3.44%, and 78.54%, respectively, reflecting the impact of challenging market conditions on Sri Lanka’s tea export performance.

The Coconut-based Products sector recorded a 9.89% year-on-year decline in export earnings to US$ 111.71 Mn in July 2026. Among the three major sub-categories, Coconut Kernel Products recorded the most significant decline of 27.19%. Within this category, export earnings from Coconut Oil and Liquid Coconut Milk decreased by 23.80% and 20.05%, respectively, contributing significantly to the sector’s overall decline.

Despite the positive performance recorded in exports of Coconut Fibre-based Products, Coco Peat, Fibre Pith, and Moulded Products declined by 6.02% to US$ 21.40 Mn in July 2026.

The Food and Beverages sector recorded a 4.66% year-on-year decline in export earnings to US$ 58.08 Mn in July 2026. Despite the decline, the sector continues to maintain a presence in international markets, reflecting the sustained demand for Sri Lankan food and beverage products.

Seafood exports recorded a significant 60.31% year-on-year decline, reaching US$ 15.58 Mn in July 2026. The negative performance was mainly driven by declines in key product categories, particularly Frozen Fish and Fresh Fish, which recorded decreases of 54.54% and 81.19%, respectively.

Similarly, Ornamental Fish exports recorded a substantial 86.54% year-on-year decline to US$ 0.65 million in July 2026, reflecting a significant contraction in export earnings compared to the corresponding month of the previous year.

Exports of Mineral and Mineral-based Products also recorded a 6.39% year-on-year decline in July 2026, reflecting weaker export performance within the sector.

Exports during the period of January – July 2026

Sri Lanka’s export performance remained positive during the January–July 2026 period, with total exports reaching an estimated US$ 10,487.80 Mn, reflecting a 5.48% year-on-year growth compared to the corresponding period of 2025. Merchandise exports increased by 5.05% to an estimated US$ 8,188.32 Mn, including estimated export values for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products. Meanwhile, services exports recorded a stronger growth of 7.02%, reaching US$ 2,299.48 Mn.

The continued growth in both merchandise and services exports demonstrates the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector amid evolving global market conditions. The sustained expansion of services exports, in particular, highlights their growing contribution to export diversification, foreign exchange earnings, and the overall strengthening of Sri Lanka’s external sector.

1. Products & Services with Positive Growth (Increases)

Cumulative export earnings from several key sectors recorded strong growth during the first half of 2026, with Coconut-based Products, Rubber-based Products, Processed Food & Beverages, Spices and Concentrates, Electrical & Electronic Components recording year-on-year increases of 10%, 4.92%, 19.23%, 14.32%, and 57.69% respectively, compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The broad-based growth across these sectors highlights the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export industries, supported by rising demand for value-added products and improved competitiveness in international markets.

Export earnings from Coconut-based Products increased significantly by 10% year-on-year to reach US$ 726.64 Mn during the period of Jan-July 2026, supported by Fibre-based Products (11.25%), and Shell-based Products (47.83%). The strong performance was driven by increased exports of products such as Coconut Oil (7.08%), Desiccated Coconut (2.94%), Coco peat, Fiber pith & Moulded products (20.72%) and Activated Carbon (20.3%), reflecting sustained global demand and enhanced value addition within the sector.

The Rubber and Rubber-based Products sector generated export earnings of US$ 579.55 Mn during January–July 2026, recording a 4.92% year-on-year growth. The positive performance was primarily supported by increased exports of Pneumatic and Retreaded Rubber Tyres and Tubes and Industrial and Surgical Gloves, which grew by 4.11% and 3.32%, respectively. This continued growth reflects the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber-based manufacturing sector and its sustained presence in global markets.

Export earnings from the Food & Beverages sector increased by 19.23% year-on-year, reaching US$ 405.22 Mn during January–July 2026. The strong performance was largely driven by Processed Food exports, which recorded a notable 33.11% growth to reach US$ 189.44 Mn. This robust growth underscores the increasing international demand for Sri Lanka’s value-added food products and the sector’s potential for further expansion in global markets.

