SenFin Research – News Updates – 22 July 2026

Food prices push June inflation to 6.5%
Sri Lanka’s consumer inflation accelerated in June, with the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) rising 6.5% year-on-year from 5.4% in May, as higher food prices added to price pressures, the Department of Census and Statistics said yesterday.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Food-prices-push-June-inflation-to-6-5/44-794944#

Energy sector stakeholders identify priorities to accelerate Lanka’s renewable energy transition
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently convened ‘Energy Transition in Sri Lanka: Strategic Insights from Global Markets,’ bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and the energy sector to discuss the policies, investments, and reforms needed to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition towards a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/22/business/1029311/energy-sector-stakeholders-identify-priorities-to-accelerate-lankas-renewable-energy-transition/

Exporters face new EU sustainability rules
The Sri Lankan exporters targeting the European Union (EU) are being urged to prepare immediately for sweeping new sustainability regulations that will fundamentally change how businesses market products, manage supply chains and demonstrate environmental and social responsibility.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Exporters-face-new-EU-sustainability-rules/273-346249

Oil prices firm as potential US-Iran ceasefire
Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday as markets weighed reports of mediation efforts against fresh attacks exchanged by the US and Iran as well as threats of a naval blockade ‌of Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/xtbjG8b9hFoWJcw5E9ry

Dengue risk to remain high for next three weeks: Health Minister
The risk of dengue transmission in Sri Lanka is expected to remain elevated for the next three weeks, with the period leading up to mid-August identified as a high-risk phase, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Dengue-risk-to-remain-high-for-next-three-weeks-Health-Minister/108-346236

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 336.35/50 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 336.35/50 to the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, from 336.25/35 the previous day, while bond yields were broadly steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-336-35-50-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-279051/

Stocks close down on Tuesday, Cargills crossings lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Tuesday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 0.22 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/stocks-close-down-on-tuesday-cargills-crossings-lead-turnover-279018/

Mixed investor sentiments at Colombo stock market
The Colombo stock market continued its slide yesterday, however the active S&P SL20 ended in green.
With 133 counters ending in red against 74 in green, the ASPI ended down 0.29% or 62.37 points at 21,145.73 while the active S&P SL20 inched up 0.03% or 1.79 points to 5,945.01.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Mixed-investor-sentiments-at-Colombo-stock-market/42-794938

Secondary Bond market yields increase ahead of Monetary Policy announcement
The secondary Bond market yesterday saw rates increase on the back of continued selling pressure. In addition, traders were seen taking a wait-and-see and risk-off stance ahead of the upcoming Monetary Policy Announcement. As a result, activity was seen at subdued levels while transaction volumes were boosted by the execution of several block transactions at the elevated levels.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Secondary-Bond-market-yields-increase-ahead-of-Monetary-Policy-announcement/42-794940

Amãna Bank Q3 PAT soars by 98%, 9 Month PBT reaches LKR 2.7 Bn
Amãna Bank continued its strong profitability momentum by nearly doubling its profits in Q3 to reach a YTD PBT of LKR 2.7 billion (39% YoY) and PAT of LKR 1.6 billion (44% YoY), setting a new record by achieving the Bank’s 2024 full-year PBT in 9 months. During Q3,PBTsoaredby 91% YoY to LKR 1.2 billion and after taxation, profit stood at LKR 0.7billion, recording a 98% YoY growth.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/22/business/1029322/amana-bank-q3-pat-soars-by-98-9-month-pbt-reaches-lkr-2-7-bn/

Cost pressures outweigh fuel price gains at Lanka IOC in 1Q
Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reported a 34 percent decline in first quarter profits despite a sharp increase in revenue, as rising procurement costs linked to higher global crude oil prices eroded margins.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Cost-pressures-outweigh-fuel-price-gains-at-Lanka-IOC-in1Q/273-346260