SenFin Research – News Updates – 14 June 2026

El Niño has officially arrived: Here’s how it could wreak havoc on the weather
El Niño has formed in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to intensify in the coming months, meteorologists say.
Source: (Newswire) https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/11/el-nino-has-officially-arrived-heres-how-it-could-wreak-havoc-on-the-weather/


Climate change already reshaping Sri Lanka’s economy, UNDP says
Sri Lanka’s climate challenge is no longer just an environmental concern, but an emerging economic threat reshaping markets, supply chains, trade, investment, and livelihoods, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/06/14/business/79120/climate-change-already-reshaping-sri-lankas-economy-undp-says/


What every taxpayer needs to know
The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 11 of 2026 received Parliamentary certification on June 3, 2026 and was published in the Gazette on June 5, 2026.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/06/14/business/79179/what-every-taxpayer-needs-to-know/


No plans to remove SCL
The Government has no plans to remove the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) as proposed by the previous regime due to the need to keep food prices in the market in check, according to the Department of Trade and Investment Policies.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/SyLIKOBhA55ElGxr1pW5

What does it mean to be in SL’s economy today?
The last few months have been quite strange. On one hand, there is the very obvious negative shock that the economy is facing – rising oil prices, weakening currency, and more recently, rising interest rates as well. Yet compared to the last time this happened, though for a very different reason, the economy is just humming along.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/boEuA4LLBS13n0RsXOwd

SL government audit exposes Rs. 2.67 bn Treasury debt gap
The Auditor General’s Department of Sri Lanka, has released the audit review of the Government’s 2025 Financial Statements, exposing a Rs. 2.67 billion reconciliation gap, unrecorded foreign loans, and major reporting inconsistencies within the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/sl-government-audit-exposes-rs-2-67-bn-treasury-debt-gap-645161.html


Compromised controls linked to $2.5 m Treasury theft
A 100-page report submitted by the Treasury to Parliament on Tuesday on the US$2.5 million Business Email Compromise (BEC) heist has revealed administrative lapses, missing timelines and compromised internal controls, Finance Ministry officials said.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/compromised-controls-linked-to-2-5-m-treasury-theft-645158.html



SL deal-making slows, but investor demand strong
The ongoing uncertainty from the West Asian crisis has caused a slowdown in mergers, acquisitions, and buyouts, but both local and foreign investors remain interested in investing in particular sectors and products within the country, according to leading analysts.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/sl-deal-making-slows-but-investor-demand-strong-645155.html

Apparel exporters urge Govt. action on tariffs
Apparel exporters have called on the Government for urgent intervention to address concerns raised by the United States over Sri Lanka’s alleged failure to adequately prohibit imports produced using forced labour, in order to avoid the imposition of a steeper 12.5% additional tariff on the country as opposed to the 10% tariff applied to certain competitor nations.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/eNiRzYHaZoHsXXBrJWz1

Sri Lankan exporters to the EU face tough new ‘green’ rules
New regulations governing EU Packaging Waste and Green Claims Directives come into effect in September 2026, a potentially significant non-tariff barrier to Sri Lankan exporters.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/sri-lankan-exporters-to-the-eu-face-tough-new-green-rules-645164.html


Stabilising the rupee, Govt. hits exporters
Government plans to stabilise the rupee has adversely impacted on exporters who are facing a crisis and believe it is only the banks that will stand to gain from this new move of converting export revenue to rupees within 30 days.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/stabilising-the-rupee-govt-hits-exporters-645152.html

Motor industry warns of Rs. 40 bn revenue leakage
The Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA), affiliated with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, has appealed to the government to abolish the 15 per cent depreciation currently granted on used vehicle imports, warning that the concession is causing massive revenue leakages at a time when the country can least afford them.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/motor-industry-warns-of-rs-40-bn-revenue-leakage-645105.html

Policy consistency key for sustainable growth of digital economy: Dr. Dayan Rajapakse
Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Process Management (BPM) sector recorded export earnings of approximately $ 581.7 million in the first four months of 2026, a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of over 22%.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/EioTtmhgvS56OZfuN95w

PDMO accepts 51.2% of T-bills
The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) accepted bids for only around 51.2% of the Treasury bills (T-bills) it offered at the auction held on Wednesday (10) amid a sharp fall in market liquidity, as it sought to prevent yields from surging in the midst of the prevailing market panic.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/CsRzrb0IusSB0rcodEe1


CDB surpasses Rs 200 b asset milestone
Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) reported another year of strong financial and operational performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, surpassing the landmark Rs. 200 billion asset milestone while recording Profit After Tax of Rs. 4.5 billion, reinforcing its position among Sri Lanka’s leading non-bank financial institutions.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/06/14/business/78967/cdb-surpasses-rs-200-b-asset-milestone/


Jetwing Journeys unveils ‘Mysteries of the Ganges’
As travellers increasingly seek experiences that offer cultural depth and personal enrichment rather than conventional sightseeing, Sri Lanka’s outbound travel sector is responding with more immersive and experience led journeys.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/jetwing-journeys-unveils-mysteries-of-the-ganges-645050.html


Over 300 sales at new Vauxhall condos by John Keells Properties
John Keells Properties (JKP)’s Vauxhall DSTRCT, its newest residential development in the heart of Colombo, has surpassed 300 apartment sales within the first three months of launch.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/over-300-sales-at-new-vauxhall-condos-by-john-keells-properties-645047.html


SLT-MOBITEL partnership with Starlink
SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise has entered a Reseller Partnership Agreement with Starlink by SpaceX to offer cutting-edge connectivity to enterprises and SMEs in Sri Lanka. The agreement was formalised during an online signing ceremony held recently, the Sri Lankan company said in a media release.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260614/business-times/slt-mobitel-partnership-with-starlink-645038.html