AGP Executive Report

Vehicle Emissions Drive: Sri Lanka’s Department of Motor Traffic will hold free “vehicle tuning Dansala” for motorcycles and three-wheelers on June 10–11 at Narahenpita, aiming to cut harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Climate Reporting Boost: With EU support via UNIDO, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake launched revised National Green Reporting System guidelines, aligning Sri Lanka’s ESG reporting with Global Reporting Initiative standards to strengthen transparency and environmental accountability. World Environment Day Actions: National Environment Day events in Colombo included declaring five forests (Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Mulagala, Konkatiyawa, Kallanchiya) as reserved forests, plus moves like protecting Magama Sand Dunes and designating Kuda Bubula Spring and Kapurella Hot Water Wetland as protected areas. Pollinators Under Pressure: Experts warn bee declines are already threatening Sri Lanka’s food sector, urging bee-friendly farming and reduced pesticide harm to protect yields and farmers’ incomes. Ocean Conservation Push: Sri Lanka’s fisheries minister called for stronger international cooperation at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, stressing climate change, pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss as shared ocean threats. Marine Monitoring Gap: A commentary argues Sri Lanka can’t protect what it can’t measure, calling for world-class marine science and ocean monitoring to support fisheries, ports, tourism and national security.

World Environment Day: Sri Lanka marked World Environment Day 2026 at Temple Trees under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s patronage, with a “Climate Week” running 30 May–5 June and multiple national initiatives announced. Protected forests: Five forests—Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Mulagala, Konkatiyawa and Kallanchiya—were declared reserved forests, alongside new protected-area designations including Kuda Bubula Spring and Kapurella Hot Water Wetland. Green reporting push: The President launched revised EU-backed green reporting guidelines, updating the National Green Reporting System to align with Global Reporting Initiative standards and help firms produce comparable ESG data for international markets. Climate readiness warning: The Centre for Environmental Justice warned Sri Lanka could become “climate orphans” without stronger adaptation, citing damage to river watersheds and wetlands and warning of extreme El Niño impacts. Marine monitoring gap: A commentary stressed Sri Lanka can’t protect what it can’t measure, calling for world-class marine science and ocean monitoring to defend fisheries, shipping and the blue economy. Disaster resilience focus: A South Asia dialogue highlighted community-centered, inclusive disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action as risks intensify across the region.

World Environment Day: Sri Lanka marked World Environment Day with a push for urgent climate action, including a week-long awareness and conservation programme and plans to declare five forests as protected reserves. Climate Resilience: The country also launched a National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026-2030, aiming to institutionalise “Early Warning, Early Action” using scientific forecasts to reduce disaster risks to lives and livelihoods. Biodiversity & Wildlife Protection: In a landmark move, authorities are taking steps to invoke the Public Property Act for the first time over the death of the iconic tusker Deega Danthu, allegedly killed after entangling in an illegally installed electric fence. Renewables & Energy Storage: Sri Lanka unveiled a major battery energy storage push, with BESS planned for 16 transmission substations to store surplus power and support grid stability as renewables expand. Marine & Conservation Science: Research highlights how electromagnetic fields from offshore wind cables can affect sharks and rays, raising both risks and potential refuge questions for marine ecosystems. Snake Conservation Spotlight: Sri Lanka will host a landmark global snake congress in Kandy from October 1–4, bringing together international experts on biodiversity conservation, snakebite mitigation, and ecosystem health.

Climate Resilience Push: Sri Lanka launched the “National Anticipatory Action Roadmap 2026–2030” to move from disaster response to “Early Warning, Early Action,” linking scientific forecasts with community-level preparedness to cut damage to lives, property, livelihoods. Flood Control & Water Security: In Colombo and Gampaha, officials inspected work on 31 renovated canals and drainage systems, including Vedamulla Lake links and canal cleaning near Meethotamulla, with completion targeted before October. Climate Action for Business: The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce set the stage for the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 (9 June), focusing on how climate readiness can unlock investment, resilience, governance, and climate finance. Marine Life & Renewables: New studies warn that electromagnetic fields from offshore wind power cables can affect sharks and rays, potentially changing predator risk during early development. Sustainable Transport Moves: SAIGE opened Sri Lanka’s first showroom for electric motorcycles in Kadawatha, while Evolution Auto launched the Xpeng G6, both framed as steps toward greener mobility.

