Category: Economy and Markets
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 […]
Macrofinancial Strength Drives Credit Surge in 2025, But Risks Loom: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s macrofinancial conditions strengthened throughout 2025, fueling a major expansion in credit despite persistent external vulnerabilities. According to recent year-end data, the financial sector has shifted its focus heavily toward the private sector, supported by a broad-based recovery and accommodative monetary policy. The banking sector saw credit growth accelerate to 21.4% year-on-year by the […]
Ceylon Chamber Urges Measures to Safeguard Economic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty
The evolving global situation and the escalating conflict in the Middle East requires coordinated measures to safeguard economic stability. The Ceylon Chamber remains ready to work with the Government in addressing potential economic risks and has outlined detailed policy recommendations. The Chamber, in its submission of 11 March 2026, recommended a number of policy measures […]
Sri Lanka’s national Terrorist Financing risk assessed as medium-high: National Risk Assessment 2024/25
Sri Lanka has successfully completed the National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2024/25 on Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and Proliferation Financing (PF), in collaboration with a total of 86 governmental organizations, regulatory bodies and private sector institutions. Accordingly, the country’s national Terrorist Financing (TF) risk, a combination of TF threat and vulnerability, was assessed as […]
CSE Provides Capital Market Access to Kegalle with New Branch
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Kegalle 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, Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Mr. Kosala Gamage and Chief Executive Officer of CSE Mr. […]
Sri Lanka Exporters Invited to Apply for Sri Lanka Expo 2026 International Trade Exhibition
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has made an announcement to the Sri Lankan export community that the ‘Sri Lanka Expo 2026’, an international trade exhibition, will be organised with the primary objective of connecting local businesses with international buyers and investors. This major exhibition is scheduled to be held over four days from […]
CDS Accounts on the Increase. Crosses One Million Accounts
Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd (CDS), a subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), has reached a milestone as total registered accounts surpassed the 1 million mark. This achievement coincides with the approach of the organization’s 35th anniversary in September 2026, marking three and a half decades of providing depository infrastructure for the Sri Lankan […]
OPINION – Northern Investment Summit, Jaffna January 2026
By Jekhan Aruliah When the topic of the Northern economy comes up, Jaffna is often criticized for living on remittances. Small transfers, perhaps a hundred US dollars a month, sent by hard working people overseas to their families in Jaffna and the Northern Province. These gifts are said to be ruining Jaffna youth and the […]
IMF Staff Concludes Sri Lanka Visit; Policy Talks for Next EFF Review Set to Resume ASAP
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Evan Papageorgiou, concluded a visit to Colombo conducted from January 22 to 28 to assess the economic impact of Cyclone Ditwah. During the mission, the team engaged with authorities and stakeholders to understand the social and economic damage caused by the storm, specifically regarding infrastructure and livelihoods. […]