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Human Development progress is decelerating at alarming rate says new UNDP Human Development Report
(UNDP) For 30 years, the Human Development Index (HDI) showed a consistent increase in development progress and a decrease in inequality. Although the crises of 2020-2021 disrupted this trend, last year’s report saw tentative signs of recovery. The 2025 HDR has quashed this optimism.
Amid ongoing global turmoil, inequality has increased for the fourth consecutive year. The situation is especially severe for countries with the lowest Human Development Index (HDI) scores, as the most vulnerable continue to fall further behind. According to the new report, Sri Lanka’s HDI rank remains at 89, while the Gender Inequality Index has risen to 93 from 122 in 2024. The HDI measures the average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living.
Marking a pivotal moment for digital transformation and inclusive development, Sri Lanka, on Friday, launched the 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), titled ‘A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI’.
The launch event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy (MoDE) and UNDP in Sri Lanka with the participation of Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy; Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy; Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, among other high-level dignitaries. The event served as a platform for a multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing together over 200 participants from the government, development partners, UN agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, underscored the significance of the moment, noting, “Sri Lanka’s Human Development journey is a story of resilience and ambition, but recent years have shown us that progress cannot be taken for granted. The 2025 Human Development Report reminds us that we stand at a crossroads: one path leads to deepening divides, while the other leads to inclusive transformation. Artificial Intelligence can propel human development if it is people-centred. At UNDP, we believe AI must serve people, not replace them. This is why we are proud to have supported Sri Lanka’s first AI strategy—anchored in equity, ethics, and empowerment”.
The launch event included the presentation of key findings from the 2025 HDR, which highlighted global, regional, and Sri Lanka-specific trends in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence. The HDR Report 2025 explores AI’s transformative impact on human development, emphasising that the choices societies make in its design, governance, and application will determine whether the technology becomes a catalyst for empowerment or a driver of exclusion.
Speaking on the Government’s role, Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, stated, “AI is no longer optional; it can empower or exclude. AI is changing how we work, what skills are needed, and which jobs will grow. But here’s the truth — those who are prepared will thrive. And we want Sri Lanka to be ready. If we adapt smartly, AI can be the engine for the next generation of jobs. New industries, new services, and entirely new careers will emerge. Sri Lanka’s AI Strategy chooses inclusive empowerment, grounded in trusted data, talent, digital infrastructure, innovation, and ethics. Our goal is a US$15 billion digital economy by 2030. AI will be key to building a future-ready, ethical, and inclusive economy for all Sri Lankans.”
The launch coincides with a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey. Since late 2023, UNDP has partnered with the Ministry of Digital Economy and is continuing its support provided to the previous Committee on Formulating the Strategy on AI (CFSAI) to support the formulation of Sri Lanka’s first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This collaboration has involved technical assistance, policy advisory support, and facilitation of dialogue among international and local experts. The strategy, informed by both global best practices and national development priorities, is designed to be inclusive, forward-looking, and tailored to the unique needs of Sri Lanka. Throughout this process, UNDP provided sustained support to ensure the strategy is firmly anchored in human development principles, promoting both equity and innovation at its core.
Noting the importance of AI’s transformative role in society, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on DigitalEconomy, stated, “When harnessed alongside guardrails which give primacy for inclusion and responsible application, AI has the potential to deliver profound and transformational outcomes with respect to Digital Economy acceleration and Public Service delivery. The UNDP’s Human Development Report identifies socio-economic development levers which in concert with Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy Blueprint will shape AI and digital policies that are equitable, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of all Sri Lankans”.
Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.
Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.
The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).
A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.
The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.
He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.
Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.
Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.
Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.
The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.
He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.
Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.
The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.
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Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM
The PM’s message:
Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.
Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.
Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity
On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts
Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.
Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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