Category: Economy
IMF Staff to Visit Sri Lanka to Assess Impact of Cyclone Ditwah
Statement by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka: “An IMF staff team will visit Sri Lanka from January 22 to January 28, 2026, to hold discussions with the authorities on the size and scope of the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The findings of the mission will feed into […]
Good Intentions, Bad Economics: The Risks of Intervening in SME Lending Decisions
In the past weeks, newspaper headlines have brought to the forefront a growing narrative that banks are prospering while SMEs are struggling. This outcome has largely been attributed to banks overlooking the impact of external shocks on SMEs and to the current lending frameworks that govern credit markets. Such headlines call for independent statutory mechanisms to probe the fairness of cases leading to credit enforcement. Whilst such concerns are understandable on moral and ethical grounds, urging for artificial interventions in credit markets risks promoting […]
Central Bank’s Gross Official Reserves Surpasses USD 6.8 Bn in Dec 2025, Highest Level Since Crisis
The Central Bank has announced that Gross Official Reserves (GOR) surged to over US dollars 6.8 billion by the end of 2025, marking the highest level of reserves recorded since the economic crisis. This was largely supported by US dollars 2.0 billion in net foreign exchange purchases made by the Central Bank (on value date […]
CoPF Chairman Harsha de Silva urges President to appoint an Auditor General
Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chair of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to immediately fill the Auditor General vacancy, which has been open since December 7. In a letter dated December 22, Dr. de Silva emphasized that the absence of an Auditor General disrupts constitutional mandates under Articles 148 […]
The Chamber of Northern Exporters (CNE) Delivering Goods and Services From Jaffna and the Northern Province
By Jekhan Aruliah We have heard it so many times, “We must export more!”. We have heard it from politicians and economists and assorted commentators of assorted quality through miscellaneous channels. “We must export more” deserves the internet acronym SOTBO. Internet slang for a “Statement Of The Bleeding Obvious”. A statement so basic, so self-evident, […]
Exports Record USD 15.8 Bn as Sri Lanka Maintains Upward Trade Momentum
Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a significant 5.8 % y-o-y growth during the period from January to November 2025. Based on Sri Lanka Customs statistics and estimated export figures for Gems & Jewellery, Petroleum Products and services, total exports reached US$ 15,776.36 Mn, the performance signals sustained growth and […]
IMF Executive Board Approves USD206 Mn in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of SDR150.5 million (about US$206 million, equivalent to 26 percent of quota) for Sri Lanka under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). This emergency support will help address urgent balance-of-payments and fiscal pressures arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah, which hit the country on […]
Sri Lanka records 5.4-pct GDP growth rate for third quarter of 2025
The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) Sri Lanka, has released the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at current price and at constant (2015) price in Production approach and the other macroeconomic indicators for the third quarter (1st July to 30th September) of 2025. The GDP for the third quarter of 2025 at constant price […]
World Bank is making up to USD120 mn in emergency support available by repurposing funds
In response to the Government’s request, the World Bank is making up to US$120 million in emergency support available by repurposing funds from ongoing projects, the World Bank said in a statement. This will support recovery and help restore essential services and infrastructure—including health care, water, education, agriculture, and connectivity—in the areas hit hardest by […]
Economic, fiscal &’s Ratings
According to Moody’s Ratings, South and Southeast Asian countries have been severely impacted by several tropical cyclones and unusually heavy monsoon rains since mid-November, leading to widespread flooding and landslides and the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. Moody’s assesses that the economic, fiscal, and credit impact of this disaster is likely to be most […]
EDB Launches Fast-Track Relief to Support Exporters Affected by Adverse Weather
The Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a rapid relief and recovery program following the severe impact of adverse weather conditions on Sri Lanka’s export sector. A discussion meeting was held recently at the EDB premises, with the participation of Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mrs. Tilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and […]
Relief Measures to Assist Businesses affected by Recent Disasters by Banks
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in view of the adverse effects of the recent cyclonic and flood disasters, having considered the proposals of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Ltd. (SLBA) and the need to grant effective relief to those affected without unduly compromising financial system stability, issued the Circular No. 04 of […]