ECONOMYNEXT – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka has handed over 17 critical equipment to strengthen the DNA laboratory of the Government Analyst Department to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the laboratory where evidence relating to SGBV and other crimes are concerned.

The equipment includes an RT PCR machine, PCR system and Crime Lite Serology Kit.

This initiative was a part of UNDP’s “Ensuring Justice for Victim Survivors of SGBV in Sri Lanka” project funded by the Government of Canada and jointly implemented by UNFPA Sri Lanka.

The equipment was procured after a comprehensive study of the existing processes of the DNA laboratory with the aim of supporting the accurate detection, analysis, and profiling of biological evidence, thereby strengthening the scientific basis of judicial proceedings.

“Together, these technologies form an integrated forensic workflow for SGBV investigations. Their combined use enhances the accuracy, reliability, and evidentiary strength of forensic DNA analysis, ultimately contributing towards the expedited clearance of the existing backlog of cases and accelerating the dispensation of justice,” UNDP said.

The equipment were handed over by Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative of UNDP in Sri Lanka to Kamani Perera, Government Analyst.

Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, High Commissioner of Canada Isabelle Martin, and representatives from partner organizations were present at the handover. (Colombo/Sep15/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Tuesday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 0.24 percent.

The ASPI was down 51.79 points at 21,262.13, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was down 0.29 percent, or 17.66 points, at 5,976.67.

Positive contributors to the ASPI were Sampath Bank (up 0.36 percent at 140.25 rupees), Watawala Plantations (up 3.37 percent at 46.00 rupees), SMB Finance (up 10.00 percent at 1.10 rupees), and Lion Brewery (Ceylon) (up 1.25 percent at 1,780.00 rupees).

Dialog Axiata (down 2.95 percent at 46.00 rupees), Melstacorp (down 0.81 percent at 184.75 rupees), and Commercial Bank (down 0.49 percent at 204.00 rupees) were top negative contributors.

Market turnover was 2.23 billion rupees. Food, Beverage & Tobacco led turnover with 1.2 billion rupees.

A mandatory offer for Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) fell through after the Securities and Exchange Commission refused to clear a share transfer because the company had been placed on the Colombo Stock Exchange Watchlist due to non-compliance. (Colombo/September15/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT — Sri Lanka’s Prime Melwa (Private) Limited will invest 112.2 million US dollars and 15.9 billion rupees to build a landmark mixed-use waterfront project within Colombo Port City, following Cabinet approval to designate it as a Primary Business of Strategic Importance.

The designation grants the development project exemptions and incentives under Section 53 of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021, which requires Cabinet approval.

“The proposed development aims to construct a landmark mixed-use waterfront project in the Colombo Port City over the next few years, creating approximately 800 direct employment opportunities,” minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

The venture brings combined capital commitment to over 112 million dollars in foreign direct investment alongside local rupee funding. (Colombo/September15/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT — Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved an additional 2,500 million rupees to the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) to finance ongoing procurement for the 2026 Yala season, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

The government initially released 6,000 million rupees to the board, but this was insufficient.

“As the paddy harvest has not yet been fully gathered in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Mannar, and Mullaitivu districts, as well as in the Mahaweli B, C, and H zones, it has been observed that the funds currently allocated for procurement in these areas are insufficient,” he said.

To bridge the shortfall, the Cabinet approved a proposal to release an additional 2,500 million rupees — from the 7,500 million rupees allocated to the ministry for the expedited 2026 Yala purchasing program — to the board.

Jayatissa told reporters the PMB originally planned to buy 39,500 metric tons across 143 warehouses, but purchases had already surged to 67,156 metric tons, costing roughly 8,221 million rupees.

Responding to questions over reported payment delays to farmers in areas like Ampara, Jayatissa denied systemic problems and noted that procurement had far exceeded targets.

“You can see that right now, we have actually exceeded our limits — we have procured well above our targeted amount, with these 2,500 million rupees, we have the ability to pay them,” Jayatissa said.

He said 19,426 metric tons have already been bought in Ampara for 2,350 million rupees, which has been disbursed.

Additionally, 10,000 million rupees was provided as loans to small and medium millers, while 7,500 million rupees was allocated to District Secretaries and Government Agents for procurement. (Colombo/Sep15/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT — Sri Lanka will award a 4.01 million US dollar 5-year contract to SITA Switzerland SARL to provide global network infrastructure services for SriLankan Airlines, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

“A global network infrastructure platform is essential to connect critical aviation services, including passenger processing systems, departure control, ticketing and seat reservations, cargo management, and airport operations systems,” Jayatissa said.

Following the expiration of the previous service agreement, the government called for international competitive bids to select a new provider.

Only one bid was received.

SITA Switzerland SARL will provide global network infrastructure services to Sri Lankan Airlines for a 5-year period running from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2031. (Colombo/Sep14/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers have approved a proposal to award a 791.68 million (excluding tax) contract to Asset Engineering (Pvt) Ltd to build the Blackpool-Ambewela-Pattipola-Horton Plains road, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Tenders were called for developing the stretch of road, B 512, from the km 5+200 mark to the km 12+000 mark, and Asset Engineering was the lowest responsive bidder, he said.

4 bids were received.

The road was damaged 10 months ago during Cyclone Ditwah. (Colombo/Sep15/2026)