SenFin Research – News Updates – 24 June 2026

NCPI inflation rises to 5.4% in May
The National Consumer Price Index (NCPI)-based headline inflation accelerated to 5.4% year-on-year (YoY) in May 2026 from 4.7% in April, according to data released by the Department of Census and Statistics..
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/NCPI-inflation-rises-to-5-4-in-May/44-793695

IRD moves to widen tax net as revenue collection reaches half-year target
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has introduced several amendments to the country’s tax administration framework aimed at identifying individuals liable to pay taxes and broadening Sri Lanka’s tax base, Commissioner ….
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/24/business/1015374/ird-moves-to-widen-tax-net-as-revenue-collection-reaches-half-year-target/

Colombo Port City to attract further US$12 Bn in development capital
Having already attracted approximately US$ 1.4 billion in foreign development capital, the Colombo Port City is expected to attract a further US$ 12 billion in development capital to reach its …
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/24/business/1015391/colombo-port-city-to-attract-further-us12-bn-in-development-capital/

Israel freezes $ 6.9 m in SL remittances in legal dispute with service provider
The Government yesterday said approximately $ 6.9 million remitted by Sri Lankan workers in Israel has been suspended due to legal proceedings involving remittance service provider Global Remit, rejecting claims that the funds were lost as a result of a cyberattack.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Israel-freezes-6-9-m-in-SL-remittances-in-legal-dispute-with-service-provider/44-793694

Govt. retreats on VAT threshold cut
The Government yesterday withdrew plans to lower the Value Added Tax (VAT) registration and Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) thresholds, sparing thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises from being brought into the tax net at a time when businesses are grappling with the economic consequences of Cyclone Ditwah and the conflict in the Middle East.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Govt-retreats-on-VAT-threshold-cut/26-793693

Yield curve remains broadly stable amid mixed market sentiment
Sentiment in the secondary market remained mixed yesterday, with trading volumes at moderate levels. Investor interest was especially visible in the mid- to belly-end of the yield curve, while activity was primarily driven by primary dealers and banking sector participants. Foreign investor participation remained absent..
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Yield-curve-remains-broadly-stable-amid-mixed-market-sentiment/273-343734

Apparel exports post strongest monthly growth this year on US demand
Sri Lanka’s apparel and textile exports grew 7.96% in May 2026 to $ 394.14 million, marking the industry’s strongest monthly performance so far this year and signalling improving demand from key export markets after a challenging start to 2026.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Apparel-exports-post-strongest-monthly-growth-this-year-on-US-demand/44-793699

Seylan Bank signs MoU with Sathosa Motors to offer leasing facility for ISUZU vehicles
Seylan Bank PLC has entered a strategic partnership with Sathosa Motors PLC (SML), a longstanding name in ISUZU vehicle imports in Sri Lanka, to introduce a dedicated leasing facility for …
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/24/business/1015276/seylan-bank-signs-mou-with-sathosa-motors-to-offer-leasing-facility-for-isuzu-vehicles/