Category: Economy and Markets
US Lowers Tariffs on Sri Lankan Imports to 20-pct
The United States has once again lowered tariffs on goods imported from Sri Lanka, with the new rate set at 20%. This move, confirmed by the White House, follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that also revises tariffs for 40 other nations. The new tariff rate will come into effect on August […]
John Keells CG Auto responds to BYD vehicle claims, Reaffirms compliance and transparency
In response to recent public discourse surrounding a consignment of BYD electric vehicles held at Sri Lanka Customs, John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd (JKCG Auto), the official distributor of BYD in Sri Lanka, has issued a statement clarifying its position and reiterating its full compliance with all local regulatory requirements. The situation involves select […]
SLAEA hosts high-level forum on EU CSDDD: Strengthening sustainable trade through compliance
The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) hosted a high- level industry forum on July 9 at the Jetwing Hotel in Colombo 07, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the growing relevance of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Designed to strengthen awareness and preparedness, the session focused on […]
JKH records strong performance in Q1 2025/26; EBITDA of Rs.12.97 billion
EBITDA includes interest income and the share of results of equity accounted investees which is based on the share of profit after tax but excludes all impacts from foreign currency exchange gains and losses (other than for equity accounted associates), to demonstrate the underlying cash operational performance of businesses. EBITDA (Rs.’000) Summarised below are the […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports Surge to USD 8.3 Billion in First Six Months of 2025
Sri Lanka’s export sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady progress during the first six months of 2025, with total exports reaching US$ 8,337.86 Mn, marking a robust 6.70 % growth compared to the same period in 2024. Total exports, including both merchandise and services reached US$ 1,460.34 Mn in June 2025. This shows an impressive […]
Sri Lanka’s Plantation sector sounds alarm over 30% U.S. tariff
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has expressed grave concern over the United States’ decision to impose a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan tea and rubber exports, set to take effect from August 1st. The Association warns that this move could devastate two of Sri Lanka’s most historic and employment-intensive sectors, tea and rubber undermining […]
Sri Lanka’s Textile and Apparel sector strengthens ESG transparency with new GRI-backed initiative
A new sustainability initiative is set to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and global standing of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. The Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) programme, jointly launched by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) South Asia, the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Joint Apparel […]
IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka
The economic reforms implemented by Sri Lankan authorities are bearing fruit, with growth outperforming, inflation progressing to target, external reserves accumulating, and fiscal revenues improving. Sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguarding macroeconomic stability, entrenching the recovery, and building Sri Lanka’s resilience to shocks amid trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. Progress in meeting […]
Macktiles Lanka makes history as first to achieve real porcelain perfection with 100pct SL minerals
In a singular moment that rewrites the narrative of global manufacturing excellence, Macktiles Lanka (Private) Limited has achieved what was once considered impossible: creating authentic real porcelain tiles using exclusively Sri Lankan minerals. The island’s extraordinary geological wealth has now proven its potential extends far beyond traditional applications, with Macktiles unlocking the manufacturing capabilities of […]
Capital Market Content to Be Integrated into Proposed Financial Literacy Curriculum
A seminar on “Financial Literacy” was held on 18th July 2025 at the Ministry of Education, providing a platform for stakeholders involved in ongoing education sector reforms to contribute to the integration of financial literacy into the school curriculum. The initiative was spearheaded by Hon. Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister […]
The Once and Future Industrial Northern Province
By Jekhan Aruliah The Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Yarlparnam, CCIY, was born in the short period of optimism in 1999. When the Sri Lankan Civil War, at that time already aflame for 16 years, seemed to be heading toward a settlement. Opposing sides were sitting at the same negotiating table. That optimism was […]
Trinasolar partners Solaris Energy to deliver 25MWp of utility-scale solar across Sri Lanka
Trinasolar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Solaris Energy (Pvt) Ltd., a leading solar distributor in Sri Lanka, to collaborate on the supply and deployment of 25 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar modules across the country. The agreement was formalized at SNEC 2025 in Shanghai, […]