SenFin Research – News Updates – 28 October 2026

Exports jump 17% in September
Sri Lanka’s exports posted a double-digit growth in September, with a sharp rise in the merchandise shipments lifting the total earnings to US $ 1.69 billion, although the nine-month performance remained weighed down by the declines in apparel and tea.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Exports-jump-17-in-September/245-353505

Tourism: SL sees 262% surge in searches among Indians
As Indian travellers seek intentional and culturally rich getaways during the October to November festive period, Sri Lanka has emerged as a top international destination, recording a massive 262% year-on-year growth in searches.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/CoYlFBAnBUJmr5i6UT7j

Apparel exports grow in September, but year-to-date picture remains cautious: JAAF
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports returned to growth in September 2026, an encouraging sign for the sector. Although the nine-month total is still behind last year, the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) sees the latest result as a positive step.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/10/28/business/1047150/apparel-exports-grow-in-september-but-year-to-date-picture-remains-cautious-jaaf/

Renewable Energy: Financing channels, infrastructure not kept pace
Though Sri Lanka has made progress on realising transition towards renewable energy, transmission capacity, market design, financing channels and digital infrastructure have not kept pace with the ongoing renewable energy (RE) capacity additions; necessitating an integrated system to absorb RE additions, Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Research Fellow Dr Erandathie Pathiraja said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/PZGauKGRhcZRZXHCtYu4

Rising inflation and narrowing buffers demand policy action now: IMF
Global economic growth is expected to slow to 3.1 percent in 2026 before rebounding to 3.4 percent in 2027, with inflation rising amid geopolitical disruptions, the International Monetary Fund has said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/rising-inflation-and-narrowing-buffers-demand-policy-action-now-imf-287996/

AMLL: Financial system strength relies on institutions, regulations: PM
The strength of a country’s financial system depends not only on the laws and institutions established but also on their effectiveness, accountability, and integrity in practice, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya said, as quoted in a statement made by the Prime Minister’s office recently (26).
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/MYpe2r2wluO4L5nivlQq

Sri Lanka stocks close up, ASPI gains 0.27-pct
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Tuesday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.27 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-aspi-gains-0-27-pct-288048/

Sri Lanka stocks open up; Capital goods lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange opened higher on Tuesday, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up 0.34 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-open-up-capital-goods-lead-turnover-287970/

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 332.40/50 to US dollar spot, bond yields edge up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 332.40/50 to the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, weaker from 332.25/35 the previous day, while bond yields closed slightly higher, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-332-40-50-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-edge-up-288057/

Fitch assigns Asia Asset Finance’s proposed subordinated debt ‘A-(EXP)(lka)’
Fitch Ratings has assigned Asia Asset Finance PLC’s (AAF, A+(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lankan rupee-denominated subordinated listed debentures of up to Rs.3 billion an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘A-(EXP)(lka)’.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Fitch-assigns-Asia-Asset-Finances-proposed-subordinated-debt-A-EXPlka/273-353500