Central Bank Warning: Sri Lanka’s Central Bank has named a long list of companies and apps it says are operating prohibited pyramid schemes, including Infinity Rover (Pvt) Ltd and Qnet/Questnet, urging the public to stay clear. Food & Culture: Cake Date returned to The Shoppes at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, drawing 200+ guests and 55 bakers with 100+ cakes in a “sweet social playground” celebrating local baking talent. Sports (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka netball kick-starts a six-match friendly series against touring Lincoln University of New Zealand today and tomorrow at Dadalla Indoor Stadium, Galle, as part of preparations for the 2026 Asian Senior Netball Championship. Tech & Entertainment: Dialog and Abans launched Motorola G35 5G and G57 5G in Sri Lanka, pushing affordable 5G with Dolby Atmos audio and large displays. Business & Payments: KOKO partnered with Aitken Spence Hotels to embed interest-free instalment payments directly into the hotel booking engine across eight properties. Arts/Community: CDB’s SMB Fair in Kandy showcased local fashion, food, accessories and digital commerce, with visitors using SELF QR cashback offers.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
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Hospitality & Nightlife: Sri Lanka’s coastal bar Smoke & Bitters (Dikwella) has won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, with the venue praised for standout guest experience and its wood-fire cooking and local bitters-led cocktail menu. Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket’s Transformation Committee says a new cricket constitution is nearing its final parliamentary step after legal refinements, aiming to reset governance and reduce long-running board-election controversies. Women’s Cricket (Regional): India named G Kamalini as reserve wicketkeeper for the Asian Games, replacing Yastika Bhatia, while Harmanpreet Kaur keeps the captaincy and Shreyanka Patil is included subject to fitness. Culture & Language: Korea’s King Sejong Institutes network adds 29 new locations across 23 countries, including Sri Lanka for the first time, as demand for Korean language education keeps climbing. Tech & Travel Payments: KOKO and Aitken Spence Hotels in Sri Lanka have embedded buy-now-pay-later instalments into the hotel booking engine for faster, split-payment reservations. Arts & Film: Bertram Nihal’s Sinhala film adaptation “Daree/The Cave” is discussed for its poetic title link and Buddhist-style metaphor of truth hidden in memory.
Sri Lanka Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka’s SLC Transformation Committee says the new cricket constitution is ready for Parliament after final legal refinements, aiming to fix long-criticised governance and election issues. Asian Games Cricket (India): India named Harmanpreet Kaur as captain for the 2026 Asian Games, with Smriti Mandhana vice-captain; Yastika Bhatia was dropped and G Kamalini picked as reserve wicketkeeper, while off-spinner Shreyanka Patil is included pending fitness. Hospitality & Arts: Dikwella’s Smoke & Bitters became the first Sri Lankan bar to win the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026. Tech & Travel Payments: KOKO partnered with Aitken Spence Hotels to embed buy-now-pay-later instalments inside the hotel booking engine across eight Sri Lankan properties. Global Culture Education: Korea designated 29 new King Sejong Institutes across 23 countries, including Sri Lanka for the first time, as Korean language demand keeps surging. Sports (Women’s Cricket): Australia and West Indies set for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval after unbeaten group runs and a last-four qualification shaped by net run-rate.
Women’s Cricket: Australia and West Indies set for the first Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at London’s Oval on June 30, with Australia unbeaten and West Indies edging past Sri Lanka on run rate. Local Sports & Cricket: Sri Lanka’s hopes in the ongoing Test series took a hit as West Indies crushed them by an innings and 217 runs, with Kemar Roach taking his 300th Test wicket. Sri Lanka Cricket Governance: The SLC Transformation Committee says no international cricket stadium will be built in Jaffna for now, citing funding limits while reviewing the project’s scope. Arts & Entertainment: Nelson Arts Festival in New Zealand announces Quebec’s Machine de Cirque will tour Whakatū Nelson in October 2026, bringing a 70-minute circus show packed with acrobatics and comedy. Music & Culture: Popular Sri Lankan singer Rukman Asitha has died at 48, leaving behind hits like “Aadare Maha Sundarai” and “Ude Hava Dakinawa.” Viral Culture: A Sri Lankan girl’s viral “real-life Disney princess” moment with a tiny porcupine charms netizens.
