Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
Technical Glitch Halts Stock Market Opening; Trading Delayed
Regular trading on the stock exchange was delayed this morning following a technical issue tied to the suspension of long-inactive accounts, officials confirmed. Standard market operations finally commenced at 11:00 a.m. after an extended pre-open session. The disruption stemmed from an operation by the Central Depository System (Pvt) Ltd. (CDS) on June 30, 2026. In […]
World Bank Approves $150 Million to Fuel Sri Lanka’s Economic Growth and Resilience
In a major move to transition Sri Lanka from economic stabilization to long-term development, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$150 million in financing to back the country’s comprehensive reform agenda. The funding is part of the Sri Lanka Reforms for Growth, Resilience and Openness Development Policy Operation (REGROW DPO). This initiative […]
Accelerating SOE reforms & maintaining cost-recovery energy pricing are key to minimizing fiscal risks: IMF Staff Mission
Accelerating reforms in state-owned enterprises and ensuring energy prices reflect cost-recovery are essential to reducing fiscal risks, according to the IMF Staff Mission at the conclusion of its visit to Sri Lanka. The mission emphasized that, alongside these measures, authorities should focus on strengthening the targeting and coverage of social safety nets to safeguard vulnerable […]
Law Association for Asia & Pacific Sounds Alarm Over Proposed Changes to Sri Lankan Judicial Retirement Age
LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, has officially voiced grave concerns over the Sri Lankan government’s proposed constitutional amendment aimed at extending the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. In a formal statement released on June 26, 2026, the regional legal body warned that the ad hoc initiative […]
BASL Clarifies: No Official Representation Authorized for Arrested Lawyer
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has officially distanced itself from recent media reports suggesting it made legal representations on behalf of an attorney-at-law arrested by bribery investigators. In a clarification statement issued today, June 26, 2026, the BASL addressed reports surrounding a case at the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Colombo, where a lawyer […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports exceeds USD 7.3 Bn in First Five Months
Sri Lanka’s export sector has sustained its resilience, with total exports exceeding US$ 7.3 billion in the first five months of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports were estimated at US$ 7,393.39 million between January and May, marking a 7.56% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2025. Merchandise exports contributed US$ 5,758.44 million […]
Sri Lanka Tightens Oversight on Outward Remittances for Imports
In a move to strengthen the monitoring of foreign exchange leaving the country, the Government of Sri Lanka has introduced strict new regulations targeting outward remittances for import transactions. The mandate was enacted under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969, through a Gazette Extraordinary issued by the Minister of Finance, Planning, […]
Sri Lanka to Unveil National Export Development Plan 2026–2030
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has announced the official launch of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic journey. Developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Plan is aligned with […]
Sri Lanka’s Newest Cargo Carrier ‘WEAIR’ Launches Operations with Luxembourg Backing
Sri Lanka’s aviation and logistics sector marked an expansion with the official launch of ‘WEAIR’, the country’s newest cargo airline. The venture officially commenced operations on June 6, 2026, during an inauguration ceremony at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, held under the patronage of Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism. Financed […]
CBSL Updates Export Proceeds Rules; Mandates Monthly Rupee Conversion
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued updated regulations governing the repatriation and utilization of export proceeds. Signed by CBSL Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe as Chairperson of the Governing Board, the new directive introduces strict timelines for exporters to convert their residual foreign currency earnings into Sri Lanka Rupees. The rules, officially titled the […]
Justice Ministry Warns Against Coroner Bribes; Public Urged to Report Misconduct
The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has issued a strong reminder to the public that coroners are appointed under Section 108 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to facilitate the judicial process and provide a dignified service to families of the deceased. Coroners serve in an honorary capacity and are expected to provide their […]
Sri Lanka Tourism Revenues Stable, Minister Clarifies
Sri Lanka’s tourism revenues have not declined, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Tuesday, explaining that recent figures reflect a shift to internationally recognized survey methodologies rather than a downturn in earnings. “The actual dollar amount spent by a foreign tourist in Sri Lanka has been accurately determined, and there has been no major […]