News & market updates

Sri Lanka must pivot its export strategy toward India after US tariffs and the EU–India FTA eroded Western market advantages; Sri Lanka exported $1.07bn to India in 2024 versus $4.32bn in imports, and February 2026 exports rose 48% YoY to $264m.

The Sri Lankan rupee has fallen more than 5% so far this year, risking higher inflation and possible monetary tightening that would raise borrowing costs; rising import, fuel and medicine prices threaten household purchasing power and could drag on growth.

Vertex HD Distribution has formally launched operations in Sri Lanka, bringing international brands (Verbatim, Marvo, Microlab, Bestoss, Synomax) to the gaming, storage and computer accessories market. It aims to build a nationwide distribution platform for retailers, resellers and corporate customers with competitive pricing and after-sales support.

Colombo stock market edged down 0.09% to close at 22,899.53 (ASPI down 20.79 pts). Turnover was Rs.2.62bn with foreign investors net selling Rs.116m; top negative contributors included Dialog, Hemas, HNB, LOLC and Colombo Dockyard.

Sri Lanka Customs collected Rs. 1.009 trillion by 12 May 2026, exceeding Treasury targets by Rs. 133.45 billion (115% of cumulative target) as stronger enforcement and trade recovery boosted import-related revenues.

Sri Lanka and the UAE discussed expanding bilateral trade (about $1.5bn) with a focus on ports, maritime and aviation cooperation and a proposed CEPA; Abu Dhabi Ports expressed interest in Port of Colombo and the UAE flagged interest in SriLankan Airlines maintenance opportunities.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Türkiye met the President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to explore trade and investment cooperation aimed at boosting the Türkiye–Sri Lanka bilateral trade target of USD 500 million. They discussed Turkish investment, tourism promotion, air/maritime links and agreed on a virtual B2B session for traders/exporters.

John Keells CG Auto (part of the John Keells group) reached 20,000 BYD vehicle services since last year and has expanded its after-sales network to a combined daily capacity of over 200 vehicles, with 43 fast chargers and a 10,000 sqm spare parts warehouse.

PRASL and the Sri Lanka Press Institute have launched a 12-week Certificate Course in Public Relations & Corporate Communications commencing 23 June 2026, led by 16 industry trainers with twice-weekly evening sessions; registrations are open for a limited inaugural intake.

The Sri Lankan government has launched a fresh investor drive for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, inviting EOIs for airside operations and landside commercial development across cargo, logistics, MRO, industrial parks, renewable energy and hospitality; EOI documents are available until 8 June with a briefing and site visit scheduled for 22 May.

Sri Lanka Expo originally planned for 2026 has been postponed to January 14-17, 2027 because of geopolitical uncertainties affecting trade and travel, the Export Development Board said. The event is expected to host about 750 local exporters and 1,500 international participants, and exhibitor registration is extended to July 31, 2026.

Sri Lanka's Embassy in Türkiye met with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to explore trade and investment cooperation aiming to raise bilateral trade to USD 500 million under the Türkiye–Sri Lanka Joint Economic Cooperation framework. Discussions covered air connectivity, maritime cooperation, tourism and a planned virtual B2B session.

Colombo market ended marginally higher as the ASPI closed up 0.02% at 23,015.32 with turnover near Rs.3.7bn and foreign net outflows of Rs.361.3m; MELS.N0000, RIL.N0000, CIC.N0000, BUKI.N0000 and CARG.N0000 were among the leading positive contributors. Investors stayed cautious amid escalating US‑Iran tensions and rising oil prices.

Sri Lanka Expo 2026 has been rescheduled to 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH in Colombo. The EDB expects about 750 local exporters and 1,500 international participants and has extended exhibitor registration to 31 July 2026, citing geopolitical uncertainties.

Vietnam President To Lam made a four-day state visit to China and rode China's high-speed rail, including a 2,400 km Beijing–Nanjing trip, highlighting plans for China-assisted high-speed rail in Vietnam. The article urges Sri Lanka to use BRI technical know‑how to rebuild and modernize its rail network to boost connectivity.

