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Central Bank raises policy rate 100bps to 8.75% as inflation jumps to 5.4%
Sri Lanka's Central Bank raised the Overnight Policy Rate 100 basis points to 8.75%, citing faster inflation, stronger credit and pressure on the rupee.
Business
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Business
Ex-CBSL chief Coomaraswamy: rupee pressure an external shock, not a 2022 repeat
Former CBSL Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy says the rupee's slide reflects external shocks and market overreaction — not a repeat of the 2022 crisis.
Business
CPC says no fuel shortage; US and UAE crude ships due within days
CPC says there is no fuel shortage, with two crude ships from the US and UAE due within days; it blamed station queues on false rumours of a price hike.
Business
Colombo Stocks Close Lower as Rate Hike Weighs; Turnover Rs.4.92bn
Colombo stocks fell 0.85% to 22,175.14 as markets digested the Central Bank's 100bps rate hike; turnover surged to Rs.4.92bn on insurance crossings.
Business
SME body CUBA asks President to temporarily ban non-essential imports
The Ceylon United Business Alliance has urged President Dissanayake to temporarily ban non-essential imports to protect dollar reserves and local industry.
Business
Customs Using Rs. 351.17 Dollar Rate Despite Lower Market Rate, Warns Free Lawyers
Free Lawyers warn Customs applies a gazetted Rs.351.17 per dollar rate for May 25-29, above the CBSL market rate, inflating import duties and consumer prices.
Business
Dialog Axiata overtakes John Keells as Sri Lanka's most valuable listed company
Dialog Axiata has overtaken John Keells Holdings to become the Colombo bourse's most valuable listed company, regaining the top spot after 11 years.
Business
Sugar tax and traffic-light labels fall short for low-income consumers: IPS
An IPS study finds Sri Lanka's sugar tax and traffic-light labels are losing traction with low-income consumers, blunting their health goals.
Business
Cabinet Approves Sale of 115,000 MT Paddy Marketing Board Stocks
Cabinet approves the tender sale of about 115,000 tonnes of Paddy Marketing Board stocks to free warehouse space and raise funds ahead of the Yala harvest.
Business
Rupee firms to 324.00/325.50 as bond yields jump after rate hike
Sri Lanka's rupee firmed to 324.00/325.50 against the dollar as Treasury bond yields rose across maturities after the Central Bank's surprise rate hike.
Business
Sampath Bank first in Sri Lanka to offer integrated PayPal withdrawals
Sampath Bank says it is the first Sri Lankan bank to let customers link PayPal and withdraw funds in rupees or dollars, targeting freelancers and exporters.
Business
Banks' Association Assures Sector Stable, Deposits Secure Amid Fraud Reports
The Banks' Association says Sri Lanka's banking sector is stable and deposits secure, with recent fraud incidents addressed without threatening customer funds.
Business
Treasury Bill Yields Jump After Rate Hike; 12-Month Rate Hits 8.83%
Treasury bill yields jumped at Tuesday's auction after the Central Bank's 100bps rate hike, with the 12-month rate at 8.83% and Rs.95.55bn of Rs.140bn sold.
Business
Central Bank warns against misleading claims on money printing and exchange rates
The Central Bank warned against misleading public statements on money printing, money supply and exchange rates, urging reliance on technical experts.
Business
Colombo stocks close 1.98% higher as rupee stabilisation lifts confidence
Sri Lanka's ASPI rose 1.98% to 22,364.77 on Monday on rupee stabilisation, with Dialog Axiata leading gains and market turnover of Rs. 2.43 billion.
Business
EPF Discloses Less Than Banks and Listed Firms, Verité Research Warns
Verité Research finds Sri Lanka's EPF discloses less than listed firms, banks and unit trusts, faulting CBSL for weak transparency at the pension fund.
Business
Hemas Holdings Q1 Profit Rises 17.6% to Rs.3.03bn on Healthcare, Consumer Growth
Hemas Holdings' net profit rose 17.6% to Rs.3.03bn in the March 2026 quarter on healthcare and consumer growth; the board declared a Rs.0.75 final dividend.
Business
Oil Slides to Two-Week Low as US-Iran Peace Deal Appears Closer
Brent crude fell 4.5% to $98.83 as US-Iran peace deal optimism eases Hormuz pressure, though analysts warn oil flows could take months to normalise.
Business
Rupee firms further on Monday as BMI forecasts Rs.320 rebound by end-2026
Bank dollar selling rates fell as low as Rs.330 on Monday, while BMI (Fitch Solutions) forecast a rupee recovery to Rs.320 against the dollar by end-2026.
Business
Sri Lanka services exports fall 6.13% in April as financial services surge 119%
Sri Lanka's services exports fell 6.13% to USD 317.16 million in April, dragged by transport and construction, even as financial services jumped 119%.
Business
Sri Lanka exports reach $5.78 billion in first four months of 2026
Sri Lanka's exports rose 4.3% to $5.78 billion in January–April, the EDB says, as electronics and food gains offset falling apparel and tea earnings.
Business
Sri Lanka merchandise exports rise 9.87% to $1.06bn in April 2026 as China surges
Sri Lanka's merchandise exports grew 9.87% year-on-year to $1.06 billion in April 2026, with China up 24% and India overtaking the UK year-to-date.
Business
Sri Lanka nears one million tourist arrivals for 2026 with 990,032 so far
Sri Lanka has logged 990,032 tourist arrivals in 2026, nearing the one-million mark, with 113,755 visitors in the first 24 days of May, SLTDA data shows.
Business
Vehicle importers warn of price hikes after Central Bank cuts leasing limits
Vehicle importers warn prices will rise after the Central Bank cut loan-to-value caps, urging relief for vehicles already imported or under open LCs.