Latest news in Sri Lanka? September 22nd, 2026
22-09-2026
Top news headlines from Sri Lanka for September 22, 2026:
Sovereign Rating Upgrade: Fitch Ratings upgraded Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign-currency default rating to ‘B-‘ from ‘CCC+’ with a stable outlook, citing fiscal stabilization and ongoing structural reforms. The announcement gave an immediate lift to the Colombo Stock Exchange.
Cricket Governance Overhaul: The Cabinet cleared the new Sri Lanka Cricket Bill for gazetting and presentation to Parliament. The bill aims to overhaul cricket administration, enhance transparency, and introduce a statutory framework for good governance.
Judicial & Legislative Rulings: The Supreme Court communicated its determinations on pending constitutional matters, confirming that the 22nd Amendment requires a parliamentary majority rather than a national referendum, while noting that specific clauses in the Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill would require referendum clearance if passed without modification.
Aviation Infrastructure: The government awarded a $40.8 million contract to a Chinese firm for the construction of the Muthurajawela to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) jet fuel transfer pipeline.
Anti-Corruption Arrest: The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) arrested a former parliamentary secretary connected to MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over an alleged bribe of LKR 8.1 million.