Meanwhile, export earnings from Spices and Concentrates increased by 14.32%, reaching US$ 280.49 Mn during January–July 2026. This growth was primarily supported by the strong performance of Cinnamon, with export earnings increasing by 29.75% during the period. The growth in Cinnamon exports was further supported by a significant increase in shipments to Mexico, which increased by 85.54%. The strong performance of key spice products highlights the continued global demand for Sri Lanka’s premium spice exports and the sector’s contribution to overall export growth.

Exports of Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) recorded exceptional growth during January–July 2026, increasing by 57.69% year-on-year to reach US$ 377.91 Mn. The strong performance was supported by significant growth across several key product categories, including Electrical Transformers (32.28%), Insulated Wires and Cables (86.28%), and Switches, Boards and Panels (25.90%). In addition, exports of Telephone Sets and Audio/Video Equipment and Boilers, Piston Engines, Pumps and Vacuum Pumps increased substantially by 232.72% and 478.18%, respectively, during the period. The sector’s strong performance highlights the growing competitiveness and export potential of Sri Lanka’s electrical and electronic manufacturing industry.

Furthermore, ICT/BPM exports are estimated to have increased by 14.54%, reaching US$ 1,022.25 Mn during January–July 2026. This strong performance underscores the continued expansion of Sri Lanka’s digital and knowledge-based economy, while highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to the country’s overall export earnings and its increasing importance as a high-value, services-oriented export sector.

Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)

Export earnings from the Apparel and Textiles sector declined by 6.50% year-on-year, reaching US$ 2,879.69 Mn during January–July 2026, compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The contraction was primarily driven by subdued demand in key export markets, particularly the United States and the European Union, which together account for more than half of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports. During the period, exports to the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom declined by 2.99%, 8.42%, and 11.06%, respectively, contributing to the overall decline in sector performance amid challenging global market conditions.

Tea export earnings declined by 7.53% year-on-year, reaching US$ 817.53 Mn during January–July 2026. The decline was mainly attributable to weaker performance across key product categories, with Bulk Tea exports decreasing by 9.89% and Tea Packets declining by 7.01% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Seafood exports also recorded a decline of 3.73%, generating export earnings of US$ 138.08 Mn during the period. The contraction was mainly driven by lower exports of Frozen Fish, which declined by 6.50%, and Fresh Fish, which decreased by 1.79%. The decline highlights the continued challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s seafood export sector amid changing international market conditions and demand patterns.

Table 1 shows a comparative analysis of merchandise export performance for July 2025–2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January–July period.

Among the top fifteen export destinations, several key markets, including India, Turkey, Japan, and Mexico, recorded positive year-on-year growth both in July 2026 and cumulatively during January–July 2026. This broad-based performance indicates growing resilience and expanding market opportunities across several important international destinations.

The United States, Sri Lanka’s largest single export destination, accounting for approximately 22% of total merchandise exports, recorded a marginal 0.58% year-on-year decline in export earnings to US$ 250.87 Mn in July 2026. Cumulative exports during January–July 2026 also declined marginally by 1.10%, reaching US$ 1,707.91 Mn compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Despite the slight contraction, the US market remained relatively stable and continued to be the leading destination for Sri Lankan merchandise exports.

India strengthened its position as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, surpassing the United Kingdom, with cumulative exports increasing by 36.16% to US$ 688.47 Mn during January–July 2026. Exports to India also recorded robust year-on-year growth of 9.12% in July 2026, reaching US$ 129.51 Mn. In contrast, exports to the United Kingdom declined by 11.34% year-on-year to US$ 72.14 Mn in July 2026, while cumulative exports decreased by 10.23% to US$ 434.44 Mn during January–July 2026.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a significant 18.19% increase in export earnings in July 2026, reflecting improved monthly export performance despite regional geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions to trade conditions. However, cumulative exports to the UAE during January–July 2026 declined by 5.21% compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The contrasting monthly and cumulative performance reflects fluctuations in market conditions, regional uncertainties, and evolving demand patterns.

