ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Customs exceeded its monthly target for an eighth consecutive month in August, achieving the target before the end of the month, official data showed.

Customs’ August revenue target was set at 190.3 billion rupees. However, the revenue-collecting body had already collected 199.6 billion rupees in the first 27 days of the month, exceeding the target, official data showed.

Customs has set a revenue target of 2,207 billion rupees for this year, 13.5 percent less than last year as it originally expected a significant decline in car imports. Data showed it achieved 83 percent of this year’s target or 1,832.7 billion rupees even before the end of eight months.

Last year, Customs collected a record 2,551 billion rupees in revenue, exceeding an upwardly revised target of 2,241 billion rupees for the year and achieving 64.2 percent higher revenue than the previous year’s revenue of 1,553 million rupees.

Sri Lanka Customs’ revenue jump is largely due to stronger enforcement, improved valuation practices, and a rebound in import volumes after years of contraction.

Following the 2022 economic crisis, imports fell sharply as the country imposed restrictions to conserve foreign exchange.

However, with the stabilization of reserves, the relaxation of certain import controls, and a steady recovery in consumer demand, customs collections from import duties, excise, and other levies have risen.

Officials note that tighter monitoring of under-invoicing and misdeclaration of goods has also contributed to boosting state revenue.

The combined effect of increased import activity, currency movements, and stricter enforcement has positioned Customs as one of the top revenue sources for the Treasury in 2025, providing a vital cushion as the state works to meet fiscal targets under the IMF-supported program. (Colombo/August 30/2026)

ECONOMYNEXT – Several companies within the Carson Cumberbatch PLC Group, acting in concert, have collectively purchased 20,141,698 ordinary voting shares in CT Holdings PLC, the company said in a market filing.

The trade on August 24 was the largest transaction for 2026. CT Holdings and its subsidiary Cargills (Ceylon), saw a sale of 10 percent and 3 percent of shares respectively.

CT Holdings, Cargills Rs15bn divestment drives Sri Lanka bourse

A further 107,000 ordinary voting shares were bought on August 25.

“Accordingly, the aggregate holding purchased represents 10.05% of the voting rights of C T Holdings PLC,” CT Holdings said.

Particulars of the buying and selling parties are as follows:

Shares were bough at between 530-575 rupees a piece. (Colombo/Aug29/2026)

Kaspersky ICS CERT’s recent report highlights that modern space security is no longer just about guarding physical satellites in orbit.

According to publicly available data, over 100 cyber incidents targeting space systems were recorded between 1957 and the early 2020s.

“A space system comprises far more than what is launched into orbit; the ground-based control networks, communication channels, and subscriber receivers represent the true, and often fragile, operational foundation of the entire system. As satellite technology becomes deeper integrated into civilian life – from navigation systems to energy grids – securing these connections, enforcing encryption on downstream links, and patching vulnerable internet-exposed receivers is of highest importance,” commented Ekaterina Rudina, Security Analysis Expert at Kaspersky.

Today’s “space system” consists of an interconnected web of ground control stations, terrestrial communication links, user terminals, and third-party software – with attackers frequently exploiting the most accessible and least secure links in this chain.

Kaspersky’s past reports highlight a critical risk to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

Following a sharp spike in GPS/GNSS signal spoofing in the Black Sea region in 2023, Kaspersky researchers audited internet-exposed GNSS hardware in collaboration with 70 global equipment vendors.

They discovered that more than 3,000 GNSS receivers are actively vulnerable to attacks directly over the internet, presenting severe risks to maritime, aviation, and land logistics.

To protect their systems from internet-based attacks, organizations should keep GNSS receivers unreachable from the outside.

Kaspersky recommends protecting your devices with robust authentication mechanisms.

Threat actors often abuse satellite infrastructure to conceal their malicious activities.

Throughout the 2010s, Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups like Turla and Whitebear hijacked unencrypted downstream satellite traffic to route their server communications, achieving an unprecedented level of anonymity.

This issue is compounded by the low barrier to entry for interception; as early as 2009, militants in West Asia demonstrated that commercially available, low-cost software could be used to intercept unencrypted, downstream video feeds from military systems.

