SenFin Research – News Updates – 26 July 2026

*SenFin Research – News Updates – 26 July 2026*

*CB stands firm on interest rates despite inflation spike, trade pressures*

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe addressed inflation spikes, noting a rise to 6.8 per cent due to supply-side issues, while confirming that previous tightening measures require more time to influence credit growth.

*Source: (Sunday Times)* https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260726/business-times/cb-stands-firm-on-interest-rates-despite-inflation-spike-trade-pressures-649990.html 

*Inflation outlook remains stable – CBSL Governor*

Sri Lanka’s inflation expectations remain well anchored around the 5% range, reducing the risk of sustained price pressures despite temporary supply-side shocks, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said last week.

*Source: (Sunday Observer)* https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/07/26/business/81409/inflation-outlook-remains-stable-cbsl-governor/ 

*US court allows SL to respond to new HRB evidence*

Sri Lanka has been permitted to file additional submissions responding to Hamilton Reserve Bank (HRB) in the ongoing dispute over Sri Lankan sovereign bonds, after the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted its request on 16 July.

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/RWoet0jU4zScYulijKBe 

*Forex curbs slash vehicle imports*

Policy decisions taken to curb the excessive outflow of foreign exchange through the financing of vehicle imports have proved effective, according to the Department of Trade and Investment Policies.

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/u73cvs81L11d0j1ZaUcI 

*A $ 715 million breach*

The suspected transfer of $ 715 million through false import documents exposes a failure reaching far beyond individual fraudsters and compromised paperwork.

*Source: (the morning)* http://themorning.lk/articles/f7iIbf0z1jwul1yj5gsD 

*Banks to support cash flow needs amid low remittances*

Bankers say that July to September will bring challenges for foreign exchange inflows from remittances and exposure to West Asian disruptions, prompting the financial sector to aid affected groups with short-term cash flow and to push for higher export volumes.

*Source: (Sunday Times)* https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260726/business-times/banks-to-support-cash-flow-needs-amid-low-remittances-650179.html 

*‘Silent killer’ in the economy*

Dengue is somewhat the focus this week as there is also an economic impact going by a Sunday Times Business report last week, where it was stated that the economic repercussions of dengue in Sri Lanka are seen through sudden workforce absences, lost wages and overwhelmed healthcare systems. Low productivity is also an issue.

*Source: (Sunday Times)* https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260726/business-times/silent-killer-in-the-economy-650169.html 

*Sri Lanka gets connected for travellers*

Sri Lanka is increasingly establishing connectivity with other markets in a bid to ensure sustained tourist arrivals to the country.

*Source: (Sunday Times)* https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260726/business-times/sri-lanka-gets-connected-for-travellers-650009.html 

*US exports on 10% tariff for Sri Lanka*

The US has imposed a 10 per cent tariff on imports from Sri Lanka following intense negotiations in the past couple of weeks.

*Source: (Sunday Times)* https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260726/business-times/us-exports-on-10-tariff-for-sri-lanka-650000.html 

*The future of global tourism in a less-cash world*

Tourism has long been recognised as an engine of economic development. Traditionally, its success has been linked with attractions, hospitality, and connectivity. 

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/nG2Vet3T5l8NgiTHhVaT 

*The paddy problem is more than a price problem*

I recently joined a television programme to discuss the economics of paddy and rice. Three farmers representing farmer associations joined the discussion, together with former Governor of the Sabaragamuwa Province Prof. Dhamma Dissanayake.

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/tRztsLnlrKnBLtVJ2RRU 

*Planters’ Assn. calls for action on crop theft*

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), in a media released has called on the Government to treat the systematic theft of high-value agricultural crops as a serious economic threat, cautioning that unchecked losses are deterring investment, eroding export competitiveness and putting the livelihoods of farmers at risk.

*Source: (Sunday Observer)* https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2026/07/26/business/81570/planters-assn-calls-for-action-on-crop-theft/ 

*SL’s exports cross $ 9 b milestone in H1 2026*

Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth, with the country’s total exports surpassing the $ 9 billion milestone during the first half of 2026.

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/GPufahvafhmDLnFgytXv 

*T-bill yields extend decline*

Treasury bill (T-bill) yields extended their decline at last week’s auction, with the three-month T-bill slipping below 10% as the Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) accepted the entire stock on offer for the sixth consecutive auction amid increased liquidity and robust investor demand.

*Source: (the morning)* https://www.themorning.lk/articles/YBqKFprUNcKpLnFgphOb