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Sri Lanka’s Exports Surpass US$ 12 Bn in First Eight Months of 2026
Sri Lanka’s export sector has surpassed the US$ 12 Bn mark during the first eight months of 2026, with total exports reaching US$ 12.01 Bn, an increase of 4.26% compared with US$ 11.52 Bn recorded during the corresponding period of 2025. The growth reflects continued momentum in Sri Lanka’s export performance, with both merchandise and […]
IMF Staff Team Concludes Visit to Sri Lanka
Washington, D.C.: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou visited Sri Lanka during September 10-23, 2026, to discuss (i) recent macroeconomic developments and progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, and (ii) policy recommendations in the context of the 2026 Article IV Consultation. At […]
World Growth Holds Up, but Real Interest Rates Rise: Fitch Ratings
World growth is holding up well in the face of the energy price shock, but real interest rates are rising, Fitch Ratings says in its latest Global Economic Outlook. Fitch has raised its forecast for global GDP growth in 2026 by 0.2pp to 2.6%, down only marginally from 2025 and close to the long-run trend. […]
Fitch Upgrades Sri Lanka to ‘B-‘ from ‘CCC+’; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’. The Outlook is Stable. The upgrade reflects the implementation of macro-stabilization policies, underpinned by structural reforms, which have eased external financing risks and provide a degree of resilience to shocks. This is reflected by sharp improvements in fiscal and external […]
Supreme Court Mandates Referendum for Strict Bail Restrictions Under Anti-Corruption Bill
In a major constitutional determination announced in Parliament today by Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka ruled that key provisions of the proposed Anti-Corruption (Amendment) Bill cannot become law without a two-thirds parliamentary majority and direct approval by the people at a public referendum. The Court’s ruling targets critical judicial, corporate governance, […]
Supreme Court Clears 22nd Amendment Without Referendum, Exempts Incumbent CJ from 6-Year Term Limit
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has determined that the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill and the Judicature Amendment Bill do not violate core constitutional provisions and can proceed to a vote in Parliament without requiring a public referendum, according to an official announcement by the Speaker of Parliament. The Supreme Court ruled […]
Strengthening Ports and Logistics to Drive Sri Lanka’s Export Growth under NEDP 2026–2030
A high-level discussion on the implementation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030 was successfully held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation on 15th September 2026, with a focus on strengthening the contribution of Sri Lanka’s ports and logistics sector to the country’s export growth. The meeting was chaired by Hon. Anura […]
CBSL Governor: Reserve accumulation must be backed by sound fundamentals
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe has said reserve accumulation cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader macroeconomic policy framework, stressing it must be underpinned by sound external sector fundamentals and an economy capable of generating and retaining foreign exchange. Weerasinghe was delivering the keynote address on “Challenges in Building […]
Sri Lanka’s services boom offsets manufacturing slowdown as PMI data shows uneven August recovery
Sri Lanka’s economy sent a mixed but broadly positive signal in August, as new Central Bank data show services activity accelerating sharply even as manufacturing growth lost momentum. The Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services jumped to 65.6 in August from 61.4 in July, marking an acceleration in what was already a strong expansion. The pickup […]
World Bank mobilizes record USD112 Bn in private capital, with lessons for economies like Sri Lanka
The World Bank Group has pulled in more private capital this year than at any point in its history, a shift that carries real relevance for import-reliant, foreign-exchange-constrained economies like Sri Lanka looking to attract investment beyond traditional aid channels. Private capital mobilized by the Group more than tripled over the past four years, climbing […]
HIP Hosts National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop led by MEPA
Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently hosted the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 representatives from key public and private sector organizations to strengthen the district’s preparedness for marine oil spill incidents. Conducted by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in line with Sri Lanka’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the programme […]
VIDEO: Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law, Paving Way For 100% US Tariffs On Buyers Of Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump has signed a new Russia sanctions law that authorises Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, with duties to be levied within 30 days on the top five importers and on new buyers after the law kicks in. The bill targets Russia’s energy […]