Today, sophisticated APT groups like Thrip continue to target satellite operators and geospatial mapping databases to monitor or directly disrupt critical space infrastructure.

Kaspersky ICS CERT’s report also points to the critical secondary impacts of space-oriented cyberattacks.

In 2022, a major cyberattack hit satellite operator Viasat’s KA-SAT network.

Initiated via a misconfigured VPN device, the threat actors deployed the AcidRain wiper, disabling approximately 30,000 satellite terminals across Europe and indirectly halting the remote operations of more than 5,800 wind turbines.

This trend has only been intensifying, with the 2024 discovery of AcidPour, a highly destructive successor associated with the Sandworm APT group.

Unlike its predecessor, AcidPour targets a much wider array of Linux routers, satellite modems, and data storage systems.

To reduce the risk of exploitation, Kaspersky recommends that organizations:
– Regularly audit and patch vulnerable, internet-facing ground control and user-subscriber hardware, particularly GNSS receivers

– Ensure satellite communication links are fully encrypted to prevent unauthorized traffic snooping and spoofing

– Implement robust endpoint protection on ground station terminals and enforce strict access controls on internal management networks

Read the full report on Kaspersky ICS CERT’s website.

KATHMANDU, NEPAL (28 August 2026) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $5 million emergency grant to fund urgent rescue and relief operations after devastating floods and debris flows struck communities along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems on 26 August.

“This $5 million grant is a promise kept,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “When people in our member countries need us, we will be there for them. Families along these rivers have lost loved ones, homes, and the basic services their communities need. Help cannot wait. The losses are devastating and are still being counted but this will help get food, safe water, shelter, medicine, and other urgent support to people who need it now. When disaster strikes, ADB moves.”

The disaster has caused widespread loss of life, injuries, displacement, and severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The Government of Nepal has declared the affected areas disaster crisis-affected zones and is leading large-scale response operations. Search and rescue operations and assessments of the damage and community needs are continuing.

The grant, financed through ADB’s Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will help pay for search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, safe drinking water, temporary shelter, sanitation and hygiene supplies, debris clearance, emergency stabilization work, and logistical support.

ADB is working closely with the Government of Nepal, including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, United Nations agencies, and development partners to assess the changing situation and support the country’s response and recovery.

ADB is processing up to $150,000 through a second window of the disaster response fund to support a post-disaster needs assessment, recovery planning, and preparation for possible recovery and reconstruction investments. At the government’s request, the assessment will measure damage and losses, identify needs across affected sectors, and help set priorities for recovery and reconstruction.

ADB has long supported Nepal’s efforts to reduce disaster risks and withstand through stronger infrastructure, institutions, and emergency preparedness. ADB will continue working with the government and people of Nepal through the emergency response and the recovery and reconstruction that follow.

ECONOMYNEXT – According to Kaspersky’s latest research, Gen Z is the most active generation of AI users in Asia Pacific (APAC). Half use AI every day or almost every day, while one in three already interact with it as they would with a friend.

For many Zoomers, AI has already become part of their daily routine. Half of Gen Z respondents (50%) in APAC use AI every day or almost every day – the highest share across all the demographic groups. Among them, 57% use it for searching for information, 54% for studying, and 50% for generating ideas.

However, Gen Z is not only using AI as a practical tool. Nearly a third of APAC Gen Z respondents (32%) say they use AI as a friend – a higher proportion than among other generations. This behaviour is consistent across countries such as Indonesia (39%), Vietnam (35%), Thailand (34%), Malaysia (33%) and India (32%).

This points to an emerging shift in the role of artificial intelligence, from a technology consulted for specific tasks to one that some users may also turn to for conversation, emotional support or companionship.

The use of AI for personal matters reflects how naturally conversational systems fit into Gen Z’s digital habits.

According to the survey, 34% of Gen Z respondents in the region use AI to discuss personal issues they would rather not share with other people. Vietnam recorded the highest percentage at 42%, followed by India (37%) and Indonesia (36%).

