The grand halls of the Taj Samudra in Colombo buzzed with a distinct energy on the morning of September 25, 2026, as leaders gathered for the National Celebration of World Tourism Day.

Yet, beneath the formal discussions on digital agendas and artificial intelligence, a deeper, more vibrant narrative was quietly unfolding. This was not merely a story of algorithms and automated efficiency; it was a human story – a tale of Sri Lanka’s youth stepping forward to redesign the future of hospitality.

For generations, Sri Lanka’s allure has been rooted in its timeless landscapes, golden shores, and the legendary warmth of its people. But as global travel evolves, a new generation of tech-savvy local innovators is finding ways to weave cutting-edge technology into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture. This shift took center stage during the Tourism Start-Up Competition 2026, held under the theme “AI-Driven Innovation for the Future of Tourism”.

Out of 52 competitive applications spanning tertiary and commercial levels, young minds proved that technology and tradition can go hand in hand.

The twenty-five shortlisted teams stood before expert panels to defend visions that bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern data intelligence.

Behind every submitted AI solution was a young entrepreneur eager to protect local destinations, enhance visitor experiences, and elevate service delivery.

When the twelve winners were finally honoured, the celebration transformed into something much greater than an awards ceremony.

It served as a powerful reminder that the true engine of Sri Lanka’s digital transformation is its youth. Armed with code, creativity, and a profound love for their country, these young visionaries are ensuring that when travelers explore Sri Lanka, they do not just witness the future – they feel the heartbeat of a new, digitally empowered era of hospitality.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced a sweeping regulatory shift, confirming that the submission of a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Certificate will become mandatory for a wide range of essential financial, commercial, and property transactions starting November 1, 2026.

The decisive directive, enforced under the legal framework of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, No. 11 of 2026, applies directly to individuals specified under Section 102(3) of the principal Inland Revenue Act.

Under the new mandate, relevant authorities and corporate entities across the island have been instructed to withhold processing or completion of key procedures unless applicants present a verified TIN document. The specified transactions include:

Financial Services: Opening any account at a bank or financial institution, and obtaining a credit card.

Property and Construction: Obtaining approval for building plans, and registering land or titles to land.

Automotive Administration: Registering a motor vehicle or renewing a motor vehicle license.

Commercial Activity: Registering a new business.

Corporate Transfers: Transferring shares of a company incorporated in Sri Lanka—a requirement binding on both the transferor and the transferee.

The IRD has reiterated that acquiring a TIN remains a statutory obligation for all resident individuals who were aged 18 or older as of December 31, 2023, as well as those who attain the age of 18 on or after January 1, 2024, upon reaching that milestone. Officials handling the designated services have been sternly directed to verify compliance before moving forward with any customer requests.

To streamline the transition and prevent administrative bottlenecks, the department has encouraged members of the public who have not yet secured their numbers to register promptly via the official IRD e-Services platform. Furthermore, recognizing potential logistical hurdles, the IRD noted that a printout of the online TIN verification result—clearly displaying the applicant’s National Identity Card (NIC) number and TIN—will be accepted as a valid alternative to the official certificate.

As the November 1 deadline approaches, citizens are urged to secure their documentation beforehand to ensure uninterrupted access to essential public, financial, and legal services.

Following Hayleys PLC’s announcement in October 2025 detailing its strategic entry and expansion into Sri Lanka’s supermarket sector, Hayleys Engineering has officially signed the project agreement for the construction of Hayleys Retail’s inaugural supermarket in Colombo 10.

The project features a purpose-built steel structure. Hayleys Engineering will deploy its integrated technical capabilities across engineering design, steel fabrication, civil construction, steel erection, and project execution to deliver the specialized development.

This formal signing represents the initial physical rollout of the broader Hayleys supermarket network, establishing a foundational footprint as Hayleys Engineering prepares to support subsequent store developments across the country.