News & market updates

Colombo Stock Exchange opened higher with the ASPI up 0.11% to 22,592 and the S&P SL20 up 0.13% to 6,212 on turnover of Rs 799 million. Sampath Bank and John Keells were among top gainers while NDB, Access Engineering and LB Finance led declines; Browns Beach Hotels to delist with trading suspended from April 28.

The Asian Development Bank estimates Sri Lanka has about $6 billion of unrealised export capacity — exports could rise 47% if gaps are addressed — and says weak export growth has widened the trade deficit and pressured the rupee ahead of rising external debt repayments. Usable reserves cover roughly three months of goods imports, limiting the Central Bank's ability to defend the currency.

Cabinet approved submitting new Import and Export (Control) Regulations to Parliament and allowed the import of retreaded aircraft tyres (HS 4012.13) under strict conditions to support operational needs of national and international carriers, including SriLankan Airlines, with required international safety certification and formal supply agreements.

ITC Ratnadipa inaugurated 'The Art & Life of Jayantha Premachandra' exhibition on 22 April 2026; the exhibition is open to the public 23–25 April at ITC Ratnadipa Colombo. The launch was attended by dignitaries including the French ambassador and Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddhasasana, with workshops and discussions scheduled.

The "Flavours of Sri Lanka" Food Week ran 12–18 April 2026 at MYNT Restaurant, Vivanta Kathmandu, showcasing Sri Lankan cuisine to promote culture and hospitality in Nepal. Organized with the Sri Lankan Embassy, the event featured dishes by Chef Prashantha Gunasekara and drew diplomatic and business attendees.

Hawaiian Airlines has joined the oneworld alliance as its newest member, becoming the third US-based carrier and adding Honolulu as a global hub, expanding oneworld’s Pacific network and access to nearly 1,000 destinations.

Hanif Yusoof, Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Investment and Western Province Governor, pitched Sri Lanka as a South Asian investment hub at a high-level virtual roundtable attended by major US firms including Apple, Boeing, Visa, Google, Airbnb and others.

IN10NT Digital has launched Island Impact, a digital branding initiative to reposition Sri Lanka in the global tourism market as arrivals topped 2.3 million in 2025. The program offers complimentary digital brand audits for tourism SMEs and focuses on data-led audience strategy, performance marketing and creator storytelling.

La Bamba! The Song of Veracruz opens in Colombo today at Cinnamon Life (City of Dreams), running April 24–27 with multiple performances and a mix of international and local cast; tickets available via cinnamonboxoffice.com.

WFP warns the Middle East conflict is threatening Sri Lanka's recovery by driving fuel costs up 33–40%, raising food and fertiliser import bills (Sri Lanka imported $2.5bn of food in 2025) and risking remittances (around 80% originate in the Gulf). These shocks could push inflation higher, weaken the rupee, strain reserves and hit tourism and household food security.

Emirates launched its Travel Rehearsal programme in the UK, holding a first session at London Stansted Airport to let people on the autism spectrum rehearse the full air travel journey and reduce anxiety ahead of a flight.

Shangri-La Colombo's Tiki Bar has relaunched with a new cocktail menu and a 'Golden Hour' ritual, featuring Sri Lanka-inspired drinks (e.g., Chilli and Passion Daiquiri, Coriander Fizz, Arrack Fashioned) and complimentary second servings on selected beverages.

Dnata won a three-year contract to provide passenger, ground and cargo handling for SriLankan Airlines at Dubai International Airport, valued at about AED 40.64m (≈ Rs. 3.5bn). Passenger handling is from 01 Apr 2026–31 Mar 2029 (AED 33.04m) and cargo from 01 Jul 2026–30 Jun 2029 (AED 7.6m).

The Cabinet approved awarding SriLankan Airlines' Dubai ground handling contracts to Dnata: AED 33.04m for passenger/ground services (01-04-2026 to 31-03-2029) and AED 7.6m for cargo handling (01-07-2026 to 30-06-2029).

