Water & Farming: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake moved to fast-track the Lower Malwathu Oya Multi-Purpose Development Project, restarted with Rs. 5 billion in the 2026 Budget, aiming to complete by 2029–2030 and ease water shortages for rural agriculture and drinking water. Asian Games Cricket Facilities: Japan Cricket Association CEO Alex Miyaji defended the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 cricket venue, saying the playing surface will be the best seen for cricket at a multi-sport Asian Games despite tight preparation time. Tourism Diplomacy: Sri Lanka and the UAE discussed deeper tourism cooperation, citing 107 weekly direct flights and strong visitor numbers, while Sri Lanka’s Deputy High Commissioner in India pushed tourism, pilgrimage and cultural ties with Andhra Pradesh. MICE & Trade: Sri Lanka showcased MICE tourism at BLTM 2026 in Delhi, with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau leading meetings with hosted buyers and trade visitors. Wellness Travel Spotlight: Sri Lanka’s East Coast wellness scene gets attention, with Pasikudah highlighted as a quieter wellness address as global demand for retreats keeps rising. Culture for Visitors: A 250-strong Japanese delegation held a farewell ceremony in Katunayake after touring Sri Lanka, reflecting steady inbound travel interest. Infrastructure for Growth: EDB and IESL ran a marine and offshore engineering capacity workshop to build future skills for export-focused sectors.