The government has decided to introduce a formal mechanism to upgrade roads maintained by Provincial Councils and Local Government Authorities to national highways under the Road Development Authority (RDA).

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to establish a process for evaluating and taking over roads currently managed by other government institutions.

According to the Cabinet decision, requests to upgrade such roads to national highways will be assessed based on their basic eligibility, technical feasibility and other relevant criteria.

The evaluations will be carried out by the Road Development Authority’s Road Takeover Committee, whose recommendations will form the basis for further action to declare eligible roads as national highways.

The decision follows recommendations submitted by a committee appointed to examine the transfer and maintenance of roads currently falling outside the RDA’s jurisdiction.

The Cabinet had previously granted approval on July 20, 2026, to appoint the committee, chaired by an Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development.

The committee was tasked with reviewing proposals submitted by District Coordination Committees and making recommendations on transferring roads maintained by Provincial Councils and Local Government Authorities to the RDA.

It was also responsible for identifying the financial allocations and staffing requirements necessary to maintain roads transferred to the RDA.

Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Cabinet has now approved proceeding with a structured evaluation process for upgrading eligible roads to national highway status. (Newswire)

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The government has decided to modernise the State Printing Corporation through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under a new strategic diversification programme aimed at transforming the institution into an advanced, technology-driven, high-security printing facility.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, to implement the programme titled “Smart Print Initiative.”

According to the Cabinet decision, the State Printing Corporation, established in 1968, serves as the primary government institution responsible for printing school textbooks, official government publications and documents required by state institutions.

Although the corporation has consistently recorded financial profits in recent years, it continues to face challenges due to ageing machinery and outdated printing technology.

These limitations have affected its production efficiency and cost competitiveness, highlighting the need for restructuring and technological modernisation.

The proposed Smart Print Initiative aims to address these challenges by introducing modern printing technologies and diversifying the corporation’s operations, with a focus on developing high-security printing capabilities.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has granted approval to implement the proposed modernisation and diversification programme under a public-private partnership framework. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the award of a Rs. 1.07 billion contract to Tudawe Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd. to widen and improve a section of the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road.

The contract covers the stretch between kilometre 58+240 and kilometre 63+000 under the national programme to widen and improve national roads, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Tenders were invited through a national competitive bidding process, and eight bids were received. The Procurement Committee and the Procurement Appeals Board subsequently deliberated on the procurement process, the minister said.

Following these deliberations, the Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to award the contract to Tudawe Brothers (Pvt.) Ltd.

The contract is valued at Rs. 1.07 billion, including the contingency fund and excluding value-added tax (VAT), the government said. (Newswire)

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The government has approved obtaining a USD 100 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement the second phase of Sri Lanka’s Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Programme.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, to enter into an agreement with the ADB to secure the financing.

According to the Cabinet decision, the USD 100 million facility will consist of USD 50 million from the ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources and another USD 50 million from its Concessional Ordinary Capital Resources.

The funding will be utilised to implement Subprogramme 2 of the Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Programme, aimed at addressing key challenges in Sri Lanka’s water supply and sanitation sector.

The programme is expected to support reforms targeting weaknesses in water resources management, operational and financial inefficiencies, exposure to climate-related risks, shortcomings in social inclusion and inadequate coordination among stakeholders.

The proposed financing forms part of a broader USD 620 million policy-based loan programme from the ADB, covering five subprogrammes to support Sri Lanka’s economic reform agenda.

The Cabinet had previously granted approval on March 16, 2026, to obtain the USD 620 million financing package in parallel with the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.

The latest Cabinet decision enables the government to proceed with the financing agreement for the water supply and sanitation reforms. (Newswire)

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The government has decided to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka’s Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and the Philippines-based Asia-Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission (APACC) to strengthen the country’s technical and vocational education and training sector.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, to proceed with signing the new agreement.

According to the Cabinet decision, the two institutions had previously entered into a five-year agreement aimed at advancing accreditation and certification standards within Sri Lanka’s technical and vocational education and training system.

However, as the validity period of the previous agreement has expired, a new MoU has been proposed to continue and expand cooperation between the two institutions.

The proposed agreement aims to strengthen regional cooperation in vocational education and obtain technical assistance from APACC to improve the quality and standards of vocational education in Sri Lanka.

