SenFin Research – News Updates – 4 August 2026

CBSL tightens monetary policy in 1H-2026 to safeguard price stability
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has announced that it tightened its monetary policy stance during the first half of 2026 to safeguard price stability while maintaining stability in the external sector amid heightened global uncertainties. Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/08/04/business/1031592/cbsl-tightens-monetary-policy-in-1h-2026-to-safeguard-price-stability/

Sri Lanka construction activity expands in June 2026 : PMI
Sri Lanka’s construction sector activity expanded in June 2026 due to the ongoing execution of construction projects awarded in preceding months, registering a value of 60.0 on a Purchasing Managers Index compiled by the central bank. Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/08/04/business/1031599/sri-lanka-construction-activity-expands-in-june-2026-pmi/

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals drop 1.7-pct in July
Tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka fell 1.7 percent in July 2026, official data showed. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-tourist-arrivals-drop-1-7-pct-in-july-279781/

EDB targets record $ 19 b export earnings in 2026, charts course to $ 36 b by 2030
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is targeting a record $ 19 billion in export earnings this year after generating nearly $ 9 billion during the first half of 2026, while setting its sights on doubling export revenue to $ 36 billion by 2030 under a new national strategy. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/EDB-targets-record-19-b-export-earnings-in-2026-charts-course-to-36-b-by-2030/44-795557

CoPF clears Rs. 71.7 b for Govt. relief package
Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved a Rs. 71.7 billion supplementary allocation to finance the Government’s relief package aimed at mitigating the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East, with the bulk of the funding directed towards maintaining fuel supplies and cushioning higher import costs. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CoPF-clears-Rs-71-7-b-for-Govt-relief-package/44-795553

No electricity tariff changes in 3Q: PUCSL
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to keep electricity tariffs unchanged for the third quarter of 2026, concluding that a marginal increase in supply costs does not warrant a tariff revision. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/No-electricity-tariff-changes-in-3Q-PUCSL/44-795552

Inflation, ME conflict set to curb retail spending
Sri Lanka’s retail sector expects consumer spending to remain subdued in 2026 as inflation, which has climbed above 7%, and uncertainty caused by the Middle East (ME) conflict continues to weigh on household budgets, Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA) Chairperson Hussain Sadique said yesterday (3). Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/O1A34MsUH9F8A3Q8dlky

Abans Finance ranked No. 1 Best Performing Finance Company by K Seeds Investments
Abans Finance PLC has been recognised as the Best Performing Finance Company in the Third Category among 30 listed finance companies in Sri Lanka, according to the 22nd issue of the quarterly financial performance ranking published by K Seeds Investments, based on financial results for the fourth quarter of FY 2025/26. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Abans-Finance-ranked-No-1-Best-Performing-Finance-Company-by-K-Seeds-Investments/42-795564

Oil prices plunge 5% as Trump halts Iran strike plans
Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trade on Monday (3) after President Trump called off another round of military strikes on Iran, raising hopes that a diplomatic route to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and averting a broader regional conflict could be found. Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Ba8EuaCva98uxX7j5wwC

Bond yields see-saw; profit-taking on selected maturities reverses early gains
The secondary Bond market began the new trading week on a positive note, extending last week’s rally as yields initially declined following a sharp retreat in global oil prices. Brent crude fell by around 5% to below $ 84 per barrel after US President Donald Trump called off a planned military strike on Iran and announced fresh negotiations with Tehran, easing geopolitical risk and inflation concerns. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Bond-yields-see-saw-profit-taking-on-selected-maturities-reverses-early-gains/42-795541

Sri Lanka rupee depreciates 7.9-pct in H1 2026 as central bank intervenes
The Sri Lanka rupee depreciated by 7.9 percent against the US dollar in the first half of 2026 amid heightened global uncertainties and elevated foreign exchange demand, the central bank said. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-depreciates-7-9-pct-in-h1-2026-as-central-bank-intervenes-279745/

Sri Lanka stocks close flat, banks lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed flat on Monday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving up a marginal 0.01 percent. Source: (economynext)
https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-flat-banks-lead-turnover-279801/

Sri Lanka bourse suspends Richard Pieris Securities over rule violations
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) said it will be suspending Richard Pieris Securities from carrying out all trading activities with effect from Friday, August 14 until further notice. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-bourse-suspends-richard-pieris-securities-over-rule-violations-279788/

hSenidBiz Begins FY2027 with revenue over Rs. 600 m
hSenid Business Solutions PLC (hSenidBiz) announced its financial results for the first quarter of FY2027. Total revenue for the quarter reached Rs 602.8 million, reflecting year-on-year growth of 28%. Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/DAMCCezpQkIRgrfRdDkr

Amãna Bank marks 15 years of non-interest based, development focused people friendly banking
Amana Bank, Sri Lanka’s first and only licensed commercial bank operating entirely under the non-interest-based banking model, marked 15 years of operations on August 1, 2026. Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/08/04/business/1031565/amana-bank-marks-15-years-of-non-interest-based-development-focused-people-friendly-banking/

DFCC Bank completes Rs3.7bn acquisition of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s DFCC Bank said it has completed its 3.7 billion rupee acquisition of the Wealth and Retail business of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka Branch. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/dfcc-bank-completes-rs3-7bn-acquisition-of-standard-chartered-sri-lanka-279824/

Sri Lanka’s People’s Bank ‘AA-(lka)’ affirmed by Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the National Long-Term Rating of Sri Lanka’s People’s Bank at ‘AA-(lka)’ with a stable outlook, reflecting its financial strength and exposure to the sovereign’s weak credit profile. Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-peoples-bank-aa-lka-affirmed-by-fitch-ratings-279783/

CIC Holdings reports 20% profit growth in Q1FY27
Diversified conglomerate CIC Holdings PLC (CSE: CIC) recorded continued revenue growth during the first quarter ended 30 June 2026 (1QFY27), delivering improved profitability despite a challenging operating environment. The group posted consolidated revenue of Rs 22.03 billion, reflecting 2.74% year-on-year growth, driven by resilient performance across its diversified portfolio. Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/FITbdnJ0xUN4w7VhOmU7

Asia Asset Finance to convert preference shares into 53.3 m ordinary shares
Asia Asset Finance PLC will convert 41,398,511 convertible irredeemable five-year preference shares into 53,348,596 ordinary voting shares on 10 August, upon the completion of the five-year term from 11 August 2021, the company announced. Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/Asia-Asset-Finance-to-convert-preference-shares-into-53-3-m-ordinary-shares/42-795563