Turkey recorded exceptional export growth of 71.40% in July 2026, with export earnings reaching US$ 29.67 Mn. Cumulative exports during January–July 2026 also increased substantially by 92.48% year-on-year, reaching US$ 152.87 Mn. This strong performance reflects deepening bilateral trade engagement, improved market penetration, and growing demand for Sri Lankan products in the Turkey.

Notably, Tea exports to Turkey recorded exceptional growth of 101.59% in July 2026, while cumulative tea exports during January–July 2026 increased by 130.37% year-on-year. This remarkable growth highlights the rapidly expanding demand for Sri Lankan tea in the Turkish market and points to significant opportunities for further market development and export expansion.

Table 2 shows a comparative analysis of merchandise export performance across the top 15 export markets for July 2025 & 2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January – July period of 2025 & 2026.

Table 2: Comparison of Merchandise Export Performance of Top 15 Export Destinations 

Exports to FTA Partners (India & Pakistan)

a. July 2026

Exports to India and Pakistan collectively accounted for 8.74% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports in July 2026, with export earnings reaching US$ 137.41 Mn, representing a 7.44% year-on-year increase.

Exports to India increased by 9.12%, reaching US$ 129.51 Mn, primarily driven by higher exports of base metal products. Meanwhile, exports to Pakistan recorded a stronger growth of 14.13%, reaching US$ 7.90 Mn, supported by increased shipments of betel leaves, other articles of stone, and petroleum oils.

b. January – July 2026

During January–July 2026, export earnings to India increased by 7.22% year-on-year, reaching US$ 669.36 Mn. The growth was primarily driven by increased exports of boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps; petroleum oils; animal feed; and base metal products.

Exports to Pakistan also recorded strong growth of 30.53%, reaching US$ 55.49 Mn during the period. This positive performance was supported by increased exports of other textile articles, betel leaves, desiccated coconut, and other articles of stone, reflecting growing demand for Sri Lankan products in the Pakistani market.

Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Regions

Table 3 shows the comparison of region wise exports for July 2025 & 2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January–July period of 2025 & 2026.

Exports to the European Union (EU), which accounted for approximately 25.5% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, declined by 14.59% year-on-year in July 2026 compared with the corresponding month of 2025. However, cumulative exports to the EU during January–July 2026 recorded only a marginal 0.50% year-on-year decline, indicating a relatively stable overall export performance to the region despite challenging market conditions.

Among the top five EU export markets, Italy remained the leading destination, with export earnings reaching US$ 391.00 Mn, reflecting a 2.93% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Exports to Germany amounted to US$ 388.73 Mn, declining by 7.60%, while exports to the Netherlands decreased by 6.62% to US$ 247.99 Mn. Exports to France also declined by 5.49% to US$ 151.86 Mn. In contrast, exports to Belgium increased by 2.17%, reaching US$ 142.32 Mn during January–July 2026. (Newswire)

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The win has helped Englnad move above Sri Lanka in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.

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Ahmad Farhad, a Kashmiri poet and journalist, has been under administrative detention since June 20 in Bagh, Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. His arbitrary detention under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance comes as part of a massive crackdown on the right to peaceful assembly in the region. Concerningly, the authorities are pressuring Ahmad Farhad to record statements denouncing protests taking place in the region. He is currently on a hunger strike to protest his unlawful detention.

Calls on the Pakistani authorities to immediately release Ahmad and refrain from coercive tactics which curtail his right to freedom of expression.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: February 20, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

1. Send a letter to the Pakistani authorities
2. Send an email to Pakistani authorities
3. Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

TAKE ACTION

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More prominent voices from Pakistan cricket are beginning to speak publicly about the health and treatment of jailed former Prime Minister and legendary cricketer Imran Khan.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has now called for proper medical treatment for Imran, joining his former teammate Javed Miandad, who recently made an emotional public appeal over the treatment of the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.

