Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
Central Bank Imposes New Loan-to-Value Caps on Motor Vehicle Financing
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday announced new Directions, effective July 18, 2025, imposing maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios on credit facilities granted for the purchase or utilization of motor vehicles. These measures, outlined in “Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act Directions No. 02 of 2025,” aim to enhance macroprudential policymaking, mitigate systemic risks, […]
Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector as the UK launches new trade measures under DCTS
The UK government yesterday unveiled a package of reforms aimed at simplifying imports from developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Under the upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), businesses will face fewer procedural hurdles when exporting to the UK. British High Commission said in a statement that the changes are designed to boost trade flows […]
Sri Lanka targets energy security via Mullikulam & Hayleys Fentons, unlocking Mannar wind power: Minister
Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister, Engineer Kumara Jayakody, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully harness the wind power generation potential of the Mannar region, aiming to overcome the nation’s energy challenges through strategic investment and the adoption of new technologies. The Minister’s statement came during a comprehensive visit to proposed and operational wind power plant sites […]
Sri Lanka Sees 21-pct Increase in Tourist Arrivals in January 2025
Sri Lanka experienced a significant boost in foreign tourist arrivals, with numbers rising by 21.37% year-on-year to 252,761 in January 2025. This follows an 18.18% increase in the previous month, indicating a positive trend for the country’s tourism sector. India led the way as the top tourist source market, contributing 17.2% of the total arrivals. […]
2025 Budget Must Meet EFF Program Parameters for Executive Board Approval: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stressed the importance of the 2025 budget aligning with the parameters of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, as the Executive Board prepares for its upcoming review. Ms. Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department at the IMF, highlighted this during a recent press briefing. On November 23rd, 2024, […]
ADB and UNDP come together to support CIABOC on select Anti-Corruption Initiatives in Sri Lanka
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka have come together to support the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) on select Anti-Corruption Initiatives in Sri Lanka. To symbolically mark the project launch, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission of the Asian Development […]
Sri Lanka Slashes Electricity Tariffs by 20-pct Effective Midnight
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced a reduction in electricity tariffs by 20%, effective from midnight today, for the first six months of 2025. This decision follows a series of public consultations and counter-proposals from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). However, the Ceylon Electricity Board has announced that the revised electricity […]
Sri Lanka Reports Full-Year Tourist Surge of 38-pct in 2024, December Arrivals up by 18-pct
Foreign tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka increased by 18.18% year-on-year to 248,592 in December 2024, following a 21.6% rise in the previous month, according to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Among key markets, India (21.3%) remained the top tourist source market, followed by Russia (14.2%), the UK (7.5%), Germany (5.9%), Australia (5.3%), […]
Real GDP projected to have grown by 5-pct in 2024; gross official reserves at USD 6.1bn by end 2024: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s real GDP is projected to have grown by around 5.0% in 2024, registering the highest annual growth since 2017, the Central Bank said launching its Policy Agenda for 2025. This higher-than-expected growth also provides evidence that deflation in recent months was not due to demand factors but mainly due to supply-side factors, including […]
Sri Lankan Insurers to Tackle Profitability Pressure with Key Shifts: Fitch Ratings
Underwriting profitability for Sri Lankan non-life insurers will gradually improve as they enhance practices and shift focus to more profitable non-motor segments, Fitch Ratings says in a new report. This shift includes adjusting policy pricing, particularly for motor and medical insurance, to better cope with inflation and rising claim costs. Motor insurance profitability faces challenges […]
TRCSL Approves Starlink Satellite Broadband Tariff Plans
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has officially given the green light to tariff plans for ‘Starlink’ satellite broadband services, which will be deployed through ‘Starlink’ Lanka (Private) Ltd.
SLPA Achieves Record-Breaking Container Throughput in 2024 Despite Competition
In 2024, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals achieved a record-breaking throughput of 2.41 million TEUs amidst intense competition. SLPA alone contributed 2,413,012 TEUs, underscoring its crucial role in the port’s performance despite ongoing construction at both terminals. The Port of Colombo, in conjunction with other terminals, also reached a historic milestone with a […]