SenFin Research – News Updates – 6 July 2026

CBSL resumes net dollar purchases in June
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) returned to net purchases of foreign exchange in June, buying a net $ 70.5 million as pressure on the rupee eased after the local currency came under strain in May.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CBSL-resumes-net-dollar-purchases-in-June/44-794264

Sri Lanka seeks high-value Australian travellers through influencer push
Sri Lanka is intensifying efforts to attract Australian travellers through a high-profile influencer marketing campaign, as Australia emerges as one of the country’s fastest-growing and increasingly important tourism source markets.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sri-Lanka-seeks-high-value-Australian-travellers-through-influencer-push/273-344754

Unemployment drops to 3.7% in 1Q amid shrinking workforce, inflation pressures
Sri Lanka’s official unemployment rate ticked down to 3.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026, down from the 3.8 percent reported during the corresponding period last year, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Colombo-condo-sales-plunge-15-2-in-1Q-amid-soaring-prices/245-344761

Sri Lanka regulator extends Perpetual Treasuries suspension by 6-months
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has extended the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from carrying on the business and activities of a primary dealer for another six months with effect from 4.30 pm July 5.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-regulator-extends-perpetual-treasuries-suspension-by-6-months-277371/

Sri Lanka Central Bank buys US$70.5mn in June amid stabilizing rupee
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank bought a net US$70.5 million in June, official data showed, amid local currency mostly stabilized after touching a four-year low in the previous months.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-central-bank-buys-us70-5mn-in-june-amid-stabilizing-rupee-277368/

Colombo condo sales plunge 15.2% in 1Q amid soaring prices
A sharp 15.2 percent year-on-year drop in condominium property sales volumes stole the spotlight in the first quarter of 2026, even as prices for new units continued their aggressive upward march.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Unemployment-drops-to-3-7-in-1Q-amid-shrinking-workforce-inflation-pressures/273-344758

Sri Lanka’s monthly fuel bill doubles in May to US$536mn
Sri Lanka’s monthly oil import bill surged by 112 percent to US$ 536 million in May compated to a year ago due to buying fuel at a higher cost following the Middle Eastern escalation, the Central Bank data showed.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-monthly-fuel-bill-doubles-in-may-to-us536mn-277034/

Central Bank pulls the plug on Nation Lanka Finance after failed rescue attempts
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has officially cancelled the finance business licence of Nation Lanka Finance PLC, effective July 3, 2026, moving to liquidate the chronically distressed firm after exhaustive restructuring efforts failed to yield a viable revival plan.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Central-Bank-pulls-the-plug-on-Nation-Lanka-Finance-after-failed-rescue-attempts/273-344757

Sri Lanka’s Softlogic Holdings, Odel continue restructure amidst Watchlist status
Sri Lanka’s Softlogic Holdings said it has raised 2.03 billion rupees of a targeted 10 billion rupee equity fusion, with a further 1.2 billion rupees expected by September, as part of a broad restructuring after the stock was placed on the Colombo Stock Exchange Watchlist due to the auditor’s ongoing concern warnings.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-softlogic-holdings-odel-continue-restructure-amidst-watchlist-status-277303/

Port City mulls sandbox to trial labour reforms
The Colombo Port City Economic Commission is considering using Port City Colombo as a regulatory sandbox to trial labour market reforms, arguing that rigid employment laws rather than tax rates remain one of the biggest obstacles to entrepreneurship, investment, and long-term economic growth.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Port-City-mulls-sandbox-to-trial-labour-reforms/44-794268

PGP Glass exports fall 22% as furnace overhaul forces shift to home market
PGP Glass Ceylon PLC, the country’s sole glass packaging manufacturer, saw export sales fall 22 percent to Rs. 5.22 billion in the financial year ended 31 March 2026, from Rs. 6.72 billion a year earlier, as a two-month old repair of its Horana furnace forced management to redirect scarce production capacity to protect domestic supply.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/PGP-Glass-exports-fall-22-as-furnace-overhaul-forces-shift-to-home-market/273-344755

Maharaja Foods announces strategic board changes
Maharaja Foods PLC announced a series of changes to its board of directors, aimed at strengthening governance and accelerating the group’s next phase of growth.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Maharaja-Foods-announces-strategic-board-changes/273-344753

DIMO expands renewable energy portfolio with 18MW solar power addition in Galle
DIMO has successfully developed four new solar power plants in the Galle district, adding a total of 18MW of clean energy capacity to Sri Lanka’s national grid, further strengthening its renewable energy portfolio.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/DIMO-expands-renewable-energy-portfolio-with-18MW-solar-power-addition-in-Galle/273-344747

hSenid plans 3.6 mn employee share incentive programme
hSenid Business Solutions PLC announced it has proposed a new Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) to utilise more than 3.6 million shares that remained ungranted under its previous employee share ownership scheme.
Source: (Daily Mirror)https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/hSenid-plans-3-6-mn-employee-share-incentive-programme/273-344741

Seylan Bank launches Google Pay Integration for Seylan Cards
Seylan Bank PLC recently announced a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s digital payments landscape through the integration of all Seylan Credit and Debit Cards with Google Pay, enabling customers to make seamless, secure, and contactless transactions directly from their Android devices.
Source: (Daily Mirror)https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Seylan-Bank-launches-Google-Pay-Integration-for-Seylan-Cards/273-344745

Stanley Lifestyles enters Sri Lanka through strategic partnership with Singer
Stanley Lifestyles, India’s leading luxury furniture and lifestyle brand, has officially entered the Sri Lankan market through a strategic partnership with Singer Sri Lanka PLC, introducing a distinguished collection of world-class furniture defined by exceptional craftsmanship, refined design, and uncompromising quality.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Stanley-Lifestyles-enters-Sri-Lanka-through-strategic-partnership-with-Singer/44-794266

Shareholders seek Court leave to sue NDB Board over Rs. 13.2 b fraud
Petitioners appeared before the Commercial High Court last week seeking leave to bring a derivative action against the Board of Directors and external auditors of National Development Bank (NDB), arguing that it was lack of due oversight, and not just the fraud itself, which caused the bank’s losses.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Shareholders-seek-Court-leave-to-sue-NDB-Board-over-Rs-13-2-b-fraud/44-794267