Moin, who was part of Imran’s World Cup-winning Pakistan team in 1992, expressed concern over his former captain’s health and said he should be provided appropriate medical care.

His intervention follows Miandad’s public comments questioning what was being done to Imran and calling for his release.

The comments are notable as more figures associated with Pakistan cricket publicly raise concerns about Imran, following similar appeals from prominent names in international cricket.

A group of former international captains, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Clive Lloyd and Sri Lanka’s Arjuna Ranatunga, have also appealed to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure Imran receives appropriate medical treatment.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has also spoken publicly on the issue, saying he hoped the former Pakistan captain would be treated with dignity.

Imran, 73, has been imprisoned since 2023. His family and supporters have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and access to medical treatment, while Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations that he is being denied appropriate care.

Imran remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated sporting figures, having led the country to its first and only men’s ODI World Cup title in 1992 before later entering politics and serving as prime minister from 2018 to 2022. (Newswire)

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Australian cricketer Pat Cummins has added his voice to growing calls for humane treatment of former Pakistan Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, urging that court‑ordered medical assessments be allowed to proceed and that family visits continue. 

“I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves,” Cummins said, joining other former international captains in expressing concern.

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has also raised serious concerns about Khan’s health and isolation in prison.

Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Chappell said Khan, now 73, no longer appeared the strong, robust figure he had met six years ago. “His right eye apparently has developed a disability… he’s struggling. He’s been in isolation for three years,” Chappell noted.

Chappell, who developed a warm friendship with Khan during their playing days, described how isolation and lack of contact with family were affecting Khan’s mental health. 

He said Khan was not allowed to read books and spent most of his time in darkness, warning that such conditions were damaging both his mental and physical well‑being.

Khan has been incarcerated since 2023, serving a 14‑year sentence on corruption charges he has consistently denied. A video clip recently showed him being moved in a wheelchair during a hospital visit, further fueling concerns about his deteriorating health.

Chappell was among 22 former cricketers, including India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar, who wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling for humane treatment, independent medical assessment and proper care for Khan.

Imran Khan, who served as Pakistan’s 22nd Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, remains one of the country’s most celebrated all‑rounders, famously leading Pakistan to its first World Cup victory in 1992. (Newswire)

Adding my support here to GC and the other former international captains. I hope the court ordered medical assessment be allowed to run its course, and that family visits continue. I hope Imran Khan is treated with the dignity anyone deserves https://t.co/L1L512wXao

— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) August 28, 2026

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Sri Lanka has been ranked 120th out of 130 countries in the latest comparative world minimum wage report released by Visual Capitalist based on International Labour Organization (ILO) data. 

The report shows that the purchasing power of Sri Lanka’s monthly minimum wage stands at just USD 200, placing the country among the lowest globally.

In Asia, South Korea recorded the highest minimum wage at USD 2,362, securing 11th place worldwide, while Japan followed at 16th place with USD 1,839. 

Among South Asian nations, Sri Lanka was positioned lowest, with Pakistan ranked 68th (USD 570), Nepal 78th (USD 490), Bangladesh 89th (USD 379), and India 111th (USD 233).

Globally, Switzerland topped the list with a purchasing power equivalent of USD 3,804 per month. 

Other countries in the top ten included Germany (USD 2,928), the United Kingdom (USD 2,902), the Netherlands (USD 2,876), Australia (USD 2,819), Belgium (USD 2,752), Iceland (USD 2,730), New Zealand (USD 2,673), France (USD 2,465) and Ireland (USD 2,433).

Only ten countries ranked below Sri Lanka in the index: Niger, Bhutan, Haiti, Guinea, the Central African Republic, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Guinea‑Bissau and Gambia, which recorded the lowest figure at USD 67.

