A new Pew Research Centre survey across 36 countries shows that India continues to receive a more positive than negative global perception, with Sri Lanka emerging as the country with the most positive perception of India.  

The survey, conducted between February and May this year, covered more than 42,000 people. Across the countries surveyed, a median of 45% expressed a favourable view of India, while 41% held an unfavourable opinion. 

Sri Lanka emerged as the country with the most positive perception of India, while Pakistan recorded the highest negative rating. In the United States, views remain almost evenly divided.

Sri Lanka gave India the strongest rating, with 79% of respondents expressing a favourable opinion. Only 11% viewed India negatively. Around 63% of Sri Lankans also identified India as a key ally for their country. The positive perception has improved significantly from 2024, when 65% of respondents in Sri Lanka had a favourable view of India.

The improved sentiment comes amid stronger India-Sri Lanka relations. After Sri Lanka faced a severe economic crisis and widespread unrest in 2022, India extended major support to the island nation. Its assistance included credit lines and financial aid worth more than USD 7.5 billion. The support has played an important role in the recent improvement in bilateral ties.

India’s image across its neighbourhood, however, remains mixed. Bangladesh gave a 42% favourable rating and a 51% unfavourable rating. Relations between the two countries are strained over India’s decision to provide shelter to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina fled Bangladesh in 2024 after a violent student-led uprising resulted in more than 500 deaths.

India also received a negative assessment in Malaysia. Around 58% of Malaysian respondents had an unfavourable view of India. The country also witnessed an ‘India Out’ campaign in 2024, reflecting tensions surrounding perceptions of India’s regional influence.

Several other Asian countries, however, view India positively. Around 55% of respondents in Japan expressed a favourable opinion of India. The figure stood at 51% in Singapore and 50% in Indonesia. India also received a 49% favourable rating in the Philippines and 55% in Thailand. These figures show that India’s standing remains relatively strong across several parts of Asia.

Pakistan had the sharpest negative perception of India. As many as 91% of respondents there expressed an unfavourable view, while only 7% had a favourable opinion. The result comes against the backdrop of decades of political and military tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Relations deteriorated further after the May 2025 hostilities and the diplomatic dispute over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted terror camps and Pakistani air bases. The escalation further affected an already strained relationship between the two countries.

After Pakistan, Turkey and the West Bank and East Jerusalem recorded some of the lowest favourable ratings for India. Only 15% of respondents in Turkey and 18% in the West Bank and East Jerusalem viewed India positively. Australia also recorded a largely negative perception, with around 55% of respondents expressing an unfavourable view. The findings were registered after anti-immigrant protests in the country.

The United States presents a more divided picture. Around 45% of Americans surveyed expressed a favourable view of India, while 50% viewed the country unfavourably. Pew noted that these ratings are among the lowest recorded since 2008. The share of Americans with a positive view of India has also declined from 51% in 2023 to 45% in 2026.

The survey also found a political divide in American views of India. Around 50% of Democrats expressed a favourable opinion of India, compared with 42% of Republicans, the party of US President Donald Trump.

Americans also gave mixed assessments of India’s growing influence in the world. Around 30% said India’s influence was becoming stronger. More than half, or 54%, said India’s influence had remained largely unchanged in recent years. Another 13% believed India’s influence was declining.

India-US ties have faced challenges under the Trump administration. Differences over tariffs and the pending trade deal have created friction between the two countries. Trump’s growing engagement with Pakistan has also caused uneasiness in India-US relations.

The survey ultimately points to a clear regional divide in how the world views India. India enjoys particularly strong support in parts of Asia and Africa, while opinions remain more mixed in Europe and Latin America. The United States is divided in its assessment, while Pakistan stands at the opposite end of the spectrum from Sri Lanka. Overall, the findings show that India continues to hold a stronger positive than negative image across the 36 countries surveyed. (Indian Media)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved measures to facilitate the voluntary return of Sri Lankans who fled to India during Sri Lanka’s war without valid travel documents and were later registered as refugees.

According to the government, many of these individuals, confirmed as Sri Lankan nationals through diplomatic missions in India and the UNHCR, now wish to return home. 

