Category: Economy and Markets
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 […]
Technical Glitch Halts Stock Market Opening; Trading Delayed
Regular trading on the stock exchange was delayed this morning following a technical issue tied to the suspension of long-inactive accounts, officials confirmed. Standard market operations finally commenced at 11:00 a.m. after an extended pre-open session. The disruption stemmed from an operation by the Central Depository System (Pvt) Ltd. (CDS) on June 30, 2026. In […]
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 […]
Sri Lanka’s inflation hits 6.8-pct in June
Sri Lanka’s inflation problem isn’t going away anytime soon. June’s headline number came in at 6.8% year-on-year, up from 5.5% in May, and the drivers are exactly what most people already feel when they fill up their tank or do their weekly grocery run. Energy costs remain the main villain here. The Middle East conflict […]
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 […]
CSE Expands Footprint with New Gampaha Branch
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Gampaha Branch to the public this Tuesday (23rd June), further strengthening its countrywide presence. The inauguration of the branch was officiated by the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, Director of the CSE Mr. Sujeewa Peiris, and CEO Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike, […]
CDS to Limit Activity on Dormant Accounts Until Reactivation as Part of Investor Protection Measures
Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd (CDS), a subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), has announced new measures aimed at protecting dormant CDS accounts that have remained inactive for three years or more. The measure will involve a staggered suspension framework for dormant accounts which can be re-activated at any time quite easily by account […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports exceeds USD 7.3 Bn in First Five Months
Sri Lanka’s export sector has sustained its resilience, with total exports exceeding US$ 7.3 billion in the first five months of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports were estimated at US$ 7,393.39 million between January and May, marking a 7.56% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2025. Merchandise exports contributed US$ 5,758.44 million […]
Government to back apparel exporters with land reforms, ‘Plug and Play’ factories
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat on Monda aimed at resolving challenges facing Sri Lanka’s apparel sector and boosting the country’s export earnings. The meeting brought together top business leaders and investors from the industry to discuss practical hurdles and the support needed to roll out the Export Development Board’s […]
Sri Lanka, US reaffirm strong ties as talks focus on trade gap and tariffs
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Dr. Paul Kapur, at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (22). The two sides reflected on 77 years of Sri Lanka-US relations, noting how the partnership has grown to cover trade, defence, investment, tourism and people-to-people connections. Kapur […]