Climate Readiness for Investment: Sri Lanka will put “climate readiness” under the spotlight at the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 on 9 June, with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce framing climate action as a growth and trade-access issue for businesses and policymakers. Wildlife & Land Use: The Department of Wildlife Conservation says elephant habitat and migratory corridors are being blocked by development and human activity, and Cabinet has approved steps including declaring key corridors and nature reserves to curb human–elephant conflict. Medicine Prices & Exchange Rates: The NMRA says it is reviewing medicine price controls as the rupee’s depreciation raises import and local production costs, with attention on about 60 regulated medicine categories. Ocean & Plastic Pollution: An inaugural Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, attended by Sri Lanka, warned that climate change is driving biodiversity loss and pushed for stronger action against marine debris and plastic pollution. Tea Sector Rights: The Voice of Plantation People Organisation marked International Tea Day at Deniyaya, calling out long-running plantation worker grievances over housing, education and health. Business Environment Dialogue: Japan–Sri Lanka Committee on Business Environment met at the BOI to discuss issues facing Japanese investors and support Sri Lanka’s push for higher FDI.

Elephant Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict: Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation has identified key wild elephant migratory corridors, including a Handapanagala–Demodara route across the Menik Ganga up to Yala National Park, and the Cabinet has approved steps to declare protected areas and manage land plots to curb human–elephant conflict. Climate & Heat Risk: The Department of Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal as El Niño develops, with rainfall likely to drop and pressure rising on water, agriculture, power generation and public health. Wildlife Management Failures: A crocodile attack at a Bagerhat shrine in Bangladesh has reignited concerns about wildlife management and public safety around captive crocodiles—an issue that echoes across the region’s wetland communities. Sustainable Oceans Diplomacy: Around 300 representatives from 30+ island nations met in Tokyo for an ocean summit focused on climate change, biodiversity loss and plastic pollution, with Sri Lanka among participants. Green Industry Push: An EU-backed programme is promoting eco-industrial parks in Sri Lanka, aiming to cut waste, improve energy efficiency and help manufacturers meet tougher environmental requirements. Tourism Expansion: BOI approved a USD 5.1M plan to expand Ella’s 98 Acres Resort & Spa, adding villas, rooms and jobs while keeping a nature-integrated, low-impact design. Energy Storage for Renewables: Sri Lanka is set to commission large battery energy storage systems across substation sites to store daytime solar/wind power and support evening peak demand, backing the 70% renewables target by 2030. Policy & Governance: A Colombo court ordered the CID to urgently respond to allegations about detention conditions of former SIS chief Suresh Sallay after claims of severe mental health deterioration and suicide risk.

Heat & water stress: Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology warns July–August could be hotter-than-normal with El Niño-linked rainfall drops, raising risks for water resources, agriculture, power generation and public health. Forest protection & wildlife corridors: The government will gazette five forests as protected reserves on 5 June, including areas tied to the Ellanga wewa cascade system, and plans to open three elephant corridors to ease human-elephant conflict and protect biodiversity. Eco-luxury expansion in Ella: A USD 5.1M deal will expand 98 Acres Resort & Spa in Ella, adding villas and rooms while keeping low-impact, nature-integrated design. Sustainable industry push: An EU-backed programme is promoting eco-industrial parks to help manufacturers cut waste and energy use while meeting tougher environmental requirements from global buyers. Wildlife management breach: A crocodile attack at a shrine pond in Bangladesh highlights long-running failures in wildlife management and public safety—an issue Sri Lanka watchers will also be tracking.

Forest Protection & Wildlife Corridors: Sri Lanka will gazette five forests as protected reserves on 5 June under the Wanaspathi programme, with priority on safeguarding the Ellanga wewa cascade system and opening three elephant corridors to ease human-elephant conflict. Marine Pollution Preparedness: Cabinet approval backs a new national plan and digital platform to respond to oil and hazardous chemical spills, with MEPA updating the national oil spill response plan to cover noxious substances too. Rural Livelihood Push: The “Praja Shakthi - 1,000 Villages, 1,000 Projects” programme was launched, targeting 1,000 Grama Niladhari divisions with 25,932 projects and Rs. 23 billion allocated to revive abandoned paddy lands and strengthen food security. Cybersecurity for Digital Identity: Sri Lanka is moving toward a unified National Cybersecurity Framework to protect SL-UDI and digital public services as identity fraud threats rise. Trade & Environmental Compliance Pressure: Sri Lanka’s bid to renew EU GSP+ is flagged as a governance, labour and environmental compliance test, not just an economic one.

