HARTI Policy Brief 2025 : Evaluating the Impact of Entrepreneurship Development Programs on the Progression of Agro-Based Startups in Sri Lanka

Background Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, employing nearly one-fourth of the labour force, remains central to rural livelihoods yet continues to struggle with persistent structural constraints such as low productivity, limited value addition, weak market integration, and high vulnerability to climatic and economic shocks. Over the past two decades, the government of Sri Lanka has increasingly promoted entrepreneurship development as a …

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HARTI Policy Brief 2025: Agritourism as a Sustainable Livelihood Development Practice in Sri Lanka

Background Sri Lanka remains a predominantly agrarian nation, with many rural households relying on agriculture as their main source of income. However, the sector continues to face long-standing socio-economic challenges, including low and unstable earnings, seasonal underemployment, indebtedness, and limited opportunities for livelihood diversification. These constraints have increased the need for alternative income sources that can strengthen the economic resilience …

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HARTI Policy Brief 2025: Dedicated Economic Centers in Sri Lanka: Functionality and Sustainability

Background Dedicated Economic Canters (DECs) were established in Sri Lanka as part of a national initiative to enhance the agricultural marketing infrastructure. Their primary objectives were to ensure fair prices for producers, affordable food for consumers, and reduced transaction costs along the supply chain. Launched in 1999, these centers were designed to serve both producing and consuming regions through centralized, …

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New Auditor General Ms. Samudika Jayarathna Takes Oath of Secrecy Before the Speaker

The newly appointed Auditor General, Ms. Samudika Jayarathna, took the oath of secrecy before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, in Parliament today (Feb. 05). In accordance with Section 9 of the National Audit Act, No. 19 of 2018, she took the oath of secrecy in her capacity as the Auditor General of the National Audit Office and Chairperson of the …

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L.S.I. Jayarathna Appointed as the New Auditor General

Ms L.S.I. Jayarathna, who has been appointed as the country’s 42nd Auditor General, was formally presented with her letter of appointment by Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (05). Ms Jayarathna, who previously served as the most senior female Deputy Auditor General at the National Audit Office, received the unanimous approval of …

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Gov Pay Introduced for Traffic Fine Payments in Kandy, Matale, Gampola, and Theldeniya Divisions

The Ministry of Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and LankaPay, has jointly introduced the Gov Pay online payment system to facilitate the settlement of traffic fines in the Central Province. Awareness programmes were conducted to familiarize police officers with the technical procedures involved in using the Gov Pay system. Accordingly, a programme was …

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Rajeev Amarasuriya re-elected as BASL President

Attorney-at-Law Rajeev Amarasuriya has been re-elected uncontested as President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) for the 2026/2027 term.  He will be officially inducted at the 52nd BASL Convocation on 28 March 2026.  Former BASL Treasurer Nalin Chandika De Silva was elected unopposed as the new Secretary for 2026/2027, succeeding Chathura Galhena, who completes his two-year term.  The …

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Sri Lanka Prepares for Third Mutual Evaluation on Anti-Money Laundering

A special discussion on Sri Lanka’s Third Mutual Evaluation concerning international standards on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) was held this morning (03) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The President highlighted that prior to demonstrating our integrity to outside entities, we, as a government, must first take responsibility for …

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Constitutional Council to decide on Auditor General appointment today

The Constitutional Council is scheduled to meet today (03) at 12.00 noon at the Parliament Complex, under the patronage of its Chairman, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. It is reported that the Council will consider the names recommended by the President for the position of Auditor General during the meeting. Accordingly, a decision on the appointment of a new Auditor General is …

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