Legal advice from the Attorney General guided the framework for their re‑entry. Under the approved proposal presented by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs:

• Pre‑2006 departures – Those who left before August 1, 2006 without valid travel documents will require exit clearance from the State Intelligence Service and confirmation they have not committed serious offences such as murder or treason.
• Temporary travel documents – Eligible individuals will be issued temporary travel documents and allowed entry through approved ports without legal action under the Immigration and Emigration Act No. 20 of 1948.
• 2006–2009 departures – Those who left illegally between August 1, 2006 and May 19, 2009 (end of the war) will also be permitted entry once nationality is confirmed and intelligence clearance obtained.
• Legal accountability – Any individuals found guilty of serious offences will be detained at the port of entry and referred to relevant authorities for legal action.

The government states that the policy balances humanitarian considerations with national security, ensuring returning refugees can reintegrate while safeguarding the country’s legal framework. (Newswire)

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The crackdown on scam compounds in Cambodia is leading some gangs to relocate to beach resorts and office buildings in Sri Lanka, in what may be the next phase of one of the world’s fastest-growing criminal industries.

A combination of visa-free travel, available building space, relatively strong telecommunications networks and a well-established informal money transfer system make the South Asian island nation an appealing destination for scammers, investigators say.

Authorities in Sri Lanka have set up a new cybercrimes unit and say they’ve arrested more than 1,000 people this year alone, most in western beach areas where tourists flock or in the capital, Colombo. “Police, along with the immigration department and the central bank, are working as a collective effort to see that this is being controlled,” said assistant police superintendent Fredrick Wootler. 

Still, observers say the country has a brief window to get its arms around what are fast-moving and increasingly sophisticated operators. “In Sri Lanka there are issues with implementing our laws, the fact that we don’t necessarily crack down on these companies – they simply use tourist visas,” Dilrukshi Handunnetti, director at the Centre for Investigative Reporting Sri Lanka, said.

When officers descended on one west coast property in April, they found more than 150 foreign nationals allegedly running a cyber-scam operation. Days later, police raided a multistory apartment building near Colombo and arrested another 120 foreign nationals.

As authorities step up the pressure, some operators appear to be shifting from large compounds to hotels, apartment buildings and office space that can be rented quickly and abandoned just as fast.

“This is happening in ways that are unfortunately even more difficult for us to keep our eyes on,” said Erin West, founder of anti-scam nonprofit Operation Shamrock. “I think we’ve created such skilled workers, whether they wanted to be or not, that they can operate really in any kind of environment.”

A report by a US congressional committee in July last year warned fraud networks appear to be relocating into environments marked by “regulatory stress” – jurisdictions with weak enforcement capabilities but strong digital infrastructure. 

Some of the suspected centres in Sri Lanka may be staffed by escapees from Southeast Asia’s scam centres who, with limited alternate work opportunities, are choosing to put their newfound skills to use, scam investigators said. 

Sri Lanka’s ascendancy reflects a broader pattern of scam operations that are appearing far beyond their traditional strongholds in places like the United Arab Emirates, Timor-Leste, Fiji and parts of Africa, raising concerns transnational gangs are becoming increasingly global.

China is one country paying attention. It was Chinese pressure in part that led Cambodia, a key ally, to clamp down earlier this year. The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka released a statement in mid-March saying it was “closely following” reports of arrests of suspected scammers, including Chinese nationals. 

“Cases like these pose immense harm,” the statement said, citing the country’s developed telecommunications infrastructure, favourable geographic location and the “kindness and friendliness of its people” for an increase in scam operations.

There’s also a long history of Chinese workers living and working in Sri Lanka, in part due to Beijing’s Belt and Road infrastructure projects, potentially making it easier for scam operators to disappear into the diaspora.

“It’s not unusual to see entire apartment complexes and shopping complexes, and sometimes even neighbourhoods inhabited by Chinese,” said Sanjana Hattotuwa, an independent researcher who has spent more than two decades writing about Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan authorities should look to other countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines, on how to prevent scam operators taking hold, versus Cambodia where they clearly did, according to Julia Dickson, an associate fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“It comes down to, are officials keen to actually take action, or are they benefiting substantially like those in Cambodia?,” she said. Sri Lanka ranked 107 out of 182 countries and territories in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, just above Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Laos.

A representative of Sri Lanka’s ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sri Lanka currently allows visa-fee free entry for about half a dozen countries, including China, and has approved plans to increase that to 40 to boost tourism. Visitor arrivals increased again in May after slowing in March and April, likely due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. 