Music & Culture: Greencastle Summer Music Festival returns with “Roots and Roads: Songs of Travel, Belonging and Identity,” featuring soprano Dr. Janani Sridhar and pianist Reggie Berg in a free community recital. Entertainment: Popular Sri Lankan singer Rukman Asitha has died at 48, remembered for hits like “Aadare Maha Sundarai” and “Ude Hava Dakinawa.” Fashion & Heritage: Sri Lanka promotes its handloom sector with an “Art of Weaving” fashion show and a new weaving design handbook aimed at boosting local and export markets. Sports (LPL): Lanka Premier League 2026 fixtures are confirmed for July 17–August 8, with Jaffna Kings starting their title defence against Galle Gallants and Kandy Royals facing Dambulla Sixers. Cricket (WI vs SL): West Indies dominate the first Test, with Kemar Roach taking his 300th wicket as Sri Lanka are bowled out for 101 and lose by an innings and 217 runs. Poson Safety: Anuradhapura expects 1.5 million devotees for Poson, with heavy police and lifeguard deployments and liquor outlet closures on full moon poya day.
Javelin Spotlight: Rohit Yadav’s career-best 87.05m at India’s national championships puts him world No.2 this season, just behind Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage (92.62m), with Neeraj Chopra also moving up the global list. Cricket Milestone: West Indies crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the first Test, with Kemar Roach taking his 300th Test wicket as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 101. Sri Lanka Cricket Calendar: BCCI has declined Sri Lanka Cricket’s request for extra T20Is on India’s upcoming Sri Lanka tour, leaving only the planned two-Test series. Local Handloom Push: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Industries and partners launched an “Art of Weaving” fashion show and a handloom design handbook to boost local and export markets. Community & Culture: In Japan’s Fukuoka, Buddhist priests are using events like Hana Matsuri—featuring Sri Lankan and Nepali performers—to revive shrinking neighbourhood communities. Sports & Entertainment Mix: A major debate continues around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s delayed India debut as India reshuffle for the Ireland T20I series.
Women’s T20 World Cup: India beat Australia Women in a must-win Group A clash to keep semi-final hopes alive, with Harmanpreet Kaur opting to bat first after a key XI change. Cricket (SL focus): West Indies’ Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase smashed a record 401-run sixth-wicket stand as WI declared 626/9, taking a 318-run lead over Sri Lanka in Antigua. India vs Ireland (teen spotlight): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s maiden India cap still didn’t arrive in the 2nd T20I, while Prince Yadav and Suryansh Shedge made debuts; debate flared as Sanjay Manjrekar questioned the call. Local sports community: Sri Lankans in Qatar rallied for the Golden Bowling Championship (GBC) Season 3, bringing families and alumni teams together in Doha. Business/industry: Zydus Lifesciences moves ahead with a 50:50 pharma joint venture in Sri Lanka, investing up to USD 5 million for manufacturing at Horana EPZ. Arts & culture: Telegraph Travel named winners of its travel writing competition, including a Sri Lanka prize for an over-25s entry.
Cricket Spotlight: Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase powered West Indies to a record-breaking 401-run sixth-wicket stand, lifting the home side to 626/9 before declaring and leaving Sri Lanka facing a huge chase on the final day. Emerging Talent (Sri Lanka vs India A): In Galle, Auqib Nabi’s four-wicket burst helped India A take a 170-run lead over Sri Lanka A, with India A ending day three at 48/0 after Sai Sudharsan retired hurt. Women’s T20 World Cup: England stayed unbeaten as Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 89 helped them beat New Zealand and book semi-final action. Local Sports & Community: Sri Lankans in Qatar brought families together for the Golden Bowling Championship (GBC) Season 3, growing from a simple idea into a major community event. Youth & Arts/Discipline: Sri Lanka’s Youth Spirit Sports Festival 2026 highlighted youth leadership, sports and arts as tools against drug abuse, with provincial teams competing at Divulapitiya. Book Buzz: ABC Arts’ June reading list spotlights new releases, including Maggie O’Farrell’s Land and Ann Patchett’s latest.
