Category: Economy and Markets
RIUNIT apartment market analysis: Colombo 5 shines
When conducting the latest analysis of real estate data (Q3 2025), one of the most positive observations that can be made is with respect to the recovery of the apartment market prices in Colombo measured in USD. Whilst average apartment prices, measured in LKR continued to witness an upward incline, even during COVID and the […]
EDB “Trade Facilitation Task Force” Convenes to Enhance Export Efficiency
As a strategic step towards developing a mechanism to address challenges in the export value chain, the Export Development Board (EDB) has established a Trade Facilitation Task Force, which held its second networking session today (October 14) at the Export Development Board. The event was attended by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer […]
LMD 100 recognises Hayleys as Sri Lanka’s leading listed corporate for 2024/25
Tops ‘Sri Lanka’s version of the Fortune 500’ for the 10th time Contribution of 5.4% to national export income in 2024-25 ‘AAA (lka)’ National Long-Term (with a stable outlook) by Fitch Ratings for 2025 Hayleys PLC has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s leading listed corporate in the 32nd edition of the […]
Opinion: A safer digital space for Sri Lankan young minds to learn, explore and create
By Ferdous Mottakin, Head of Public Policy & Government Relations for SouthAsia at TikTok When I think about the potential of digital platforms, I don’t see them as just platforms for trends or entertainment. I see them as potential bridges for connecting young minds with each other to share ideas, knowledge, and opportunities. In Sri […]
IMF Staff Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fifth Review Under SL’s EFF Arrangement
IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the Fifth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. Once the review is approved by the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to about US$347 million in financing. The economic reforms […]
Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery Remains Incomplete as Key Challenges Remain, says World Bank
Sri Lanka’s recent economic performance has been strong. Despite this, the recovery remains incomplete, with growth still below pre-crisis levels and poverty significantly elevated. Strengthening the recovery will require continued macroeconomic stability, urgent structural reforms, and more efficient, better-targeted public spending, says the World Bank. Released today, the latest Sri Lanka Development Update, Better Spending for […]
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FitchRatings has affirmed Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘CCC+’. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below. A full list of rating actions is at the end of this Rating Action Commentary. Key Rating Drivers Ratings Affirmed: Sri Lanka’s ‘CCC+’ sovereign rating remains constrained by […]
CA Sri Lanka submits comprehensive National Budget 2026 proposals
In a significant move underscoring its commitment to national fiscal stability and economic growth, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) formally presented its strategic proposals for the forthcoming National Budget 2026 to the Government. The proposal was made to Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, further solidifying […]
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Fitch Ratings has assigned Sri Lanka-based Hayleys Fentons Limited (HFL) a National Long-Term Rating of A+(lka). The Outlook is Stable. The rating reflects HFL’s leading market share in domestic rooftop solar panel sales and installation, which drove cash flow in the financial year ending March 2025 (FY25), alongside slowing growth amid regulatory risks. Diversification into […]
JAAF stresses need for proven VAT refund system to safeguard export stability post-SVAT
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) today reaffirmed its commitment to working with government authorities as Sri Lanka prepares to remove the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme on 1st October. While emphasising that the removal of SVAT is now inevitable, JAAF noted that the industry has been in continuous dialogue with policymakers on the […]
Colombo Stock Exchange revises Transaction Fees for Corporate Debt Securities
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announced a revision to the transaction fees applicable to Corporate Debt Securities traded on its Automated Trading System (ATS) following approval from the Department of Fiscal Policy of the Ministry of Finance. The approval, conveyed through the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), allows for a reduction in […]
Sri Lanka’s Export Earnings hit USD 11.6 Bn in January–August 2025
Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and steady growth during the first eight months of 2025, recording total earnings of US$ 11,554.32 Mn. This reflects a strong 6.61% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024. In August 2025 alone, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services reached to US$ 1,607.58 Mn, recording […]