SRI LANKA NEWS
March 2026
Compiled by Victor Melder
One-week closure of Middle East airspace will deny Sri Lanka US$ 15 million in tourism revenue, as around 30 percent of arrivals take place through that region, an official said. Sri Lankan tourism authorities have assessed the possible implications for the tourism industry following the escalation of the war situation in the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, which retaliated with a barrage of missile strikes on Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe told Daily Mirror yesterday that most tourists from the Western world travel to Sri Lanka through that region, and therefore the absence of airline operations would have a severe impact on the tourism industry here. He said airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Flydubai and Etihad bring a significant number of tourists to Sri Lanka. Besides, he said there are around 10,000 tourists stranded in Sri Lanka, unable to return to their home countries because of the conflict. “A lot of European tourists arrive here through transit at airports in the Middle East,” he said. However, he said arrivals from countries such as India remain steady at the moment. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said earlier that it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of all international tourists currently visiting the island. The government has authorized a free 14-day extension of visa validity for all tourists currently in the country. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath said earlier that Sri Lanka received more than 2.36 million foreign tourists last year the highest figure recorded in a single year. Tourism revenue totaled US$ 3.2 billion in 2025. It is currently one of the key foreign exchange earners for Sri Lanka. (Daily Mirror, 4.3.2026)
The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has reported that air quality in parts of the country has deteriorated to unhealthy levels. Areas including Kolonnawa, Kotte, Kegalle, and Galle have recorded particularly high readings. The NBRO attributes the decline in air quality to dry weather conditions and reduced wind speeds, which have caused concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to remain elevated in several major cities. Authorities have advised the public to limit exposure to heavy traffic and dusty outdoor environments, especially during morning hours, to reduce health risks associated with poor air quality. (Daily Mirror, 4.3.2026)
A nationwide survey has found that 71 percent of women in Sri Lanka have felt unsafe in public places due to the presence of alcohol users, prompting strong calls for government intervention. The study, conducted to mark International Women’s Day 2026 by the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), gathered responses from 1,157 women over the age of 15 across all 25 districts. According to the findings, 77 percent of respondents said they felt most unsafe on public transport, including buses and trains. Concerns were also reported on roads and streets (43.7 percent), at bus and train stations (43 percent), and in public parks and other common outdoor spaces (26.6 percent). Taxi services were cited by 13.4 percent of participants. More than half of those surveyed (55.4 percent) reported experiencing verbal harassment from alcohol users, while 48.8 percent said they had been followed or stared at in ways that made them feel uncomfortable. Additionally, 36 percent reported instances of non-consensual touching or physical harassment. A further 67 percent indicated that they experienced discomfort due to the behaviour and unpleasant odours associated with intoxicated individuals. The survey highlights that 66.2 percent of women refrained from responding to harassment due to fear. Others cited shame (47.6 percent), lack of support from those around them (34.5 percent), and lack of confidence (19.2 percent). As a coping mechanism, 67.3 percent said they avoid certain places, 55.4 percent change their travel times, and 27.6 percent request someone to accompany them. More than 41 percent reported experiencing mental distress as a result. Notably, 66 percent of participants believe alcohol is often used as an excuse to justify harassment in public spaces. An overwhelming 98.4 percent of respondents stated that the government should take action to protect women from alcohol-related harassment. More than half called for the introduction of a formal complaint and grievance monitoring mechanism, while 51.2 percent urged stronger implementation of alcohol control policies. Others supported increased public awareness programs and greater community involvement in addressing the issue. Although national data indicate relatively low levels of alcohol consumption among women — estimated at around 1.2 percent, the survey emphasizes that the broader social impact of alcohol misuse continues to disproportionately affect women’s safety and wellbeing. The report calls for stricter enforcement of existing alcohol control laws, strengthening of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act, and broader societal efforts to challenge attitudes that normalize misconduct under the influence of alcohol. (Daily Mirror, 4.3.2026)
Due to prevailing dry weather and strong winds affecting the hill country, wildfires are spreading. They have been reported from several locations across the plantation sector. Environmentalists point out that the burning of these vital catchment areas in the central hills could lead to a severe water shortage in the future. According to local residents, these fires are set by certain individuals with the aim of flushing out animals for hunting. (Daily Island, 5.3.3026)
