Category: Economy and Markets
Central Bank of Sri Lanka keeps Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged
The Monetary Policy Board decided to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00% at its meeting held yesterday. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering the developments both domestically and globally. The Board remains confident that the prevailing monetary policy stance will ensure that inflation will move towards the target of 5% […]
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, […]
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 186 Years of Service to Sri Lanka
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka’s premier business chamber, proudly marks its 186th anniversary today (25th March) Reflecting on this milestone, the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber, Mr. Duminda Hulangamuwa, stated, ‘for 186 years, the Ceylon Chamber has remained committed to putting “Sri Lanka First” in all its efforts. Whether through policy advocacy, trade […]
”’ Proposed Debentures
Fitch Ratings has published the National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA(lka)’ for Sri Lankan conglomerate Hayleys PLC’s (AAA(lka)/Stable) proposed senior unsecured redeemable debentures of up to LKR7 billion. The proposed debentures are rated in line with Hayley’s National Long-Term Rating and existing unsecured notes because we believe there will be limited subordination risk to debenture holders […]
Capital Alliance Investments Ltd Lists the ‘CAL Five Year Closed End Fund’ on the CSE
The units of the ‘CAL Five Year Closed End Fund’ were officially listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on 20th March 2025. Accordingly, a total of 914,925,446 units were listed by way of an Introduction. This significant milestone was commemorated with a special Bell Ringing Ceremony. The event was attended by Mr. Gayan De […]
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 […]
Fortude celebrates milestones in leadership development and community impact
Fortude, a global enterprise technology solutions provider, celebrated key milestones achieved under the Guiding Leadership & Outreach (GLO) program, a pioneering leadership development initiative by the Association of HR Professionals (AHRP) and Global Learning Labs. Through a series of transformative learning experiences, Fortude has empowered aspiring leaders while extending its impact beyond corporate boundaries to […]
Fintrex Finance Limited Debuts Inaugural Issuance of High-Yield Bond on the CSE
Fintrex Finance Limited (FFL), a dynamic leader in the non-banking financial realm, marked a significant milestone by issuing the first-ever high-yield bond to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The bell ringing ceremony, held on Friday, 14th March 2025 at the CSE Trading Floor, symbolized the company’s dedication to carving out innovative financial […]
Sri Lankan foreign exchange market unveils a foreign exchange matching platform
The Sri Lankan foreign exchange (FX) market has successfully implemented an FX matching platform, as per the initiative taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to foster a deeper FX market. This platform, which is accessible to all Licensed Commercial Banks, National Savings Bank, and the CBSL, was introduced to enhance price discovery, […]
MAS Holdings to gain greater access to growing Indian market with expansions in Odisha, India
MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by breaking ground for its first facility in the state of Odisha, India. This strategic initiative builds on MAS’ long-standing presence in India while strengthening its regional production capabilities and giving it a strong foothold to access the fast-growing Indian […]
Ceylon Chamber Launches “Implementing the National Budget 2025” Seminar Series
The effective implementation of the National Budget has been a key concern for many years. To enhance the feasibility of budget proposals and extend the discussion beyond just the month following a budget speech, the Ceylon Chamber is launching a seminar series titled Implementing the National Budget 2025. This initiative aims to drive actionable insights […]