News & market updates

A 31-member FIEO-led Indian business delegation visited Sri Lanka (8–10 July 2026) to explore trade and B2B partnerships across pharmaceuticals, engineering, apparel, food/agriculture and infrastructure. Bilateral merchandise trade reached about $7.2bn in 2025–26 and Sri Lanka's exports to India rose nearly 160% over five years.

TruRout launched Sri Lanka's first zero-commission ride-hailing platform with a subscription model (daily fees: Rs.250 three‑wheelers; Rs.350 cars; Rs.400 SUVs; Rs.500 vans/lorries) allowing drivers to keep 100% of cash-ride earnings. The app also offers transparent fares with no surge, an integrated zero-commission cargo service (TruMove), and referral/loyalty incentives.

The Ceylon Chamber's Commercial Documents Registration Division has introduced a Free Sale Letter for pharmaceuticals to help Sri Lankan pharma manufacturers and exporters meet export certification and compliance requirements. Its 24/7 e-service platform also certifies Certificates of Origin and other export documents for exporters, freight forwarders and logistics providers.

A 31-member delegation led by India's FIEO visited Sri Lanka (July 8–10) to explore new bilateral trade and investment opportunities and formally exchanged an MoU with the National Chamber of Exporters to boost institutional cooperation. Delegates covered pharmaceuticals, engineering, apparel, food/agriculture and infrastructure.

Colombo West International Terminal received two ship-to-shore electric cranes and seven cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes as part of its Phase 2 expansion to boost capacity and automation. CWIT — a ~USD800m PPP including John Keells Holdings — handled 1 million TEUs in its first year.

Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) is in talks to acquire a significant stake in Hambantota International Port (CMPort 85%, SLPA 15%) and has begun switching transshipment calls to Hambantota. The port's box capacity is set to double to 2 million TEUs by year-end after recent investment.

Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) is in talks to acquire a significant stake in Hambantota International Port, currently 85% owned by China Merchants Port and 15% by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority; no financial terms, stake size or timeline were disclosed.

Colombo Port City Economic Commission will invite RFPs for an international university, hospital and school as it shifts from real estate to building institutional foundations; the Commission permits transactions in 14 foreign currencies under a dollarised regime and flags IT talent shortages constraining investment.

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance approved a Customs Ordinance resolution and two EDB orders to implement a National Tariff Policy that will reset import duty bands to 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% from 1 April 2026. The reforms include cutting effective ceramic-tile import taxes to 20% by 2029, phasing out para-tariffs by 2029, and updating trade data to support export growth.

Hambantota International Port (HIP) recorded record June throughput of 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs, driven by operational preparedness and customer engagement amid shipping-route uncertainty in the Middle East.

The Committee on Public Finance approved submitting to Parliament a Customs Ordinance resolution and two Export Development Act orders to implement a National Tariff Policy that restructures import duties into four bands (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) from 1 April 2026 and reduces ceramic-tile taxes to 20% by 2029. The reforms aim to simplify tariffs, phase out para-tariffs by 2029 and support the EDB’s target to double exports from US$18bn to US$36bn over five years.

UAE investors make up 19% of foreign investor interest in Port City Colombo, with Singapore, China and the UK at 13% each, while South Asian investors—notably India—remain underrepresented; officials see this as a key growth opportunity. The development is an SEZ offering single-window approvals, unrestricted foreign ownership, multi-currency transactions and fiscal incentives.

Heads of the IEA, IMF, World Bank and WTO said the war in the Middle East is straining energy, trade and food security and pledged coordinated support and readiness to act. They noted fuel and fertilizer prices have fallen since June but uncertainty and transit strains persist.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce's Commercial Documents Registration Division has launched a Free Sale Letter service to help Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters meet international compliance requirements. The service expands CDRD's trade documentation offerings, including Certificates of Origin and support via the e-DAS system.

The Ceylon Chamber's Commercial Documents Registration Division introduced a Free Sale Letter for pharmaceuticals to expand export documentation support for Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters. The division also issues Certificates of Origin and other certified export documents via a 24/7 e-service and e-DAS attestation.

