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National Anti-Corruption Action Plan launched with focus on economic recovery

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the launch of NACAP.

In a decisive move to stabilize Sri Lanka’s economy and rebuild investor confidence, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday launched the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP) 2025–2029, with a clear focus on promoting transparency, accountability and economic governance.

Developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the government of Japan—contributing nearly USD 900,000—the initiative aims to address corruption as a critical economic barrier.

The launch, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Chief Justice Murudu Fernando PC, and high-level diplomatic and institutional representatives, signals a shift in Sri Lanka’s economic reform narrative. The NACAP is seen not just as a governance tool but as an economic recovery strategy designed to attract foreign investment, improve public finance management and rebuild public trust.

R.S.A. Dissanayake, Director General of CIABOC, noted that corruption, “is more than a legal issue—it is an economic cancer that stifles innovation, distorts markets and deters foreign direct investment.” The establishment of Internal Affairs Units (IAUs) within government institutions is expected to bring internal oversight to public spending and performance, improving the efficiency of state services.

Japanese ambassador Akio Isomata stressed that eliminating corruption is essential for Sri Lanka to regain global investor confidence. “Transparency and good governance are fundamental pillars for sustainable economic development, he said. “For Sri Lanka to attract foreign investment and achieve long-term growth, the effective implementation of this Action Plan is crucial.”

Echoing this, UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota highlighted the importance of aligning governance with economic goals. “The NACAP is a roadmap for transforming Sri Lanka’s economic governance, she said. “It will make corruption visible, measurable, and actionable.”

The NACAP is built on four strategic pillars—Preventive Measures, Institutional Strengthening & Enforcement, Education, and Law & Policy Reform—targeting nine priority areas. These include streamlining state enterprise management, modernizing financial crimes investigation and integrating anti-corruption education into economic policymaking.

The implementation timeline is designed with a phased approach: short-term stabilization, medium-term reform and long-term transformation—ensuring consistent progress toward a more accountable and economically resilient state.

“Corruption ends here. The responsibility of eradicating bribery and corruption will not be passed on to the next generation — it will be resolved by our government today, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

The President stressed it marks a turning point in Sri Lanka’s history. “With the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan 2025–2029, we are drawing a bold line in the sand. No longer will the fight against corruption be tangled in politics or postponed for the future. Public officials now have six months to bring transparency and integrity to their institutions. After May, the law will act decisively and without exception. This is not just policy — it’s a promise. A new era of accountability has begun and it begins with us.”

By Ifham Nizam



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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