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Sri Lanka’s new poverty line shows why recovery must be measured at household level
Sri Lanka’s official poverty line has been revised to Rs. 17,117 per person per month for April 2026, according to the latest update published by the Department of Census and Statistics. The figure represents the minimum monthly expenditure required by an individual to meet basic needs, and provides an important benchmark for understanding how far […]
SLCGE presents groundbreaking design hub proposal to Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development
On 28th May 2026, a high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) met with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, at his office to formally present a strategic proposal for the establishment of the SLCGE Design Hub. The SLCGE delegation was led by President Nishantha Bakmeege, […]
CSE & Sampath Bank Signs MoU to Strengthen Capital Market Access
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Sampath Bank PLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last month to jointly promote financial literacy, broaden awareness of capital market opportunities, and support businesses in accessing sustainable growth avenues. By leveraging Sampath Bank’s extensive relationship network together with the CSE’s expertise and product offerings, the collaboration seeks […]
EDB and NMRA Unite to Drive Sri Lanka’s Pharmaceutical Export Growth
A special discussion was recently held in Colombo to address barriers hindering Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export sector and to realize its full potential. The meeting brought together the Export Development Board (EDB), the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), and the country’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers for a focused exchange on the way forward. EDB Chairman and […]
EDB Moves to Expand Islandwide Testing and Certification Facilities to Boost Export Competitiveness
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has taken steps to implement a comprehensive plan to expand testing and certification facilities across the island, addressing one of the most significant bottlenecks faced by the country’s export sector. A high-level stakeholder discussion was recently held in Colombo with the participation of government institutions, testing laboratories, certification […]
CSE collaborates with European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility in Driving Sri Lanka’s GSS+ Bond Market
Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance market continues to gain momentum as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) collaborated with the European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France, to advance the country’s growing pipeline of Green, Social, Sustainable and Sustainability-Linked (GSS+) bonds through a series of targeted market-building programmes earlier last month. CSE collaborated with the […]
Sri Lanka to End Duty-Free Vehicle Scheme, Cancel Existing Permits in 2027 Budget
Sri Lanka’s government has pledged to abolish the long-standing duty-free vehicle import scheme for public officials, with the cancellation of existing permits to be formalized in the 2027 Budget. The commitment was outlined in the government’s Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) attached to the IMF Country Report No. 26/111 (May 2026). Under the […]
Joint Statement by the Heads of International Energy Agency, IMF, World Bank Group & WTO
Washington – May 29, 2026: The Heads of the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group and World Trade Organization met on May 28 as part of the high-level coordination group established in April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy, trade, and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East. Following […]
Evolution Auto launched the Xpeng G6 in Sri Lanka marking a new era in premium electric mobility
Evolution Auto Private Limited the authorised distributor for Xpeng in Sri Lanka, officially launched the New Generation Xpeng G6 at its multi brand showroom in Colombo 05 on 22 May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape. The launch event brought together media representatives, industry stakeholders, and invited guests […]
Why Sri Lanka’s SME apparel sector needs a national sustainable industries policy framework
By Nishantha Bakmeege President Sri Lanka chamber garment exporters (SLCGE) A clear national sustainable industries framework is becoming essential if Sri Lanka’s SME apparel manufacturers are to cut carbon, adopt renewable energy and remain competitive in global export supply chains. Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is entering a new phase where export competitiveness will increasingly be […]
Ceylon Chamber Applauds IMF Review Approval, Urges Fuel QR Optimization & Clear Economic Policy Signals
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has commended the Government of Sri Lanka on the successful completion and approval of the 5th and 6th reviews under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility, unlocking around USD 695 million in financing support. The Chamber emphasized that this milestone strengthens confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery amid global uncertainty and […]
Sri Lanka’s Vehicle, Gold Loan Curbs Support Lenders’ Risk Profiles: Fitch Ratings
Sri Lanka’s tighter macroprudential restrictions on vehicle and gold-backed lending will benefit lenders’ risk profiles, particularly those of finance companies, Fitch Ratings says. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s lower loan-to-value (LTV) caps target two products that have expanded rapidly in recent years and represent a substantial share of mainly finance companies’ balance sheets. The […]