Smart Quest Ltd. marked its 20th anniversary and launched The Growth Circle, a facilitated team experience, and pre-launched 'Rooted', a leadership book by founder Andrea Jayatilleka aimed at supporting trust and conscious leadership in working teams.

Power World Gyms has partnered with digital platform Fitzky to enable online membership purchases and introduce the Fitzky Fit Pass, offering day-pass access to Power World and partner gyms for more flexible, digital-first fitness access.

Developing Asia received $644 billion in FDI in 2025 (about 40% of global FDI and over 70% of flows to developing economies), according to UNCTAD. Investment shifted toward South‑East Asia and India (India +44%), with growing flows into semiconductors, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and energy‑transition technologies.

Sri Lanka's cabinet approved seeking parliamentary approval for new import/export regulations making export licenses mandatory for scrap metal and requiring prepayment-imported goods to arrive within 180, 365 or 730 days of payment. The regulations were published in the extraordinary gazette and will be submitted to parliament for approval.

IMF reviewed Sri Lanka's public revenue reforms with the RARMB, noting tax compliance has risen to 70–75% and agreeing to continue technical assistance for customs, excise and tax digitalisation. A draft Customs Ordinance Bill has been submitted and plans include paperless customs, tariff simplification and integrated data-sharing.

Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance warned online scam networks are an emerging financial‑crime risk and urged authorities to identify such threats early as Sri Lanka strengthens its anti‑money‑laundering framework. Officials said fraud (including scams) and trade‑based money laundering are rated medium‑high risks and the committee approved related AML legislation.

The Cabinet approved submitting Import and Export (Control) Regulations Nos. 05 and 06 of 2026 to Parliament, introducing mandatory export licences for discarded metal and scrap exports and new import prepayment timeframes of 180, 365 or 730 days for goods. The measures aim to protect domestic industries and strengthen trade oversight.

The National Chamber of Exporters opened applications for the 34th NCE Export Awards, closing Sept 30, 2026, with the awards ceremony on Dec 11 at Shangri‑La Colombo. Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC is the main sponsor and Dialog Enterprise is the event's digital technology partner.

Access Motors Private Limited, the sole Jaguar Land Rover agent in Sri Lanka, won the 'Most Professional Workshop' award in the After Sales Service category at the Automobile Industry Awards 2026 held at Temple Trees on 12 June 2026. Its 3S workshop has 30 bays, 20 lifts and reports 95% utilization and 90% efficiency.

Emirates will add a second daily A350 service between Dubai and Colombo from 8 August, doubling A350/Premium Economy capacity on flight EK648/649 and replacing the Boeing 777. The increased frequency and capacity boost connectivity and seat availability, supporting tourism and trade to Sri Lanka.

Exhibitor registration for Sri Lanka Expo 2027 is open until 31 July 2026. The expo runs 14–17 Jan 2027 at BMICH with 650 booths across 25 sectors and offers opportunities to meet over 1,500 global buyers.

The IMF held talks with the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) and agreed to continue providing technical assistance for reforms to customs, the Inland Revenue Department and excise. RARMB restructuring and measures have lifted tax compliance from about 40–45% to 70–75% and include digital transformation, data integration and a drafted Customs amendment bill.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board has kept online exhibitor registration for Sri Lanka Expo 2027 open until 31 July 2026. The expo will run 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH with 650 booths and opportunities to meet over 1,500 global buyers across 25 sectors.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan agreed to boost bilateral trade, investment and entrepreneurship through initiatives including technology exchanges, export facilitation and a planned business forum in Pakistan. Measures include gem & jewellery tech programs, steps to reverse tea export declines, opening pineapple/avocado exports and exploring Pakistani investment in Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The Courier Express Parcel Association of Sri Lanka (CEPAC) held its 32nd AGM on 03 July 2026 in Colombo, reappointing Mr. Nishantha Rathmalvinna (SCS Express) as President and naming the 2026/27 executive committee; members reviewed activities and reinforced support for sector development.