It’s too soon to know if human trafficking is occurring with the scam operations in Sri Lanka, according to Stephanie Baroud, a criminal intelligence analyst with the human trafficking and migrant smuggling unit at Interpol in Lyon. “It’s not yet something that is acknowledged” or reported, she said. But she added loose visa policies can be an enabling factor in trafficking.

Sri Lanka also lacks a legal framework equipped to tackle cyber-scam operations, while easy access to SIM cards and widespread connectivity have made it an attractive base for fraud networks, according to Hattotuwa. The country’s informal Undiyal money-transfer system may also provide a grey-market channel for moving scam proceeds, including cryptocurrency, beyond the reach of regulators.

Sri Lanka’s Financial Intelligence Unit is working with local law enforcement agencies in combating illicit fund flows, according to Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe. He declined to comment on whether Sri Lanka is working with foreign authorities.

One immediate imperative is better sharing of information on what is happening in Sri Lanka. Cuts to US foreign aid have weakened civil society groups that often provide early warnings about emerging scam hubs.

“We have a lot less information about what’s going on on the ground,” said CSIS’s Dickson, making information sharing even more critical to tracking fraud networks. (Bloomberg)

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Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) met Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov in Moscow on May 26 during an official visit to the Russian Federation.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Defence Secretary’s participation in the 1st International Forum on Security and the Annual Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, scheduled from May 26 to 29 in Moscow.

During discussions, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global security challenges and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia in areas of mutual interest. Discussions focused on military-technical cooperation, capacity-building initiatives and opportunities to expand training exchanges between the two countries.

The officials also discussed matters related to former Sri Lankan military personnel currently serving in the Russian Federation.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Russia, Shobini Gunasekara, Counsellor Mihiravi Dissanayake and Counsellor (Defence) Air Commodore Dinesh Kasagala were also present at the meeting. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is seeing a sharp rise in foreign-linked cyber scam operations, with authorities warning the country risks becoming a new base for international fraud networks displaced from Southeast Asia, according to AFP.

Police say more than 1,000 foreign nationals, mainly from China, Vietnam and India, have been arrested over alleged cybercrime activities since the beginning of 2026, compared to 430 arrests during the whole of 2024.

Authorities believe scam syndicates pushed out of countries such as Cambodia and Myanmar are shifting operations to Sri Lanka, citing the country’s relaxed visa regime and reliable internet infrastructure as key factors.

Police spokesman F.U. Wootler told AFP that recent raids had uncovered operations being run from locations ranging from luxury villas to office spaces.

In one operation this week, police carried out five raids in the Galle and Matara districts, arresting 192 Indian nationals and 29 Nepalis. Another 280 foreign suspects were arrested near Colombo last week, while 135 Chinese nationals were detained in March at a suspected scam centre.

Authorities are also probing whether foreign cybercrime networks may have links to the recent cyberattack involving Sri Lanka’s Treasury, which resulted in losses of around US$2.5 million.

Police have warned landlords against renting properties to suspected scam operators, noting that those facilitating such activities could face legal action. (Newswire)

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The government of Sri Lanka has welcomed the announcement of a temporary ceasefire in West Asia and the prospect of renewed dialogue among parties involved.

In a statement, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a significant step toward de-escalating tensions in the region and easing widespread humanitarian suffering. The government urged all stakeholders to use the opportunity to advance efforts toward a permanent and durable resolution.

Sri Lanka also stressed on the importance of an inclusive peace process aimed at ensuring long-term stability and security for all communities in the region.

The statement also acknowledged the role of parties whose diplomatic engagement contributed to facilitating the ceasefire and initiating dialogue. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka qualified for the final of the Asian Games hockey qualifying tournament after defeating Indonesia 3-2 in the second semi-final on Thursday (09).

This marks the first time Sri Lanka has reached the final of an Asian Games 2026 hockey qualifying tournament.

The team has delivered a strong performance throughout the tournament and has already secured qualification for the Asian Games before the semi-final.

The tournament is being held in Bangkok, Thailand, with Sri Lanka set to face Oman in the final on Friday (10). (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka will tour the West Indies in June and July 2026 for a full white-ball and Test series, according to the schedule released by West Indies Cricket.

The tour will begin with a three-match One-Day International series, followed by three Twenty20 Internationals, before concluding with two Test matches.

All six white-ball matches will be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica, while the Test series will take place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The ODI series is scheduled for June 3, 6 and 8, followed by T20Is on June 11, 13 and 14. A warm-up match is planned at Coolidge from June 18 to 21.

