SenFin Research – News Updates – 16 October 2026

Sri Lanka services expand at slower rate in September 2026: PMI
Sri Lanka’s services sector expanded at a slower rate in September 2026, according to a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank, which registered an index value of 60.5, compared to 65.6 the previous month.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-services-expands-at-slower-rate-in-september-2026-pmi-286815/

Sri Lanka manufacturing PMI steady at 53.0 in September, growth continues
Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector expanded at a steady rate in September 2026, registering a value of 53.0 on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank, same as the previous month.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-manufacturing-pmi-steady-at-53-0-in-september-growth-continues-286803/

IMF leaves post-EFF decision to Colombo
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday (15) that it is for the Government to decide whether Sri Lanka seeks another IMF programme once its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) expires in March. It also said the current arrangement has been “delivering very strongly”..
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/kosR4m4EcrRmmRazVM46

Hambantota Port delivers over 167,000 vehicles as importers praise flexibility
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has delivered 167,569 vehicles since March 2025, with operator Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) supporting importers through surging demand and supply chain disruptions, the company said. Between March and December 2025, the port handled 86,389 vehicles, comprising 30,809 brand new and 55,580 used units. A further 81,180 vehicles were delivered in 2026 up to September, including 25,018 brand new and 56,162 used vehicles.
Source: (Daily news) https://dailynews.lk/2026/10/16/business/1045084/hambantota-port-delivers-over-167000-vehicles-as-importers-praise-flexibility/

Oil prices fall as Trump considers easing sanctions on shadow fleet tankers
Crude oil prices retreated from yesterday’s highs earlier today, on the news that President Trump was considering lifting sanctions on tankers used to transport oil and fuels from Venezuela, Russia, and Iran in a bid to ease a deepening tanker crunch..
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/8I7bdFzuR8sNFBr8BgTb

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 331.15/25 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed flat at 331.15/25 to the US dollar in the spot market on Thursday, while bond yields closed steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-331-15-25-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-286775/

Sri Lanka stocks closed up 0.88-pct; Carson Cumberbatch, DCSL gain
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher on Thursday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.88 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-0-88-pct-carson-cumberbatch-dcsl-gain-286762/

Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank to raise Rs10bn in debenture sale
Sri Lanka’s Sampath Bank plans to raise 10 billion rupees through the issuance of Basel III-compliant debentures, it said in a market filing.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-sampath-bank-to-raise-rs10bn-in-debenture-sale-286786/