Youth & Sports: Deputy Minister Dinindu Saman Hennayake says youth unemployment is down, driven by jobs in tourism and IT, plus youth leadership training and sports/arts initiatives to keep young people away from drugs. The Youth Spirit Sports Festival 2026 in Divulapitiya crowned Northwestern Province champions. Cricket (Sri Lanka spotlight): Sri Lanka kept Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a tense 3-wicket win over Scotland at Old Trafford, chasing 152 with Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive start and a last-ball finish by Sugandika Dasanayaka. Cricket (regional): In the West Indies vs Sri Lanka Test, Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase rescued the hosts on Day 2, leaving WI 37 behind at stumps after Sri Lanka made 308. Arts & Culture/Community: Colombo Marathon 2026 registrations are open for Sept 13, with categories from full marathon to a 5km fun run under “Steps for Peace and Humanity.” Handloom & Fashion: A workshop and fashion showcase pushed Sri Lanka’s handloom sector toward higher-value exports through innovation, branding, and market diversification. International arts/sport crossover: Kumar Sangakkara continues to hype 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a fearless batting force ahead of India’s Ireland/England T20 tour.
Women’s Cricket (SL vs SCO): Chamari Athapaththu’s explosive start powered Sri Lanka to a tense 3-wicket win over Scotland in the Women’s T20 World Cup, chasing 152 with Sugandika Dasanayaka sealing the result with one ball to spare—keeping semi-final hopes alive, though qualification now depends on other results. Women’s Cricket (SL vs SCO preview): Scotland posted 151/6 with Sarah Bryce’s late surge, setting up Sri Lanka’s must-win chase of 152 at Old Trafford. Marathon (Colombo): Registrations are open for the inaugural Colombo Marathon 2026 on Sept 13, with categories from full marathon to a 5 km fun run and a required medical fitness certificate. Handloom & Fashion (Exports): Authorities are pushing Sri Lanka’s handloom sector toward higher-value export growth, backing innovation, product development, branding, and market diversification through workshops and fashion showcases. Sports Business (LPL): Lanka Premier League 2026 is set for July 17–Aug 8, with Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants opening night at SSC. Cricket (Test, WI vs SL): Dhananjaya de Silva’s 120 rescued Sri Lanka to 308 on Day 1 of the Antigua Test, after early trouble.
Cricket Governance: Sri Lanka Cricket’s Transformation Committee is putting the finishing touches to a new constitution aligned with ICC requirements, with legal advisor Dinal Philips saying former ICC expert David Becker has backed the draft ahead of Parliament. Galle Test Drama: Captain Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 141 lifts India A to 452/6 declared, leaving Sri Lanka A 113/2 at stumps on a rain-hit day two of the first unofficial Test. LPL Spotlight: Lanka Premier League 2026 is confirmed for July 17–August 8, starting with Jaffna Kings vs Galle Gallants at SSC, with star-heavy squads and a double round-robin before playoffs in Colombo. Teen Star Watch: India’s Ireland T20I series has the spotlight on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and others weighing how to fit him in without upsetting in-form teammates. Arts & Culture: An Austrian Embassy literary evening in Colombo highlighted Bangladesh’s rickshaw puller poem from the SAARC Cultural Centre’s collection, turning everyday labour into a spotlight moment. Handloom Push: A workshop and showcase urged Sri Lanka’s handloom sector to be repositioned as an “industry of the future,” targeting sustainable, premium fashion exports. Music Industry: Soundmouse appoints David McIninch as general manager, expanding its music cue-sheet services for broadcast and entertainment worldwide.
Insurance & Business: Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) wrapped up its General Insurance Summit 2025, “Together We Rise,” at Araliya Beach Resort & Spa, Unawatuna, celebrating top performers and rolling out stress-management and work-life balance sessions for staff. Music & Media Industry: Soundmouse has appointed David McIninch as General Manager, overseeing global operations after BMI’s June acquisition of the music cue-sheet platform. Beauty & Lifestyle: Spa Ceylon’s Virgin Coconut Nourishing Hair Conditioner won Best Conditioner for Damaged Hair at the Marie Claire UK Hair Awards 2026, spotlighting Sri Lankan coconut heritage with cosmetic science. Arts & Culture: Lawyer-cellist-artist Randhini Fernando discussed how her “Gaemi Pata” exhibition paints Sri Lanka as a form of cultural marketing, blending law, music, and art. Wellness & Community: The Art of Living Foundation announced Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s meditation event in Battle Creek, Michigan on July 9. Sports & Society: A sharp commentary slammed Sri Lanka’s sports sector as “in free fall,” arguing athletes are being left to fund themselves while institutions fail. Trade & Retail: The Trade Ministry says it wants closer collaboration with the Sri Lanka Retailers Association, including tackling gaps in registration and tax compliance for some online sellers.
