The World Bank has asserted that Sri Lanka’s economic growth would be slowed down in 2026 and 2027.The World Bank in its latest Global Economic Prospects – January 2026 report stated that Sri Lanka’s GDP is expected to grow by 3.5 percent in 2026 and 3.1 percent in 2027.

According to the latest WB projection, Sri Lanka’s estimated growth is 4.6 percent in 2025.

The report attributed the expected slowdown to continuing structural weaknesses in markets, lingering effects of the economic crisis, and weaker external demand driven by global uncertainty.The report projected a slowdown in growth in Sri Lanka primarily reflected inefficiencies in factor and product markets, as well as the effects of the economic crisis.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) yesterday said that approximately 1,000 Sri Lankans would be sent to Israel for home-based nursing jobs in 2026.

According to SLBFE press release, eligible candidates include those who have completed a nursing training course at the Bureau or a registered training institution, hold an NVQ III certificate, or have at least 11 months of experience in the nursing profession. Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old and have sat for the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination. Candidates who have completed the Bureau’s English course and possess good English language skills can also apply.

Selected applicants will receive a visa valid for five years and the opportunity to earn a monthly salary of over Rs. 600,000.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata on 16 January awarded a Certificate of Commendation to Naohito Ishikawa, Director of the Non-Profit Organisation APCAS.

The text of the Japanese Embassy press release: “This commendation recognises Ishikawa’s outstanding contributions to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka. His dedicated efforts and significant achievements over the years have been highly valuable and appreciated.

The award ceremony took place during the New Year Reception held at the Ambassador’s residence. The presentation was conducted in the presence of members of the Japanese Solidarity Association and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sri Lanka.

From 2002 to 2005, Ishikawa served as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) under JICA, stationed in Anuradhapura. In December 2004, when the tsunami, triggered by the Indian Ocean earthquake, struck Sri Lanka, he and his fellow volunteers carried out emergency relief operations. Although he was scheduled to return to Japan upon completing his JOCV term, he decided to remain in the country to continue the tsunami recovery efforts. He initially joined an NGO conducting relief projects in Sri Lanka and worked with them for a year. However, when the NGO decided to withdraw from the country, he co-founded the non-profit organization APCAS with his friends to ensure the continuity of support activities in Sri Lanka.

Upon learning that visually impaired individuals in Sri Lanka faced significant barriers to employment and financial independence—despite the fact that similarly handicapped individuals play active roles as massage therapists in Japan—he opened a Shiatsu Therapy Center in 2012. The goal was to move beyond “mere assistance” and foster a “mutually supportive relationship.” Today, the therapy centre employs 14 therapists who receive salaries comparable to those of able-bodied employees in general corporations, ensuring sustainable social and economic independence.