It also seeks to promote international accreditation and certification for institutions providing vocational training, while further strengthening Sri Lanka’s National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Framework.

Additionally, the agreement is expected to facilitate the appointment of a National Coordinator for Accreditation in Sri Lanka.

Another key objective is to identify and train local accreditors in accordance with APACC procedures and standards to support future accreditation activities.

The Cabinet has accordingly granted approval for the two institutions to sign the proposed agreement. (Newswire)

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The government has approved an additional allocation of Rs. 7.5 billion under the RE-MSME PLUS Loan Scheme to continue providing financial assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, to provide the additional funds after the scheme’s initial allocation of Rs. 30 billion was fully utilised by participating financial institutions.

According to the Cabinet decision, the RE-MSME PLUS Loan Scheme was introduced this year by combining the existing RE-MSME Loan Scheme with several other loan programmes aimed at reviving the small and medium enterprise sector.

As of the end of August 2026, projects worth Rs. 4.27 billion had been approved to support businesses affected by the Ditwah disaster, while projects worth Rs. 25.92 billion had been approved for other micro, small and medium enterprises.

The government stated that participating financial institutions have already utilised the entire Rs. 30 billion initially allocated under the programme.

However, financial institutions have reported that approximately Rs. 7.5 billion in additional funding is required for projects that have completed internal evaluations, received loan approvals and are awaiting the disbursement of funds.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the additional allocation to facilitate the continued disbursement of loans under the RE-MSME PLUS scheme. (Newswire)

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A new passenger ferry capable of carrying around 150 people at a time is to be deployed on the Delft–Jaffna sea route under the government’s ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme.

The initiative is aimed at addressing difficulties faced in passenger sea transport in the Jaffna Peninsula, particularly between the mainland and outlying islands such as Delft.

According to the government, existing facilities are insufficient to safely transport larger numbers of passengers at once, creating challenges in maintaining reliable maritime connectivity.

Under the approved proposal, the new sea ferry will be manufactured by C-NOR Foundation Limited, while its operations will be entrusted to the Delft Development Society, established under the Department of Samurdhi Development.

Revenue generated through the ferry service is expected to be used to support livelihood development among low-income communities in Delft, including members of the Development Society.

The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources to proceed with the initiative. (Newswire)

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A Rs. 91.21 million feasibility study is to be carried out to identify measures to reduce traffic congestion around Lotus Junction, the Port Access Elevated Highway and the Marine Drive Connector Road in Colombo.

The Cabinet has approved awarding the consultancy services contract to M/s Master Hellie’s Engineering Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, based on the recommendation of the Cabinet-appointed Consultancy Procurement Committee.

The contract comprises a local component of Rs. 52.44 million and a foreign component of US$ 122,859, with the total contract valued at Rs. 91.21 million, excluding VAT.

The Road Development Authority (RDA) had earlier called for Expressions of Interest to select a consultancy firm to undertake the feasibility study.

Following the shortlisting process, five firms were invited to submit proposals for the consultancy.

The proposal to award the contract was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and subsequently approved by the Cabinet. (Newswire)

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The government has approved the awarding of contracts worth Rs. 1,614.69 million to 21 printing institutions to print school textbooks and modules required for free distribution among students in 2027.

Under the first phase of the programme, 421 types of textbooks and modules will be printed, including modules required for students in Grades 1, 2 and 6.

The Department of Educational Publications had called for bids under the National Competitive Procurement procedure to select printers for the programme, with 31 bids received.

Following an evaluation of the bids, the contracts are to be awarded to 21 printing institutions based on recommendations made by the High-Level Standing Procurement Committee.

The total contract value of Rs. 1.614 billion excludes Value Added Tax (VAT).

The Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Prime Minister in her capacity as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education to award the printing contracts. (Newswire)

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The government is set to establish 1,050 official email accounts covering 350 courts across Sri Lanka as part of measures to accelerate the digitalisation of the country’s judicial system.

The accounts will operate under the official courts.gov.lk domain, while the initiative will also introduce voice-to-text technology and video conferencing facilities to support court proceedings and administration.

The Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Justice and National Integration to provide the facilities as part of the wider e-Court project, which aims to digitalise all courts in Sri Lanka.

The e-Court project was initially approved by the Cabinet in December 2025, and digital systems are currently being developed for Magistrate’s Courts, District Courts and High Courts to facilitate case-file management.

