SenFin Research – News Updates – 8 July 2026

State revenue generation: National tax week begins
The Sri Lankan Government commenced its National tax week initiative, titled: Badhu Shakthi 2026 on Monday (6) at the Presidential Secretariat, with the intention of strengthening state revenue generation, an official statement released said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/IC8BoWEvMekOoUqWuebP

IMF holds special talks with Sri Lankan officials on revenue reforms
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) held a special discussion with the officials of Sri Lanka’s State Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Department (RARMB) at the President’s Office and conducted a review process on the revenue reforms, the President’s Office said in a statement.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/imf-holds-special-talks-with-sri-lankan-officials-on-revenue-reforms-277598/


Crypto rules move closer as Sri Lanka prepares AML overhaul
Sri Lanka is moving to bring cryptocurrency-related businesses within its anti-money laundering regime for the first time, with the Central Bank confirming that legislation now before Parliament is intended as an initial step towards regulating virtual asset service providers (VASPs) before the country’s next international anti-money laundering assessment.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Crypto-rules-move-closer-as-Sri-Lanka-prepares-AML-overhaul/26-794326

Foreigners buy US$3mn worth Sri Lanka bonds amid stabilizing rupee
Foreign investors bought a net US$3 million worth of Sri Lanka government securities in the week ended July 2, Central Bank data showed, as the rupee currency was recovering from near four-year low hit in May.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/foreigners-buy-us3mn-worth-sri-lanka-bonds-amid-stabilizing-rupee-277574/


Strait of Hormuz: 4 m barrels of Saudi crude set to transit
Two very large crude carriers loaded with Saudi crude are heading for the Strait of Hormuz in the latest sign of recovering traffic via the vital oil chokepoint. The tankers are owned by Japanese companies, Reuters said in a report citing data from Kpler and LSEG.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/r3RpZnyKH21hDbgwDyuN

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 334.75/85 to US dollar spot, bond yields steady
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 334.75/85 to the US dollar in the spot market on Tuesday, from 334.90/335.00 the previous day, while bond yields closed broadly steady, dealers said.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-334-75-85-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-steady-277587/

Sri Lanka stocks dip, ASPI down 0.39-pct
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Tuesday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 0.39 percent.
Source: (economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-dip-aspi-down-0-39-pct-277538/

First Capital Holdings and First Capital Treasuries retain A+ rating with Stable Outlook
First Capital Holdings PLC and its subsidiary First Capital Treasuries PLC reaffirm their strong standing in Sri Lanka’s financial services sector, with Lanka Rating Agency (LRA) maintaining their A+Entity Rating with a Stable Outlook.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/08/business/1022868/first-capital-holdings-and-first-capital-treasuries-retain-a-rating-with-stable-outlook/

Taj Samudra Hotel owner to raise Rs. 1.87 b via Rights
TAL Lanka Hotels PLC, the owner and operator of the iconic Taj Samudra Hotel, has announced plans to raise Rs. 1.87 billion through a Rights issue to strengthen its balance sheet, repay borrowings and fund refurbishment work at its Colombo hotel.
Source: (Daily FT)https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Taj-Samudra-Hotel-owner-to-raise-Rs-1-87-b-via-Rights/44-794332

Sanasa Life registration reinstated by insurance regulator after seven-month suspension
Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) has removed the suspension imposed on the registration of Sanasa Life Insurance Company PLC effective 6 July 2026, subject to the company fulfilling certain conditions.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sanasa-Life-registration-reinstated-by-insurance-regulator-after-seven-month-suspension/273-344985