Author: LBO
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Southern Cross University brings Bachelor of Business to Sri Lankan students at NSBM Green University
Southern Cross University (SCU), one of Australia’s leading public universities, in partnership with NSBM Green University, is opening doors for Sri Lankan students to earn a globally recognised Australian Bachelor of Business – right here at home. The landmark launch, taking place from 19 to 21 February 2026 at NSBM Green University, brings together the […]
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports grow 5.4-pct in Dec 2025; full-year exports top USD5Bn
Sri Lanka’s exports of apparel and made-up textile articles (HS Chapters 61, 62 and 63) rose to US$447.21 million in December 2025, up 5.43% from US$424.18 million in December 2024, according to industry export statistics. Growth was recorded across the three main destination markets. Exports to the USA increased 6.49% year-on-year to US$178.29 million (from […]
Rising climate risks and poverty in focus at CEPA policy panel today, Open University
The Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA), in collaboration with the Centre for Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development of the Open University of Sri Lanka, will host a high-level policy panel titled “Facing the Future: Environmental Disastersand Poverty in Sri Lanka”on 26 January 2026, from 3.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m., at the Auditorium of the Faculty […]
IFC Invests USD 166 Mn to Support Sri Lankan Businesses & Drive Economic Growth
Reinforcing its longstanding commitment to Sri Lanka’s private sector, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a high-impact investment program of $166 million to support Sri Lankan businesses and accelerate the country’s transition from economic stabilization to sustainable growth. This comprehensive country-level financing package aims to expand financial […]
Land Prices in Outskirts Soar as City Growth Stabilises – LPI 2025
The Sri Lankan land market maintained solid growth in 2025, with Colombo suburbs and Western Province districts emerging as key drivers, according to the latest Land Price Index (LPI) 2025 (updated), published by LankaPropertyWeb (LPW). The 2025 index shows that Colombo 1–15 recorded a 4% year-on-year increase in average land prices per perch, reaching LKR […]