SenFin Research – News Updates – 10 November 2026

Budget reaches Rs. 22.3 b surplus in 9M supported by vehicle import revenue
The Government’s Budget recorded a surplus of Rs. 22.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a deficit of Rs. 441.4 billion a year earlier, as revenue from motor vehicle imports drove a 20% increase in collections that outran a slower rise in spending.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Budget-reaches-Rs-22-3-b-surplus-in-9M-supported-by-vehicle-import-revenue/44-799876

Tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 m
SRI Lanka’s tourism arrivals surpassed 1.9 million in 2026, with over 49,900 visitors registered in the first eight days of November, but remained below last year’s pace ahead of the crucial winter season.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Tourist-arrivals-exceed-1-9-m/44-799872

October migrant worker inflows hit $735.6M, pushing 10-month total past $7.6 Bn
Sri Lanka’s migrant workers sent home a record-breaking $735.6 million in October 2026, marking a 3.31% year-on-year increase and extending an extraordinary streak of robust foreign currency inflows to nine consecutive months.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/11/10/business/1049595/october-migrant-worker-inflows-hit-735-6m-pushing-10-month-total-past-7-6-bn/

Banking sector credit-to-deposit ratio tops 70% for first time in three years
Sri Lanka’s banking sector Credit-to-Deposit Ratio (CDR) has exceeded 70% for the first time in three years, reaching 74.0% by end June 2026 and surpassing its long-term average, with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) flagging credit growth outpacing deposits and a widening credit gap as potential sources of systemic risk.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Banking-sector-credit-to-deposit-ratio-tops-70-for-first-time-in-three-years/44-799870

GDP growth: Growth potential rests with parliament, not CBSL
The responsibility to increase Sri Lanka’s GDP growth potential rests with the elected parliament, as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is only tasked with the mandate of maintaining growth closer to expectations, through using monetary policy, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe said, speaking to the Committee on Public Finance recently (5).
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/m30XcFYKDx0r23emwc7c

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 332.53/59 to US dollar spot, bond yields edge up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 332.53/59 to the US dollar spot on Monday, from 332.55/60 the previous day, while bond yields closed higher, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-332-53-59-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-edge-up-289416/

Sri Lanka stocks close up 1.37-pct, banks lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Monday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 1.37 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-1-37-pct-banks-lead-turnover-289394/

Fitch upgrades ComBank to ‘AA(lka)
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘AA(lka)’ from ‘AA-(lka),’ effective October 30, 2026, reinforcing the Bank’s position as Sri Lanka’s benchmark private-sector lender and highlighting its enduring financial strength.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/11/10/business/1049581/fitch-upgrades-combank-to-aalka/

HNB Life delivers highest industry performance with 41% GWP growth
HNB Life PLC continued its strong growth trajectory during the nine months ended 30 September 2026, while maintaining a disciplined approach to profitability, investment management and long-term value creation.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/11/10/business/1049589/hnb-life-delivers-highest-industry-performance-with-41-gwp-growth/

JAT Holdings records 36% revenue growth in 1H FY 26/27
JAT Holdings PLC recorded Group revenue of LKR 7.01 billion for the six months ended 30 September 2026, representing a 36% year-on-year increase, supported by growth across its local businesses and a higher contribution from international operations.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/11/10/business/1049591/jat-holdings-records-36-revenue-growth-in-1h-fy-26-27/

CT Holdings reaffirms long-term confidence in the Group and Sri Lankan economy
CT Holdings PLC and its key subsidiary, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC, recently reported a strong performance for the second quarter of FY2026/27, driven in large part by growth across the Group’s key operating sectors of Retail, FMCG and Restaurants. Alongside this performance, the Group announced a series of senior executive appointments, effective from January 2027, as part of its long-term succession planning and continued commitment to developing leadership from within the organisation.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/11/10/business/1049605/ct-holdings-reaffirms-long-term-confidence-in-the-group-and-sri-lankan-economy/

Kelani Cables Sept quarter net profit up 4-pct to Rs634.5mn
Sri Lankan power and telecommunications cable manufacturer Kelani Cables PLC recorded a net profit of Rs. 634.53 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, rising 3.9 percent from Rs. 610.45 million in the same quarter last year, interim accounts showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/kelani-cables-sept-quarter-net-profit-up-4-pct-to-rs634-5mn-289301/

Sri Lanka’s WealthTrust Securities rebounds to profitability in 2Q 2026
WealthTrust Securities PLC, a licensed primary dealer in Sri Lanka, returned to profitability in the second quarter of the financial year 2026/27, recording a profit after tax of 154.6 million rupees for the quarter ended September 30, compared to a loss of 455.2 million rupees in the preceding quarter.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-wealthtrust-securities-rebounds-to-profitability-in-2q-2026-289288/