SenFin Research – News Updates – 2 October 2026

Sri Lanka Customs surpasses revenue goal for ninth straight month in Sept
Sri Lanka Customs exceeded its monthly target for the ninth consecutive month in September, achieving the target before the month ended, official data showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-customs-surpasses-revenue-goal-for-ninth-straight-month-in-sept-285354/

U.S. issues damning report on investment climate in Sri Lanka
In what appeared to be a damning report, the U.S. Department of State, in its latest report, says the country’s investment climate remains challenging despite recovery from the 2022 economic crisis with a five percent growth last year exceeding expectations.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/U-S-issues-damning-report-on-investment-climate-in-Sri-Lanka/108-351504

Current account returns to surplus in August
Sri Lanka’s external current account returned to a surplus of $ 133 million in August after four consecutive months of deficits, as lower import expenditure narrowed the trade gap compared with recent months.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Current-account-returns-to-surplus-in-August/44-798001

Inflation relief months away: CBSL
Sri Lanka will face several more months of elevated inflation, as the energy shock spreads through the economy, with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) projecting inflation to remain in high single digits through early 2027.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Inflation-relief-months-away-CBSL/245-351506

Sri Lanka’s 2026 economic growth likely to hit three-year low
Sri Lanka’s economic growth is likely to slow down this year compared to the last two years amid Middle Eastern escalation dragging down the island nation’s economic activities with high fuel prices.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-2026-economic-growth-likely-to-hit-three-year-low-285351/

Monetary Policy: CBSL keeps OPR unchanged at 8.75%
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Monetary Policy Board decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.75%, based on evolving domestic and global economic conditions, including the effects of monetary policy tightening introduced in May 2026, according to the official statement made by CBSL.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/8frD3CADdjOAAZUdLlcS

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 330.60/70 to US dollar spot, bond yields flat.
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 330.60/70 to the US dollar in the spot market on Thursday, from 330.65/80 the previous day, while bond yields closed broadly steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-330-60-70-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-flat-285356/

Sri Lanka stocks close up, banks lead turnover.
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher on Thursday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.33 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-banks-lead-turnover-285315/

Pan Asia Bank’s Rs. 5 Bn debenture issue oversubscribed
Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC’s Senior Listed Rated Unsecured Redeemable Debenture issue of up to Rs. 5 billion was oversubscribed following its opening yesterday, reflecting strong investor interest..
Source: (Daily News)https://dailynews.lk/2026/10/02/business/1042397/pan-asia-banks-rs-5-bn-debenture-issue-oversubscribed/

Fitch upgrades Bank of Ceylon’s IDRs to ‘B-’, VR to ‘b-’; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to ‘B-’, from ‘CCC+’, with a Stable Outlook. Fitch has also upgraded BOC’s Viability Rating (VR) to ‘b-’, from ‘ccc+’, and Short-Term IDR to ‘B’, from ‘C’. The Government Support Rating (GSR) has been affirmed at ‘ns’ (no support).
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/10/02/business/1042408/fitch-upgrades-bank-of-ceylons-idrs-to-b-vr-to-b-outlook-stable/