Women’s T20 World Cup: England booked their semi-final spot with a 38-run win over West Indies at Lord’s, led by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 65 off 42 and a big total of 186/7, while a controversial DRS moment left West Indies captain Hayley Matthews furious after a caught-behind call was reversed. Sri Lanka Women’s World Cup hopes: Sri Lanka face a must-win final group match against Scotland at Old Trafford, needing victory plus help elsewhere after their unbeaten run was kept alive by a dominant win over Ireland. Cricket spotlight on Sri Lanka ties: India begin a new T20I era under Shreyas Iyer against injury-hit Ireland in Belfast, with teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the spotlight after his 94 for India A vs Sri Lanka A. Local sports celebration: Sri Lanka marked Olympic Day 2026 at Independence Square, with a torch ceremony and participation from former Olympic silver medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe and other Olympians. Arts & culture: The Dew Folklore Festival wrapped up at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, featuring performances from Sri Lanka and other cultures in a shared final dance. Fashion/entertainment: A Sri Lankan male model from Jaffna, Haran Raminshan, is making waves internationally, with acting ambitions in both Sri Lankan and Indian cinema.
Cricket Safeguarding & Star Power: India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is set for a major debut run, with reports saying he’ll use a separate changing room during the Ireland and England T20I tours under UK safeguarding rules—allowed in team talks and the India dressing room, but with extra care around changing. Women’s T20 World Cup: England booked their semi-final spot with a 38-run win over West Indies at Lord’s, powered by Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 65 and a disciplined bowling effort. Local Youth Cricket (Colombo): West Indies Academy edged Sri Lanka Emerging Players by two wickets in a rain-reduced ODI, with Damel Evelyn’s unbeaten 77 and Kevlon Anderson’s 58 steering the chase. Arts & Culture (Colombo): Colombo Port City hosted the Dragon Boat Cultural Festival and China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Regatta, drawing 1,000+ participants and cultural performances. Music & Wildlife (Sri Lanka): Dubai-based singer Sonia Majeed adopted MEF’s famous elephant Lakshmi, linking art, compassion and conservation in a Sri Lanka visit. Travel & Leisure: Vietjet boosted summer capacity across Vietnam and key regional routes, targeting leisure, culture and major events. Sports Diplomacy: West Indies and Sri Lanka renew their Test rivalry in Antigua, with both sides chasing momentum in the WTC race.
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket: Chamari Athapaththu struck an unbeaten 106 as Sri Lanka beat Ireland by nine wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup, keeping semi-final hopes alive and setting up a must-win finish. India Cricket Spotlight: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, is set for his India debut after a record-breaking rise, with Kapil Dev comparing him to a young Sachin Tendulkar while urging patience with expectations. Local Sports & Youth: Colombo hosted the Dragon Boat Festival and China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Regatta at Port City, drawing 1,000+ participants and cultural performances. International Sports in the Region: West Indies and Sri Lanka renew their Test rivalry in Antigua, with preparations reported as on course for a seamless series opener. Arts & Culture Travel: A Tour de France-inspired travel feature highlights cycling as “slow travel,” with Sri Lanka included as a culture-and-nature on-two-wheels destination. Sports Entertainment: Katelyn Ohashi announced her return to competitive gymnastics, reigniting interest in the viral star’s comeback.
Women’s Cricket (Sri Lanka): Chamari Athapaththu fired an unbeaten 106 as Sri Lanka beat Ireland by nine wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bristol, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. Women’s Cricket (Tournament picture): The win puts Sri Lanka on four points from three matches, but they now need a big result vs Scotland and help from other games. Test Cricket (Sri Lanka vs West Indies): West Indies and Sri Lanka renew their Test rivalry in Antigua, with the hosts chasing a first series win in 23 years while Sri Lanka look to press their WTC title push. Youth Cricket (Sri Lanka): West Indies Academy started strong in a Youth ODI, beating Sri Lanka Emerging Players by two wickets in Colombo. Sports Governance/Local Arts & Culture: CIABOC questioned Mahinda Rajapaksa in a politically charged USD 2m bribe probe tied to the late Kapila Chandrasena case. Arts & Community: Veteran Sri Lankan artist Motagedara Wanigarathna has passed away; he was known for illustration, cartoons, sculpture, and stage costume work.