Official email facilities are expected to be provided to officers at all levels of the judicial system as a key requirement of the digitalisation programme.

The project will also introduce voice-to-text technology to immediately convert oral statements into written documents, a measure aimed at addressing the existing shortage of stenographers in courts.

Meanwhile, video conferencing facilities are to be made available to courts to facilitate the online conduct of court proceedings in accordance with existing legal provisions.

The proposed 1,050 accounts will be hosted through the email system currently used by the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, with voice-to-text and video conferencing capabilities incorporated into the system. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to sign a visa exemption agreement between Sri Lanka and Thailand, allowing holders of ordinary passports to travel between the two countries without obtaining a prior visa.

Under the proposed agreement, Sri Lankan and Thai citizens holding valid ordinary passports will be permitted to enter, exit and transit through the respective countries visa-free for ordinary travel purposes.

Travellers will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days per visit, with the total period of stay limited to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, the visa exemption will not apply to those travelling for employment, education, media activities or other purposes requiring prior approval.

The agreement is aimed at further strengthening friendly relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand while facilitating travel between the two countries.

The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to proceed with the signing of the visa exemption agreement. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the implementation of the revised National Curriculum Framework, allowing education reforms introduced for Grade 1 this year to continue and paving the way for reforms to be implemented for Grades 2 and 6.

The approval was granted following a proposal presented by the Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education.

Under the revised plan, education reforms for Grade 6, which were postponed from 2026, are scheduled to be implemented in 2027, while the reforms introduced for Grade 1 this year will continue.

Preparations have also been made for the reforms, with activity books and teachers’ guides for Grades 1 and 2 covering all three school terms in 2027 prepared for printing.

Modules covering all three terms for Grade 6, together with the relevant teachers’ guides, have also been prepared.

The National Institute of Education (NIE) has trained master trainers for all primary and secondary subjects, while plans have been prepared to conduct teacher training at the provincial level.

The latest curriculum framework follows a review of the previous framework prepared by the NIE, incorporating observations and recommendations made through the Government’s education reform process.

The revised framework received the concurrence of the National Steering Committee for New Education Reforms on August 13, 2026.

A new policy guideline on school-based evaluation and assessment has also been prepared and approved as part of the reforms, taking into account the resources available within the school system.

The broader education reform process initially envisaged introducing the new curriculum for Grades 1 and 6 in 2026. However, the Government subsequently decided to implement the Grade 1 reforms this year and postpone the Grade 6 reforms until 2027. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved funding to provide price relief on Auto Diesel and Industrial Diesel for the next three months, as the Government moves to cushion consumers from rising global fuel prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Under the programme, the Government will allocate Rs. 15 billion for October, Rs. 13.5 billion for November and Rs. 12.15 billion for December, subject to the respective monthly limits.

The Government said the measure is intended to keep domestic diesel prices at an affordable level without increasing them in line with rising fuel prices in the international market.

The latest intervention follows fuel subsidies provided to consumers during April, May and June 2026, aimed at limiting the impact of higher global petroleum prices on households and the wider economy.

According to the Government, the continuing conflict in the Middle East has made further intervention necessary to minimise the impact of international fuel price increases on the public.

The Cabinet approved the funding following a proposal presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the appointment of two committees to oversee the conservation, rehabilitation and management of Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya, amid concerns over the deterioration of its water quality and surrounding environment.

Accordingly, a Monitoring and Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Environment, will be appointed to oversee efforts to improve and sustainably maintain the lake and its catchment area.

A separate officials’ committee comprising representatives of relevant state institutions will also be established as the “Gregory Lake Conservation and Rehabilitation Action Committee.”

The decision follows a proposal by the Minister of Environment to establish a coordinated, scientifically based mechanism to maintain the water quality and environmental sustainability of Gregory Lake.

Studies conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) have found that phosphate, nitrogen and biochemical oxygen levels in the lake exceed normal water quality levels.

Authorities have identified several factors contributing to the deterioration, including silt accumulation over several decades, agricultural runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides, and wastewater and solid waste entering the lake due to urban activities.

Gregory Lake and its surrounding area were declared an Environmental Protection Area in 2007, considering the ecological importance of the area. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the appointment of a special committee to facilitate the return of Sri Lankan cultural heritage and artefacts currently held overseas, including objects taken from the country during the colonial period.

