Why USA is a critical Tea market and need to request full Tariff free access for the future of our Tea industry? USA is an important tea market and rank as the second largest buyer of tea in the world in terms of value of tea imports. As per available information it has imported over…
By Jithendra Antonio The recent conversation at Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance (‘COPF’) meeting on 11 March is a topic hotter than the coils in the ‘vapes’ that so many remain misinformed about. The reported snippets of the meeting, however, highlight the confusion among some policymakers regarding the legality and regulation of these vapour…
Fitch Ratings: Sharp US tariff increases will disrupt corporate supply chains and affect economic growth and corporate earnings in APAC and globally, despite the 90-day pause on some of the larger tariff hikes announced on 2 April, says Fitch Ratings. However, few of our rated APAC corporates face a combination of high sector vulnerability, low…
Analysis finds cost of ingredients has more than doubled since 2019 The cost of preparing a traditional “kevili” table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, and stands more than twice as high as it was in 2019. This was revealed in the annual ‘New Year…
The Hambantota Sinopec Oil Refinery – A Strategic Bet on the Future In the evolving landscape of global energy trade, few moves are as audacious as Sri Lanka’s decision to greenlight a multi-billion-dollar oil refinery in Hambantota. More than an infrastructure project, this refinery signals Sri Lanka’s ambition to reposition itself at the centre of…
Chinese Poet Ma Zhiyuan (1250-1321AD) from the Yuan Dynasty wrote below lines describing an image of an old man traveling though an uninhabited landscape at sunset evoking the sorrow of loneliness. Withered vines, old trees, crows at dusk A small bridge, flowing water, cottages hushed. Ancient road, west wind, a lean horse plods The sun…
Business Sentiment: Post-Budget Dip in Confide The IMF recently approved the highly anticipated disbursement of US$ 334 million – the fourth tranche under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Following the review, its Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasised the importance of maintaining the reform agenda to decisively guide Sri Lanka towards sustainable and inclusive growth. In…
Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached at US$ 1,382.53 Mn in February 2025, marking a notable 4.62% year-on- year growth compared to February 2024. Additionally, exports recorded a 2.58% month-on-month increase compared to January 2025. According to provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs and estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products,…
The Effects of GSP+ Withdrawal on Sri Lanka’s Exports and Labour Force Growing uncertainties on the future of global trade as President Trump seeks to impose reciprocal tariffs make programmes such as the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) more significant for small exporters such as Sri Lanka. With a reported visit by…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is leading the Indian economic expansion is expected to visit Sri Lanka in April. He is likely to discuss issues including connectivity & economic ties with Sri Lankan counterparts. According to legend, Prince Rama connected the two countries to send Monkeys to create chaos & conflict. To mitigate similar situations…
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