Category: South Asia
Cabinet Approves Bilateral MoU Between Sri Lanka and China on Immigration Control Cooperation
The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to enter into a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on immigration control cooperation between the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka and the National Immigration Administration of the People’s Republic of China, subject to confirmation at the next cabinet meeting. The proposed agreement aims to establish […]
Sri Lanka Extends US$ 1 Million Humanitarian Assistance to Nepal
In a demonstration of Sri Lanka’s solidarity with the people of Nepal following the devastating floods and landslides that have caused loss of life, displacement and widespread destruction, President Anura Kumara Disanayaka has directed the Government to provide a financial contribution of US$ 1 million to Nepal to support its ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts. […]
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce & Maldives Business Chamber Sign MOU to Expand Bilateral Business Opportunities
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Maldives Business Chamber have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will create new opportunities for businesses in Sri Lanka and the Maldives to expand trade, investment, and commercial partnerships. The signing took place in the presence of Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security […]
Sri Lanka Business Delegation to India: Strengthens Bilateral Trade and Opens New Opportunities for Gem & Jewellery Sector
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, is organizing a Sri Lankan Business Delegation to India from 8th to 13th August 2026, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations and expanding opportunities for […]
VIDEO: Are Sri Lankans now richer than Indians? Here’s what the World Bank says
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. So why is it still a lower-middle-income country while Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines have moved up? In this video, we explain how the World Bank classifies countries, why per capita income matters more than the size of the economy, and what India needs to […]
Oil Market Will Return to Oversupply Once Hormuz Reopens: Fitch Ratings
The Hormuz strait closure created a logistical supply shock but does not alter the direction of the market, Fitch Ratings says in a new report. A rapid production recovery in the region, strong non-OPEC growth and potentially more aggressive OPEC policy are likely to re-establish oversupply in 4Q26 and drive prices lower once the strait […]
Bangladesh Authorities’ Request for a New IMF-supported Program
Ivo Krznar, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Bangladesh issued the following statement: “The Bangladeshi authorities have requested a new IMF financial arrangement to support their economic reform program. IMF staff are engaging with the authorities on their reform agenda and policy priorities as part of the Fund’s consideration of possible next steps. “Bangladesh’s […]
Fitch Upgrades Maldives to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Maldives’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘CC’. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this Rating Action Commentary. The rating upgrade reflects Fitch’s assessment that default risks […]
Ceylon Chamber Leads High-Level Corporate Delegation to India for India–Sri Lanka Business Forum
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will lead a senior corporate delegation to Mumbai for the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum on 13 May 2026, held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The delegation brings together the leadership of some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent companies, representing a broad cross-section of the economy. Participants […]
Assembly Election 2026 Results: Winners, Losers And India’s Political Reset Explained
Election 2026 results are reshaping India’s political map. From Vijay’s historic surge in Tamil Nadu to BJP’s expanding national footprint, Mamata Banerjee’s setback in Bengal, and leadership shifts in Kerala and Assam, this election signals disruption at every level. Who rose, who fell, and what comes next?
Emerging Asia Could Face Increased Food-Cost Pressures: Fitch Ratings
Emerging markets in Asia would see rising cost pressure across agribusiness and food supply chains if a prolonged US-Iran war pushes fertiliser supply disruption deeper into the planting season, Fitch Ratings says. For these sectors, reduced fertiliser availability and higher prices would raise production costs, discourage application rates and weaken crop yields, which would lead […]
Vice President of India visits Sri Lanka to strengthen bilateral ties
The Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 19 to 20 April 2026. The visit took place in the backdrop of intensified high-level engagement between the two countries, including the visit of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka to India in December 2024, the visit of Prime Minister […]