SenFin Research – News Updates – 13 May 2026

Port of Colombo records 22% growth in container throughput for April 2026
The Port of Colombo (POC) the leading maritime and transshipment hubs in South Asia has recorded a significant increase in container handling volumes during the first four months of 2026.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/13/business/993971/port-of-colombo-records-22-growth-in-container-throughput-for-april-2026/

Tea sales average climbs in April as dollar returns stay under pressure
Sri Lanka’s national tea sale average rose in April from the previous month, supported by gains across all elevations in rupee terms, although the earnings in dollar terms continued to lag year-on-year (YoY) amid the currency movements and softer export value realisations
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Tea-sales-average-climbs-in-April-as-dollar-returns-stay-under-pressure/273-340105

Inland Revenue Bill introduces criminal penalties for tax procedural failures
A proposed amendment to the Inland Revenue Act is set to introduce strict criminal penalties for taxpayers who fail to meet key procedural requirements, marking a significant shift in enforcement.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Inland-Revenue-Bill-introduces-criminal-penalties-for-tax-procedural-failures/273-340111

Govt to amend 50 yr-old SMIB Act
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers have approved the preparation of a draft bill to amend the State Mortgage and Investment Bank Act, No. 13 of 1975, in order to enable the licensed specialised bank better competitiveness in the existing business environment, a Cabinet decision released yesterday (12) said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/np0ygezMLsfpf84iHLHX

Hoteliers urge minimum US$ 50mn annual marketing spend to hit 2030 targets
The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) is calling for a consistent, minimum annual marketing investment of US$ 50million to steer the industry toward its ambitious target of 5 million arrivals and US$ 10 billion in income by 2030.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Hoteliers-urge-minimum-US-50mn-annual-marketing-spend-to-hit-2030-targets/245-340112

Expressions of Interest called for MRIA
The Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation, through Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL), has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from investors to utilize resources at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota. Submissions are due by June 9, 2026, with a pre-proposal briefing on May 22, 2026.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/13/business/993957/expressions-of-interest-called-for-mria/

Aviation: SL opens Mattala Airport to foreign investors
The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has launched a formal drive to attract both local and international investors to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), for which the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka will work with all stakeholders and prospective investors as a facilitator.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/eClCJJfMaqqBsf9ri25O

Coconut Oil market size to reach $ 11.05 b by 2031
According to a research report by Mordor Intelligence, the coconut oil market size is projected to grow from $ 7.75 billion in 2026 to $ 11.05 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 7.36% during the forecast period (2026-2031).
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Cf8MDiBfxgHs5PgFAg4F

Uncertain growth path amidst external shocks
Though Sri Lanka is on its path towards gaining economic recovery, its main external sources of income – tourism and exports – are under threat due to external shocks, in addition to its debt repayment obligations in 2028, thereby making its growth after recovery story uncertain at present, Centre for a Smart Future Co-founder and Director Anushka Wijesinha recently said on the Janashakthi Group podcast.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/cPHqd4JkiVwDi7LFbPX6

Sri Lanka new environment bill to mandate plastic recycling for producers
Sri Lanka’s proposed amendments to the Environmental Act will introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR), a legal framework shifting the burden of waste management, particularly plastic and polythene packaging, from the public to the manufacturers, Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakodi said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-new-environment-bill-to-mandate-plastic-recycling-for-producers-270944/

Sri Lanka awards central expressway contracts to Maga, Access, and others
Sri Lanka has awarded 7 contracts for the construction of sections of the Central Expressway Phase 2 to Maga Engineering, K D A Weerasinghe and Co, International Construction Consortium, NEM Construction, Access Engineering, and Edward and Christie.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-awards-central-expressway-contracts-to-maga-access-and-others-271014/

Currency: INR sinks to record low on oil shock
The Indian Rupee hit an all-time low yesterday (12), weighed by expectations of ‌prolonged high crude prices, persistent portfolio outflows and weakening sentiment.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/oT6XAqmfU2FcvQzOrPJ9

Sri Lanka sells Rs176.6bn in 2030, 2034, 2036 and 2039 bonds
Sri Lanka has sold 176.62 billion rupees in 2030, 2034, 2036 and 2039 bonds, after offering 250 billion, data from the public debt management office showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-sells-rs176-6bn-in-2030-2034-2036-and-2039-bonds-271084/

Sri Lanka rupee ends weaker at 323.70/90 to one week US dollar; bond yields dip
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed weaker at 323.70/90 to the one week US dollar on Tuesday, with no spot trading, from 322.00/30 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were edged lower.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-ends-weaker-at-323-70-90-to-one-week-us-dollar-bond-yields-dip-271090/

Foreigners sell over US$4mn worth Sri Lanka rupee bonds
Foreign investors sold over US$4 million worth of Sri Lanka government securities in the week ended May 7, Central Bank data showed, amid renewed depreciation pressure on the local currency.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/foreigners-sell-over-us4mn-worth-sri-lanka-rupee-bonds-271082/

Sri Lanka stocks close flat on Tuesday, real estate leads turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed slightly up on Tuesday, data from the CSE showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-flat-on-tuesday-real-estate-leads-turnover-271070/

DFCC Bank demonstrates disciplined performance in Q1, 2026
DFCC Bank delivered a strong financial performance for the period ended 31 March 2026, underscoring the robustness of its strategy, disciplined execution, and the resilience of its balance sheet.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/13/business/993968/dfcc-bank-demonstrates-disciplined-performance-in-q1-2026/

Abans Finance launches maiden debenture issue listing on CSE
Abans Finance PLC (Abans Finance) recently marked the official listing of its maiden 13,384,000 debentures on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with a bell ringing and market opening ceremony held at the CSE trading floorthis Monday (11th May 2026).
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Abans-Finance-launches-maiden-debenture-issue-listing-on-CSE/273-340110

HNB Life records staggering 54% GWP growth in 1Q 2026
HNB Life PLC reported a strong start to the year for the three months ended March 31, 2026, continuing its growth trajectory following its recent rebranding and reinforcing its position as a leading life insurer in Sri Lanka.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/HNB-Life-records-staggering-54-GWP-growth-in-1Q-2026/273-340106