SenFin Research – News Updates – 16 August 2026

SenFin Research – News Updates – 16 August 2026




State tax revenue reaches Rs. 3.29 t by August 11
Sri Lanka’s tax revenue collection reached Rs. 3.29 trillion by August 11, with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the Customs accounting for the bulk of collections, according to the latest Government revenue figures released by the Ministry of Finance.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/08/16/business/82722/state-tax-revenue-reaches-rs-3-29-t-by-august-11/

Foreign investors buy over US$4mn worth of Sri Lanka rupee bonds last week
Foreign investors bought a net 1,350 million rupees (US$4.1 million) worth of Sri Lanka rupee bonds in the week ended on August 14, Central Bank data showed, amid a firmer rupee currency.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/foreign-investors-buy-over-us4mn-worth-of-sri-lanka-rupee-bonds-last-week-280947/

Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves up 2.1-pct in July to US$6.59bn
Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves gained 2.1 percent to US$ 6.59 billion by end July from US$ 6.45 billion as month ago, the official data showed, amid dollar buying by the Central Bank.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-foreign-reserves-up-2-1-pct-in-july-to-us6-59bn-280945/

Sri Lanka extends 50% surcharge on vehicles import tax until Dec 31
Sri Lanka’s temporary 50 percent surcharge on Customs Import Duty on new personal vehicles has been extended until December 31.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-extends-50-surcharge-on-vehicles-import-tax-until-dec-31-280934/

T-bill yields continue sharp decline
Treasury bill (T-bill) yields continued to fall sharply at last week’s auction amidst improved liquidity, with the three-month yield declining by 33 basis points to 9.44%, the six-month yield falling by 21 basis points to 9.78%, and the 12-month yield easing by 18 basis points to 10.01%.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/QAYLvxcsuvJIqyY18o7U

JXG to acquire 100% stake in Continental Insurance
Janashakthi PLC (JXG) has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Melstacorp PLC, the sole shareholder of Continental Insurance Lanka Limited (CILL), to acquire a 100% stake in CILL, subject to the approval of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, a media release from the company stated.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/08/16/business/82735/jxg-to-acquire-100-stake-in-continental-insurance/