SenFin Research – News Updates – 24 September 2026

Sri Lanka has little room for tax hikes or cuts: IPS
Sri Lanka should resist both further tax rate increases and premature tax cuts in Budget 2027, and instead widen the tax net and strengthen compliance as the country enters a critical phase of fiscal consolidation, the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) has recommended.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sri-Lanka-has-little-room-for-tax-hikes-or-cuts-IPS/273-350935

Sri Lanka back in ‘B’ league
Four years after Sri Lanka’s economic collapse pushed its sovereign rating into default territory, the country has climbed back into the single-‘B’ category, earning international recognition for a recovery built on higher taxes, tighter spending and painful economic reforms.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Sri-Lanka-back-in-B-league/245-350938

Exports surpass $ 12 b mark in eight months
Sri Lanka’s export sector has surpassed the $ 12 billion mark during the first eight months of 2026, reflecting a 4.26% rise from a year ago..
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Exports-surpass-12-b-mark-in-eight-months/44-797656

IMF urges retaining 5% inflation target
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday recommended that Sri Lanka retain its 5% inflation target and current accountability band at the first statutory review of the target. The recommendation comes amid growing calls from some Government officials and independent economists for a lower target.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/IMF-urges-retaining-5-inflation-target/44-797658

IMF says SL on course to return to global capital markets
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said Sri Lanka remains on track to return to international capital markets in 2027 or thereabouts and welcomed the sovereign rating upgrade by Fitch.
Source: (Daily Ft) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/IMF-says-SL-on-course-to-return-to-global-capital-markets/44-797657

Development: IMF reviews debt sustainability framework for LICs
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board recently reviewed the IMF-World Bank Debt Sustainability Framework for Low-Income Countries (LIC-DSF), during which the review confirmed that the framework utilised was “fit-for-purpose”, but also identified areas for improvement.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Zgzhs0moOfjejMkhHmcx

MICE Tourism key to Sri Lanka’s economic transformation – Deputy Minister
Highlighting the vital role of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in accelerating Sri Lanka’s broader tourism development, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe called for stronger public-private partnerships to position the country as a competitive global event hub.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/24/business/1040841/mice-tourism-key-to-sri-lankas-economic-transformation-deputy-minister/

Empowering the Unbanked: How People’s Leasing & Finance PLC is Driving Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery through Informal Sector Growth
As Sri Lanka transitions into a phase of national economic rebuilding, People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC) is charting a resilient path forward by anchoring its strategy in the country’s high-potential Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and informal sectors. Overcoming macro-level challenges—from interest rate volatility to global geopolitical uncertainty—the non-banking financial institution is leveraging its 30-year legacy, extensive 114-branch network, and accelerated digital adoption to bridge the gap between traditional finance and underserved entrepreneurs. By prioritizing personal trust, responsible lending, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, PLC continues to drive financial inclusivity and solidify its position as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/09/24/business/1040821/empowering-the-unbanked-how-peoples-leasing-finance-plc-is-driving-sri-lankas-economic-recovery-through-informal-sector-growth/