The report emphasized that these values are calculated based on domestic purchasing power parity rather than direct US dollar income, and that taxes or additional allowances are not included in the figures.

Report : https://www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-minimum-wages-around-the-world-adjusted-for-cost-of-living/ (Newswire)

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The Pakistan Cricket Board has lodged a formal complaint with broadcaster Sky after they aired an interview with legendary Pakistan captain Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Qasim. 

The interview was conducted by ex-England captain and broadcaster Michael Atherton on behalf of Sky, and the full interview was aired on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s.

According to The Guardian, PCB did not like that the official broadcaster of the Test series aired an interview which was heavily critical of the existing Pakistan government, and they have lodged a formal complaint with the company.

Sky, although they have acknowledged the complaint, did not issue a formal response. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also been made aware of the PCB’s grievances with the interview, although the ECB too are yet to come up with a response. 

Pakistan threatened to not take the field at Lord’s after lunch on Day 1?

ESPNCricinfo further reported that PCB even threatened that their players won’t take the field post-lunch if the interview is aired. Sky later released an 18-minute clip, but by the time it was released, Pakistan players were on their way to the ground for the second session. 

However, further reports have emerged from various quarters stating PCB did threaten that the players will protest by not taking the field if the interview was aired. 

What did Imran Khan’s sons say to Sky?

In their interview with Atherton on Sky on Thursday, the two sons of the legendary World Cup-winning Pakistan captain shared their deep concerns about their father’s health, which has considerably deteriorated in the past couple of months while being in jail. 

In a section of the interview, Qasim Khan told Atherton, “Right now, it’s crucial for us that he gets proper treatment. When we saw him, he had an eye patch on from the eye situation; he seemed visibly stressed and that is something that is very hard to imagine.

“Because he embodies a very calm and assured kind of presence. So to hear him stressed, anxious or disturbed is very difficult.”

Earlier this year, 14 former international captains wrote a letter to the Pakistan government expressing their concern over Imran Khan’s condition inside jail and prayed for better treatment of their ex-comrade.

Atherton was among the signatories alongside ex-India captains Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar and ex-Australia skippers Greg and Ian Chappell and Alan Border.

Why is Imran Khan in jail?

The 1992 World Cup-winning Pakistan captain has been embroiled in legal battles since his ouster as the country’s Prime Minister in 2022.

Multiple alleged criminal charges were pressed against Khan and he was taken into custody in May 2023. Ever since then, Khan has spent more than three years in jail.

His condition deteriorated in January 2026 and reports emerged that Khan had only 15 per cent of vision in his right eye. Most recently, he underwent a medical check-up at a hospital in Islamabad. (The Cricket News)

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India has taken a major step towards opening one of its most sensitive areas of defence production to private companies.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the transfer of technologies developed by the state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for all conventional missile systems to Indian industry for domestic production, the country’s Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

The move marks a significant shift for the sector dominated by government-run firms and research laboratories. Private companies will be able to compete for the technology and production rights, subject to technical qualifications, certifications and other regulatory requirements, the ministry said.

The Narendra Modi-led government says the aim is to move missiles from development into mass production faster, increase domestic manufacturing and reduce India’s dependence on imports.

So, does India’s private defence industry have the capacity to manufacture sophisticated missile systems at the scale and reliability the military needs, is the country moving towards developing its own military-industrial complex, and are there security risks involved?

What did the government announce?

India’s Defence Ministry said Singh had approved the transfer of DRDO-developed technology for all conventional missile systems to Indian defence companies for production inside the country.

“The objective is to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the defence industrial base, and create opportunities for the participation of Indian MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) and other technology partners in the supply chain,” the ministry said in a statement.

The measure would enable the “successful transition of missile system development to industrial production” and create opportunities for MSMEs and other technology partners, the ministry added.

“DRDO remains committed to working closely with Indian industry to facilitate the transfer and absorption of advanced defence technologies and to further strengthen the country’s indigenous defence capabilities.”

