China Extends Suspension of 24% Additional Tariff on US Goods for Two Months

Nov 9, 2026 5 days ago 1 min read
China Extends Suspension of 24% Additional Tariff on US Goods for Two Months

BEIJING, November 9, 2026 — China will extend the suspension of an additional 24% tariff on imports from the United States for another two months…

Sri Lanka’s Remittances Reach US$735.6 Million in October; Ten-Month Inflows Top US$7.6 Billion

Nov 9, 2026 6 days ago 2 min read
Sri Lanka’s Remittances Reach US$735.6 Million in October; Ten-Month Inflows Top US$7.6 Billion

OLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s workers’ remittances reached US$735.6 million in October, increasing 3.31% year-on-year and lifting cumulative inflows for the first ten…

Fitch Upgrades Commercial Bank to ‘AA(lka)’ Following National Rating Scale Recalibration

Nov 9, 2026 6 days ago 3 min read
Fitch Upgrades Commercial Bank to ‘AA(lka)’ Following National Rating Scale Recalibration

COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — Fitch Ratings has upgraded Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘AA(lka)’ from ‘AA-(lka)’, effective October 30, 2026,…

JAAF Backs Fresh GSP+ Application to Protect Sri Lanka’s EU Market Access

Nov 9, 2026 6 days ago 2 min read
JAAF Backs Fresh GSP+ Application to Protect Sri Lanka’s EU Market Access

COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to submit a fresh application for the European Union’s…

Higher Wages, Lower Living Standards: Sri Lanka’s Real Take-Home Pay, 2017–2026

Nov 8, 2026 6 days ago 4 min read
Higher Wages, Lower Living Standards: Sri Lanka’s Real Take-Home Pay, 2017–2026

COLOMBO, November 8, 2026 — Formal-sector gross wages, on the EPF-based index, rose 131.8% between January 2017 and March 2026, ahead of the 114.9% rise…

BIZ BREAKING

Lanka IOC and Sinopec Raise Octane 95 Petrol Prices by Rs. 20 to Rs. 495

Oct 26, 2026 3 weeks ago 1 min read
Lanka IOC and Sinopec Raise Octane 95 Petrol Prices by Rs. 20 to Rs. 495

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — Lanka IOC and Sinopec have increased their Octane 95 petrol prices by Rs. 20 per litre, bringing the revised selling price at both operators’ filling stations to Rs. 495. Lanka IOC’s increase took effect at…

Brent Crude Hits Five-Month High of US$113.17 as Houthi Attacks Raise Supply Fears

Oct 23, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Brent Crude Hits Five-Month High of US$113.17 as Houthi Attacks Raise Supply Fears

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Global oil prices rose sharply on Thursday, with Brent crude reaching a five-month closing high as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia heightened concerns over further disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. Brent crude futures gained…

ADB Approves US$100 Million to Expand Livelihood Support and Social Protection in Sri Lanka

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
ADB Approves US$100 Million to Expand Livelihood Support and Social Protection in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, October 22, 2026 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US$100 million in financing to strengthen Sri Lanka’s social protection system, expand economic opportunities for low-income households and improve care services for the elderly. The financing comprises a…

Sri Lanka’s Tea Export Earnings Top US$1 Billion as Rupee Revenue Rises Despite Dollar Decline

Oct 21, 2026 3 weeks ago 3 min read
Sri Lanka’s Tea Export Earnings Top US$1 Billion as Rupee Revenue Rises Despite Dollar Decline

COLOMBO, October 21, 2026 — Sri Lanka earned approximately US$1.083 billion from tea exports during the first nine months of 2026, crossing the billion-dollar mark despite lower shipment volumes and a decline from the US$1.163 billion recorded a year earlier.…

BUSINESS

IMF Technology Chief Urges Strong Governance and Public Trust in AI-Driven Central Banking

Oct 28, 2026 2 weeks ago 2 min read
IMF Technology Chief Urges Strong Governance and Public Trust in AI-Driven Central Banking

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — Central banks adopting artificial intelligence must prioritise public trust, strong governance and human oversight, IMF Chief Information Officer Shirin Hamid…

LAUGFS Gas Explores Investment and Potential Stake Sale in Hambantota LPG Terminal

Oct 27, 2026 3 weeks ago 1 min read
LAUGFS Gas Explores Investment and Potential Stake Sale in Hambantota LPG Terminal

COLOMBO, October 27, 2026 — LAUGFS Gas PLC is exploring strategic options for its wholly owned subsidiary, LAUGFS Terminals Limited, including commercial partnerships, external investment…

Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Firms Explore Export and Technology Partnerships at CPHI Milan

Oct 26, 2026 3 weeks ago 3 min read
Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Firms Explore Export and Technology Partnerships at CPHI Milan

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — Five Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers participated in an exposure visit to CPHI Worldwide 2026 in Milan, seeking export opportunities, technology…

Sri Lankan Firms Explore Maldives Hospitality Market at Hotel Asia 2026

Oct 24, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Sri Lankan Firms Explore Maldives Hospitality Market at Hotel Asia 2026

COLOMBO, October 24, 2026 — Sri Lankan companies showcased hospitality products and services at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives, seeking new buyers, business partnerships…

ECONOMY

IRD Sets November 30 Deadline for 2025/2026 Income Tax Returns

Oct 15, 2026 1 month ago 2 min read
IRD Sets November 30 Deadline for 2025/2026 Income Tax Returns

