CCPI-based headline inflation accelerated in October 2026

The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) increased to 8.3% in October 2026 from 8.0% in September 2026. Food inflation (Y-o-Y) marginally increased to 8.8% in October 2026 from 8.7% in September 2026, and non-food inflation (Y-o-Y) increased to 8.0% from 7.7% over the same period. On a month-on-month basis, the CCPI increased by 0.35% …

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Review of Progress in Reforms and Modernisation of Key State Revenue-Collecting Institutions

A progress review meeting on reforms and modernisation initiatives at Sri Lanka’s key state revenue-collecting institutions was held yesterday (15) at the Presidential Secretariat, chaired by Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, with the participation of representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and officials of the Revenue Administration, Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) of the Presidential Secretariat. …

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Investment Progress, Business and Condominium Projects in Colombo Port City Discussed at Committee on Public Finance

The Committee on Public Finance discussed approvals granted to businesses designated as Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSIs) in Colombo Port City, future investment plans, and the current status of condominium projects. The Committee, which met in Parliament recently (the 8th) under the chairmanship of Dr. Harsha de Silva, focused on the investment promotion activities of the Colombo Port City Economic …

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IMF vows continued support for Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund stood ready to support Sri Lanka “in any way they desired, as appropriate,” Sonali Jain-Chandra, deputy director of its Asia and Pacific Department, said on Thursday. Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic situation is “much improved,” with its fiscal performance very strong and debt restructuring largely complete, Jain-Chandra said in a press conference during the IMF meetings in Bangkok …

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka releases the Key Findings of the Systemic Risk Survey (SRS) – H2 of 2026

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released the key findings of the latest Systemic Risk Survey (SRS) conducted for the second half of 2026 (H2 of 2026), capturing financial market participants’ perceptions of risks to, and their confidence in, the Sri Lankan financial system. The survey was conducted from 17 July 2026 to 14 August 2026. This release …

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2027 Appropriation Bill Presented to Parliament for First Reading

The Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 was presented to Parliament today (Oct. 07) for its First Reading by Hon. Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning. The Appropriation Bill for the 2027 financial year provides for the allocation of financial resources required to meet government expenditure amounting to rupees four thousand nine hundred …

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Committee on Public Finance Approves Foreign Exchange Regulations and Orde

Following discussions with officials of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka regarding Foreign Exchange Regulations Nos. 01 and 02 of 2026 and the Order issued under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, the Committee on Public Finance approved the said Regulations and Order. The matter was considered at a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance held in Parliament …

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External Sector Performance – August 2026

The external current account recorded a surplus of US$ 133 million in August 2026 following four consecutive months of deficits. The surplus was supported by the lower trade deficit compared to recent months, reflecting lower import expenditure. The current account recorded a cumulative deficit of US$ 291 million during January-August 2026, reflecting pressures on the external sector stemming from the …

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Sri Lanka PMI – Construction expanded in August 2026

The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded 59.4 in August 2026, indicating continued expansion in construction activities, albeit at a slower rate than in the previous month. Many survey respondents highlighted the ongoing bitumen shortage, which continued to constrain road construction progress, limiting the overall growth momentum of …

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2027 Budget to be Held from November 12 to December 14 – Decided by the Committee on Parliamentary Business

The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided that the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2027 (Budget Speech/presentation of Budget proposals) will take place on November 12, 2026, followed by the Second Reading debate from November 13 to December 14. The decision was approved at a meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently (Sep. 25) …

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