The first Test will be played from June 25 to 29, while the second Test is scheduled from July 3 to 7. (Newswire)

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The Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Brazil took place on Friday (20) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo, during which both sides acknowledged the steady growth in economic cooperation and agreed to raise bilateral trade to USD 1 billion by 2030.

Both countries also stressed the importance of broadening engagement in response to evolving global economic dynamics.

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting also discussed preparations for President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s forthcoming state visit to Brazil.

Noting the importance of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy and fostering closer ties between the legislatures, the two sides agreed to revive the Parliamentary Friendship Groups and exchange delegations. In this regard, a women’s parliamentary group from the Brazilian legislature is expected to visit Sri Lanka.

The meeting was co‑chaired by Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Ranaraja and Ambassador Susan Kleebank, Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil. 

The consultations provided an opportunity to review progress since the First Round of Bilateral Political Consultations held in 2022 and identify further areas for collaboration.

Recognizing the value of expediting the conclusion of pending MoUs and agreements in key areas, the parties committed to finalizing outstanding legal instruments on defence, law enforcement, countering human smuggling and transnational organized crime, traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, and diplomatic training.

Both sides expressed satisfaction that the Dairy Livestock Project and the Sugarcane Project under the framework of technical cooperation have been finalized and are expected to be signed soon, with the support of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC).

The discussions also identified new avenues for cooperation in priority sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, agricultural research, ports and shipping, and sports. Both sides agreed to continue close collaboration in bilateral and multilateral forums.

Ambassador Susan Kleebank also called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Delegations to the consultations included Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Brazil Chaminda I. Colonne, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Brazil Monica Maria Meirelles Nasser, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and relevant line agencies. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and Belgium held their inaugural round of political consultations in Brussels on Tuesday, marking a milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The consultations were conducted under an agreement signed in December 2017 to establish a formal mechanism for political dialogue. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, director-general of the Europe and North America Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.

The Belgian delegation was led by Birgit Stevens, director-general for Bilateral Affairs of the Asia and Oceania Division.

Officials undertook a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, including political engagement, high-level visits, trade, investment and tourism. Discussions also covered defense and maritime security cooperation, scientific and cultural exchanges, disaster prevention and climate resilience, green transition initiatives and collaboration in multilateral forums.

Both sides discussed preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2028.

Sri Lanka reiterated its interest in strengthening economic cooperation, with a focus on trade, tourism and investment in green energy, pharmaceuticals, information and communications technology, ports and logistics.

The delegations also reviewed cooperation within the European Union, including Sri Lanka’s engagement under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), debt restructuring efforts and economic reforms undertaken with guidance from the International Monetary Fund.

Belgium welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts toward economic recovery and institutional reform. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for Belgium’s support within the European Union and other international platforms and sought Belgian support for rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka briefed the Belgian side on measures to enhance good governance, advance national reconciliation and uphold the rule of law. Regional and global developments were also discussed, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and international law.

The consultations highlighted shared priorities in climate action, ocean governance and maritime security. Both sides also discussed potential reciprocal support for candidacies within the United Nations system.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Chandana Weerasena, Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, and senior officials from the Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels.

The Belgian delegation included William Asselborn, director for the Asia and Oceania Department, and senior officials from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. (Newswire)

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The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, retired Major General Faheem Ul Aziz, has informed Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath that Pakistan’s decision regarding the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup was changed following three days of diplomatic discussions with Sri Lanka. 

According to a statement from Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry, he said that Pakistan had earlier decided not to participate in the 2026 T20 World Cup match against India, but at Sri Lanka’s request, it has now agreed to set aside differences and take part, further praising Sri Lanka’s mediation in resolving the issue.

The remarks were made when High Commissioner Faheem Ul Aziz met Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (10 Feb), ahead of concluding his tenure in Sri Lanka.

Minister Vijitha Herath expressed gratitude for the High Commissioner’s prompt response during the three days of diplomatic talks and phone discussions.

Faheem Ul Aziz also commended Minister Herath’s continuous diplomatic efforts to resolve several uncertainties surrounding the T20 World Cup.

Reflecting on his tenure, the High Commissioner said serving in Sri Lanka had been a pleasant and successful period, supported strongly by the Foreign Minister and the Ministry. 

He noted with satisfaction that during his service, Sri Lanka held two fair and exemplary elections in 2024. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka is mentioned in 188 search results within the publicly released Jeffrey Epstein document archive, according to a review of the Epstein records library updated in the U.S. Department of Justice website.

