IMF-linked fuel shock: Sri Lanka raised retail fuel prices again after the latest IMF instalment, with petrol 92 up to Rs. 434 and diesel to Rs. 407, stoking fresh cost-of-living and inflation worries. Gig work protections: A Sri Lanka policy think tank urged the country to shape an ILO platform-economy standard so flexibility doesn’t mean zero protection for ride-hailing and delivery workers. Economic policy debate: Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith questioned Sri Lanka’s open-market model and the IMF path, arguing import dependence has weakened local production and pushed up household hardship. FDI push: BOI launched a “Ready to Invest” digital platform showcasing $3bn+ in investor-ready projects across tourism, manufacturing, logistics, ICT, renewables and agro-processing, after $1.06bn FDI inflows in 2025. Infrastructure momentum: Construction of Central Expressway Phase II (Rambukkana–Galagedara) begins, with Rs. 112bn+ in contracts and domestic funding aimed at boosting trade and regional activity. Exports in focus: April export earnings rose to $1.38bn, lifting first-four-month totals to $5.784bn, with tea a key contributor. Tourism strategy: Resplendent Ceylon’s sales push highlights India as a major market and the push to market Sri Lanka as year-round, not just seasonal. Connectivity upgrade: Dialog Axiata launched 5G-powered “Air Fibre” Wi‑Fi for high-speed broadband without cables, targeting homes and small businesses. Business orders: Sathlokhar Synergys E&C Global secured additional Rs. 125cr (ex-GST) orders, lifting its FY27 confirmed order book to Rs. 840.22cr. Tea diplomacy: Sri Lanka’s embassies and the Tea Board marked International Tea Day with events promoting Ceylon Tea and supporting community-linked sustainability. Justice and environment: The X-Press Pearl disaster ruling has reignited debate over accountability and procedural fairness in Sri Lanka’s institutions.