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation has launched an EOI drive (27 Apr–8 Jun 2026) to attract local and foreign investors to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport for airside and landside opportunities covering cargo, MRO, logistics, industrial parks, renewable energy and resort/hospitality projects.

Sri Lanka will introduce extended producer responsibility in amendments to the Environmental Act, legally requiring producers to collect and recycle a set portion of plastic packaging (example: 40%), with a three-year grace period to build infrastructure and fines for non-compliance.

Ports Minister Anura Karunathilaka denied that the government has decided to privatise the East Container Terminal, saying it is open to investment proposals but no formal policy or Cabinet discussion has taken place. He added any strategic decision would be discussed with port workers, unions and stakeholders.

Emirates will hold recruitment roadshows in Colombo on 19–20 May to hire experienced aircraft technicians; candidates must pre-register and typically need an approved aircraft maintenance apprenticeship and at least 5 years' experience.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed marginally higher, ASPI up 0.02% at 23,015.32 with turnover of Rs.3.66 billion. Real estate and transportation led turnover (Rs.495.2m and Rs.485.2m) and Abans Finance listed Rs.1.34bn five-year debentures; its shares rose 3.47%.

Sri Lankan Australian business networks — exemplified by Arjuna (Arj) Samarakoon — are helping connect Australia, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, supporting market entry, trade and investment, illustrated by his meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

ShowLab Studio opened Sri Lanka’s first purpose-built previsualisation, lighting programming and show integration facility to design, program and test entire live productions before venue entry. The studio uses industry-standard tools (grandMA3, 3D real-time visualiser, LED/projection simulation, timecode) to reduce rehearsal time, cost and technical risk.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board has rescheduled Sri Lanka Expo to 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH citing geopolitical uncertainty. The event is expected to host about 750 local exporters and 1,500 international participants across apparel, tea, ICT, pharma, renewable energy and other sectors.

Arthur Carmazzi will hold a full-day 'Reset the Brain' workshop on 19 June at the Monarch Imperial; registration is Rs. 30,000 and participants receive a free Colored Brain assessment and Ocean Culture Diagnostics (combined value $2,841).

John Keells Holdings chair Krishan Balendra will lead a 19-member Sri Lankan corporate delegation to Mumbai for the India–Sri Lanka Business Forum on 13 May to engage Indian counterparts on trade, investment and partnerships. Sri Lanka and India have also discussed a proposed $450m post-conflict reconstruction package.

Colombo market closed lower as the ASPI fell 0.23% to 23,011.72 despite net foreign inflows of Rs. 597.5m; banking sector led turnover with large SEYB crossings and gains, while COMB, CINS, DFCC and Colombo Dockyard were among top negative contributors.

Colombo Port handled 761,096 TEUs in April 2026, a 22% year-on-year rise, with Jan–Apr throughput up 13.9% to 2,915,004 TEUs. The SLPA plans to invite EOIs this year for Phase II of the West Container Terminal to add over 3m TEU capacity, and an ADB-funded National Port Master Plan is due within a year.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower: ASPI -0.23% to 23,011.72 and S&P SL20 -0.30%, with turnover Rs.4.92bn and banks leading at Rs.3.04bn. Movers included Melstacorp, Hemas and CDB up while Ceylinco Insurance, Commercial Bank, DFCC and Colombo Dockyard fell; Laugfs Power commissioned a 2MW mini-hydro and ACME proposed a capital reduction (EGM Jun 11).

RIUNIT hosted 'Driving Growth Through Real Estate: 10 Year Plan' at the Port City Sales Gallery on 5 May 2026 to launch a decade-long roadmap to attract international real estate investment. The forum, sponsored/attended by major developers including Prime Group and RIL Properties, focused on Port City, affordability and sector synergies.

Hapag-Lloyd Lanka, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence PLC, won two Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Customer Service Awards for the Europe and Mediterranean trades. The unit cited CRM implementation and extended working hours as drivers of improved customer engagement and operational performance.