SenFin Research – News Updates – 9 July 2026

SL official reserves drop by 6.3% in June
Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets saw a 6.3% decline in June 2026, falling to $ 6,450 million (m) from $ 6,881 m in May, according to new Central Bank (CBSL) data. This $ 431 m drop was largely driven by a 6.1% decrease in foreign exchange reserves, which fell to $ 6,254 m. Gold reserves also took a hit, declining 11.7% to $ 191 m.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ntWfyMDFrNSy1NciO6nk

Sri Lanka Treasury bill yields steady, Rs100bn sold
Sri Lanka’s Treasury bill yields were broadly steady at Wednesday’s auction, with the short-term dipping slightly, data from the Public Debt Management Office showed. All offered 100 billion rupees of bills sold.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-treasury-bill-yields-steady-rs100bn-sold-277818/

Foreign Direct Investments: Developing Asia leads investment
Developing Asia remained the world's largest destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) among developing regions in 2025. According to the World Investment Report 2026 by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), developing Asia received $ 644 billion (b) in FDI in 2025. This represented about 40% of global FDI and more than 70% of flows to developing economies.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/SRQtJCyHEGSVRVW8XFvN

Early July tourist arrivals recover from June pace, but remain below last year
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded a stronger start to July compared to the previous month, although visitor arrivals remained below the levels achieved during the same period last year, reflecting the industry’s continued struggle to regain growth momentum.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Early-July-tourist-arrivals-recover-from-June-pace-but-remain-below-last-year/44-794425

Private sector credit growth to halve end-’26
Though Sri Lanka’s private sector credit growth remained strong in April – posting a year-on-year growth of 27.0% – 2026 year-end growth is likely to be halved due to the tightened monetary policy, lowered lending activity, subdued demand and tighter domestic policy, First Capital Research projected in its latest fixed income report.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/i2lFUduf3BJU4I7OrgJ5

IRD restructuring: Sri Lanka’s tax compliance doubles to 75%
Sri Lanka’s tax compliance rate has almost doubled from 40-45% to 70-75%, as part of the Inland Revenue Department’s restructuring programme, which necessitated branch operations to be reorganised into Medium Corporate, Metro and Regional Offices, an official statement made by the President’s Media Division said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/mmGVnSGuB4AGvbTNRnRt

Sri Lanka rupee closes at 336.00/30 to US dollar spot, bond yields up
Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 336.00/30 to the US dollar in the spot market on Wednesday, weaker from 334.75/85 the previous day, while bond yields closed up, dealers said.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-at-336-00-30-to-us-dollar-spot-bond-yields-up-277809/

Oil surges 5%, global stocks tank as US-Iran resume war
Global oil prices surged more than 5% yesterday while stock markets retreated after renewed hostilities between the US and Iran shattered hopes that tensions in the Middle East were easing, prompting investors to reassess geopolitical risks and the outlook for global energy supplies.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Oil-surges-5-global-stocks-tank-as-US-Iran-resume-war/44-794426


Dollar stands tall as Gulf tensions fuel oil price surge, Fed hike bets
The U.S. dollar held firm against most major currencies on Thursday as renewed Gulf tensions revived safe-haven bids while surging oil prices boosted rate hike ‌bets, keeping the Japanese yen under pressure.

Source: (Reuters) https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/dollar-stands-tall-gulf-tensions-fuel-oil-price-surge-fed-hike-bets-2026-07-09/

CSE slides for seventh straight session
The Colombo stock market extended its bear run into a seventh session yesterday. With 163 counters closing in red against 52 in green, the ASPI was down 0.61% or 133.80 points at 21,828.50 and the active S&P SL20 was down 0.59% or 35.98 points at 6,099.52.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/financial-services/CSE-slides-for-seventh-straight-session/42-794420

Sri Lanka stocks close down, capital goods lead turnover
Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange closed down on Wednesday trading, CSE data showed, with the benchmark All Share Price Index moving down 0.61 percent.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-stocks-close-down-capital-goods-lead-turnover-277777/

People’s Leasing & Finance records Rs 5 Bn stellar performance in FY 2025/26; PAT records over 50% YoY Growth
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), has delivered one of its strongest financial performances to date for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, recording exceptional growth across profitability, assets, lending, deposits and shareholder value while further strengthening its position as one of the country’s most resilient and trusted financial institutions.
Source: (Daily News) http://dailynews.lk/2026/07/09/business/1023723/peoples-leasing-finance-records-rs-5-bn-stellar-performance-in-fy-2025-26-pat-records-over-50-yoy-growth/

SANASA Life resumes full business operations
SANASA Life Insurance has officially resumed full business operations following the lifting of the temporary regulatory suspension by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), marking the beginning of a new chapter focused on strengthening stakeholder confidence, delivering exceptional customer service, and driving sustainable business growth.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/09/business/1023729/sanasa-life-resumes-full-business-operations/

SINGER FINANCE surpasses Rs.100 Bn in total assets
SINGER FINANCE (Lanka) PLC has crossed a landmark threshold in its corporate journey, surpassing Rs. 100 billion in total assets and reinforcing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading licensed finance companies.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/07/09/business/1023726/singer-finance-surpasses-rs-100-bn-in-total-assets/

Fitch rates Sri Lanka Commercial Bank’s Rs20bn debenture ‘A(lka)’
Sri Lanka lender Commercial Bank’s proposed debenture issue of 20 billion rupees has been assigned a final National Long-Term Rating of A(lka) by Fitch Ratings.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/fitch-rates-sri-lanka-commercial-banks-rs20bn-debenture-alka-277770/


Sri Lanka’s Industrial Asphalts sells 48.03-pct stake to Arcasia, ATX
Sri Lanka’s Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) has sold 1,800,693,010 shares, representing a controlling 48.03 percent stake, to Arcasia Investment & Trading and ATX Partners.
Source:(economynext) https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-industrial-asphalts-sells-48-03-pct-stake-to-arcasia-atx-277673/