SenFin Research – News Updates – 25 August 2026

EU-India FTA raises competitive stakes for Sri Lanka exports
Sri Lanka is facing a fresh export competitiveness challenge in the European Union (EU) as the recently concluded EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to give Indian products significant tariff advantages across several labour-intensive sectors, prompting calls for urgent action to protect the country’s market access and strengthen its competitive position.Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/EU-India-FTA-raises-competitive-stakes-for-Sri-Lanka-exports/26-796461

Over 80% of Rs. 95 b MSME, agriculture credit package utilised
More than 80% of the nearly Rs. 95 billion allocated for concessionary credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agriculture in 2026 has been utilised, with the amount exceeding Rs. 75 billion by the early part of the third quarter, according to the Development Finance Department of the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry.Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Over-80-of-Rs-95-b-MSME-agriculture-credit-package-utilised/44-796460

PUCSL resets renewable tariffs, targets 450 MW solar-plus-storage by March 2027
Sri Lanka is placing battery storage at the centre of its next phase of renewable energy expansion, with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approving a new three-tier feed-in tariff structure, while requiring the electricity system to add at least 450 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity paired with battery energy storage by March 2027.Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/PUCSL-resets-renewable-tariffs-targets-450-MW-solar-plus-storage-by-March-2027/44-796455

MSMEs: SL extends Rs 235 m NPL working capital in 2026
The Sri Lankan Government has so far offered Rs 235 million to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) under its Non Performing Loan working capital loan scheme, a statement on the progress of Sri Lanka’s 2026 MSME spending package, made by the Ministry of Finance yesterday (24) said. Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/XhRYz7YtKz7byy9TpKYB

Public fund utilisation: CSE imposes strict new disclosure mandate
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced a revised disclosure framework for how listed companies utilise funds raised through public offerings, in a circular issued on 21 August, urging Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of all listed companies to comply.Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/4AOorJslT2EdgCBaxgkC

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 329.00/10 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 329.00/10 to the US dollar in the spot market on Monday, stronger from 329.40/50 the previous day, while bond yields held broadly steady, dealers said.Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-329-00-10-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-281909/

Sri Lanka July 2026 tourism revenue down 10.4-pct y/y
Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange revenue from tourism fell 10.4 percent in July this year from a year ago to US$285,5 million, the central bank said, quoting tourism promotion authority data.Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-july-2026-tourism-revenue-down-10-4-pct-y-y-281946/

Sri Lanka Treasury bill yields drop further, Rs120bn sold
Sri Lanka’s Treasury bill yields dipped across maturities at Monday’s auction, with all offered 120 billion rupees of bills sold, data from the Public Debt Management Office showed.Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-treasury-bill-yields-drop-further-rs120bn-sold-281884/

Fintrex Finance more than doubles 1Q PAT to Rs. 210 m
Fintrex Finance PLC delivered a robust start to the 2026/27 financial year, more than doubling its profit after tax (PAT) to Rs. 209.93 million for the three months ended 30 June 2026. This represented a year-on-year increase of 104% from Rs. 103 million reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by 102% to Rs. 340.59 million.Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Fintrex-Finance-more-than-doubles-1Q-PAT-to-Rs-210-m/44-796458