A report by Himal Southasian has revealed that Ukraine-compiled data show the number of Sri Lankans killed fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war is at least 275 – the highest death toll for any South Asian country. The figure is far higher than that of 59 reported by the Sri Lankan Government in February 2025. The data comes from Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POW), a Government body responsible for handling POWs and tracking foreign fighters. The Himal Southasian story also reports on the struggles of Sri Lankan war widows trying to obtain promised compensation for their husbands killed while fighting for Russia, and points to illicit agents and networks recruiting Sri Lankans to fight for the Russian military. (Financial Times, 6.3.2026)
Central Bank of Sri Lanka official reserve assets have surpassed the USD 7 billion mark for the first time since August 2020. At the end of February 2026, total reserves stood at USD 7,284 million, a 6.6% increase from USD 6,832 million recorded in January. Foreign exchange holdings accounted for the largest share of reserves, rising from USD 6,687 million in January to USD 7,057 million in February. The Central Bank’s gold reserves also recorded a significant increase, rising 83.4% from USD 109 million to USD 200 million during the same period. (Daily Island, 8.3.2026)
A she elephant and a calf that fell into an abandoned well in a farm at Sinhapura in Welikanda was saved from drowning and released to Thrikonamaduwa forest reserve by the wildlife officers. Officials said the she elephant was about 20 years of age and the calf three years, They said the she elephant and the calf were among a herd of wild elephants that roam into the village in search of water. A team of wildlife officers under Welikanda Wildlife Ranger C. A. Wanasinghe had saved the she elephant and the calf with a JBC machine. (Daily Mirror, 6.3.2026)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that it is ready to provide more than $ 1 billion annually to Sri Lanka from 2026 to 2029. Issuing a statement announcing ADB President Masato Kanda’s meeting with visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at its Manila headquarters, the multilateral agency said the financing will target macroeconomic stability, private sector-led growth, education and skills development, and resilient infrastructure. “Key initiatives include a major digital transformation program to help unlock Sri Lanka’s digital economy, alongside support for its accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to deepen its integration into regional trade and investment networks,” the ADB saidThe ADB said that Kanda met with Dr. Amarasuriya to reaffirm the strong development partnership between the ADB and Sri Lanka, with both leaders underscoring their commitment to post-cyclone recovery, inclusive growth, and advancing women’s equality. “Sri Lanka’s resilience in the face of crises has been remarkable,” Kanda said. “We are committed to helping Sri Lanka rebuild after Cyclone Ditwah, while also investing in the country’s future by empowering women entrepreneurs and strengthening education and essential skills.” During their discussion, Kanda emphasised the ADB’s response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Building on emergency financing already mobilised, the ADB is fast-tracking an emergency assistance loan to restore damaged infrastructure and support affected livelihoods. With Dr. Amarasuriya serving as the keynote speaker for the ADB’s International Women’s Day event, the leaders highlighted women’s equality as a cornerstone of inclusive development. Kanda noted the ADB’s longstanding work as an implementing partner of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, which expands access to finance, business skills training, and policy reform for women-owned enterprises. This partnership has helped drive lasting change, with Sri Lanka becoming one of the first countries to adopt the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Code at the national level in March 2025 Dr. Amarasuriya also engaged in dialogue facilitated by the ADB to advance Sri Lanka’s skills agenda, including discussions on referencing skills and qualifications with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and on mutual areas of interest with the Philippines related to technical and vocational education and training. (Financial Times, 14.3.2026)
SriLankan Airlines plans to expand its operations to Australia by increasing the frequency of flights between Colombo and Melbourne from August, citing rising passenger demand and changing market dynamics. In a statement, the national carrier said it will raise its weekly services on the route to 10 flights from 2 August with the introduction of three additional scheduled flights. The airline said the expansion reflects efforts to strengthen its presence in the Australian market, which it identified as one of the fastest-growing sources of inbound tourism to Sri Lanka, supported by leisure travel and visits by friends and relatives. The additional services will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Flights will depart Colombo at 14:10 and arrive in Melbourne at 04:30 the following day. Return services will leave Melbourne at 06:00 and reach Colombo at 12:15. SriLankan Airlines said the revised timetable is intended to allow leisure travellers to spend more time in Sri Lanka while also improving onward connections through Colombo, particularly for passengers travelling to India. The airline added that the higher frequency will also offer greater travel flexibility for the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia seeking to maintain closer links with family and friends at home.(Financial Times, 14.3.2026)
