Author: Gayan Chandrasekara
Sri Lanka to End Duty-Free Vehicle Scheme, Cancel Existing Permits in 2027 Budget
Sri Lanka’s government has pledged to abolish the long-standing duty-free vehicle import scheme for public officials, with the cancellation of existing permits to be formalized in the 2027 Budget. The commitment was outlined in the government’s Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) attached to the IMF Country Report No. 26/111 (May 2026). Under the […]
Ceylon Chamber Applauds IMF Review Approval, Urges Fuel QR Optimization & Clear Economic Policy Signals
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has commended the Government of Sri Lanka on the successful completion and approval of the 5th and 6th reviews under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, unlocking around USD 695 million in financing support. The Chamber emphasized that this milestone strengthens confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery amid global uncertainty and […]
IMF Board Approves Sri Lanka’s Fifth & Sixth Reviews, Unlocks USD 695 Mn for Reforms
The International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility, unlocking immediate access to SDR 508 million (approximately US$695 million) to bolster the country’s economic policies and reforms. Performance under the program has been described as broadly strong. Key prior actions, including restoring fuel and […]
Central Bank increases Overnight Policy Rate to 8.75-pct
The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 bps to 8.75%. Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR), which are linked to OPR with predetermined margins of ± 50 bps, are also increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively. The Board […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports Surpass USD 5.7 Bn in First Four Months of 2026
Sri Lanka’s total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,380.93 million in April 2026, marking a year-on-year growth of 6% compared to April 2025. Based on provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, along with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports in April 2026 rose by 9.87% to US$ […]
Energy Minister Dispels Coal Demurrage Rumors: Zero Extra Cost to Consumers
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has strongly refuted widespread social media claims alleging that the government is paying massive delay charges (demurrage) for ongoing coal shipments, assuring the public that the situation will place zero additional financial burden on electricity consumers. Speaking at a special media briefing, Minister Karunathilake clarified that the state-run Lanka Coal Company […]
Rs. 8.5 Billion for 1,898 Employees under CEB Voluntary Retirement Scheme
In line with the ongoing restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Ministry of Power and Energy has launched a major compensation program for employees opting for voluntary retirement. Under this initiative, a total of Rs. 8.5 billion has been allocated to reward 1,898 employees, marking one of the largest retirement compensation packages in […]
Sri Lanka’s New VAT Amendment to Digitize Tax Collection via Secured POS Systems
As part of a strategic effort to modernize the national tax infrastructure, the Government of Sri Lanka has tabled an amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, No. 14 of 2002. The proposed Clause 12 introduces Section 64B, which centers on the integration of “secured point of sale machines” into the daily operations of […]
CoPF Chair Questions True Legislative Oversight Over Public Funds as Treasury Secretary Skips Crucial Hearing
A sharp constitutional standoff has emerged between the legislature and the executive after the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, declined to appear before the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) for a high-stakes hearing scheduled for tomorrow, April 30. The refusal has prompted a blistering response from CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva, who […]
Rs. 38 Bn Shortfall in Power Generation Costs; Taxpayers to Fund Rs. 15 Bn Govt Subsidy as PUCSL Opens Public Consultation
Sri Lanka’s Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL) has announced that rising fuel costs will create a Rs. 38 billion shortfall in electricity generation expenses for the second and third quarters of 2026. To cushion households, the government will provide a Rs. 15 billion subsidy funded by taxpayers starting May 10, ensuring that 95% of domestic and […]
IFC and WindForce PLC Partner on Sri Lanka’s First Large‑Scale Solar Project to Lower Power Costs, Strengthen Energy Security
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a partnership with WindForce PLC to develop Sri Lanka’s first utility‑scale 100‑megawatt (MW) solar power facility, a landmark project that will accelerate the country’s energy transition, strengthen energy security, lower electricity costs and create thousands of jobs. The project will generate around […]
CBSL Orders Forensic Audit into NDB Fraud Case
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced that it is closely monitoring developments at National Development Bank PLC (NDB) following the disclosure of an internal fraud. CBSL confirmed that NDB, in consultation with the regulator, is finalizing arrangements to engage a leading international firm to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit. The audit will not […]