COLOMBO, October 15, 2026 — The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reminded individuals registered for income tax to submit their income tax returns for the…

Sri Lanka Courts Investors With Renewable Energy, Port Expansion and Rs. 2 Trillion Capital Spending Plan

Oct 14, 2026 1 month ago 7 min read
Sri Lanka Courts Investors With Renewable Energy, Port Expansion and Rs. 2 Trillion Capital Spending Plan

COLOMBO, October 14, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined an investment-led economic strategy centred on renewable energy, port infrastructure, rural enterprise development and…

MF Projects Sri Lanka’s Economic Growth to Moderate to 3.7% in 2027

Oct 13, 2026 1 month ago 3 min read
MF Projects Sri Lanka’s Economic Growth to Moderate to 3.7% in 2027

COLOMBO, October 13, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s economic growth is projected to ease to 3.7% in 2027 from an estimated 4% in 2026, according to…

President to Open Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026 as Focus Shifts to Growth and Investment

Oct 12, 2026 1 month ago 4 min read
President to Open Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026 as Focus Shifts to Growth and Investment

COLOMBO, October 12, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to inaugurate the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 today at Shangri-La Colombo,…

MARKETS

CSE Closes Higher as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Lead Gains; Weekly Indices Remain Lower

Oct 17, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
CSE Closes Higher as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Lead Gains; Weekly Indices Remain Lower

COLOMBO, October 17, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market ended the week on a positive note, with gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries…

CSE Indices Close Higher as Turnover Exceeds Rs. 1.5 Billion

Oct 16, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
CSE Indices Close Higher as Turnover Exceeds Rs. 1.5 Billion

COLOMBO, October 16, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the session on a positive note, with both the All Share Price Index (ASPI)…

CSE Closes in Red as Dialog Axiata and Key Counters Weigh on Indices

Oct 15, 2026 1 month ago 2 min read
CSE Closes in Red as Dialog Axiata and Key Counters Weigh on Indices

COLOMBO, October 15, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the trading session in negative territory, with declines in Dialog Axiata, Carson Cumberbatch and…

CSE Extends Losses as Dialog, Commercial Bank and HNB Weigh on Indices

Oct 14, 2026 1 month ago 2 min read
CSE Extends Losses as Dialog, Commercial Bank and HNB Weigh on Indices

COLOMBO, October 14, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market closed lower, with losses in heavyweight counters including Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank and Hatton National Bank…

NATION

Hambantota Port Targets Two Million TEU Capacity as Suez Return Opens New Opportunities

Oct 23, 2026 3 weeks ago 4 min read
Hambantota Port Targets Two Million TEU Capacity as Suez Return Opens New Opportunities

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Hambantota International Port is preparing to increase its annual container handling capacity to two million TEUs in the first quarter…

Rain to Continue Across Sri Lanka on October 23; Southwest Wet Weather Expected Until October 27

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Rain to Continue Across Sri Lanka on October 23; Southwest Wet Weather Expected Until October 27

COLOMBO, October 22, 2026 — Rain is expected across Sri Lanka throughout October 23, while wet weather in the southwestern parts of the country is…

PUCSL Approves Power Cuts Across Four Groups for October 21

Oct 21, 2026 3 weeks ago 1 min read
PUCSL Approves Power Cuts Across Four Groups for October 21

COLOMBO, October 21, 2026 — Scheduled power interruptions will affect four electricity supply groups in Sri Lanka today as part of measures to manage electricity…

China Merchants’ Exit from US$392 Million Colombo Logistics Project Raises Investment Concerns

Oct 20, 2026 4 weeks ago 4 min read
China Merchants’ Exit from US$392 Million Colombo Logistics Project Raises Investment Concerns

COLOMBO, October 20, 2026 — China Merchants Port Holdings’ withdrawal from a US$392 million logistics development at the Port of Colombo has raised concerns over…

world

Trump Says US Is Not Negotiating with Iran, Signals Developments ‘Fairly Soon’

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Trump Says US Is Not Negotiating with Iran, Signals Developments ‘Fairly Soon’

WASHINGTON, October 22, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said Washington is not negotiating with Iran and indicated that developments could come soon, as uncertainty…

China’s Third-Quarter Growth Reaches 4.5%, Narrowly Beating Forecasts

Oct 20, 2026 4 weeks ago 4 min read
China’s Third-Quarter Growth Reaches 4.5%, Narrowly Beating Forecasts

BEIJING, October 20, 2026 — China’s economy expanded by 4.5% in the third quarter, slightly exceeding market expectations as strong exports helped offset weak domestic…

Trump to Take Up to 60 Days to Review Russia Sanctions, Rubio Says

Oct 18, 2026 4 weeks ago 4 min read
Trump to Take Up to 60 Days to Review Russia Sanctions, Rubio Says

WASHINGTON, October 18, 2026 — US President Donald Trump will take up to 60 days to assess the economic implications of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs…

Oil Prices Hit $110 a Barrel as Middle East Tensions Raise Supply Concerns

Oct 17, 2026 4 weeks ago 5 min read
Oil Prices Hit $110 a Barrel as Middle East Tensions Raise Supply Concerns

LONDON, October 17, 2026 — Global oil prices have climbed to their highest levels in months, with Brent crude touching $110 a barrel for the…