Category: Economy and Markets
Sri Lanka’s Export Performance Remains Steady with Strong Q1 2026 Growth
Sri Lanka’s total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,467.31 million in March 2026, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 5.2 % compared to March 2025. However, on a month-on-month basis, exports increased by 9.0% compared to February 2026 (US$ 1,346.2 million), indicating a recovery in export momentum during the month. According to provisional […]
Central Bank Releases the Annual Economic Review for the Year 2025
The Annual Economic Review 2025, the publication in accordance with Section 80 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, was presented to His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, by Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank of […]
New CSE Branch Brings Galle Direct Access to Capital Market
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Galle Branch to the public, further strengthening its countrywide presence. The branch was inaugurated by Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, Chairman of CSE Mr. Dimuthu Abeyesekera and Chief Executive Officer of CSE Mr. Rajeeva Bandaranaike in the […]
IMF Staff Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under Sri Lanka’s EFF Arrangement
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou visited Sri Lanka from March 26 to April 9, 2026, to discuss recent macroeconomic developments and progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. At the end of the mission, Mr. Papageorgiou issued the following statement: “IMF […]
Fitch Publishes ‘A(lka)’ Rating on WindForce’s Proposed Debentures
Fitch Ratings has published the National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(lka)’ on WindForce PLC’s proposed senior unsecured redeemable debentures of up to LKR4 billion. The notes are rated one notch below WindForce’s National Long-Term Rating (A+(lka)/Stable) due to increasing structural subordination from secured debt at operating subsidiaries used to fund its capacity expansion. WindForce’s rating reflects […]
Sri Lanka and World Bank Group Launch New Partnership to Create Jobs, Attract Private Investment
The World Bank Group and the Government of Sri Lanka today launched a new five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to support Sri Lanka’s continued recovery, help achieve its 7% medium-term economic growth target, and support job creation. “We are committed to building on the continued macroeconomic stability, strengthened governance and revenue-based fiscal consolidation that we have already […]
Ceylon Chamber Highlights Importance of Balanced Tax Policy in Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2026
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, through its Tax Steering Committee, has actively engaged with stakeholders on the proposed Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill of 2026, recognising its potential implications for businesses and the broader economy. While acknowledging the importance of updating the tax framework, the Chamber’s efforts have focused on assessing the impact of the proposed […]
Sri Lanka’s Total Export Earnings Hit $1.4 Billion in February, Up 4.22% YoY
Sri Lanka’s total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,401.78 million in February 2026, reflecting a notable year-on-year growth of 4.22% compared to February 2025. According to provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, along with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports for February 2026 increased by 1.32% to […]
SEC and CSE Strengthen Role of Auditors of Watchlist Companies
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) jointly organized an awareness session recently, for auditors of companies which are currently on the CSE Watchlist. The session focused on enhancing awareness of enforcement actions and timelines, reducing prolonged Watchlist durations, and fostering a more coordinated regulatory approach among […]
NDB’s GSS+ Bond Issuance Breaks New Ground with Record LKR. 16 Bn Raised
National Development Bank PLC (NDB) commemorated raising LKR. 16 bn with its first ever issuance of BASEL III compliant GSS+ (Green, Social, Sustainable & Sustainability Linked) bonds and the country’s largest issuance of GSS+ bonds to date by way of a market opening ceremony conducted on the trading floor of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) […]
IMF Team Set to Visit Colombo for Crucial Dual Review
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has confirmed that a staff team led by Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou will visit Colombo from March 26 to April 9, 2026. This mission is designed to facilitate high-level discussions with Sri Lankan authorities regarding the nation’s ongoing economic recovery and policy trajectory. The visit marks a critical juncture for […]
Sri Lanka’s Economy Hits 5% Growth in 2025; 4.8% Expansion in Q4
The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) of Sri Lanka has reported a 5.0% GDP growth rate for 2025, with the economy expanding to Rs. 13,128,577 million at constant prices. This positive momentum was supported by a final fourth-quarter growth rate of 4.8%. In nominal terms, the GDP at current prices rose by 8.8% to […]