SenFin Research – News Updates – 29 May 2026

Oil prices surge over 3% amid escalating US-Iran tensions
Global oil prices climbed sharply yesterday following renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/29/business/1002357/oil-prices-surge-over-3-amid-escalating-us-iran-tensions/

Sri Lanka seeks to enhance exports, GDP significantly
With a vision to pivot towards exponential growth, Sri Lanka seeks to enhance exports and GDP significantly, inspired by successful models like Vietnam and South Korea, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development said addressing a Forum held recently in Colombo.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/29/business/1002327/sri-lanka-seeks-to-enhance-exports-gdp-significantly/

FITIS says ICT/BPM exports surpassing tea signals digital economy potential
Sri Lanka’s ICT and BPM sector has achieved a major national milestone, with digital services exports surpassing tea export earnings during the first four months of 2026, reflecting the country’s accelerating transition towards a knowledge-driven digital economy.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/FITIS-says-ICT-BPM-exports-surpassing-tea-signals-digital-economy-potential/44-792666

Sri Lanka’s monetary policy remains appropriate despite rate hike: IMF
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Evan Papageorgiou yesterday said Sri Lanka’s current monetary policy stance remains “broadly appropriate,” despite the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) recent 100-basis point policy rate hike.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-s-monetary-policy-remains-appropriate-despite-rate-hike-IMF/44-792671

Fitch says Sri Lanka’s vehicle, gold loan curbs support lenders’ risk profiles
Fitch Ratings yesterday said Sri Lanka’s tighter macroprudential restrictions on vehicle and gold-backed lending will benefit lenders’ risk profiles, particularly those of finance companies.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Fitch-says-Sri-Lanka-s-vehicle-gold-loan-curbs-support-lenders-risk-profiles/42-792662

Unit Trust industry navigates market volatility with resilience
The Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL) yesterday said the industry held steady during April 2026, amidst ongoing global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, and the resulting market volatility seen in the past few months.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Unit-Trust-industry-navigates-market-volatility-with-resilience/42-792660

Rs. 240 b Bond auction fully subscribed in first phase
The weighted average yield rates at Wednesday’s Treasury Bond auction increased in line with the Monetary Policy rate hike of 100 bps and the corresponding increase in yields observed at the Treasury Bill auction delivered and conducted the day prior.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Rs-240-b-Bond-auction-fully-subscribed-in-first-phase/42-792661

NSB Group posts Rs. 15.5 Bn operating profit for 1Q 2026
National Savings Bank Group (NSB) recorded a steady and resilient performance for the first quarter of 2026, supported by a stronger core banking income base and disciplined asset-liability management. For the three months ended 31 March 2026, the Group reported Profit Before Tax of Rs. 11.8 billion and Profit After Tax of Rs. 7 billion, while making a total tax contribution of Rs. 8.5 billion during the quarter.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/29/business/1002351/nsb-group-posts-rs-15-5-bn-operating-profit-for-1q-2026/