The announcement spans a wide range of missiles, said Aditya Ramanathan, a research fellow with the Bengaluru-based Takshashila Institution.

“It will include surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, anti-radiation missiles, antitank systems, and so on. It will also include more heavy-duty hardware like land-attack cruise missiles,” he told Al Jazeera.

Why is India doing this?

India has traditionally relied heavily on state-owned defence companies to turn weapons developed by DRDO into large-scale production. Bharat Dynamics, one such state-owned company, has long held a monopoly in missile production.

Tuesday’s announcement is a “big change” because it ends that monopoly, said Ramanathan.

“Private companies have been making missile components for years, but what this decision does is allow them to move up the value chain and become prime integrators for these systems,” he said.

While India largely relies on domestically made missiles, it also imports missiles — especially from Russia and Israel, two key weapons suppliers to the country.

But under Modi, India has attempted to both encourage self-reliance in defence — a concept that the government calls Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India — and prod foreign defence majors to manufacture in India.

At a time when geopolitical allegiances are changing fast, and India faces uncertainties on both major borders — with rivals Pakistan and China — the country under Modi has more than doubled its defence budget, from $38bn in 2014 to $86bn in the current financial year.

The brief four-day conflict with nuclear-armed rival and neighbour Pakistan last year has injected fresh urgency into India’s defence preparedness plans. This year’s defence budget is 16 percent higher than the previous year’s.

Other geopolitical events have forced the government’s hand too, suggested Ramanathan.

“I don’t think this move would have happened as soon as it did if not for the experience of recent wars. Indian decision-makers have been looking at Ukraine, they’ve been looking at the US war with Iran, and of course they’ve been imbibing the lessons of operations from last year,” he said.

“One reason you’re going to need large stockpiles is that, as we’ve seen recently, you’re going to burn through your inventory pretty quickly. The other reason is that your adversary could also degrade your stockpiles using their own precision-strike systems.”

China, he said, was a major factor in India’s calculations.

“India believes that to deter China, which is its most capable adversary, it will need to demonstrate that it can both inflict and absorb really punishing attrition over weeks of gruelling warfare,” Ramanathan said.

To that end, India is also creating a tri-services conventional missile force. “To be a viable and effective force, it’s going to require serious magazine depth, and this cannot be achieved without the active involvement of the private sector,” he added.

What is India’s defence industry already manufacturing?

In June, India announced that it was preparing to spend more than $2bn on military drones from domestic manufacturers, reflecting the rapid expansion of the country’s private defence industry.

More than 600 companies were involved in India’s drone industry, including major groups such as Adani, Larsen & Toubro, and Tata Advanced Systems, as well as startups.

In July, India also approved the purchase of a range of military equipment for its defence forces worth $5.46bn, including missiles, electronic warfare systems and Kamikaze drones.

India is also pushing to rapidly modernise its navy with an eye on Beijing’s growing influence in key Indian Ocean shipping lanes. In December, New Delhi announced plans to procure at least 75 ships and submarines, with most expected to be constructed domestically.

At the same time, India is trying to diversify the foreign sources of its weapons. Over the past decade, New Delhi has worked to move away from its longstanding reliance on Russia for military hardware, expanding defence ties with countries such as the United States, France and — increasingly — Israel.

Does the private sector have the capacity to build missiles?

Private arms manufacturers in India have been increasing spending on bolstering military production in the past few years.

Major conglomerates have invested heavily in ammunition, drones, aerospace and military electronics. Of late, they have started to invest in facilities that aim to manufacture missiles.

Adani Defence & Aerospace, owned by business tycoon Gautam Adani, a close associate of Indian Prime Minister Modi, announced plans in 2024 to invest more than 30 billion rupees ($315m) in ammunition and missile manufacturing facilities in Uttar Pradesh.

The facilities would include capabilities for handling explosives used in missiles and precision munitions.

