Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
EDB, IFC and EU Strengthen Export Readiness of Eastern Province SMEs through ExpoNavigator Programme
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully conducted the 7th Provincial ExpoNavigator Programme under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2026 on 9–10 June 2026 in Batticaloa. Implemented under the EU’s regional programme ‘Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in […]
Government Moves to Establish a Fair and Transparent Presidential Pardon System
The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has received a committee report recommending a more systematic, fair and transparent mechanism for granting presidential pardons to sentenced prison inmates, marking a key step in the government’s wider prison reform agenda. The report was formally handed over on Thursday (July 10) by retired Supreme Court Judge S. […]
AWS to Charge 18% VAT on Non-Registered Sri Lankan Customers
Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWSI) has announced that it will soon begin charging an 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on all Electronically Supplied Services (ESS) provided to customers in Sri Lanka who are not registered for VAT or have failed to provide their tax details. The move aligns with Sri Lanka’s tax regulations regarding digital […]
CBSL to Cancel Nation Lanka Finance Licence; Liquidation Process Begins
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially cancelled the finance business licence of Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective today, July 3, 2026, moving forward with a formal winding up of the company. Full Statement The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) initiated resolution actions on Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective from […]
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 […]