Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery drive, the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” programme launched in response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, has secured a total of Rs. 1.893 billion (approximately USD 6 million) in funding, according to the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma. The funds have been mobilised…
Sri Lanka’s stock market recorded a strong recovery on Wednesday, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closing above the 22,000-point level following a sharp rally. The ASPI ended the day at 22,034.32, rising by 439.46 points, or 2.04 percent. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 index, which tracks the performance…
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with local banks, is preparing to launch a nationwide loan programme aimed at supporting new entrepreneurs starting in January next year, according to Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi. Speaking at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in Parliament, the Minister announced that…
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has emphasized the country’s rapid recovery from recent floods and landslides, attributing the progress to the resilience and unity of its people.“We have taken a blow, but we are far from fallen,” she said while addressing senior members of India’s NASSCOM Executive Committee and Sri Lanka’s SLASSCOM on…
Sri Lanka has finalized agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to mobilize a USD 100 million policy-based loan aimed at advancing the country’s Power Sector Reforms and Financial Sustainability Program (Subprogram 2). According to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the program is designed to help establish independent, financially sustainable electricity utilities…
Sri Lanka’s Welfare Benefits Board has extended the deadline for recertifying information under the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefit scheme, citing the ongoing disaster situation in the country. Originally scheduled from November 10 to December 10, the recertification period will now run until December 31. The Board stated that all families and individuals—whether they currently receive benefits…
The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a streamlined process to fast-track the clearance of essential goods donated by overseas contributors for communities affected by recent floods. Under the new system, all such humanitarian aid will be exempt from import taxes and levies. The move follows numerous requests and inquiries from international organizations, foreign donors,…
Sri Lanka has officially launched bank-issued credit and debit card payments for bus fares, marking a major step toward modernizing public transport. The system was introduced this morning (24) at the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center under the patronage of Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake. The rollout includes expressway routes connecting Makumbura with Matara, Galle, Badulla, and…
Sri Lanka has introduced a new programme to convert old fuel-powered three-wheelers into electric vehicles, Minister of Science and Technology Chrishantha Abeysena announced. The initiative aims to cut fuel costs, reduce emissions, and extend the lifespan of the country’s widely used three-wheeler fleet. According to Minister Abeysena, converting a petrol-powered three-wheeler to electric offers major…
Sri Lanka’s economy recorded robust growth in October 2025, with both the manufacturing and services sectors expanding, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Manufacturing PMI rose to 61.0, supported by broad-based improvements across all sub-indices. The Central Bank noted that business sentiment remains upbeat,…
