SenFin Research – News Updates – 24 July 2026

Cumulative export earnings record strong growth in 1H-2026
Cumulative export earnings from several key sectors recorded strong growth during the first half of 2026, with coconut-based products, rubber-based products, processed food & beverages, electrical & electronic components, and seafood recording year-on-year increases of 14.59%, 5.24%, 24.45%, 123.48%, and 17.61%, respectively, compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/24/business/1029890/cumulative-export-earnings-record-strong-growth-in-1h-2026/

Oil prices climb toward $ 100 as Red Sea risks rise
Oil prices rose for the fifth consecutive day early on Thursday, topping $ 98 per barrel to the highest level in nearly two months, as Houthi attacks on tankers on the Red Sea route intensified concerns about supply from the Middle East.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/PM8EleDcCbOzwrP4scXk

Tea exports fall in June despite stronger rupee earnings
Tea export volumes declined for a second consecutive month in June, extending the industry’s weak first-half performance, although higher rupee-denominated export prices helped lift average earnings per kilogram amid continued pressure on global markets.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business/Tea-exports-fall-in-June-despite-stronger-rupee-earnings/215-346478

Vehicle imports drop remarkably: Minister
Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando said today that vehicle imports have reduced remarkably after the imposition of the 50 percent surcharge on vehicle imports.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Vehicle-imports-drop-remarkably-Minister/108-346443

El Nino to trigger unpredictable rainfall later this year, steps taken for food security
With the development of El Niño conditions altering weather patterns in Sri Lanka, the government is planning for advancing the Maha cultivation season in a bid to avert any impact on food security, a Minister said yesterday.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/El-Nino-to-trigger-unpredictable-rainfall-later-this-year-steps-taken-for-food-security/108-346409

Stocks close up on Thursday, capital goods lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Thursday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.24 percent. The ASPI was up 49.81 points at 21,199.37, while the more liquid S&P SL20 was up 0.22 percent, or 13.25 points, at 5,945.87.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/stocks-close-up-on-thursday-capital-goods-lead-turnover-279217/

Sri Lanka rupee at 336.30/40 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee was quoted at 336.30/40 to the US dollar in the spot market on Thursday, from 336.35/40 the previous day, while bond yields were broadly steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-at-336-30-40-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-279164/

LOLC Finance to repurchase 2.3 b shares in Rs. 16.1 b buyback
LOLC Finance PLC yesterday said it plans to repurchase up to 2.3 billion ordinary voting shares for a maximum consideration of Rs. 16.09 billion under a share buyback approved by its Board of Directors.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/LOLC-Finance-to-repurchase-2-3-b-shares-in-Rs-16-1-b-buyback/44-795056

Financials: NDB posts Rs 3 b PAT in Q2
The bank reported an operating profit before taxes on financial services of Rs 9.50 billion for 1H 2026, after recognising the gross financial impact of the fraud attributable to the period amounting to Rs 2.55 billion, which related entirely to the quarter ended 31 March 2026. This compares with an operating profit before taxes on financial services of Rs 4.38 billion for 1H 2025, which has been restated to reflect the applicable fraud impact of Rs 4.26 billion recognised for that period.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Pbx57tT9eh4i6ct2rBDa

Beruwala Resorts plans Rs. 398 m Rights issue to fund refurbishment
Beruwala Resorts PLC has proposed a Rs. 398 million rights issue to raise funds for the refurbishment of The Palms Beruwala hotel and meet working capital requirements.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/business/Beruwala-Resorts-plans-Rs-398-m-Rights-issue-to-fund-refurbishment/34-795071

Ceylon Investment proposes Rs. 366 m share buyback
Ceylon Investment PLC has announced plans to repurchase up to 1,800,014 ordinary shares for a maximum consideration of approximately Rs. 366 million under a share buyback approved by its Board of Directors.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/business/Ceylon-Investment-proposes-Rs-366-m-share-buyback/34-795070

Overseas Realty posts Rs. 4.8 b PBT in 1H
Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC has recorded a Group Revenue of Rs. 6,775 million and a Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 4,767 million for 6 months ending 30 June 2026.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/business/Overseas-Realty-posts-Rs-4-8-b-PBT-in-1H/34-795069