Author: LBO
Ceylon Chamber Expresses Concern Over New US Labour-Related Tariffs and Calls for Urgent Engagement
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is concerned by the announcement of new labour-related tariffs by the United States on several countries, including a proposed 12.5% tariff on exports from Sri Lanka. This development comes at a time when Sri Lanka was continuing discussions with the US following the suspension of the previously announced reciprocal tariffs […]
Bangladesh Authorities’ Request for a New IMF-supported Program
Ivo Krznar, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Bangladesh issued the following statement: “The Bangladeshi authorities have requested a new IMF financial arrangement to support their economic reform program. IMF staff are engaging with the authorities on their reform agenda and policy priorities as part of the Fund’s consideration of possible next steps. “Bangladesh’s […]
Fitch Upgrades Maldives to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Maldives’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this Rating Action Commentary. The rating upgrade reflects Fitch’s assessment that default risks […]
Sunshine Holdings delivers 11.2-pct top line growth in FY26 while navigating healthcare margin pressures
Diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC (CSE: SUN) recorded consolidated revenue of LKR 65.9 billion for the year ended 31 March 2026 (FY26), reflecting an 11.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase. Growth was supported by continued expansion in Healthcare, improving momentum in Consumer, and a stronger contribution from Agribusiness. While profitability was impacted by sector-specific margin […]
SLCGE presents groundbreaking design hub proposal to Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
On 28th May 2026, a high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) met with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, at his office to formally present a strategic proposal for the establishment of the SLCGE Design Hub. The SLCGE delegation was led by President Nishantha Bakmeege, […]
CSE & Sampath Bank Signs MoU to Strengthen Capital Market Access
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Sampath Bank PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last month to jointly promote financial literacy, broaden awareness of capital market opportunities, and support businesses in accessing sustainable growth avenues. By leveraging Sampath Bank’s extensive relationship network together with the CSE’s expertise and product offerings, the collaboration seeks […]
EDB and NMRA Unite to Drive Sri Lanka’s Pharmaceutical Export Growth
A special discussion was recently held in Colombo to address barriers hindering Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export sector and to realize its full potential. The meeting brought together the Export Development Board (EDB), the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), and the country’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers for a focused exchange on the way forward. EDB Chairman and […]
EDB Moves to Expand Islandwide Testing and Certification Facilities to Boost Export Competitiveness
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has taken steps to implement a comprehensive plan to expand testing and certification facilities across the island, addressing one of the most significant bottlenecks faced by the country’s export sector. A high-level stakeholder discussion was recently held in Colombo with the participation of government institutions, testing laboratories, certification […]
CSE collaborates with European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility in Driving Sri Lanka’s GSS+ Bond Market
Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance market continues to gain momentum as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) collaborated with the European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France, to advance the country’s growing pipeline of Green, Social, Sustainable and Sustainability-Linked (GSS+) bonds through a series of targeted market-building programmes earlier last month. CSE collaborated with the […]
Joint Statement by the Heads of International Energy Agency, IMF, World Bank Group & WTO
Washington – May 29, 2026: The Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group and World Trade Organization met on May 28 as part of the high-level coordination group established in April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy, trade, and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East. Following […]
Evolution Auto launched the Xpeng G6 in Sri Lanka marking a new era in premium electric mobility
Evolution Auto Private Limited the authorised distributor for Xpeng in Sri Lanka, officially launched the New Generation Xpeng G6 at its multi brand showroom in Colombo 05 on 22 May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape. The launch event brought together media representatives, industry stakeholders, and invited guests […]
Why Sri Lanka’s SME apparel sector needs a national sustainable industries policy framework
By Nishantha Bakmeege President Sri Lanka chamber garment exporters (SLCGE) A clear national sustainable industries framework is becoming essential if Sri Lanka’s SME apparel manufacturers are to cut carbon, adopt renewable energy and remain competitive in global export supply chains. Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is entering a new phase where export competitiveness will increasingly be […]