SenFin Research – News Updates – 18 March 2026

Economy maintains momentum with 5% GDP growth in 2025
The economy achieved a 5% annual growth rate for the second consecutive year in 2025 since contracting by 2.3% in 2023, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Economy-maintains-momentum-with-5-GDP-growth-in-2025/44-789697

Sri Lanka manufacturing continued to expand in Feb 2026: PMI
Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector continued to expand in February, registering a value of 56.8 on the Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank, compared to 56.1 the previous month.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-manufacturing-continued-to-expand-in-feb-2026-pmi-264157/

Sri Lanka services activities expansion dips in Feb 2026: PMI
Sri Lanka’s services sector activities expanded at a slower rate in February 2026, with a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank registering an index value of 54.4, compared to 64.5 the previous month.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-services-activities-expansion-dips-in-feb-2026-pmi-264166/

Economic activity holds in February; Iran war begins to weigh on outlook
Sri Lanka’s economic activities were seen holding up in February before the war broke out at the end of the month, as seen from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data, but the economy is currently feeling the brunt of the Iran war which broke out at the end of February.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Economic-activity-holds-in-February-Iran-war-begins-to-weigh-on-outlook/273-335640

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector records strong start
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded a strong start to the year, with more than 620,000 foreign visitors arriving in the country between January 1 and March 11, according to the Statistics of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/18/business/968468/sri-lankas-tourism-sector-records-strong-start/

Sri Lanka Tourism ensures seamless travel with priority fuel and LPG access
Fearing a possible fuel shortage stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict, the government has introduced a national fuel quota for vehicles.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Sri-Lanka-Tourism-ensures-seamless-travel-with-priority-fuel-and-LPG-access/245-335641

To reach US $ 8bn, Sri Lanka apparel must grow differently
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has earned its place in the global market through consistency, trust and a strong reputation for ethical manufacturing. Over many years, we have shown that Sri Lanka can deliver quality, compliance and reliability at a level that global brands value. That foundation remains one of our greatest strengths.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/To-reach-US-8bn-Sri-Lanka-apparel-must-grow-differently/273-335629

Oil prices: Elevated current account deficit risk
Sri Lanka is likely to see a current account deficit of $ 1.5-2 billion by the end of the year if crude oil continues to trade above $ 100/bbl, in addition to several other macroeconomic factors, Capital Alliance (CAL) Head of Research Trisha Pieris said on Monday (16), speaking during a live presentation on the company’s socials.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/H899a2i2OauotFfV2ioq

Credit surge drives SL’s financial growth in ’25
Sri Lanka’s financial sector saw a sharp acceleration in credit growth in 2025, with lending expanding across both banks and finance companies, supported by improved macroeconomic conditions and stronger demand for credit.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/kwk52d2bH78MSdJi4bHk

Global oil prices climb to highest level since July 2022
Global oil prices climbed to their highest level since July 2022 on Sunday evening as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East raised fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/18/business/968483/global-oil-prices-climb-to-highest-level-since-july-2022/

Sri Lanka needs to sustain strong fiscal, external sector measures for stability: CB
Sri Lanka needs to sustain its fiscal consolidation efforts and strengthen external sector buffers to safeguard macrofinancial stability, the Central Bank said in a statement.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-needs-to-sustain-strong-fiscal-external-sector-measures-for-stability-cb-264232/

Ceylon Chamber urges measures to safeguard economic stability amid global uncertainty
The evolving global situation and the escalating conflict in the Middle East requires coordinated measures to safeguard economic stability. The Ceylon Chamber remains ready to work with the Government in addressing potential economic risks and has outlined detailed policy recommendations.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/18/business/968421/ceylon-chamber-urges-measures-to-safeguard-economic-stability-amid-global-uncertainty/

Sri Lanka allows fuel business locally in US dollars for select sectors
Sri Lanka has allowed the private sector to import and sell fuel for the export and tourism sectors in U.S. dollars to ease the fuel shortage, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-allows-fuel-business-locally-in-us-dollars-for-select-sectors-264242/

External risks cloud financial sector outlook despite stronger conditions: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s macro financial conditions face mounting external risks, with Central Bank warning that global uncertainties could undermine credit quality and test the resilience of the financial system.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/External-risks-cloud-financial-sector-outlook-despite-stronger-conditions-CBSL/273-335638

President calls for collective action to keep country functioning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday underscored that ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of the country remains the Government’s primary objective, calling for the collective support of the public and private sectors, media and citizens to navigate the current challenges.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/President-calls-for-collective-action-to-keep-country-functioning/44-789693

Sri Lanka rupee stronger, bond yields close up on limited trading
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 311.30/40 to the US dollar in the spot market Tuesday, improving from 311.50/60 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields closed up on limited trading.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-stronger-bond-yields-close-up-on-limited-trading-264225/

Sri Lanka stocks close down 2.41-pct amidst fuel fears
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed 2.41 percent down on Tuesday as investors were spooked by fears of a fuel shortage, brokers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-down-2-41-pct-amidst-fuel-fears-264189/

Sampath Bank-Apartner bring digital payments to condominium sector
Sampath Bank PLC partnered with Apartner (Pvt.) Ltd to digitise condominium payments in Sri Lanka, introducing a secure, real-time payment and settlement framework designed to support smarter, more efficient apartment living.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sampath-Bank-Apartner-bring-digital-payments-to-condominium-sector/273-335631