The committee, titled the “Committee for the Restitution of Sri Lankan Cultural Heritage Currently Held Overseas,” will advise the Government on efforts to recover cultural objects taken out of Sri Lanka.

It will be headed by the Additional Secretary (Cultural Promotion and Foreign Affairs) of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

The move follows earlier efforts to recover Sri Lankan cultural objects from overseas institutions. In 2023, six cultural objects held by the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands were officially returned to Sri Lanka as the first phase of the restitution process.

The returned objects included Lewke Disawa’s cannon, two large guns, two kastane swords with scabbards and a knife with a sheath.

The Government said the new committee will also facilitate continued direct discussions with the relevant Dutch committee on the restitution process.

The initiative is being pursued in line with provisions of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which provides mechanisms for states to seek the return of cultural property.

The Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the purchase and installation of eight additional automated passenger clearance gates at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), increasing the planned total number of gates to 12.

The latest decision follows earlier Cabinet approval granted in May 2025 for the purchase and installation of four automated passenger clearance gates at the airport.

Under the new plan, the automated clearance facility, which has so far been limited to Sri Lankan nationals, is expected to be expanded to foreign nationals arriving in and departing from Sri Lanka.

The expansion is planned alongside the introduction of the country’s e-passport issuance system in 2027.

The Government said the decision to increase the number of gates was also taken considering the continued growth in air passenger numbers alongside developments in the tourism and business sectors.

Once completed, BIA will have 12 automated passenger clearance gates, with the new facilities expected to streamline immigration clearance for passengers.

The Cabinet approved a proposal presented by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs to commence the procurement process for the eight additional gates. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the awarding of contracts to renovate and upgrade rural roads in the Western and Northern Provinces under the Rural Ways Programme, following a competitive bidding process.

Seventeen bids were submitted under the national competitive procurement methodology, and after evaluation, the High‑Level Procurement Committee recommended awarding three packages to M/s RR Construction (Pvt.) Ltd., identified as the lowest substantially responsive bidder.

The approved contracts are as follows:

• Kalutara District (Western Province) – Package No. 02 awarded for Rs. 659.05 million (exclusive of VAT).
• Kilinochchi District (Northern Province) – Package No. 01 awarded for Rs. 801.74 million (exclusive of VAT).
• Mullaitivu District (Northern Province) – Package No. 02 awarded for Rs. 659.12 million (exclusive of VAT).

The resolution was submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved awarding the contract to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited to construct a new aviation fuel storage and transport system linking Muthurajawela and Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

The project, first cleared by Cabinet in July 2024, involves building a 92,000 cubic metre fuel storage tank complex at Muthurajawela, a dedicated fuel transportation tunnel connecting the facility to BIA’s fuel filling terminal, and modifications to the existing terminal.

Following an international competitive bidding process, three bids were received. Based on the evaluation and recommendation of the High‑Level Procurement Committee, the Cabinet approved awarding the contract to the substantially responsive bidder at a cost of USD 40.84 million and Rs. 8,548.75 million (exclusive of taxes).

The resolution was presented by the Minister of Energy. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the purchase of small‑scale machinery for the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC) to strengthen its capacity in managing urban drainage systems and mitigating flood risks.

The corporation plays a vital role in minimizing inundation in urban and lowland areas, maintaining canals, and carrying out urgent operations during flood events. 

According to the government, the new machinery will be used to clean small canals, which significantly contribute to urban flooding.

The procurement will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,233 million, funded through an equity contribution of Rs. 625 million from the General Treasury and additional allocations from the corporation’s own resources.

The Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Transport, Highways, and Urban Development. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procurement of ambulances, gully bowsers, single cabs, and tippers to strengthen relief operations and essential services in areas severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

The vehicles will be purchased under the US$ 100 million short‑term credit facility provided by the Government of India through the Indian Rupee Line of Credit.

The proposal, presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, authorizes the allocation of vehicles to the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and their affiliated institutions.

The short‑term facility also earmarks US$ 5 million for importing breeding animals from India to support the livestock sector, while the remaining US$ 95 million will fund the vehicle procurement.

In addition, India has extended a US$ 250 million long‑term credit facility under Operation Sagar Bandhu to support broader rehabilitation and reconstruction programs in Sri Lanka following the cyclone. (Newswire)

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