Sri Lankan AI News Summary.

Sri Lanka Daily News Digest - Friday, October 2, 2026 ECONOMY AND ENERGY The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is losing Rs. 70 on every litre of diesel it sells at the subsidised price. CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said a barrel of diesel has risen from US$ 88 to US$ 170. The government has set aside Rs. 41 billion to cover the subsidy for the next three months. There was better news on the external front. The current account recorded a US$ 133 million surplus in August, ending four months of deficits. The Colombo Stock Exchange also recovered on October 1, with both main indices closing higher as buying picked up. JOBS AND SKILLS The Asian Development Bank approved a US$ 100 million results-based loan to improve Sri Lanka's technical and vocational training system and create more jobs for young people. Sri Lanka has also signed a six-year labour programme promising better jobs, stronger worker protection and wider social protection, though analysts say its success will depend on implementation. Separately, the first free Caregiver NVQ Level 3 course began at the National Institute of Labour Studies, with 30 trainees picked from nearly 600 applicants. HEALTH AND SOCIAL POLICY Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the government will pay for 100% of the country's vaccines from next year, the first time this has happened. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said child protection is a government priority and stressed the need to protect children's emotional security and mental well-being. JUSTICE AND LAW AND ORDER Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara said 17,506 Government Analyst reports on drug cases were issued in August and September to help reduce prison overcrowding. The National Police Commission cancelled the transfers of several senior officers, including Senior DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku and DIG Ashoka Dharmasena. In Ahungalla, the brother of underworld figure 'Loku Patty' was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on Thursday evening. POLITICS AND FOREIGN RELATIONS JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva met Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi while leading a five-member delegation. At the UN General Assembly on September 28, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath delivered Sri Lanka's national statement. In Brussels, MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena called for strong, transparent party institutions rather than reliance on individual leaders. SPORT Sri Lanka were bowled out for 45 in the Asian Games men's cricket semi-final, losing to India by 124 runs. Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80 off 46 balls. The ICC released the schedule for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup, with Sri Lanka placed in Group B. Asian Games athlete Rumesh said Sri Lanka is an ideal place to train but needs proper tracks and equipment rather than a focus only on medals. ALSO TODAY More than 400 experts are meeting in Kandy for the world's first international conference devoted only to snakes, with a focus on Sri Lanka's 63 endemic species. A Sri Lankan pavilion opened at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives to promote exports. Wijeya Newspapers' Moiz Mustafa won Gold at the National AI Awards 2026. Abroad, SpaceX launched a four-member crew to the International Space Station.