SenFin Research – News Updates – 16 September 2026

Sri Lanka 2026 Q2 GDP slows to 4.2-pct from 5.0-pct on year; Middle East crisis weighs
Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to a 5 percent growth in the same period last year, and slowing from a 5.1 percent expansion in the previous quarter, data Department of Census and Statistics showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-2026-q2-gdp-slows-to-4-2-pct-from-5-0-pct-on-year-middle-east-crisis-weighs-283728/

Apparel sector targets next US$3 bn export push
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is seeking a fresh Government-industry push to add the next US$3 billion to annual exports, with greater investment, automation, trade access and domestic supply-chain development identified as critical to achieving the target.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/16/business/1039346/apparel-sector-targets-next-us3-bn-export-push/

Manufacturing and service activities expand in August
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 53.0 in August 2026. This indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities, albeit at a slower rate compared to the previous month. All the sub-indices, except for Production, remained above the neutral threshold in August.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/16/business/1039358/manufacturing-and-service-activities-expand-in-august/

Arrivals dip marginally in first week of Sept. as Australia climbs to third
Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals slipped marginally in the first six days of September, with 31,885 visitors recorded against 32,246 in the comparable period last year, while Australia climbed to third place among source markets following Jetstar’s launch of its first direct low-fare service from Melbourne last month, as per Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Arrivals-dip-marginally-in-first-week-of-Sept-as-Australia-climbs-to-third/273-350241

Petrol and diesel prices hit highest since 2022
Petrol and diesel prices have both hit the highest levels since 2022 as the conflict in the Middle East continues to impact drivers' finances.
Source: (bbc) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20zgjzz0e4o

SL’s industrial production edges up 0.2% in July
Sri Lanka’s industrial production sector showed a positive growth trend, recording a 0.2% year-on-year increase in its Overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in July 2026, according to the latest IIP report released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/E8fjOhJjIvS7fIrUdT6J

Fuel price revision likely this month
The Minister made the remarks in response to questions from journalists regarding the fuel shortage currently being experienced by several fuel distribution companies.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/FWus1e8ddshrfO0LSWZZ


LABOUR FUNDS: EPF, ETF merger ‘not needed’: TU
The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) should not be merged despite shortcomings in their administration, as the two Funds serve different purposes, National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) member Anton Marcus said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/yoV7oBQSEWV645lVObKS


Global uncertainties placing increasing burden on businesses
The second round of the Industry Index survey conducted by IFH KÖLN and Messe Frankfurt shows that, whilst the global business climate has remained largely unchanged overall compared with the first round and remains at a subdued level, the factors causing pressure have shifted significantly.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Global-uncertainties-placing-increasing-burden-on-businesses/44-797257

Sri Lanka rupee closes weaker at 330.70/331.00 to US dollar spot, bond yields up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 330.70/331.00 to the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, weaker from 329.15/35 the previous day, while bond yields closed higher, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-weaker-at-330-70-331-00-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-up-283703/

Sri Lanka stocks down, ASPI drops 0.24-pct in Rs2.2bn turnover session
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed lower on Tuesday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 0.24 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-down-aspi-drops-0-24-pct-in-rs2-2bn-turnover-session-283690/

Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings Rs. 5 b debenture issue oversubscribed on opening day
Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC said that its maiden listed, rated, unsecured, senior redeemable debenture issue was oversubscribed on its opening day, yesterday.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Aitken-Spence-Hotel-Holdings-Rs-5-b-debenture-issue-oversubscribed-on-opening-day/44-797272

Vidullanka makes Rs. 100 m first equity infusion in 6.6 MW biomass plant
Vidullanka PLC yesterday said it has subscribed to 1,000,000 ordinary shares in Vidul Biomass II Ltd., for a total consideration of Rs. 100 million, representing the first equity infusion toward its 6.6 MW Medawachchiya Dendro Power Project.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Vidullanka-makes-Rs-100-m-first-equity-infusion-in-6-6-MW-biomass-plant/44-797264

Fitch pulls Sri Lanka’s WindForce debt rating as issuance dropped
Fitch Ratings has withdrawn the ‘A(lka)’ rating assigned to Sri Lanka energy company WindForce’s proposed 4 billion rupees debenture issue after the company has postponed the issuance due to a rise in market interest rates.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/fitch-pulls-sri-lankas-windforce-debt-rating-as-issuance-dropped-283588/