Cabinet Approves $200 Mn ADB Loan for Trade, Investment, and Industrial Development

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to obtain a US$ 200 million policy-based loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The funding, sourced from ADB’s regular general capital resources, will support Sub-Programme 1 of Sri […]

Sri Lanka’s inflation climbs to 7.3% in July, highest since early 2025

Sri Lanka’s headline inflation picked up pace in July, with the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) rising to 7.3% year-on-year, up from 6.8% in June, according to Central Bank data released this week. The uptick was driven largely by a jump in housing rents, which pushed non-food inflation contributions higher for the month, along with […]

Sri Lanka’s Exports Cross US$ 9 Bn Milestone in First Half of 2026, Reflecting Sustained Growth Momentum

Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth, with the country’s total exports surpassing the US$ 9 billion milestone during the first half of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$ 9,012.24 Mn during the January–June 2026 period, representing an 8% year-on-year increase compared to the corresponding period in […]

Ceylon Chamber discussion puts energy security at the centre of Sri Lanka’s growth agenda

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce brought together policymakers, industry players, academics and other stakeholders last week for a discussion on Sri Lanka’s energy transition, framing the shift to cleaner power as much a matter of economic strategy as environmental necessity. The event, titled “Energy Transition in Sri Lanka: Strategic Insights from Global Markets,” comes as […]

Sri Lanka moves back into upper-middle income bracket, World Bank says

Sri Lanka has been reclassified as an upper-middle income economy by the World Bank, a milestone officials are calling hard-won but fragile because the country has been here before, and lost the status within a year. The change was confirmed in the World Bank Group’s Country Income Classifications for the fiscal year running from 1 […]

Central Bank releases names of 25 pyramid schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued an official warning to the general public, identifying 25 companies and mobile applications that have been found operating as prohibited pyramid schemes. Following investigations conducted under Section 83 (C) of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988, the CBSL determined that “Infinity Rover (Pvt) Ltd” and […]

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 […]

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