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Fitch Publishes ‘AAA(lka)’ Rating on Hayleys’ Proposed Debentures
Fitch Ratings has published the National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA(lka)’ assigned to Hayleys PLC’s proposed unsecured senior redeemable debentures of up to LKR7 billion. The debentures are rated in line with Hayleys’ National Long-Term Rating and existing unsecured notes. This is because subordination risk to debenture holders from debt at subsidiaries is limited, provided the […]
Sri Lanka apparel exports ease in January while UK market remains stable
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined by 2.66% year-on-year in January 2026, falling to US$ 425.44 million from US$ 437.07 million in January 2025, reflecting continued pressure across key export markets. Exports to the US fell by 2.73% to US$ 165.11 million, while exports to the EU (excluding the UK) declined by 1.93% to US$ 126.99 […]
US ETR Falls to 9.4% as Blanket 10% Tariff Replaces IEEPA Levies: Fitch Ratings
The 10% blanket reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. on most trading partners lowers the U.S. effective tariff rate (ETR) to 9.4% from 12.7%, Fitch Ratings says. If the Trump administration imposes a 15% levy, the U.S. ETR would rise to 11.3%. President Trump acted swiftly to reinstate tariffs following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling […]
AIDAdiva Makes Maiden Call at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed the cruise vessel AIDAdiva on 12 February 2026, marking the ship’s first call at the southern port and the second visit by AIDA Cruises to Hambantota. The 251.89-metre, Italian-flagged vessel, built in 2007 and registered in Genoa, arrived from Thailand carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and 620 crew. The majority of […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s FDI dilemma as profit repatriations surge
By Indika Hettiarachchi indika.h@jupitercapitalpartners.com Recently the head of the Board of Investment (BOI), the apex body in charge of promoting FDI in the country reportedly resigned. It was also reported the outgoing head of BOI saying “Without concessions, Sri Lanka needs hard reforms to attract FDI”. These developments suggest emerging challenges in attracting FDI as […]
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 […]
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s SSB Regulations: Addressing the Rise of Non-Sugar Sweeteners
By Priyanka Jayawardena, Research Economist, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for nearly 75% of all deaths, have emerged as a major health challenge in Sri Lanka over the past few decades. Unhealthy dietary patterns – including excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fats – continue to play a […]
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. […]
Pine Labs expands its footprint by deploying an API-first Card Issuing & Processing Platform for PABC
One of Sri Lanka’s largest listed entities, the Pan Asia Banking Corporation (PABC) and global fintech platform Pine Labs have today announced a partnership that will see the fintech major implementing an end-to-end card management platform for the bank. Under this partnership, Pine Labs will deploy a full-stack Credit Card Management System for Pan Asia […]
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 […]
ComBank to boost WSME, Agri SME financing with IFC’s USD 60 Mn Risk Sharing Facility
Reinforcing its position as Sri Lanka’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to significantly expand the Bank’s capacity to lend SMEs nationwide. Under this partnership, IFC will provide risk cover for a US$60 […]
Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry donates Rs. 50 million to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund
The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) today announced a Rs. 50 million donation to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support national recovery efforts following the recent disaster. The financial contribution was formally presented by the SLCPI Executive Committee to the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, […]