Cricket Spotlight: India’s teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi keeps stealing the show, from a record-breaking 11-ball List A fifty to a 29-ball 94 in the India A vs Sri Lanka A tri-series final—while the backlash after a Dambulla altercation grows louder. Sports & Welfare: Former captain Sunil Gavaskar urges the BCCI to protect player welfare with a clear month’s rest each year, warning that constant workload “cheapens” the India cap. Injury Update: India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of the Ireland T20Is (left quadriceps injury), with Suryansh Shedge tipped as a replacement. Women’s T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka face a must-win clash vs Ireland at Bristol as Chamari Athapaththu’s side fights for semi-final hopes. Arts & Culture: Veteran Sri Lankan artist Motagedara Wanigarathna has passed away, remembered for newspaper illustration, cartoons, sculpture, and stage costume work. Travel & Lifestyle: FitsAir launches direct Ahmedabad–Colombo flights from 19 June, promising faster luxury getaways for Indian travellers. Tech & Community: CSSL hosts the National CIO Forum 2026 and CIO List 2025 recognition ceremony in Colombo. Fashion & Court: Pushpika de Silva’s crown removal case is fixed for judgment on October 17.
Sri Lanka Women’s T20 World Cup: Chamari Athapaththu admitted she feels like “a failure as a captain” after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 98 and West Indies won by five wickets in Bristol, leaving SL on the brink of elimination with must-win games ahead. Court Update (Pageant): The Colombo Chief Magistrate fixed October 17 for judgment in the case over the alleged forcible removal of Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 winner Pushpika de Silva’s crown, with suspects named as former Mrs. World Caroline Jurie and fashion designer Chula Padmendra. Cricket (Records & Next Tour): India A’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up Dambulla with a 29-ball 94 and the fastest List A fifty (11 balls), as talk grows about his next steps toward the Ireland and England series. Sports Governance: The ICC has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to hold Sri Lanka Cricket elections by July 31 or face blacklisting. Arts & Culture (Exhibition): ITC Ratnadipa presents “Changes & Traditions” by S. H. Sarath, running 26 June–12 July, tracing Sri Lanka’s evolving identity through five decades of work. Community Sports (Qatar): Sri Lankan expats in Doha gathered for GBC Season 3, with 30 teams and over 40 individual bowlers competing in a lively awards night.
Courtroom Drama: Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama fixed September 14 for judgment in the alleged forcible crown-removal case involving Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 winner Pushpika de Silva, with suspects Caroline Jurie and fashion designer Chula Padmendra. Women’s Cricket: Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu called herself “a failure as a captain” after the West Indies beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup, leaving Sri Lanka needing wins and help to reach the semis. Sports Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s junior athletics scene lit up at the 62nd Junior National Athletics Championship, with 24 new meet records and a National Junior Record. Local Sports Events: CDB and MCA launched the CDB MCA T10 Cricket Tournament 2026, featuring 26 teams, with semis on June 26 and the final on June 28 at CCC under lights. International Buzz: Teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole headlines with a record 11-ball List A fifty and 94 off 29 in India A’s tri-series final win over Sri Lanka A. Bridge for the Future: JKC Sports and the Bridge Federation of India signed an MOU to professionalise bridge, announced at the Asia Cup bridge championships in Goa. Athletics Pride: Javelin star Rumesh Tharanga returned home after a strong European run, setting sights on Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medals.
Cricket & Youth Spotlight: India A’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show in Dambulla, smashing a record 11-ball List A fifty en route to 94 off 29, as India A beat Sri Lanka A by 66 runs to lift the tri-series title. Sportsmanship Moment: After the final, he personally greeted the Sri Lanka A players one by one—an upbeat contrast to earlier tournament tempers. Women’s Cricket: West Indies kept their semi-final push strong with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup, led by Hayley Matthews’ second straight three-wicket haul. Sri Lanka Talent on the Move: Sri Lankan-American gymnast Tiana Sumanasekera announced she will represent Sri Lanka, calling it a proud heritage milestone. Local Sports Development: Oshadi Ranasinghe coached Parkhall Integrated College pupils, giving students a rare chance to learn from an international Sri Lanka player. Global Arts & Community: A feature on Buddhist priests in Japan aiming to revive shrinking communities through grassroots festivals and cultural exchange. Business & Arts Industry: Veepee Graphics Lanka showcased at the Sri Lanka Print and Trade Fair 2026 at BMICH, highlighting flexible packaging innovations. Leadership: C.W. Mackie PLC appointed Mangala Perera as Group CEO.
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