But commitments and intent don’t build missiles.

“Ultimately, I think the success or failure of this move will depend on how the Indian government places orders,” Ramanathan said. “Making missiles is an incredibly complex and costly affair, and companies are going to have to invest a lot in infrastructure, technology and people. These sorts of investments will only pay off if the government places large enough orders to justify them and also, hopefully, leave these companies with some profits that they can pour back into research and development.”

What missiles does India have?

India has a range of cruise and ballistic missiles, several of which are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

In May, on the anniversary of the 2025 war with Pakistan, India successfully test-fired the Agni-V, its most advanced nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach a distance of 5,500km (3,418 miles) — a range that covers all of China, the Middle East and even parts of Europe.

Its other ballistic missiles have ranges from as little as the Prithvi-1 (150km or 93 miles) to the Agni-IV (4,000km or 2,485 miles), again covering everything from border skirmishes with Pakistan to India’s extended neighbourhood.

It also has powerful cruise missiles, like the BrahMos, co-developed with Russia, which has a range of up to 500km (311 miles), and was used in last year’s war with Pakistan.

Is India also exporting missiles and other weapons?

India has dramatically ramped up its military exports in recent years, from just $72m in 2014-15 — when Modi came to power — to $4bn in 2025-2016.

Paras Defence, one of India’s fast-growing defence manufacturers, said this month it expects its exports to more than double in the 2026–27 financial year, up to $14m, driven partly by increased demand linked to conflicts in the Middle East.

Indian arms makers have also been involved in joint ventures with companies abroad. Adani Defence, in partnership with Elbit Systems – Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer – produces the large Hermes 900 armed drone systems.

A 2024 investigation by Al Jazeera exposed how India was exporting rocket parts and ammunition to Israel, even as the Modi government was publicly calling for diplomacy to end the war on Gaza.

In June 2026, Amnesty International said in a report that India’s weapons exports to Israel made it complicit in the genocide in Gaza.

But it isn’t just Israel that has sought and received weapons from Indian manufacturers. Nor is it just bullets and weapons parts that India is exporting today — complete missiles are in demand, too.

In 2022, the Philippines bought three batteries of the BrahMos missiles from India. Since then, Vietnam and Indonesia have signed deals with India for the purchase of these missiles. And India has submitted a proposal to the United Arab Emirates offering to supply the Gulf country these missiles, too.

Is the latest move a step towards building a military-industrial complex?

That appears to be the intention.

While Tuesday’s announcement marks the first time that India’s state-run research and manufacturing facilities will transfer missile technology to the private sector, the government earlier this year shortlisted private firms to manufacture the country’s next-generation fighter jets.

Tata Advanced Systems, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, and Bharat Forge are among companies to be shortlisted, and are emerging as major makers of artillery systems, ammunition and aerospace systems. India has its homegrown jets, but imports the most cutting-edge planes in its arsenal, including the Rafale fighters from France. The Indian Air Force also relies heavily on Soviet-era jets.

Still, while India “wants to build a wider defence industrial base”, said Ramanathan, “it is very far from developing the sort of military-industrial complex that [former US President Dwight] Eisenhower worried about. Power in India still resides overwhelmingly with the government.”

What about India’s military imports?

Despite the surge in domestic manufacturing and exports of specific weapons systems and parts, India on the whole remains a major military importer.

India was the world’s second-largest importer of weapons between 2021 and 2025, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI): Russia was its biggest source, accounting for 40 percent of India’s imported weapons.

Are there risks in transferring sensitive technology to the private sector?

As the US and Israel bombed Iran in March this year, a group of Iranian hackers claimed it broke into the servers of major US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin, stealing blueprints of components used in the F-35 fighter jets.

The alleged data breach exposed the risks of private companies — which often have lower security standards and oversight than top-secret government laboratories — holding sensitive information.

But Ramanathan pointed out that in India’s case, “the companies that are most likely to get the missile contracts are all old hands”.