Marine Pollution Response: Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved a new National Plan and digital platform to respond to oil and hazardous chemical spills at sea, expanding MEPA’s National Oil Spill Response Plan as ship traffic and port activity grow and climate change increases risk. Forest Protection & Wildlife Corridors: Under the Wanaspathi programme, five forests in Anuradhapura are set to be gazetted as protected reserves on June 5, with plans to open three elephant corridors to ease human-elephant conflict and protect the Ellanga wewa cascade system. Sustainable Finance Push: The Colombo Stock Exchange partnered with the EU-funded Green Recovery Facility (implemented by Expertise France) to build Sri Lanka’s pipeline for Green, Social, Sustainable and Sustainability-Linked (GSS+) bonds through training for issuers, banks, verifiers and investors. Youth Waste Innovation: Cleantech backed EcoFix’26, a school-level waste management innovation competition under Harithaswara 1.0, aiming to strengthen the circular economy workforce by turning local waste challenges into practical solutions. Public Transport Pressure: Private bus operators plan a meeting over diesel price hikes and the lack of an immediate fare revision, a move that could affect service sustainability and emissions from strained transport operations.

Forest Protection Push: Sri Lanka will gazette five forests in Anuradhapura District as protected reserves on June 5 under the Wanaspathi programme, covering Ritigala, Aliya Wetunu Wewa, Bulagala, Koonketiyawa and Kallankeeya (2,169 hectares), with priority on safeguarding the Ellanga wewa cascade system and biodiversity, plus plans to open three elephant corridors to ease human-elephant conflict. Cyclone Recovery for Inland Fishers: Japan and FAO launched a $1.33m initiative to restore inland fisheries livelihoods in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province after Cyclone Ditwah, funding 200 fish cages across 30 reservoirs in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee, alongside training and fingerlings. Ocean Conservation & Rights: Greenpeace warned that the global “30x30” ocean protection goal will fail without a human-rights-based approach that protects community stewardship and prevents state-backed displacement tied to extractive industries. Shark Conservation Communication: At the 2026 Sharks International conference in Colombo, a researcher told 850 scientists that science alone won’t save sharks—public understanding and policy support must improve. Tourism & Nature Link: A new premium family travel collection includes an itinerary in Sri Lanka, with wildlife and community experiences highlighted.

Forest Protection: Five more forests—Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa and Kallanchi—are set to be declared forest reserves on June 5, bringing Sri Lanka’s protected forest reserves to 86, as the 2025 forestry protection push expands. Marine Justice: Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court order in the X-Press Pearl case has reignited debate over accountability and whether due process is being handled fairly, as questions linger around prolonged restrictions and the credibility of institutions managing the aftermath. Eastern Fisheries Recovery: Japan and FAO have launched a $1.33m initiative to restore inland fisheries livelihoods in the Eastern Province after Cyclone Ditwah, including 200 fish cages across 30 reservoirs plus training and fish fingerlings for affected communities. Biodiversity Spotlight: A new look at the scalloped hammerhead shark raises concerns about how well Sri Lanka’s fisheries and records can track threatened wildlife moving through its seas. Tourism & Nature: Sri Lanka’s “experience economy” angle gets attention via concert-led tourism ideas, while global reporting warns that ocean protection goals will fail without human rights at the core.

IMF Boost for Sri Lanka’s Reforms: The IMF approved Sri Lanka’s combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under its EFF, unlocking about $700m (SDR 508m) and urging continued work on fiscal, investment and electricity-sector reforms, plus price stability and greater exchange-rate flexibility. FDI Push via BOI Platform: The BOI launched “Ready to Invest”, offering $3b+ in investor-ready projects across eight sectors, with urban/mixed-use leading the pipeline and renewable energy and agro-processing also highlighted. Plastic Cut in Public Sector: A government circular ordered state institutions to stop buying and using single-use plastic water bottles from 31 May, replacing them with refill options where possible. Eastern Fisheries Recovery Plan: Japan and FAO support a $1.33m programme to restore livelihoods and boost freshwater fisheries in the Eastern Province after extreme weather, including cage culture in reservoirs and upgrades to a fish breeding centre. Vesak Community Clean-Up at WeweYaya: In Panadura, a Vesak programme around an old wewa used shramadana-style cleaning and lantern-lit community activities, including an ice-cream dansela for thousands of sightseers. Marine Conservation Lens: A feature on the scalloped hammerhead flags how Sri Lanka’s fisheries and landing records can shape understanding of a Critically Endangered shark’s presence and risks.

