Sri Lanka

To combat the specific gendered harms caused by current practices, the HRCSL has strongly recommended the implementation of strict gender-sensitive policing protocols.

UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja emphasized that standard economic management measures will not suffice in this landscape.

As investigations continue, the outcome is likely to have significant implications – not only for accountability within the Treasury but also for broader reforms in governance, cybersecurity, and public financial management.

The possibility of an El Niño event during the upcoming southwest monsoon season raises concerns about below-average rainfall in the coming months

Traffickers remain adaptable and profit-driven. Yet for the first time in years, the region’s enforcement community is not merely reacting – it is organising, training and collaborating at a scale designed to outpace the criminals.

The new bill is expected to complement these efforts by creating a robust domestic legal arsenal. It builds on existing tools like the proceeds of crime act while addressing gaps that have allowed convicted offenders to evade full accountability. Legal experts anticipate faster prosecutions and stronger deterrence, potentially reducing the cycle of gang-related violence that has terrorized communities.

Stakeholders are calling on the government to explore alternative trade corridors, diplomatic engagement to secure safe passage, and urgent financial support for exporters facing liquidity crunches.

The 2026 report, based on interviews with roughly 100,000 people across 140+ countries, reinforces that happiness is not solely about wealth. Social support and trust in institutions often outweigh raw GDP in explaining national differences. Costa Rica’s surge into the top four proves that strong community ties and life satisfaction can propel mid-income nations upward.