Author: LBO
Fitch Ratings’ decision to upgrade Sri Lanka shows recognition of progress in economic stabilisation: CCC
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the tangible results of the commitment and sustained efforts towards restoring Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability, reflected in Fitch Ratings’ decision to upgrade the country’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating from ‘CCC+’ to ‘B-’, with a Stable Outlook. The upgrade is an important development in Sri Lanka’s economic […]
IMF Staff Team Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka
Washington, D.C.: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou visited Sri Lanka during September 10-23, 2026, to discuss (i) recent macroeconomic developments and progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, and (ii) policy recommendations in the context of the 2026 Article IV Consultation. At […]
World Growth Holds Up, but Real Interest Rates Rise: Fitch Ratings
World growth is holding up well in the face of the energy price shock, but real interest rates are rising, Fitch Ratings says in its latest Global Economic Outlook. Fitch has raised its forecast for global GDP growth in 2026 by 0.2pp to 2.6%, down only marginally from 2025 and close to the long-run trend. […]
Strengthening Ports and Logistics to Drive Sri Lanka’s Export Growth under NEDP 2026–2030
A high-level discussion on the implementation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030 was successfully held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation on 15th September 2026, with a focus on strengthening the contribution of Sri Lanka’s ports and logistics sector to the country’s export growth. The meeting was chaired by Hon. Anura […]
World Bank mobilizes record USD112 Bn in private capital, with lessons for economies like Sri Lanka
The World Bank Group has pulled in more private capital this year than at any point in its history, a shift that carries real relevance for import-reliant, foreign-exchange-constrained economies like Sri Lanka looking to attract investment beyond traditional aid channels. Private capital mobilized by the Group more than tripled over the past four years, climbing […]
HIP Hosts National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop led by MEPA
Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently hosted the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 representatives from key public and private sector organizations to strengthen the district’s preparedness for marine oil spill incidents. Conducted by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in line with Sri Lanka’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the programme […]
VIDEO: Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law, Paving Way For 100% US Tariffs On Buyers Of Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump has signed a new Russia sanctions law that authorises Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, with duties to be levied within 30 days on the top five importers and on new buyers after the law kicks in. The bill targets Russia’s energy […]
Foreign Minister’s Visit to Thailand opens up 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded his official visit to Thailand from 14 to 16 September 2026, following an invitation from the Thai Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat. During the two-day visit, Minister Herath and Thai Minister of Labour Amornvivat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and […]
CFA Society Sri Lanka Brings Academia and Industry Together to Shape Future Finance and Investment Talent
CFA Institute, CFA Society Sri Lanka, employers and university partners at the industry–academia dialogue CFA Society Sri Lanka recently hosted a high-level industry academia dialogue on “Developing the Next Generation of Finance and Investment Talent in Sri Lanka,” bringing together representatives from leading employers, partner universities, CFA Institute and CFA Society Sri Lanka. Held in […]
Chasing the next $3Bn: What it will take for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to get there
For thirty years, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has quietly powered the country’s export economy accounting for roughly 40% of merchandise export revenue and employing 300,000 to 350,000 people. That scale wasn’t accidental. It was built through deliberate government-industry planning dating back to the early 1990s. The first transformation, anchored by the 200 Garment Factories Programme, […]
“Pulle Madu” to medical school: record intake signals turning point for plantation sector welfare
Many generations ago, an estate child’s first years began in a cloth hammock strung up near the rows of tea bushes, so a mother could keep working within earshot of her infant. Later a corner in a line room was converted to establish Pulle Madu, where infants and toddlers were sheltered to ensure that plucking […]
Beyond Sovereignty Rhetoric: Structural Barriers to Sri Lanka’s Economic Independence
“Political independence and economic independence are inseparable.” — Deng Xiaoping By Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Introduction President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent pronouncements on economic independence strike a vital chord for a post-default nation navigating international debt restructuring. However, moving from political rhetoric to genuine economic sovereignty within a three-to-five-year horizon requires more than declarations of intent. Drawing […]