Category: Economy
TISL Welcomes IMF Structural Benchmark on Asset Declarations
Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) welcomes the introduction of a new Structural Benchmark in the IMF’s Third Review Agreement, addressing gaps in implementing the Asset Declarations system under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2023. This is a significant step toward ensuring public access to asset declarations—a long-standing reform for which TISL has strongly advocated. The benchmark […]
Sri Lanka Exports Reach USD 1.38 Billion in February, Up 4.62-pct Year-on-Year
Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached at US$ 1,382.53 Mn in February 2025, marking a notable 4.62% year-on- year growth compared to February 2024. Additionally, exports recorded a 2.58% month-on-month increase compared to January 2025. According to provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs and estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, […]
Who Stands to Lose? The Effects of GSP+ Withdrawal on Sri Lanka’s Exports and Labour Force
Growing uncertainties on the future of global trade as President Trump seeks to impose reciprocal tariffs make programmes such as the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) more significant for small exporters such as Sri Lanka. With a reported visit by EU representatives to assess GSP+, it is important to note that in […]
‘s Q4 GDP Growth Hits 5.4-pct, 2024 Projected at 5.0-pct
Issuing a communiqué, on releasing National Accounts Estimates, the DCS states that the GDP growth rate for the year 2024 has been estimated as 5.0 percent of positive growth rate. Accordingly, the Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the year 2024 at constant price (2015) increased up to Rs. 12,472,469 million from Rs. 11,877,556 […]
IMF Executive Board Completes the Third Review Under the Extended Fund Facility
The IMF Executive Board completed the Third Review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility with Sri Lanka, providing the country with immediate access to SDR 254 million (about US $334 million) to support its economic policies and reforms. Performance under the program has been strong. All quantitative targets for end-December 2024 were met, except the […]
Sri Lanka’s Revenue Raising Drive Key to Credit Profile: Fitch Ratings
The Sri Lankan government’s budget highlights the authorities’ commitment to raising fiscal revenues as a share of GDP – an approach that, if successful, would alleviate a long-standing weakness in the sovereign’s credit profile, says Fitch Ratings. Nonetheless, risks to the fiscal outlook remain significant, and plans to slow the pace of fiscal consolidation could […]
Agreement between the UAE and Sri Lanka to Strengthen Economic and Investment Relations
Coinciding with the President’s three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the World Governments Summit 2025, Sri Lanka and the UAE reached an agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments to strengthen economic and investment relations between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, […]
2025 Budget Must Meet EFF Program Parameters for Executive Board Approval: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stressed the importance of the 2025 budget aligning with the parameters of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, as the Executive Board prepares for its upcoming review. Ms. Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department at the IMF, highlighted this during a recent press briefing. On November 23rd, 2024, […]
EDCM Resumes Operations after 28 Years; targeting USD 36 Bn in Export Revenue by 2030
In line with the new government’s policy of “A Thriving Nation- A Beautiful Life,” President Anura Kumara Disanayake directed officials to take the necessary steps to increase export revenue to $36 billion by 2030. The President expressed these views during the meeting of the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM), held today (27) at […]
Total exports for December 2024 increased by 9.21-pct compared to 2023
As per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs, the merchandise export performance in December 2024 amounted to US$ 1,042.5 million, reflecting an 4.06% increase compared to December 2023. This was mainly due to the increase in earnings from export of Apparel & Textiles, Tea, Rubber based products, Coconut based products, Spices & […]
Quarterly Headline Inflation Projected to Hit Target Range of 5-pct ±2-pct by Q3 2025: CBSL
According to a recent report submitted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), quarterly headline inflation is projected to reach the target range of 5% ±2% by the third quarter of 2025. This report, mandated by Section 26(5) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023 (CBA), was submitted to […]
World Bank Vice President Visits Sri Lanka, Reaffirms Support for Education, Renewable Energy
World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, concluded a 2-day visit to Sri Lanka yesterday, where he met with His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Hon. Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and other government officials, private investors, and development partners to discuss the country’s ongoing efforts towards economic recovery and long-term growth. Raiser was […]