Category: Economy & Markets
IMF warns Middle East shock could hit Sri Lanka growth, backs targeted relief as tariffs rise
The International Monetary Fund has warned that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pose a significant risk to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, even as authorities move ahead with price reforms and fiscal adjustments. The IMF said the evolving crisis could impact key external sectors including exports, remittances, tourism and connectivity, describing it as one […]
Middle East conflict threatens Sri Lanka recovery as inflation, tourism and reserves come under pressure
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is facing renewed pressure as the escalating Middle East conflict begins to feed through to inflation, tourism, and external balances, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said. The island entered 2026 from a position of relative strength, recording 5.0 percent growth in 2025, supported by broad-based expansion across services, industry, and agriculture. […]
Sri Lanka faces renewed economic risks despite recovery momentum, ADB says
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is expected to continue into 2026, but fresh global and domestic risks are beginning to test its stability, according to the latest Asian Development Outlook (April 2026) by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The report notes that while the country has moved past its worst crisis phase, growth is likely to […]
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank keeps the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged
At its meeting held yesterday, the Monetary Policy Board decided to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 7.75%, citing an assessment of recent domestic economic developments, the outlook ahead, and continuing global uncertainty. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of […]
Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH) explodes higher in stock market debut
January 8, 2026 (LBO) – Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH), a leading primary dealer of government securities in Sri Lanka, has spiked 167% from its IPO price in its stock market debut. WLTH shares closed the day at LKR 18.70/share after coming public at an IPO price of just seven Sri Lankan Rupees. The IPO was heavily […]