Category: Lead Story
HIP Sets New Container Throughput Record with MSC Vessel
Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully handled container vessel MSC Marie Leslie, marking one of its highest-volume vessel calls to date. The achievement further strengthens the port’s position as an emerging hub for containerised cargo in the region. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was berthed at HIP from 11 to 15 April 2026. […]
Sri Lanka Receives 2.6 mn USD from Japan for Two New projects to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Gender Equality
The Government of Japan through its Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development journey by announcing two new projects, aimed at fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities and advancing gender equality. These initiatives, together with the Government of Sri Lanka and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development […]
Energy Minister and Secretary Resign Amid Coal Supply Investigation
In a significant development for the energy sector, Minister of Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody, has tendered his resignation from his ministerial post. Simultaneously, Professor K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, has also stepped down. Minister Jayakody stated that his decision was driven by the need to ensure independence and impartiality in upcoming […]
Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka
The Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 19 to 20 April 2026. During this visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan will hold bilateral discussions with President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in a continuation of the recent high-level diplomatic engagements which reinforce the longstanding ties […]
PUCSL Excludes Coal Quality Costs from Tariff Revisions
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that additional costs arising from coal quality will not be factored into future electricity tariff revisions. In its latest decision, the Commission emphasized that only reasonable costs directly related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity will be considered when revising tariffs. PUCSL clarified […]
NDB continues to operate with capital & liquidity levels well above minimum regulatory requirements: CBSL
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says it has been closely monitoring developments at National Development Bank PLC (NDB) following the recent disclosure of an internal fraud. According to CBSL, assessments carried out so far show that NDB continues to operate with capital and liquidity levels well above the minimum regulatory requirements. The incident […]
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 […]
HIP Expands Capacity as Middle East Crisis Drives Surge in Shipping Volumes
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has significantly expanded its operational capacity in response to a sharp surge in global shipping volumes triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, reinforcing its position as a key alternative hub along the East–West shipping corridor. The port has doubled its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard capacity and increased its container […]
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 […]
Hambantota Intl Port Invests USD 108 Mn in New Cranes; Expands Container Terminal Capacity To 2 Mn TEU
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has signed an agreement to invest USD 108 million in new container handling equipment, marking a major expansion of its container terminal capacity and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as an emerging logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. The agreement, signed at a ceremony held at the Hilton Colombo on March […]
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 […]