SenFin Research – News Updates – 24 May 2026

Supreme Court draws fiscal red lines
In its landmark Special Determination under Applications Nos. 12/2026 through 16/2026, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka (SC) reinforced fundamental tenets of constitutionalism, procedural justice, and the rule of law within fiscal legislation.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77921/supreme-court-draws-fiscal-red-lines/

IMF, World Bank and debt deals drive $2.3 bn funding push
Sri Lanka is executing a highly structured strategy to mobilise Rs. 700 billion (approximately US$ 2.3 billion) in external finance this year, despite severe headwinds from escalating global conflicts and domestic supply shocks.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260524/business-times/imf-world-bank-and-debt-deals-drive-2-3-bn-funding-push-642419.html

Exporters sound alarm over mounting trade costs
Sri Lankan exporters are sounding the alarm over growing trade costs and declining orders from the Middle East, while cautioning that the ongoing depreciation of the rupee will deal a significant blow to the export sector in the medium to long term.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ehfzoo2vRXWdiMS9hNks

BOI showcases Sri Lanka’s investment potential
Sri Lanka is open for business. That was the unambiguous message Acting Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena delivered to an audience of Vietnamese business leaders and officials at the Sri Lanka–Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum on May 8.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77936/boi-showcases-sri-lankas-investment-potential/

Opposing views by exporters on rapid fall of the Rupee
This week saw opposing views by general exporters and garment exporters on the precarious position of the Rupee against the US dollar.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260524/business-times/opposing-views-by-exporters-on-rapid-fall-of-the-rupee-642408.html

Coconut industry caught between costs and supply
Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, on top of a continuing gap in raw material supply, has also been impacted by the ongoing Middle East crisis and rising freight and input costs, even as export earnings and production recorded gains in 2025.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/glqdVBwD97GLOvMDxM6a

Sri Lankan banks push urgent cyber resilience reforms
Sri Lanka’s banking and financial sector Chief Information Officer (CIO) Forum has stated that it has structured a comprehensive National Cyber Resilience Framework, proposing 20 strategic measures to protect the country’s financial infrastructure against escalating cybersecurity threats.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77934/sri-lankan-banks-push-urgent-cyber-resilience-reforms/

Govt. securities yields edge upwards
Tightening market liquidity, escalating uncertainty over the resolution of the Middle East crisis, and the sharp depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee saw yields on Government securities in the primary market edge upwards during the preceding week.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ysY63fZuKwCcbvEacgA0

Sri Lanka eyes Green Hydrogen boom
Sri Lanka has taken a major step towards transforming its energy sector, with the Ministry of Energy and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) issuing a Request for Information (RFI) inviting local and international investors to develop Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects across the island.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/78060/sri-lanka-eyes-green-hydrogen-boom/

Why is the Sri Lankan Rupee depreciating?
Why has the Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated over the last few days? Many people want to know the reason. Many also want to predict where the exchange rate will stabilise.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/DGbzy0EV8J206MCnQB4M

Singapore’s blueprint for Sri Lanka’s recover
In 1965, Singapore began with a GDP per capita of $516, a third of its population squatting in slums, 14% unemployment, and no natural resources.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77916/singapores-blueprint-for-sri-lankas-recovery/

SL authorities mull more EPF investments in the stock market
Sri Lankan authorities are considering expanding investments by the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in the stock market and other approved investment avenues, a move that is viewed with concern by trade unions, who had voiced protests earlier when the EPF invested in what were called ‘dud’ companies and lost badly in the process.
Source: (Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260524/business-times/sl-authorities-mull-more-epf-investments-in-the-stock-market-642505.html

SLT-Mobitel reports record profit amid digital growth
The SLT Group reported a strong start to 2026, delivering double-digit revenue growth and significantly higher profitability in the first quarter compared to Q1 2025.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77941/slt-mobitel-reports-record-profit-amid-digital-growth/


Dipped Products targets high-value markets
Sri Lanka’s listed company, Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a subsidiary of the Hayleys Group, has built a notable journey over the past five decades.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77859/dipped-products-targets-high-value-markets/

Cargills Bank posts Rs 105 m PAT for 1Q 2026
Cargills Bank’s results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 reported a profit before tax of Rs. 185 mn reflecting 42% drop when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2025 mainly due to a significant reduction in total other income, which decreased by Rs. 381 mn.
Source: (Sunday Observer) https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/05/24/business/77789/cargills-bank-posts-rs-105-m-pat-for-1q-2026/