SenFin Research – News Updates – 5 May 2026

April tourist arrivals slip to weakest so far in 2026
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded its weakest monthly performance of 2026 in April, with visitor arrivals falling sharply amid seasonal travel changes and mounting geopolitical uncertainty linked to the Middle East.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/April-tourist-arrivals-slip-to-weakest-so-far-in-2026/44-791438

‘VAT increased to 20.5%’ claim false
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera emphasizes that the claims circulating on social media that the Value Added Tax (VAT) has been increased to 20.5 percent based on a recently issued gazette notification by the government, are completely false and baseless.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/05/business/989255/vat-increased-to-20-5-claim-false/

China overtakes India as SL’s top trading partner
China overtook India to become Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner in 2025, driven by a sharp rise in imports, particularly vehicles, following the easing of restrictions, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/China-overtakes-India-as-SL-s-top-trading-partner/26-791429

Oil prices climb as Iran threatens US forces
The Iranian armed forces yesterday (4) warned the US it would attack forces that intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump launched Project Freedom to help escort vessels stranded in the Gulf out of the Middle East.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/hJYTq1JQlP4i6VQRgt4u

Capital Markets: Colombo bourse surges, turnover hits Rs. 4.8 b
Market turnover was largely driven by a crossing in Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), which contributed Rs. 2.38 billion. The transaction involved 1,341,170 shares traded at Rs. 1,780.00 per share. Market sources indicated that the crossing was executed between a foreign seller and a local buyer.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ro2lTej7FoOc2B7uoHuu

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 319.60/320.00 to US dollar; bond yields edge up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 319.60/320.00 to the US dollar in the spot market on Monday, after trades at 319.75/320.00 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields edged up on the longer tenors.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-319-60-320-00-to-us-dollar-bond-yields-edge-up/-/269922/

Sri Lanka stocks close up, pushed by banking
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Monday, with banking counters seeing interest, brokers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-up-pushed-by-banking/-/269898/

Overseas Realty records Rs 1.9 Bn PBT for 1-Q 2026.
Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC recorded a Group Revenue of Rs 3,292 Mn and a Group Profit Before Tax of Rs 1,926 Mn for the 1st quarter ending 31st March 2026. The depreciation of the LKR resulted in a net exchange loss of Rs 68 Mn on foreign currency loanscompared to a loss of Rs. 136 Mn in the same period of last year.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/05/business/989269/overseas-realty-records-rs-1-9-bn-pbt-for-1-q-2026/

NTB absorbs Rs. 36.6 b assets, Rs. 142.8 b liabilities from HSBC retail deal
Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has absorbed Rs. 36.6 billion in assets and Rs. 142.8 billion in liabilities following the acquisition of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Sri Lanka’s Retail Banking portfolio, according to CT Smith Securities.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/NTB-absorbs-Rs-36-6-b-assets-Rs-142-8-b-liabilities-from-HSBC-retail-deal/44-791432

MBSL proposes Rs. 999.1 m Rights to shore up Tier I capital
Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC (MBSL) yesterday said its Board has proposed a Rs. 999.1 million Rights Issue aimed at strengthening its Tier I capital and meeting regulatory requirements.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/MBSL-proposes-Rs-999-1-m-Rights-to-shore-up-Tier-I-capital/44-791431

Browns Beach Rs. 30 per share exit offer opens today
Melstacorp PLC and Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC have made an exit offer to acquire shares held by minority shareholders of Browns Beach Hotels PLC at Rs. 30 per share ahead of the company’s planned delisting from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Browns-Beach-Rs-30-per-share-exit-offer-opens-today/44-791430