Category: Economy and Markets
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 […]
CSE Provides Capital Market Access to Kegalle with New Branch
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Kegalle Branch to the public, further strengthening its countrywide presence. The branch was inaugurated by Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Mr. Kosala Gamage and Chief Executive Officer of CSE Mr. […]
Sri Lanka Exporters Invited to Apply for Sri Lanka Expo 2026 International Trade Exhibition
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has made an announcement to the Sri Lankan export community that the ‘Sri Lanka Expo 2026’, an international trade exhibition, will be organised with the primary objective of connecting local businesses with international buyers and investors. This major exhibition is scheduled to be held over four days from […]
CDS Accounts on the Increase. Crosses One Million Accounts
Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd (CDS), a subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), has reached a milestone as total registered accounts surpassed the 1 million mark. This achievement coincides with the approach of the organization’s 35th anniversary in September 2026, marking three and a half decades of providing depository infrastructure for the Sri Lankan […]
ADB appoints Shannon Cowlin as new country director for Sri Lanka
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Shannon Cowlin as its new Country Director for Sri Lanka. She has assumed office in Colombo today. “I am honored to be appointed Country Director of ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Mission,” Ms. Cowlin said. “For many years, ADB has been a trusted partner of Sri Lanka, supporting the […]
Advocata calls on govt to commit to permanently ending vehicle permit schemes
Advocata warns revival of vehicle permits threatens governance credibility, public trust and economic reform and strongly cautions against government consideration to allow vehicle imports for high-ranking government officials who received permits upon retirement. According to statements in Parliament, 1,900 permits have already been issued under this concessional scheme for senior officials, with 563 permits issued in 2025 alone. […]
LANKATILES expands Southern footprint with second showroom in Galle
Sri Lanka’s leading tile manufacturer, LANKATILES, proudly announces the grand opening of its 58th showroom and second in the Galle located at No. 145, Matara Road, Pettigala Watta, Galle. This latest addition marks a significant milestone in LANKATILES’ continued journey of design excellence, innovation, and trusted service built over more than five decades. Inspired by […]
New leadership at SLCGE pledges policy advocacy to strengthen SME apparel exports
TheSri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE)held its28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, marking a significant leadership transition and signalling a renewed policy-driven focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-scale apparel exporters. A key highlight of the AGM was the conclusion of Mr. Bandula Fernando’s distinguished 13-year tenure as President […]
CFA Society Sri Lanka to Host Learning Programme on Credit Research Fundamentals
CFA Society Sri Lanka announced that it will conduct a half-day learning programme on “Understanding the Fundamentals of Credit Research”, in collaboration with Acuity Analytics, on Monday, 16 February 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo City Centre. Commenting on the objective of the programme, Aruna Alwis, CEO, CFA […]
OPINION – Northern Investment Summit, Jaffna January 2026
By Jekhan Aruliah When the topic of the Northern economy comes up, Jaffna is often criticized for living on remittances. Small transfers, perhaps a hundred US dollars a month, sent by hard working people overseas to their families in Jaffna and the Northern Province. These gifts are said to be ruining Jaffna youth and the […]
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. […]
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank keeps the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged
At its meeting held yesterday, the Monetary Policy Board decided to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 7.75%, citing an assessment of recent domestic economic developments, the outlook ahead, and continuing global uncertainty. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of […]