Sun Siyam Pasikudah held a full-day Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) celebration on 14 April with traditional rituals, feasts and games for guests. The article notes Sri Lanka received over 600,000 international visitors in Q1 2025 (USD 1.025bn) and highlights Pasikudah's growing role in East Coast tourism.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held a Media Networking Session and B2B Roadshow in Dhaka on 5–6 April 2026, attracting 35 media personnel, 147 Bangladeshi travel agents and 19 Sri Lankan tourism companies to foster collaborations and boost tourist arrivals.

Colombo stocks rose 0.25% as foreign investors turned net buyers after a 21-session selling streak, recording a net inflow of Rs. 19.8 million and lifting the ASPI 55.45 points to 22,625.48. Top contributors included CINS, BUKI, CFIN, MELS and NHL, while consumer services led turnover and oil price moderation supported sentiment.

DFCC Bank convened a discussion examining how the Middle East conflict could transmit into Sri Lanka’s economy, highlighting energy price, shipping, FX, tourism and remittance channels. The forum emphasised banks’ role in helping clients manage FX exposure, trade finance and liquidity amid rising uncertainty.

EPF fully exited holdings in six CSE-listed companies in 2025 — Cargills Bank, Ceylon Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, Jetwing Symphony, LAUGFS Gas and Sierra Cables — and made one new investment, buying 40 million shares in Hemas Holdings; its listed equity count fell from 65 to 59.

The Central Bank's Annual Economic Review 2025 reports real GDP growth of 5% and continued macroeconomic stabilization, with a third consecutive current-account surplus and reserve build-up. Monetary policy remained accommodative supporting low interest rates, credit expansion and improved bank/non-bank profitability, while exchange-rate flexibility and easing capital controls were noted.

Industry leaders at a Sri Lanka-Italy Business Council forum warned geopolitical tensions are testing Sri Lanka’s 2026 recovery, citing a 17.4% drop in tourism to 22 March, ~35% of shipping routes affected and sharp rises in freight, insurance and energy costs that could hit exports and tourism if prolonged.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka will host 'Signature Velvet Nights', a three-night luxury entertainment series from 24–26 April featuring live jazz, a Bollywood dance act, DJ TYSS and headline performances by Jovita Jose; events are limited-capacity and focused on elevated hospitality.

Yazu has opened at Radisson Blu Resort Galle, introducing a Pan-Asian menu (sushi, robata grills, wok dishes) and a location-exclusive 'Tiki Escapes' cocktail collection designed for the coastal setting.

The ASPI fell 0.89% (203.26 pts) to 22,570.03 as Middle East tensions and higher global oil prices weighed on the Colombo bourse. RIL Property, C T Holdings, Commercial Bank and Browns Investments were among top negative contributors while Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and other tourism counters saw notable retail turnover.

Sri Lanka's and China's central banks discussed promoting renminbi‑denominated settlements to facilitate trade. CBSL governor also met India's RBI governor to discuss promoting Indian rupee settlements for trade and tourism.

World Bank projects Sri Lanka's growth will moderate to 3.6% in 2026, citing higher energy prices and a transition to more sustainable growth. It flagged risks from persistently high energy costs, flight disruptions hitting tourism, skilled-labour shortages, weak public capex execution and climate shocks.

A Sri Lankan travel documentary produced by Mark Julian Edwards won Television Broadcast of the Year at the Inspire Global Media Awards 2026 in London. The film, produced after a Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau FAM tour, highlights the country's culture, wildlife and destinations, supporting tourism promotion.

Uber launched its mobility service in Kegalle, Sri Lanka, offering car, tuk and motorbike bookings via its app. The expansion aims to improve transport along the Colombo–Kandy corridor and create flexible earning opportunities for local drivers.

Aitken Spence Travels (part of Aitken Spence PLC) was named Category Winner in Hospitality & Tourism Services and listed among Sri Lanka’s Top 40 at the CPM Best Management Practices Company Awards 2026. The recognition highlights its regenerative tourism focus and sustainability certifications (Travelife, GSTC, ISO) aligned with group governance.