SenFin Research – News Updates – 20 July 2026

Manufacturing activities expand in June
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 53.0 in June 2026. This indicates continued expansion in manufacturing activities, albeit at a slower pace than the previous month.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/20/business/1028871/manufacturing-activities-expand-in-june/

Tea output declines as inflation edges up, says CBSL weekly report
Sri Lanka’s tea production declined during the first five months of 2026, while inflation continued its upward trend and crude oil prices increased amid heightened geopolitical tensions, according to the Central Bank’s latest Weekly Economic Indicators report.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/20/business/1028869/tea-output-declines-as-inflation-edges-up-says-cbsl-weekly-report/

Container inspections: Customs exams hit 13%
Though 22% of all containers processed through Sri Lanka's ports in the first quarter of 2026 were referred to Other Government Agencies (OGA) for mandatory inspections, only 13% were selected for intrusive examination by Sri Lanka Customs, according to the Progress Report on Anti-Corruption Measures released by Sri Lanka Customs, Excise Department, and Inland Revenue Department for end-March.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/QIK7CJJqMsPTpPitI1XC

Forced labour import regs: EASL urges risk-based enforcement model
The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has called on the government to adopt a risk-based enforcement model for the new regulations prohibiting the importation of goods produced through forced labour, warning that without clear guidelines, legitimate trade could face uncertainty, higher costs and delays.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/r9yQcWRprqrtv4p6Enng

US issues worldwide travel caution amid rising West Asia tensions, warns Americans of potential security threats
The US Department of State on Saturday (local time) issued a worldwide travel caution for American citizens, citing heightened tensions in West Asia and warning of a complex security environment with the potential for unforeseen escalation amid the heightened military operations from both the US and Iranian sides in the region.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/US-issues-worldwide-travel-caution-amid-rising-West-Asia-tensions-warns-Americans-of-potential-security-threats/108-346019

Foreigners buy US$23.2mn worth Sri Lanka rupee bonds in last week
Foreign holdings in Sri Lanka rupee bonds hit a fresh near three-year high in the week ended on July 16 as offshore investors bought a net US$ 23.2 million worth of government securities, Central Bank data showed, amid a stable rupee currency.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/foreigners-buy-us23-2mn-worth-sri-lanka-rupee-bonds-in-last-week-278870/

LB Finance posts Rs. 3.54 Bn PAT in 1Q
LB Finance PLC commenced the 2026/27 financial year on a strong note, recording a 31% increase in profit after tax to Rs. 3.54 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, compared to Rs. 2.70 billion in the corresponding period last year.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/20/business/1028866/lb-finance-posts-rs-3-54-bn-pat-in-1q/

Ambeon Capital plans Rs. 4 b equity raising via Rights and private placement
Ambeon Capital PLC has unveiled plans to raise up to Rs. 4 billion through a combination of a Rights Issue and a contingent private placement to strengthen its capital structure, reduce gearing, and fund new investments in high-growth sectors.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Ambeon-Capital-plans-Rs-4-b-equity-raising-via-Rights-and-private-placement/44-794870