Cabinet approval to gazette Sri Lanka Cricket Bill

The proposed Sri Lanka Cricket Bill is to be published in the government Gazette.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports to publish the Bill in the Gazette and subsequently present it to Parliament for approval. The decision follows Cabinet approval granted at its meeting on June 8, 2026, to prepare legislation for the restructuring of Sri Lanka Cricket. The Bill, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, provides for the establishment of Sri Lanka Cricket and sets out its powers and functions relating to the governance, regulation, promotion, development and administration of cricket in the country.

It also provides for the advancement of cricket based on the principles of good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and equal opportunities. The proposed legislation further seeks to safeguard the welfare of all participants and protect cricket from corruption and other improper activities.

Sri Lanka’s women cricketers clinched the silver medal at the Asian Games 2026 after falling to defending champions India in the gold‑medal clash in Japan.

India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, powered to a record 216 for 3 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase failed to gain momentum with Athapaththu top‑scoring with only 29 and wickets continuing to tumble.Sri Lanka were bowled out for 69 in 15.4 overs, handing India a commanding 147‑run victory and the gold medal.

The bronze medal went to Pakistan, who defeated Bangladesh by 31 runs in the third‑place playoff.

Scores: 

India 216/3 in 20 overs 

(Smriti Mandhana 79, Richa Ghosh 49 not out; Chamudi Praboda 1/34) 

Sri Lanka Women 69/10 in 15.4 overs 

(Chamari Athapaththu 29; Deepti Sharma 3/6) 

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to ‘B-‘ from ‘CCC+’. The Outlook is Stable.

The upgrade reflects the implementation of macro-stabilization policies, underpinned by structural reforms, which have eased external financing risks and provide a degree of resilience to shocks, the statement said. 

The upgrade reflects the implementation of macro-stabilization policies, underpinned by structural reforms, which have eased external financing risks and provide a degree of resilience to shocks. This is reflected by sharp improvements in fiscal and external balances, and a modest rebuilding of FX reserves. Fiscal discipline and revenue mobilization efforts should support sustained primary surpluses that keep government debt-to-GDP on a downward trend and reduce risks of a reemergence in external imbalances.

Sri Lanka’s credit profile remains hindered by still-high government debt-to-GDP and debt service ratios compared to rating peers, despite the recent restructuring and macroeconomic adjustment. FX reserve buffers remain modest, particularly considering a rise in external debt service over the next five years.

A number of decisions have been taken at the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Sept.21).

The decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers are as follows :