This may make AI feel private and emotionally supportive, but it is not a human friend: its responses can be inaccurate or inappropriate, and users may disclose sensitive information more freely than they would on an ordinary online service.

High reliance does not always mean safe AI use

Despite Gen Z’s high level of online activity and confidence, many respondents underestimate the risks associated with artificial intelligence.

While 45% of Gen Z respondents in APAC say they consistently take protective measures when interacting with AI services, more than half (51%) only apply precautions occasionally.

This inconsistency is particularly evident in Malaysia, where 54% of respondents say they take precautions only occasionally, the second-highest proportion among the APAC markets surveyed after China (60%), while Indonesia recorded the lowest proportion at 43%.

These protective measures can be as simple as checking information against other reliable sources and avoiding the disclosure of confidential or sensitive data.

This is particularly important as AI becomes involved in education, communication and personal decision-making.

Incorrect information generated by an AI system may affect academic work or everyday choices, while information shared in a conversation may include personal documents, passwords, financial details, health-related information or private messages.

The more personal the interaction becomes, the more important it is for users to remember that information entered into an AI service should automatically be treated as non-confidential.

Safe AI habits should develop alongside AI skills

To use AI more safely, people should verify important information rather than rely on a single generated response.

This is especially important for educational, financial, legal, medical or other sensitive topics where an inaccurate answer may have serious consequences.

Users should also avoid sharing passwords, payment details, identity documents, private correspondence and other confidential information with AI services. Before using a new platform, it is important to understand what data it collects and how that information may be processed or stored.

A comprehensive security solution such as Kaspersky Premium can help protect devices against phishing, malware and fraudulent websites that may imitate legitimate AI platforms or promote fake AI tools.

It can also provide an additional layer of protection as users explore new digital services.

Developing broader cybersecurity skills is equally important. Kaspersky Academy’s “Cyberhygiene” course helps users understand common digital risks and build practical habits for protecting accounts, devices and personal information.

These skills are becoming increasingly relevant as AI tools are integrated into studying, work and everyday communication.

Specifically for Gen Z, Kaspersky has launched an interactive online game, “Case 404”.

In this cyber-detective adventure, players dive into fictional cases inspired by real digital threats, learning how to spot scams, phishing attempts and sophisticated fraud attempts.

With “Case 404”, Kaspersky isn’t just raising awareness — it’s equipping players with the mindset and skills to stay secure while doing what they love.

“Gen Z understands emerging AI trends better than other generations and is already finding new ways to integrate the technology into studying, communication and everyday life. The fact that some young people now use AI as a friend shows how quickly the relationship between users and technology is changing,” said Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Centre.

“However, an interaction that feels personal should not be mistaken for a private or fully reliable conversation. Young users need to combine their confidence and curiosity with habits such as checking information, protecting personal data and thinking critically about the responses they receive.”

“What stands out about the survey is how naturally AI has become part of the younger generation’s everyday lives. When one in three Gen Z users in APAC already sees AI as a friend, it is clearly becoming more than just a tool. As that relationship becomes more personal, knowing what to trust, what to share and where to draw the line will be key to using AI safely and responsibly,” said Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

*The study was conducted by Kaspersky’s market research centre in March 2026. 7,200 respondents from 18 countries (Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam) took part in the survey.

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 327.98/328.04 to the US dollar in the spot market on Friday, stronger from 328.50/60 Tuesday, while bond yields closed down, dealers said.

A bond maturing on 15.02.2028 closed at 9.90/10.00 percent, down from 10.00/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 closed at 10.25/30 percent, down from 10.35/45 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 closed at 10.50/55 percent, down from 10.55/62 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.02.2031 closed at 10.62/67 percent, up from 10.62/65 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 closed at 10.95/11.05 percent, down from 11.15/25 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 closed at 11.25/35 percent, down from 11.35/45 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.10.2034 closed at 11.50/55 percent, down from 11.55/60 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.08.2036 closed at 11.77/80 percent, down from 11.85/90 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2037 closed at 11.80/92 percent, down from 11.85/95 percent. (Colombo/Aug28/2026)