Sri Lanka is launching a national initiative today (November 9) to distribute 500,000 coconut plants to households across the country, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote home-based coconut cultivation. The official ceremony will take place in Uhana, Ampara, under the patronage of Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne, alongside Deputy Minister of…
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), acting in its role as the country’s macroprudential authority, has announced new limits on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios for vehicle financing. The revised regulations apply to licensed commercial banks, licensed specialized banks, licensed finance companies (LFCs), and registered finance leasing establishments (RFLEs). Effective from November 8, credit facilities granted…
Sri Lanka’s Department of Examinations announced that all preparations are complete for the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination, which begins tomorrow (November 10). The exam will be conducted across 2,362 centers nationwide and will continue until December 5. A total of 345,525 students are scheduled to sit for the examination this year, including 246,521…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government has approved investment projects totaling US$1.3 billion in the area surrounding the Colombo Port City development. He said the government will introduce investor-friendly policies to support further growth and will present a new State Enterprise Management Act to Parliament next year to strengthen the governance of state-owned…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that Sri Lanka will offer several incentives to encourage the establishment of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in the country. Speaking during the 2026 Budget Speech, he emphasized the strategic importance of AI in the global economy and said the government will provide concessions to companies investing in this sector….
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced in the 2026 Budget Speech that financial allowances provided to university students will be increased by Rs. 2,500. The adjustment comes as part of the government’s efforts to ease the financial burden on students facing higher living costs. With the increase, the monthly Mahapola allowance will rise to Rs. 10,000,…
Sri Lanka will issue its first digital identity cards in the third quarter of 2026, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced. He assured the public that personal data will be securely protected, despite concerns raised by some groups. The President highlighted several initiatives underway to support the country’s shift toward a digital economy, including the Sri…
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced during the 2026 Budget Speech that Sri Lanka has received USD 823 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as of September 2025. He noted that the government aims to attract further investment by introducing investor-friendly policies. In addition, a new State Enterprise Management Act is expected to be presented to…
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reaffirmed that the current government will remain in office through 2028 and will continue to honor the country’s foreign debt commitments. Presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament, the President said the government is implementing a program aimed at securing long-term debt sustainability. He noted that Sri Lanka is…
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government aims to maintain inflation below 5 percent as part of its broader economic stabilization plan. He noted that state revenue is expected to reach 16 percent of GDP by the end of the year, reflecting ongoing fiscal reforms. The President also said the country’s official reserve…
