Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
Sri Lanka Reintroduces Fuel Rationing via QR Amid Supply Disruptions
The Ministry of Energy has announced the immediate reintroduction of the National Fuel Pass (QR code) system, effective from 6:00 AM on March 15, 2026. The decision follows a surge in domestic demand and ongoing disruptions to Middle Eastern supply routes caused by regional conflict. Government officials stated the move is necessary to manage existing […]
PickMe calls for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services
PickMe has called for higher fuel allocations to ride-hailing and taxi services during rationing periods, arguing that shared mobility maximises scarce resources, sustains daily economic activity, and protects driver livelihoods. Sri Lanka faces renewed global uncertainty over energy supplies. While not a repeat of the recent fuel crisis, the situation highlights the need for efficient […]
Sri Lanka’s national Terrorist Financing risk assessed as medium-high: National Risk Assessment 2024/25
Sri Lanka has successfully completed the National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2024/25 on Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and Proliferation Financing (PF), in collaboration with a total of 86 governmental organizations, regulatory bodies and private sector institutions. Accordingly, the country’s national Terrorist Financing (TF) risk, a combination of TF threat and vulnerability, was assessed as […]
AIDAdiva Makes Maiden Call at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed the cruise vessel AIDAdiva on 12 February 2026, marking the ship’s first call at the southern port and the second visit by AIDA Cruises to Hambantota. The 251.89-metre, Italian-flagged vessel, built in 2007 and registered in Genoa, arrived from Thailand carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and 620 crew. The majority of […]
IMF Staff Concludes Sri Lanka Visit; Policy Talks for Next EFF Review Set to Resume ASAP
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Evan Papageorgiou, concluded a visit to Colombo conducted from January 22 to 28 to assess the economic impact of Cyclone Ditwah. During the mission, the team engaged with authorities and stakeholders to understand the social and economic damage caused by the storm, specifically regarding infrastructure and livelihoods. […]
Central Bank’s Gross Official Reserves Surpasses USD 6.8 Bn in Dec 2025, Highest Level Since Crisis
The Central Bank has announced that Gross Official Reserves (GOR) surged to over US dollars 6.8 billion by the end of 2025, marking the highest level of reserves recorded since the economic crisis. This was largely supported by US dollars 2.0 billion in net foreign exchange purchases made by the Central Bank (on value date […]
Economic, fiscal &’s Ratings
According to Moody’s Ratings, South and Southeast Asian countries have been severely impacted by several tropical cyclones and unusually heavy monsoon rains since mid-November, leading to widespread flooding and landslides and the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. Moody’s assesses that the economic, fiscal, and credit impact of this disaster is likely to be most […]
IMF Considers USD 200 Mn Emergency Aid for Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, issued a statement today addressing the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting financial request from the Sri Lankan government. He began by extending the IMF’s sympathies to the population profoundly affected by the natural disaster: “In the wake of the devastating impact and […]
Sri Lanka’s Recovery After Cyclone Devastation
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is actively investigating options to further support Sri Lanka in the recovery process following the devastating cyclone and widespread flooding. This commitment comes as the IMF continues to back Sri Lanka’s reform efforts under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. The IMF’s Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, conveyed the institution’s […]