SenFin Research – News Updates – 1 April 2026

Sri Lanka inflation 2.2-pct in March 2026
Sri Lanka’s overall rate of inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index, was 2.2 percent in March 2026, data from the state statistics office showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-inflation-2-2-pct-in-march-2026-265791/

Tourism: March tourist arrivals surpass 175,000
A total of 175,661 tourists have arrived in the country so far in the month of March, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/22tffhdWnb4VxE9Ai95p

Aluminium hits four-year peak
Aluminium prices surged to four-year highs on Monday as Iranian airstrikes on two major Middle East producers over the weekend raised the risk of a prolonged supply shock.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/K2D5ajo5ml2JM15J02OJ

Govt. to restrict scrap metal exports to protect local industries
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved imposing necessary legal provisions to prevent the export of scrap metal, which is detrimental to local industries.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-to-restrict-scrap-metal-exports-to-protect-local-industries/44-790331

Govt. moves to cushion fuel shock while tightening State spending amid gulf war
The Government has moved to simultaneously shield consumers from surging global fuel prices and rein in public expenditure, as it scrambles to manage the economic fallout from escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-moves-to-cushion-fuel-shock-while-tightening-State-spending-amid-gulf-war/44-790334

Sri Lanka and Brazil successfully agree to elevate bilateral trade to $ 1 b
The Second Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Sri Lanka and Brazil were held on 20 March 2026 at the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry in Colombo, marking an important step in further strengthening the longstanding and friendly relations between the two countries. The meeting was co-chaired by the Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja and Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil Secretary – Asia and the Pacific Ambassador Susan Kleebank.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-and-Brazil-successfully-agree-to-elevate-bilateral-trade-to-1-b/44-790332

Global trade volatility: SL turns to neighbours for trade
Due to global trade volatility in experienced in the recent past – with last year’s Trump tariffs and this year’s war on Iran – Sri Lanka as a small State is pursuing trade with smaller trade partners and strengthening trade with long-time partners, keeping to its non-aligned trade position, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) Executive Director Dr. Nishara Mendis said on Monday (30 March), speaking at a panel discussion.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/A63Qj4TujUJRoMd0HCx0

Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill: CCC warns tax amendments could burden distressed firms
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has warned that proposed amendments to Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2026 could impose undue burdens on financially distressed companies, urging policymakers to adopt a balanced approach that safeguards investment confidence.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/pfuWylDdHc8oBZ5IUP5O

European tea growers visit Sri Lanka
An 8-member delegation comprising six tea growers from across Europe - the Netherlands, Portugal, France, Spain, and Belgium, visited Sri Lanka from 23 to 30 March 2026.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/European-tea-growers-visit-Sri-Lanka/44-790328

Econ. recovery and investment potential: UK Parliament Panel assesses SL
Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and the growing opportunities for British investment in the country’s renewable energy and financial sectors took centre stage at an informal briefing session held at the UK Parliament on 23 March, according to a statement released recently.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/l5HU7Ir7lD50AwXf5qKj

Sri Lanka rupee closes steady, bond yields higher
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 315.60/80 to the US dollar in the spot next Tuesday, same as the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields closed up.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-steady-bond-yields-higher-265808/

Sri Lanka stocks close down, turnover boosted by crossings
The Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Tuesday, data on its site showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-down-turnover-boosted-by-crossings-265802/

Sri Lanka Treasury bill yields spike, less than half of offered bills sold
Sri Lanka’s Treasury bill yields soared across maturities at Wednesday’s auction, data from the Public Debt Management Office showed, with 32.49 billion rupees sold of an offered 90 billion.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-treasury-bill-yields-spike-less-than-half-of-offered-bills-sold-265814/

Senthilverl ups stake in Renuka Agri Foods to 10.04%
Senthilverl Holdings Ltd., has increased its shareholding in Renuka Agri Foods PLC to over 10% following trades carried out on 25 March.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Senthilverl-ups-stake-in-Renuka-Agri-Foods-to-10-04/44-790329

Iran war wipes $ 120 b off Dubai, Abu Dhabi stock markets
The United Arab Emirates’ stock markets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have lost around $ 120 billion in value since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran, placing them among the hardest-hit financial markets worldwide.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Iran-war-wipes-120-b-off-Dubai-Abu-Dhabi-stock-markets/44-790327