SenFin Research – News Updates – 18 June 2026

SenFin Research – News Updates – 18 June 2026

Sri Lanka launches 2026-2030 export plan targeting $36bn
Sri Lanka has launched its National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, targeting a total export revenue of USD 36 billion by 2030. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-launches-2026-2030-export-plan-targeting-36bn-275705/

Sri Lanka sticks to 5% economic growth goal despite rate hike, fall in consumption
Sri Lanka still hopes to achieve 5 percent economic growth this year despite monetary policy tightening and falling consumption amid rising prices, Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-sticks-to-5-economic-growth-goal-despite-rate-hike-fall-in-consumption-275780/

SEC intensifies efforts to encourage more private companies
Sri Lanka’s capital market regulator unveiled an ambitious reform agenda in 2025, as the country’s economic recovery gained momentum and investor confidence strengthened, according to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Senior Prof. Hareendra Dissabandara. Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/18/business/1012404/sec-intensifies-efforts-to-encourage-more-private-companies/

Growth-oriented reforms vital to build further economic resilience
ADB remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s broader trade, investment, and industry reform agenda through policy-based lending, technical assistance, analytical work, policy dialogue, and capacity building, Shannon Cowlin , Country Director, Asian Development Bank said addressing the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) launch in Colombo on Tuesday.(16) Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/18/business/1012401/growth-oriented-reforms-vital-to-build-further-economic-resilience/
Govt. maintains 5% growth target, eyes path to 7% medium-term expansion
The Government remains confident of achieving its 5% economic growth target this year and is working towards a medium-term objective of 7% inclusive and sustainable growth, despite concerns over rising interest rates and the pace of capital expenditure, Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said yesterday. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-maintains-5-growth-target-eyes-path-to-7-medium-term-expansion/44-793443
IMF debt target met early, but risks persist: First Capital
Though Sri Lanka has met the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 2032 debt-to-GDP target seven years earlier than projected, its debt sustainability hinges on its ability to avoid deviating from existing policy and navigating external shocks and disruptions to debt restructuring – which have the potential to reverse gains, First Capital’s research unit noted in its latest report on the IMF’s Fifth and Sixth review report. Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/94sUFZzw6YBqN0RwJ9sj
Sri Lanka’s surcharge on vehicle import tax reduces dollar outflows: Minister
Sri Lanka’s decision to impose a 50% surcharge on customs import duty for vehicles has reduced foreign currency outflows and decreased demand for the U.S. currency, Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-surcharge-on-vehicle-import-tax-reduces-dollar-outflows-minister-275793/
Govt. to review fuel relief after three months: Deputy Minister
Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday said the Government will decide whether to extend its fuel subsidy and relief measures after assessing economic conditions at the end of the current three-month period, while early indications show that the recently imposed 50% surcharge on vehicle imports has successfully reduced import demand. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-to-review-fuel-relief-after-three-months-Deputy-Minister/44-793442

Exporters question forex rule as trade deficit widens
The local export fraternity has questioned the rationale behind a new foreign exchange regulation that significantly shortens the period the firms can retain the export earnings in foreign currency, warning that the measure risks increasing costs, disrupting business planning and sending mixed signals to a sector the country is relying on to drive economic recovery. Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Exporters-question-forex-rule-as-trade-deficit-widens/273-343227

Govt. secures ammonium nitrate imports from India amid ban
Sri Lanka has secured the resumption of ammonium nitrate imports from India after the neighbouring country approved a monthly export quota of 220 metric tonnes (MT) in response to a request from the Sri Lankan Government. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-secures-ammonium-nitrate-imports-from-India-amid-ban/44-793440

Industry calls for direct European charters as shifting airline dynamics challenge Sri Lanka’s tourism yield
SLAITO urges government incentives for direct European charters to attract affluent travellers and provide an affordable alternative that bypasses inflated commercial airfares. Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Industry-calls-for-direct-European-charters-as-shifting-airline-dynamics-challenge-Sri-Lankas-tourism-yield/108-343231
Sri Lanka tea output falls in May
Sri Lanka’s tea production declined in May 2026 compared to the same month last year, with output falling by 2.07 percent, according to industry statistics compiled by Forbes & Walker Research. Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/18/business/1012398/sri-lanka-tea-output-falls-in-may/

Tea output falls in May as high-grown crop weakens
Ceylon Tea production fell in May, as the weaker output from the high and medium-grown regions offset the gains in the low-grown teas, adding to the signs of a slower start to the year for one of the country’s key export industries. Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Tea-output-falls-in-May-as-high-grown-crop-weakens/273-343228
Sri Lanka Treasury bill yields drop, all bills sold
Sri Lanka’s Treasury bill yields for the shorter tenors dropped at Wednesday’s auction, while the longer bill held steady, data from the Public Debt Management Office showed, with all offered 70 billion rupees of bills sold. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-treasury-bill-yields-drop-all-bills-sold-275771/

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 333.90/334.25 to US dollar spot, bond yields down
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 333.90/334.25 to the US dollar in the spot market on Wednesday, from 333.00/334.50 the previous day, while bond yields closed down, dealers said. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-333-90-334-25-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-down-275782/

Sri Lanka stocks close flat, ASPI inches up 0.04-pct
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed flat on Wednesday, with the benchmark index moving up a marginal 0.04 percent, data on its site showed. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-flat-aspi-inches-up-0-04-pct-275765/