A total of 120,752 suspects have been arrested during the nationwide drug prevention operation carried out from October 30, 2025, to March 12, 2026, Police said. Police said 2,229 suspects have been issued detention orders in connection with the ongoing operation. According to police statistics, 451,122 ICE-related raids were conducted, leading to the seizure of 1,926 kg and 400 g of the drug. In addition, 39,956 heroin-related cases were reported, with 931 kg and 610 g seized, while 113 cocaine-related cases resulted in the seizure of 14 kg and 705 g. Meanwhile, 980,381 drug tablets were seized during the operation. Police also said that 1,816 individuals have been referred for rehabilitation during the operation. (Sunday Daily Mirror, 15.3.2026)
The government has decided to declare every Wednesday as a public holiday in a move to save energy due to the Middle East tensions, the Commissioner-General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi said. He told a special press briefing that the decision was taken at a meeting with the President. The holiday will not be applicable for health, ports, water services and the Sri Lanka Customs. The holiday will be applicable to schools, universities and judicial service institutions. (Daily Mirror, 17.3.2028)
The Cabinet has approved a proposal to declare Namal Uyana, the country’s largest ironwood forest, as a national heritage site. Spanning approximately 602 hectares, the site has already been designated as a protected forest and is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most significant locations for both environmental and archaeological value. The decision follows recommendations by an expert subcommittee tasked with identifying national heritage sites, which highlighted the area’s unique combination of geological, ecological and cultural importance. Namal Uyana is also home to a rare pink quartz mountain range, considered a notable geological formation with distinct mineral and scientific value. The area further supports a dry zone forest ecosystem and includes landscapes linked to ancient Buddhist monastic settlements. (Daily Mirror, 18.3.2026)
Nearly 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s adult population has never visited a dental clinic, health officials reveal. According to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, access to dental care remains unequal despite progress in the sector. Speaking at the national event marking World Oral Health Day held at Galle Face Green recently, he noted that many people only seek treatment after symptoms appear, highlighting weak public awareness and poor early detection. He stressed the need to strengthen awareness programs and ensure the health system is better equipped to identify patients early and direct them for timely treatment. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and the Sri Lanka Dental Association have organized island-wide awareness programs in line with World Oral Health Day to improve public knowledge and promote preventive dental care. (Daily Mirror, 23.3.2026)
In Sri Lanka, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 14,000 new TB cases occur annually, but only 8,500–9,500 cases are currently diagnosed, leaving about 5,000 patients undetected in the community. This significant gap underscores the need for intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis in the country. Yesterday (March 24), World Tuberculosis Day was observed globally to raise awareness about TB and promote prevention and treatment programs. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People,” highlights the importance of strong country leadership, sustained commitment, and collective responsibility in eliminating TB. Under the guidance of Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, the Health and Mass Media Ministry has implemented a range of programs at national, district, provincial, regional, and Medical Officer of Health (MOH) levels. These programs aim to increase TB detection, strengthen public-private partnerships, reduce TB-related stigma, and enhance accountability throughout the health system. From March 16 – 20, 2026, the Ministry declared Tuberculosis Awareness Week, during which public awareness campaigns, media conferences, and targeted programs for high-risk groups—including health workers—were conducted at institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases (NHRD), National Tuberculosis Laboratory (NTRL), Central Chest Hospital – Colombo (CCC), and District Chest Hospital – Gampaha. According to the National Program on Tuberculosis Control and Chest Diseases, 8,125 new TB cases were reported in 2025, with 5,177 males and 2,948 females. Pediatric TB detection remains low, with only 231 cases about 3% of total cases highlighting the need for enhanced child TB screening programs. Sri Lanka aims to reduce TB cases by 90% and TB-related deaths by 95% compared to 2015 figures, while ensuring treatment access for all patients, aligning with the World Health Organization’s TB prevention targets for 2035. (Daily Mirror, 25.3.2026)
