SenFin Research – News Updates – 25 May 2026

Sri Lanka’s inflation accelerates in April as NCPI rises to 4.7%
Sri Lanka’s inflation accelerated further in April 2026, with both the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) and Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) recording notable increases on a year-on-year basis, according to latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999802/sri-lankas-inflation-accelerates-in-april-as-ncpi-rises-to-4-7/

JAAF urges reforms as Sri Lanka apparel exports decline in April
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded a decline in April 2026, with industry representatives calling for urgent policy support and structural reforms to strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999809/jaaf-urges-reforms-as-sri-lanka-apparel-exports-decline-in-april/

Auto market hits the brakes in April amidst digital firewall rollout and duty surcharge debate
Automotive market volumes in Sri Lanka declined sharply in April, falling to 51,156 units from 59,734 units in March, signaling a potential cooling of the sector following a period of high volatility.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-main/Auto-market-hits-the-brakes-in-April-amidst-digital-firewall-rollout-and-duty-surcharge-debate/245-341115

SriLankan’s grip on Indian market slips, weakening the case for state-funded tourism lifelines
The escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has dramatically redrawn global aviation routes, triggering a complex ripple effect on Sri Lanka’s inbound tourism. Amidst this turbulence, SriLankan Airlines is facing intense pressure on its market share of tourist arrivals from India, the island’s most critical and high-volume source market.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/SriLankans-grip-on-Indian-market-slips-weakening-the-case-for-state-funded-tourism-lifelines/273-341113

Sri Lanka’s tea sector must embrace sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices
Director, Nucleus Foundation Dave Maurice stressed that Sri Lanka’s tea smallholder sector must embrace sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices to remain globally competitive, at an event held to mark International Tea Day 2026.
Source: (Daily News) http://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999796/sri-lankas-tea-sector-must-embrace-sustainable-and-regenerative-agricultural-practices/

Netherlands commits Rs. 200mn to local plantations
The Netherlands has pledged 500,000 euros (approximately Rs. 199.8 million) to support economic sustainability and plantation initiatives in Sri Lanka, as its Acting Ambassador warned the tea industry must urgently adopt climate-resilient and ethical practices.
Source: (Daily Mirror) https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Netherlands-commits-Rs-200mn-to-local-plantations/273-341112

CBSL engages with bankers on dollar increase
A discussion focused on addressing measures that can be taken in the face of the pressure on the Sri Lankan rupee was hosted between the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, bankers and currency dealers from commercial banks, on Thursday (21), a statement by the CBSL said.
Source: (the morning) https://www.themorning.lk/articles/2zfMqn3bhJUHfsCcgkNK

Sri Lanka calls on Vietnamese investors with 30 project-ready opportunities
Sri Lanka has emerged from its economic crisis with renewed stability, stronger growth and a pipeline of investment-ready projects, with the country now actively courting Vietnamese investors to capitalize on opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, tourism and infrastructure.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999782/sri-lanka-calls-on-vietnamese-investors-with-30-project-ready-opportunities/

Sri Lanka and India eye unified tourism push
Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to strengthen tourism ties with India, with industry leaders highlighting enhanced connectivity, cultural links and major hospitality investments as key drivers of future growth.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999779/sri-lanka-and-india-eye-unified-tourism-push/

CBSL tightens LTV ratio on vehicle financing and gold-backed loans
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday announced that its Governing Board has decided to introduce a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for credit facilities applicable to motor vehicle financing and loans secured by gold with effect from today (25).
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/CBSL-tightens-LTV-ratio-on-vehicle-financing-and-gold-backed-loans/44-792428

50% vehicle duty surcharge extended to altered pre-15 May LCs
The Government has amended its recent Gazette Notification on vehicle imports to ensure that the 50% surcharge on Customs duties also applies to Letters of Credit (LCs) opened on or before 15 May if amendments were made after the Gazette came into effect.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/50-vehicle-duty-surcharge-extended-to-altered-pre-15-May-LCs/44-792429

Rupee becomes best-performing Asian currency as CBSL data reveal extent of FX market panic
In remarkable turnaround of events for the Sri Lankan rupee, respected financial news agency Bloomberg said the currency has surged against the dollar, snapping a nine-day losing streak to become Asia’s best-performing currency on Friday.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Rupee-becomes-best-performing-Asian-currency-as-CBSL-data-reveal-extent-of-FX-market-panic/44-792424

Dollar Selling Rate Falls Below Rs. 340 Amid Rupee Volatility
The selling rate of the US dollar at several commercial banks dropped below Rs. 340 at the close of interbank transactions today (22), following sharp volatility in the foreign exchange market over recent days.
Source: (Daily News) https://dailynews.lk/2026/05/25/business/999821/dollar-selling-rate-falls-below-rs-340-amid-rupee-volatility/

Hemas Holdings marks milestone year in 2025/26
Hemas Holdings PLC has announced record earnings for both the fourth quarter and full financial year 2025/26, marking a historic milestone for the Group. Group earnings reached Rs. 3.03 billion in 4Q, representing 17.6% year-on-year (YoY) growth, and Rs. 8.92 billon for the full year, up 10.7% YoY.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Hemas-Holdings-marks-milestone-year-in-2025-26/44-792423

Hemas to issue 33.5 m shares under Employee Share Option Scheme
Hemas Holdings PLC said its Board has resolved to issue shares under a proposed Employee Share Option Scheme (ESOS), involving up to 33.5 million shares representing 1.12% of the company’s issued shares.
Source: (Daily FT) https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Hemas-to-issue-33-5-m-shares-under-Employee-Share-Option-Scheme/44-792422