“They’ve been involved in the defence sector in some capacity for decades, and they have experience in dealing with confidentiality and secrecy,” he said.

The Indian government, on its part, also “doesn’t want the technology or its missile secrets to go to its adversaries, and it also wants to abide by its commitments to the Missile Technology Control Regime, which gives India several advantages,” he said, referring to one of the world’s major export-control regimes.

“So India has good reasons, in its own self-interest, to ensure that missile technology doesn’t leak.” (Aljazeera)

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The draw earned both teams four WTC points, taking Sri Lanka to 24 points from six matches. Their points percentage remains at 33.33%, keeping them sixth in the nine-team standings.

India, meanwhile, remain fifth but saw their points percentage fall from 53.33% to 51.52%. They now have 68 points from 11 matches.

Australia continue to lead the WTC table with a points percentage of 80.00%, followed by defending champions South Africa on 75.00% and New Zealand on 72.22%. Bangladesh are fourth with 55.56%.

The Colombo draw came after a remarkable Sri Lankan fightback on the final day. Having been forced to follow on after conceding a 213-run first-innings deficit, the hosts recovered to 429 for nine, with Sonal Dinusha producing another outstanding innings.

Dinusha, who scored 103 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 133 from 264 balls in the second innings as Sri Lanka denied India the victory they needed to further strengthen their WTC campaign.

India won the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs and therefore secured the two-match series 1-0.

Updated WTC standings

1. Australia – 80.00%

2. South Africa – 75.00%

3. New Zealand – 72.22%

4. Bangladesh – 55.56%

5. India – 51.52%

6. Sri Lanka – 33.33%

7. England – 29.76%

8. West Indies – 20.83%

9. Pakistan – 19.05%

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A fire erupted in a hospital maternity ward in Islamabad on Wednesday (Aug 26), killing 14 infants, Pakistan authorities said, blaming a faulty air conditioner for the blaze.

The dawn fire broke out on the third floor of the Mother and Child Health Ward at the public Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the Islamabad district office said in a statement.

The statement gave a death toll of 14, who according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were all infants. He called for an investigation.

At the hospital, AFP saw a nurse call out the names of babies who had perished in the fire as families gathered outside.

Khurram Mehmood, 40, told AFP he lost his three-day-old daughter in the blaze and that rescuers took hours to arrive.

“I lost my daughter. She was only three days old,” he said.

“My wife was in the ward. They took everyone out. We were sitting on the road waiting for help.”

A mother with black residue from the smoke on her hands stood crying outside the hospital as she held her 10-day-old baby in her arms.

“People were screaming. There was black smoke. We ran for our lives. Thank god my baby is safe,” Shagufta Parveen told AFP.

An AFP reporter saw other families in tears and a man clear glass from two broken windows, as security guards stood at the entrance to the leading medical facility.

“DEEP GRIEF”

Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed “deep grief and sorrow over the deaths of 14 infants” in separate statements.

“Such a situation involving children is irreparable,” the prime minister said.

“The circumstances that led to the incident should be thoroughly reviewed, those responsible should be identified and the strictest possible action should be taken.”

PIMS spokeswoman Aneeza Jalil told AFP said the fire was caused by an electrical fault and “fire sparked from the AC (air conditioner)”.

Sohail Ashraf, the Islamabad chief commissioner, said the emergency call was made just before 7am (10am, Singapore time), with rescue and police teams reaching the scene “immediately” and bringing the fire under control.

Fires in large buildings are frequent in Pakistan, often due to poor safety laws and building codes as well as lax enforcement.

In January more than 65 people were killed in a shopping centre fire in the port city of Karachi.

At least 11 people were killed in another shopping mall fire in Karachi in 2023.

In 2021 at least 16 workers died after a factory fire in the same city.

In 2012 at least 250 labourers died at a garment factory in Baldia Town, in western Karachi, when a fire engulfed the facility. The building had no fire escape. (CNA/ AFP)

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