Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry: A Surge in Visitor Arrivals in 2025

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has kicked off 2025 with impressive momentum, recording over 300,000 visitor arrivals so far this year(Tourism Industry). The first week of February alone witnessed more than 50,000 tourists entering the country, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). This surge in arrivals marks a significant uptick from the previous […]
Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring with Japan: A Leap Towards Economic Stability

Sri Lanka is poised to finalize a landmark agreement on debt restructuring with Japan, a move that marks a significant milestone in the island nation’s journey towards economic recovery and stability. This step forward comes after the Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers gave the green light to sign crucial documents with the Japan International Cooperation […]
Unprecedented Growth in Sri Lanka’s Aviation Sector in 2024

In an impressive stride forward for Sri Lanka’s aviation industry, 2024 has been marked by a record-breaking increase in passenger, aircraft, and cargo movements, showcasing a significant recovery and growth since the challenges of the past years. Soaring Numbers: A Testament to Resilience The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited (AASL) reported remarkable figures […]
Sri Lanka ends five-year vehicle import ban sparking mixed concerns

Sri Lanka recently ended a stringent five-year ban on vehicle imports, a move that has elicited a blend of enthusiasm and concern across various sectors of the economy. This policy shift is anticipated to have profound implications on pricing, taxation, and the overall economic landscape. Economic Context and Government’s Decision For half a decade, Sri […]
Sri Lanka’s Export Earnings Reach New Heights in 2024

In a remarkable display of economic resilience and strategic execution, Sri Lanka’s export sector achieved an all-time high in 2024, with cumulative export earnings soaring to $16.17 billion. This historic milestone represents a 7.06% increase from the previous year, signaling a robust recovery and promising future for the nation’s economy. A Year of Unprecedented Growth […]
Sri Lanka Introduces Free Visa Entry to Boost Tourism

In a significant move to bolster tourism, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister, Vijitha Herath, has announced a progressive visa policy that will soon allow nationals from 39 countries to enter Sri Lanka without a visa. This strategic decision is expected to enhance the island’s appeal as a prime travel destination and stimulate economic growth through increased […]
SME Alliance Calls for Urgent Government Action to Support Sector’s Survival

In a critical plea for support, the SME Alliance has voiced strong concerns over the lack of effective aid provided to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) amidst ongoing economic turmoil. Highlighting a series of unsuccessful governmental and financial policies, the alliance is urging immediate action to restore the sector’s viability and safeguard over 4.5 million […]
Colombo Port Expansion Project Advances with Major Consultancy Contract

Colombo, January 22, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities, the Cabinet of Ministers has officially approved a consultancy services contract valued at $4.2 million with Dohwa Engineering Co. