Port & Logistics: Colombo Port climbed into the global top 20, handling 4.44 million TEUs in Jan–Jun 2026 (+11.9% y/y), reinforcing its role as an Indian Ocean transshipment hub. Digital Finance: Commercial Bank of Ceylon showcased telecom-based Open Digital Architecture at TM Forum’s DTW Ignite in Copenhagen, highlighting how banks can modernise legacy systems. Investment Facilitation: Cabinet approved a National Business Facilitation Centre under the Presidential Secretariat to cut fragmented investor approvals and speed up land, environmental, utility and licensing processes. Energy & Industry: Sri Lanka reopened the Mannar Basin for offshore oil and gas exploration, offering four deepwater blocks; earlier drilling reportedly found gas in two wells, raising hopes of moving from exploration to production. Agribusiness & Food Costs: Tea exports fell 4.9% in Jan–Jul 2026 as Middle East shipping disruptions hit key markets; flour-based snack prices also rose after wheat flour wholesale costs increased. Tourism: A group of 200 Japanese tourists departed for Sri Lanka on a single SriLankan Airlines flight, boosting organised tourism links. Environment: The Environment Ministry urged the public to phase out single-use plastic water bottles, with limits already applied across government institutions. Infrastructure: President inspected the Lower Malwathu Oya project, now ~60% complete, with domestic funding and a target completion by end-2029. Tech Events: Sri Lanka announced an inaugural FinTech Festival (2–3 Nov 2026) to spotlight AI in finance, cross-border payments, digital identity and cybersecurity.