A search of the database using the term “Sri Lanka” shows the references appearing across multiple datasets, largely in emails, travel-related communications, contact notes, and side correspondence involving third parties.

The majority of the mentions do not relate directly to criminal allegations or activities in Sri Lanka, but instead appear in incidental contexts — such as individuals noting travel to or from Sri Lanka, residence details, academic references, time zones, or background information in wider conversations.

Several entries include casual references such as individuals stating they were “in Sri Lanka,” planning visits, or discussing unrelated professional or personal matters. In some cases, Sri Lanka is cited as a place of origin, residence, or temporary stay of people mentioned in the documents.

There is no indication from the search results alone that Sri Lanka was a focal location in Epstein’s activities. The references are spread across emails and attachments involving multiple individuals and appear largely as passing mentions rather than substantive content.

The Epstein documents, released as part of broader court proceedings in the United States, contain vast amounts of unverified correspondence and material. Legal experts have repeatedly cautioned that mentions in the archive do not imply wrongdoing and must be read with context.

The dataset continues to be examined by media organisations worldwide as part of ongoing reporting into Epstein’s network and historical records. (NewsWire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake hoists the national flag as Sri Lanka marks its 78th Independence Day today in Colombo with the national ceremony held at the Independence Square. (Newswire)

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A proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka and Finland to establish a Political Consultation Mechanism aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1954, with 2026 marking the 72nd anniversary. Over the decades, the partnership has expanded across political, economic, social, cultural, and educational sectors.

The proposed MoU seeks to enhance cooperation in areas including politics, economy, education, environment, consular affairs, and culture, while also facilitating dialogue on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

The resolution was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism. (Newswire)

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A Sri Lankan delegation led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeyasinghe met with senior officials of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to discuss potential investment opportunities.

The meeting at the PIF headquarters in Riyadh included a presentation by Abeyasinghe outlining Sri Lanka’s competitive advantages and key sectors for investment. Officials from Sri Lanka’s capital market also highlighted regulatory reforms and policy updates aimed at improving investor confidence.

Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Chairman Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara and Colombo Stock Exchange CEO Rajeeva Bandaranaike briefed PIF officials on measures to support sustainable growth in the Sri Lankan market.

PIF Senior Director Mulham Albakree presented the fund’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan and stressed the need for a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement between the two countries.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, provided updates on current bilateral agreements, including the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation.

Other members of the Sri Lankan delegation included M. Ray Abeywardena, director of the Colombo Stock Exchange; Tushara Jayaratne, deputy director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission; Niroshan Wijesundere, senior vice president of marketing at the Colombo Stock Exchange; and Tashma Vithanawasam, first secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh.

The PIF is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and a central vehicle in the country’s Vision 2030 strategy. It manages a globally diversified portfolio across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and financial services. (Newswire)

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Growth in Sri Lanka is expected to decelerate to 3.5 per cent in 2026 and 3.1 per cent in 2027, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Outlook 2026.

The report cites reflecting structural impediments to growth, including factor and product market inefficiencies, the scarring effects of the economic crisis, and global economic uncertainty, hurting demand for exports.

The report further states that current account deficits in the region are projected to remain moderate, but in contrast, Sri Lanka is forecast to run current account surpluses, primarily reflecting lower global oil prices and resilient remittance inflows, particularly from member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, where activity is anticipated to remain robust.

Poverty is expected to decline in the region over the forecast horizon, supported by steady per capita income growth amid slowing population growth, moderate inflationary pressures, and solid remittance inflows.

In several economies, including Sri Lanka, emigration pressures are projected to remain heightened, especially among the young and highly skilled population.

Risks to the regional outlook are tilted to the downside, the report states, pointing out that a further rise in tariffs or other trade restrictions, or heightened uncertainty about global trade policies, could dampen export demand and economic activity in the region.

Although openness to global trade is relatively limited in the region’s economies, the risk is higher in those with larger exposure to the United States, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, than in other regional economies.

Increases in tariffs, including through the removal of exemptions relating, for example, to electronics, or extensions to services, could directly weaken growth, it added.

Full report: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099710001132613726/pdf/IDU-56669726-de15-4ce7-9acc-19c4c9dbd25e.pdf (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of a new agreement protocol with Israel to expand the employment of Sri Lankan workers into the country’s commercial and service sectors.