Wildlife Under Pressure: Yala National Park is seeing “leopard jams” as social media boosts sightings and safari jeeps crowd animals, with past vehicle strikes already killing wildlife and raising safety concerns. Birds and Infrastructure: In Mannar, three flamingos died after colliding with overhead power lines, while Bundala’s flamingos have also been disappearing due to irrigation-driven freshwater changes that reduce salinity and food. Climate-Smart Conservation: Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Forum on Climate plans a study focused on how El Niño/La Niña shifts are affecting elephants and leopards, with recommendations to follow. Marine Pollution Cleanup: A global push is accelerating to remove ghost gear—abandoned fishing nets and traps that keep killing marine wildlife—through coordinated, multi-country efforts. Energy and Land Use: Sri Lanka launched the second phase of its State Plantation Asset Programme, offering plantation lands, tea factories, bungalows, agro-tourism and renewable energy ventures to investors. Governance and Environment: The Ministry of Justice says 2,647 judicial vacancies remain unfilled since recruitment halted in 2018, a staffing gap that could worsen delays in enforcing environmental and other public protections.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Yala National Park’s leopard crisis is worsening as overcrowding and speeding safari jeeps trigger “leopard jams,” with habituation to humans and vehicles raising the risk of injuries and deaths. Wetlands & Birds: In Mannar, three flamingos died after colliding with overhead power lines, while Bundala’s flamingos have also disappeared after irrigation-driven freshwater changes reduced salinity and wiped out their food base—another reminder that infrastructure and wetland management must go together. Climate & Conservation Policy: Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Forum on Climate is prioritising elephants and leopards, planning a study on how El Niño/La Niña shifts are affecting habitats and behaviour, with recommendations to follow. Disaster Risk & Infrastructure: Flooding on the Katunayake Airport road (after Cyclone Ditwah and again with heavy rains) has prompted officials to identify causes like unauthorised land reclamation and neglected canals, with measures planned to prevent repeat disruptions. Urban Sustainability: The “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative is moving toward a network of Model Cities, with University of Moratuwa support and guidelines aimed at digital services and environmental sustainability.

Wildlife & Power Infrastructure: Three flamingos died after colliding with overhead power lines in Mannar, while flamingos also disappeared from Bundala after irrigation-driven freshwater changes altered salinity and food availability. Wetlands & Climate Impacts: The bird losses add to wider concerns that wetland degradation and infrastructure risks are stacking up for migratory species. Parliament & Biodiversity: Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Forum on Climate is prioritising elephant and leopard protection, planning a study on how El Niño/La Niña shifts are affecting wildlife habitats. Flood Risk Management: Authorities discussed immediate and long-term steps to stop repeated flooding on the Katunayake Airport road, citing issues like unauthorised land reclamation and neglect of a nearby canal. Clean Sri Lanka Urban Plan: A new network of model cities is being planned under the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, with technical support from the University of Moratuwa and guidelines aligned to international urban design standards. Energy Transition Push: Sri Lanka is also moving on EV charging, with a new 60kW dual-gun DC fast charger launched in Peliyagoda to expand practical clean-mobility infrastructure.

Wildlife & Climate Policy: Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary Forum on Climate says it will prioritise climate impacts on elephants and leopards, with plans for a comprehensive study and recommendations after officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation briefed MPs on how El Niño/La Niña shifts are changing habitats and behaviour. Flood Risk on Key Road: Authorities have moved to prevent repeated flooding on the Katunayake Airport–Andiambalam–Minuwangoda road after recent heavy rains again disrupted traffic, pointing to issues like unauthorised land reclamation and long-neglected drainage canals. Climate as a Development Threat: Officials say climate change is already reshaping livelihoods, food security, infrastructure and national planning, as Sri Lanka hosted a Commonwealth climate finance meeting focused on closing gaps between climate ambitions and real funding access. Disaster Preparedness in Court: The Court of Appeal issued notices in a writ petition by the Centre for Environmental Justice alleging failures in natural disaster preparedness and calling for authorities to meet disaster-management and environmental legal duties. Energy Transition Context: A separate report argues Sri Lanka’s electricity crisis is not just about resources, but about system failures—forecasting, procurement, and inconsistent policy implementation—while reform debates continue around the Ceylon Electricity Board.