Category: Lead Story
US military preventive medicine expertise to strengthen Sri Lanka’s dengue prevention capabilities
As Sri Lanka responds to a significant nationwide dengue outbreak, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has launched a Public Health Pest Control and Vector-Borne Disease Response program in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health and National Dengue Control Unit to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to dengue. Funded through the […]
Ceylon Chamber Welcomes Reduction in US Labour-Related Tariff
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the positive development in the reduction of the labour-related tariff imposed on Sri Lankan exports to the United States, from 12.5% to 10%, following sustained engagement between Sri Lankan authorities and their counterparts in the United States. This outcome is an encouraging step forward for Sri Lanka’s export sector […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports Cross US$ 9 Bn Milestone in First Half of 2026, Reflecting Sustained Growth Momentum
Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth, with the country’s total exports surpassing the US$ 9 billion milestone during the first half of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$ 9,012.24 Mn during the January–June 2026 period, representing an 8% year-on-year increase compared to the corresponding period in […]
CBSL keeps OPR unchanged; Gross Official Reserves at USD 6.45 bn at end June
The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 8.75%. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering the evolving conditions and outlook on the domestic and global fronts. Renewed tensions in the Middle East have resulted in a surge in […]
IFC and HSBC Back Sustainable, More Competitive Port Infrastructure in Sri Lanka
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and HSBC are investing up to $40 million through financing in South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd. (SAGT) to modernize and decarbonize operations at the Port of Colombo, the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s maritime trade. The investment will advance the port’s competitiveness, resilience […]
SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub Launches Sinhala and Tamil Export Handbooks to Strengthen Women Entrepreneurs and SME Exports to the UK Market
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the British High Commission in Colombo to launch two sector-specific export handbooks in Sinhala and Tamil. The handbooks aim to strengthen Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) […]
Government Moves to Establish a Fair and Transparent Presidential Pardon System
The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has received a committee report recommending a more systematic, fair and transparent mechanism for granting presidential pardons to sentenced prison inmates, marking a key step in the government’s wider prison reform agenda. The report was formally handed over on Thursday (July 10) by retired Supreme Court Judge S. […]
Hambantota International Port Sets New Monthly Records for RoRo and Container Throughput
June volumes reach 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs as operational preparedness and customer engagement drive record performance Hambantota International Port (HIP) recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput in both RoRo and containers in June 2026, handling 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs. The dual milestone marks a new high for the port’s two fastest-growing business segments. It […]
Sampath Bank Launches Google Pay, Expanding Sri Lanka’s Access to Global Contactless Payments
Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Google Pay for all Mastercard and Visa Credit and Debit Cardholders, marking a significant advancement on how customers in Sri Lanka access digital payment solutions. This initiative brings fast, secure, and globally accepted tap-to-pay functionality to Android devices, catering to the increasing demand for mobile-first solutions. Mobile wallets are reshaping […]
CBSL to Cancel Nation Lanka Finance Licence; Liquidation Process Begins
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially cancelled the finance business licence of Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective today, July 3, 2026, moving forward with a formal winding up of the company. Full Statement The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) initiated resolution actions on Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective from […]
World Bank Approves $150 Million to Fuel Sri Lanka’s Economic Growth and Resilience
In a major move to transition Sri Lanka from economic stabilization to long-term development, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$150 million in financing to back the country’s comprehensive reform agenda. The funding is part of the Sri Lanka Reforms for Growth, Resilience and Openness Development Policy Operation (REGROW DPO). This initiative […]
Accelerating SOE reforms & maintaining cost-recovery energy pricing are key to minimizing fiscal risks: IMF Staff Mission
Accelerating reforms in state-owned enterprises and ensuring energy prices reflect cost-recovery are essential to reducing fiscal risks, according to the IMF Staff Mission at the conclusion of its visit to Sri Lanka. The mission emphasized that, alongside these measures, authorities should focus on strengthening the targeting and coverage of social safety nets to safeguard vulnerable […]