The approval follows earlier agreements signed between Sri Lanka and Israel since 2020, allowing temporary employment for Sri Lankans in sectors including domestic care, agriculture, construction, hotels, housekeeping, cleaning, manufacturing, and catering.

The new ‘Protocol G’ will enable Sri Lankan workers to be officially recruited into commercial and service-related jobs, based on Israel’s recent request, the government said.

The Cabinet endorsed the steps taken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to finalize the new protocol under the existing bilateral labour agreement. (Newswire)

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The International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has pledged relief supplies worth RMB 1 million (approximately Rs. 44 million) to Sri Lanka, further strengthening China’s support in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo announced the donation via X describing it as a gesture of “love and care” for the Sri Lankan people.

The aid follows a recent high-level visit by a CPC delegation led by Wang Junzheng, which focused on bolstering the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” initiative launched in response to the cyclone’s devastation. (Newswire)

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An Indian man’s candid social media post comparing everyday life in Sri Lanka with India has sparked a wide online debate around infrastructure, cleanliness and civic sense.

‘So much better right in our neighbourhood’

Taking to X, the user, identified as Ish, said he felt numb after landing back in Delhi following a trip to Sri Lanka. In his post, he reflected on what he described as a stark contrast between the two countries.

“Our lives in India really amount to nothing. You don’t need to compare India with Europe. There’s a country with so much better air, roads, infrastructure, cleanliness and civic sense right in our neighbourhood,” he wrote.

The post quickly gained traction, crossing 127,000 views and prompting a flurry of reactions from users who shared their own travel experiences and perspectives.

Users echo the contrast

Several users agreed with Ish, pointing to visible differences they noticed the moment they arrived in Sri Lanka. One user commented, “The moment you land in Sri Lanka, you realise the stark difference. Well built roads, cleanliness and air. Though the people look familiar, the land feels foreign.”

Another user recalled walking long distances in Sri Lankan cities without discomfort. “I was also in awe of Colombo and Hambantota’s clean air, roads and footpaths. The best part was that we walked almost 10 to 12 kilometres to explore the cities. I can’t imagine doing that here without your mind getting busted,” the user wrote.

Others extended the comparison further. One comment read, “Even Nepal is far better and cleaner than many parts of India.”

Not everyone agreed with the comparison. Some users argued that population size plays a crucial role in shaping infrastructure and civic management. One response said, “It has a population of 2 crores. Stop making these silly comparisons.” (Hindustan Times/ AI- Image)

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The Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium, which is also accredited to Luxembourg, hosted a “Country Seminar on Sri Lanka” in collaboration with the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the growing opportunities for two-way trade and investment.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels, the event held at the premises of the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in October marked another milestone in fostering economic, commercial, and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In welcome remarks, International Affairs Lead at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Sabrina Aksil, emphasized the strong complementarity between Luxembourg’s globally recognized expertise in finance, ICT, consulting, and logistics, and Sri Lanka’s dynamic efforts to diversify and expand its economy.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Luxembourg, Chandana Weerasena, highlighted Sri Lanka’s current economic developments and its forward-looking economic vision, underscoring how enhanced two-way trade and investment could create mutual benefits for both countries. 

Newly nominated Luxembourg Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Christian Biever, shared his perspectives on potential areas of collaboration and expressed his keen interest in strengthening bilateral economic ties of the two countries.

Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, Arjuna Herath and the Executive Director (Investment Promotion & Research), Priyanka Samaraweera joined the seminar online and presented Sri Lanka’s current investment climate, reasons for selecting Sri Lanka as a promised destination for investments and emerging investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in manufacturing, services, infrastructure and agriculture sectors to drive FDIs.

Minister (Commercial) of the Sri Lanka Embassy, Thavishya Mullegamgoda, presented trade & export potential in Sri Lanka, highlighting sectors poised for mutually beneficial partnerships between the two countries, including sectors like finance, ICT services, logistics, high-tech manufacturing, R&D, and innovation. She also highlighted some challenges faced by the export sector in Sri Lanka, inviting companies in Luxembourg to explore those challenges as opportunities to create win-win situations for both sides in the future.

This event underscored the shared vision of both countries to further deepen bilateral engagement and promote sustainable, innovative, and inclusive economic and commercial collaborations between Sri Lanka and Luxembourg in the years ahead. (Newswire)

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