SenFin Research – News Updates – 11 April 2026

Oil edges up
Oil prices rose on 10 April 2026 as supply concerns intensified following strikes on Saudi energy facilities and continued disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Oil-edges-up/44-790786

IRD Q1 tax revenue jumps 17.7% to Rs. 606 b
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) yesterday said it collected Rs. 606,002 million in tax revenue during the first quarter of 2026, sustaining strong momentum after a record performance last year.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/IRD-Q1-tax-revenue-jumps-17-7-to-Rs-606-b/44-790795

Population hits 21.78 m as ageing trend deepens, Census shows
The population reached 21,781,800, with demographic trends pointing to a rapidly ageing society and structural shifts in the workforce, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Population-hits-21-78-m-as-ageing-trend-deepens-Census-shows/44-790787

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector gains competitive edge under UK’s DCTS scheme
The United Kingdom’s revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective from January 2026, presents a clear opportunity for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. It is particularly significant for small and medium-sized exporters, offering them a stronger footing in a key market.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/business/Sri-Lanka-s-apparel-sector-gains-competitive-edge-under-UK-s-DCTS-scheme/34-790781

Sri Lanka Tourism ramps up Bangladesh outreach with first-ever Dhaka roadshow
Marking a fresh push to tap the Bangladeshi outbound travel market, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), together with the Sri Lankan High Commission in Bangladesh, successfully concluded its first-ever media networking session and B2B roadshow in Dhaka on 5 and 6 April.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-Tourism-ramps-up-Bangladesh-outreach-with-first-ever-Dhaka-roadshow/44-790797

Sri Lanka risks economic downturn amid market distortions and Middle East crisis, warns Jafferjee
Sri Lanka could face a significant economic downturn if the conflict in the Middle East persists and market forces are not allowed to operate freely, JB Securities Chief Executive Officer and Advocata Institute Chairperson Murtaza Jafferjee warned at a recent webinar organised by DFCC Bank.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sri-Lanka-risks-economic-downturn-amid-market-distortions-and-Middle-East-crisis-warns-Jafferjee/273-337804

ADB pegs conflict impact on Sri Lanka growth
Sri Lanka’s recovery outlook has come under sharper scrutiny, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) quantifying the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, affirming the risks flagged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this week, as higher energy costs, softer remittances and tourism disruptions begin to filter through the economy.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/ADB-pegs-conflict-impact-on-Sri-Lanka-growth/245-337809

CSE sees value gain by Rs. 401 b
During the week, the market gained Rs. 401 billion in value with the ASPI up 4.78% or 1,011.24 points.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CSE-sees-value-gain-by-Rs-401-b/44-790796

CBSL issues fresh reassurance on NDB
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday issued a fresh reassurance to the public that it has been closely monitoring developments relating to National Development Bank PLC (NDB) following the recent disclosure of an internal fraud.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CBSL-issues-fresh-reassurance-on-NDB/44-790792

HNB Finance proposes Rs. 2.5 b Right issues
HNB Finance PLC plans to raise nearly Rs. 2.5 billion (Rs. 2,499,529,714) through a Rights issue, offering two new shares for every nine existing shares held.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/HNB-Finance-proposes-Rs-2-5-b-Right-issues/44-790790

Fitch downgrades NDB over Rs. 13.2 b fraud
Fitch Ratings yesterday said it has downgraded National Development Bank PLC’s (NDB) National Long-Term Rating to ‘A-(lka)’ from ‘A(lka)’ with a ‘Negative’ outlook on account of the Rs. 13.2 billion fraud that has hit the bank.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fitch-downgrades-NDB-over-Rs-13-2-b-fraud/44-790791