SenFin Research – News Updates – 8 June 2026

Govt. posts Rs. 116 b Budget surplus in 1Q as revenue surges 40%

The Government’s fiscal position strengthened significantly during the first quarter of 2026, with the Government recording a sharp increase in reve ..

Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Govt-posts-Rs-116-b-Budget-surplus-in-1Q-as-revenue-surges-40/44-793035

SEC to change brokerage percentages

The capital market regulator is examining brokerage percentages of stockbrokers, after discussions with the industry….

Source:( Sunday Times) https://www.sundaytimes.lk/260607/business-times/sec-to-change-brokerage-percentages-644414.html

CICT handles record 2,241-tonne battery cargo for Sri Lanka grid

Sri Lanka’s Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) said it successfully handled a 2,241 tonne Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), in a specialised midnight operation.

Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/cict-handles-record-2241-tonne-battery-cargo-for-sri-lanka-grid-274656/

Workers’ remittances surge to record levels in May and first five months

SRI Lanka’s workers’ remittances climbed to a record high in May, whilst lifting cumulative earnings in the first five months of 2026 to an all-ti ..

Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Workers-remittances-surge-to-record-levels-in-May-and-first-five-months/44-793032

SL’s total export revenue focused to exceed US$ 18 Bn by end of 2026

Manufacturing economy focused to increase from 16.2%, to 20% by 2030 Contribution of manufacturing economy focused to increase from 16.2% , to 20% by 2030 Contribution of entrepreneurs in the workforce focused to increase from …

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007092/sls-total-export-revenue-focused-to-exceed-us-18-bn-by-end-of-2026/

Economy shows mixed signals as tourism, remittances rise and stock market slips

Sri Lanka’s economy recorded mixed developments during the week ending June 5, 2026, with stronger performance in tourism, remittances and government finances offset by declines in the stock market and continued currency depreciation, according to …

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007117/economy-shows-mixed-signals-as-tourism-remittances-rise-and-stock-market-slips/

New investments reinforce Colombo Port City’s role as a catalyst for economic growth

Colombo Port City has achieved a significant milestone in its development as a regional investment and business hub following Cabinet approval for 77 Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSIs) under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission …

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007098/new-investments-reinforce-colombo-port-citys-role-as-a-catalyst-for-economic-growth/

Jewellers urge VAT revision as gold trade declines by 75%

The jewellery industry has suffered a dramatic downturn, with the market shrinking by nearly 75 percent due to the high Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on gold, according to the Pettah Jewellers’ Association. Association representatives …

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007123/jewellers-urge-vat-revision-as-gold-trade-declines-by-75/

Foreigners sell over US$15mn worth Sri Lanka bonds despite rate hike

Foreign investors sold around US$14.7 million worth of Sri Lanka government securities in the week ended June 4, Central Bank data showed, despite a 100 basis point hike in the key monetary policy rate.

Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/foreigners-sell-over-us15mn-worth-sri-lanka-bonds-despite-rate-hike-274609/

IMF cuts Sri Lanka growth forecast to 3%, allows temporary fiscal easing

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised down Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and approved temporary adjustments to its reform program in resp .. 

Source: (Daily FT)  https://www.ft.lk/front-page/IMF-cuts-Sri-Lanka-growth-forecast-to-3-allows-temporary-fiscal-easing/44-793036

550-unit Prime Marina in Port City draws over 300 reservations, say promoters

The one-of-a-kind Prime Marina at Port City has already attracted reservations for over 300 units, crossing the halfway mark even before its ground br ...

Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/550-unit-Prime-Marina-in-Port-City-draws-over-300-reservations-say-promoters/44-793034

Private sector borrowing down sharply to Rs. 101 b in April

Private sector borrowing from the banking system moderated in April, with total outstanding credit increasing by Rs. 100.6 billion month-on-month (M-o .. 

Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Private-sector-borrowing-down-sharply-to-Rs-101-b-in-April/44-793033

Banking profits ease despite stronger asset quality, credit surge

Sri Lanka’s banking sector recorded strong lending growth and improving asset quality in the year to end-March 2026, although profitability moderated amid higher impairment charges and operating expenses, according to recent data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). 

Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Banking-profits-ease-despite-stronger-asset-quality-credit-surge/26-793037

Oil prices rise more than $2 on Israel strikes on Lebanon

U.S. crude futures were up $2.57 at $93.11 ⁠per barrel.

Source: (Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-prices-rise-more-than-2-israel-strikes-lebanon-2026-06-07/

LB Finance surpasses Rs. 25 Bn pre-tax profit on exponential loan portfolio growth

LB Finance PLC reported a landmark financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, becoming one of the few non-bank financial institutions in Sri Lanka to surpass the Rs. 25 billion Pre-Tax Profit milestone. … 

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007110/lb-finance-surpasses-rs-25-bn-pre-tax-profit-on-exponential-loan-portfolio-growth/

Commercial Bank extends operations to Port City Colombo

Reinforcing its commitment to support the nation’s next phase of economic transformation, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s new branch in Port City Colombo will bring world-class banking services to Sri Lanka’s emerging international financial hub. ….  

Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/06/08/business/1007056/commercial-bank-extends-operations-to-port-city-colombo/