Category: Economy and Markets
Relief Measures to Assist Businesses affected by Recent Disasters by Banks
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in view of the adverse effects of the recent cyclonic and flood disasters, having considered the proposals of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Ltd. (SLBA) and the need to grant effective relief to those affected without unduly compromising financial system stability, issued the Circular No. 04 of […]
IMF Considers USD 200 Mn Emergency Aid for Cyclone-Hit Sri Lanka
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Evan Papageorgiou, issued a statement today addressing the impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the resulting financial request from the Sri Lankan government. He began by extending the IMF’s sympathies to the population profoundly affected by the natural disaster: “In the wake of the devastating impact and […]
‘s Recovery After Cyclone Devastation
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is actively investigating options to further support Sri Lanka in the recovery process following the devastating cyclone and widespread flooding. This commitment comes as the IMF continues to back Sri Lanka’s reform efforts under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. The IMF’s Director of Communications, Julie Kozack, conveyed the institution’s […]
Sri Lanka economic summit opened with focus on recovery and resilience after cyclone Ditwah
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce opened the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit on Tuesday with a renewed sense of purpose, reframing the annual event as a platform for national recovery following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Addressing more than 800 delegates, including over 100 overseas investors, the Chamber’s Chairperson, Krishan Balendra began by […]
Ceylon Chamber affirms support for National recovery efforts following cyclone Ditwah
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, and our thoughts are with all individuals, families, and communities affected by this tragedy. We mourn the loss of lives and acknowledge the immense hardship endured by thousands who have been displaced and whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted. In […]
Evolution Auto brings multi-brand electric vehicle showroom to Kurunegala
Evolution Auto, a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s electric mobility sector, has officially opened its multi-brand electric vehicle (EV) showroom in Kurunegala, in collaboration with New Jayasekara Auto Motors (Pvt) Ltd. The new showroom offers customers a chance to explore, test drive, and purchase a wide range of electric vehicles, making eco-friendly transportation more accessible than […]
Central Bank keeps Overnight Policy Rate unchanged
The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at the current level of 7.75%. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering evolving developments and the outlook on both domestic and global fronts. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance […]
Sri Lanka’s Export Earnings Exceed USD 14.4 Bn Mark in First Ten Months of 2025
Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a significant 6.0 % growth during the period from January to October 2025. According to data released by Sri Lanka Customs, along with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, total exports reached US$ 14,433.82 Mn, surpassing the performance of the corresponding […]
SEC Issues Urgent Scam Alert: Blue Ocean Securities Unlicensed and Unauthorized to Trade
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has issued an urgent warning to the public, stating that Blue Ocean Securities Ltd is not licensed by the SEC and has no authority to trade in securities in Sri Lanka on behalf of investors. The SEC further revealed that the company’s Chief Analyst and assistant […]
‘s &’s National Ratings on Rating Watch Positive on Proposed Acquisition
Fitch Ratings has placed Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka’s (HDFC) National Rating of ‘BB+(lka)’ and State Mortgage & Investment Bank’s (SMIB) National Rating of ‘BB(lka)’ on Rating Watch Positive (RWP). HDFC’s rating was previously on a Negative Outlook. Key Rating Drivers Acquisition on the Cards: The rating action follows the announcement by the […]
‘s 47-pct y-o-y increase in Group PAT, reaching Rs.34.7Bn
Sustaining its upward momentum, HNB delivered strong results in the first nine months of Group PAT reached Rs 34.7 Bn, marking a 47% YoY increase, while the Bank’s PAT grew by 42% YoY to Rs 31.5 Bn. Commenting on the performance, Mr. Nihal Jayawardena, Chairman of HNB PLC stated, “The period under review has been […]
Strategic report to CTC – South Asia’s first “quit like Sweden” anti-tobacco roundtable
On 11 November 2025, Colombo hosted a major roundtable on tobacco harm reduction, organized by Quit Like Sweden, a UK-based international non-profit platform. The event brought together experts from around the world to examine Sweden’s successful tobacco harm reduction model and discuss how elements of this approach could be adapted in South Asia, including Sri […]