SenFin Research – News Updates – 31 March 2026

Deflation was beneficial to Sri Lanka, not harmful: CB Governor
Sri Lanka’s recent low inflation, and ‘deflation’ in some 12 month period has been beneficial to the country allowing growth to recover, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe has said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/deflation-was-beneficial-to-sri-lanka-not-harmful-cb-governor-265487/

Unemployment rate declines to 3.8% in 4Q-2025
Labour market conditions showed improvement, with the unemployment rate declining to 3.8 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 4.2 per cent in the previous quarter.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/31/business/975237/unemployment-rate-declines-to-3-8-in-4q-2025/

IMF Mission in town for extensive discussions under combined 5th and 6th EFF Reviews
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is in town, led by Sri Lanka Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou, for the Fifth and Sixth Reviews under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which could potentially release around $ 700 million once completed.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/IMF-Mission-in-town-for-extensive-discussions-under-combined-5th-and-6th-EFF-Reviews/44-790315

Global trade downturn: SL apparel exports follow global slowdown
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded a broad-based decline in February this year. Total exports for the month fell by 11.46% year-on-year to $ 361.2 million, with notable contractions in the EU (-19.48%), USA (-3.53%), UK (-5.67%), and other markets (-18.54%), following regional competitors seeing similar pressures.
Source: (the morning) www.themorning.lk/articles/7Q4VOb2CgTsOGwNiKgFq

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals down 18.1% in March hit by ME disruption
Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka has fallen 18.1 percent in the first 25 days of March 2026, the official data showed, as escalation in the Middle East took the toll in the island nation’s peak tourist reason,
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-tourist-arrivals-down-18-1-in-march-hit-by-me-disruption-265669/

Sri Lanka regulator approves electricity tariff hike
After taking into account all factors, electricity prices will be increased by up to 25 percent, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-regulator-approves-electricity-tariff-hike-265579/

Electricity tariff hike no April Fool’s joke
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday approved an average 10% tariff increase, lower than the 13.56% hike initially sought by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Electricity-tariff-hike-no-April-Fool-s-joke/26-790316

Oil tops $ 115, Asian stocks fall
Global oil prices jumped and stocks fell sharply yesterday in Asia after the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Oil-tops-115-Asian-stocks-fall/44-790312

Indian tanker delivers 36,000 MT of fuel to Colombo Port
Indian oil tanker, Hari Anand, arrived at the Dolphin Jetty of the Colombo Port at 1.30 pm on Sunday (29).
Source: (Newswire) https://www.newswire.lk/2026/03/30/indian-tanker-delivers-36000-mt-of-fuel-to-colombo-port/

Freight hike hits exporters
Sri Lanka’s export sector is being squeezed by a sharp spike in global freight costs and logistics disruptions, with the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) warning that a prolonged Middle East crisis could severely undermine trade flows, competitiveness, and broader economic stability.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Freight-hike-hits-exporters/26-790261

Maritime Silk Route: ‘Leverage Trinco harbour for Bay of Bengal trade growth’
Sri Lanka needs to leverage its Trincomalee natural deep-water harbour for an anticipated increase in trade within the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand, Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Chairperson Harsha de Silva said, speaking on Ada Derana’s Hydepark show on Friday
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/oPEC7NQ4PhzBrmVfCnaF

Govt. rolls out strict energy-saving measures as fuel, water pressures mount
The Government has intensified countrywide conservation efforts with a series of strict guidelines aimed at curbing fuel and electricity consumption, as authorities warn of mounting pressure from the global energy crisis and emerging dry weather conditions.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-rolls-out-strict-energy-saving-measures-as-fuel-water-pressures-mount/44-790317

Measures to stabilize economy, provide services without interruption
The government has formulated a comprehensive programme to stabilize the domestic economy in the face of global challenges, and steps have also been taken to provide services without interruption during the festive season, said Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/03/31/business/975205/measures-to-stabilize-economy-provide-services-without-interruption/

Aviation: IndiGo launches direct Delhi-Colombo flights
Indian airline IndiGo launched a new direct flight service between Delhi and Colombo last Sunday (29) which operates six times a week using Airbus A320 aircraft, with the intention of strengthening tourism, trade, and business travel.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/qhYd7XLolYvtMgvdKRbZ

Sri Lanka rupee weaker, bond yields close higher
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 315.60/80 to the US dollar in the spot next market Monday, depreciating from 314.70/315.00 Friday, dealers said, while bond yields closed higher.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-weaker-bond-yields-close-higher-265658/

Sri Lanka stocks close down 1.33-pct as oil climbs back up
The Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Monday, along with other Asian markets, as brent futures stayed above the 115 dollars a barrel mark throughout the day.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-down-1-33-pct-as-oil-climbs-back-up-265639/

People’s Insurance reports strong growth and financial stability in 4Q25
People’s Insurance PLC reported a strong financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth amid the evolving market conditions.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Peoples-Insurance-reports-strong-growth-and-financial-stability-in-4Q25/273-336757

Sunshine completes acquisition of 75% stake in export agri venture for Rs. 2.7 b
Sunshine Holdings PLC yesterday said that it has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Joint Agri Products Ceylon Ltd., (JAPC), increasing its effective holding to 75%.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sunshine-completes-acquisition-of-75-stake-in-export-agri-venture-for-Rs-2-7-b/44-790314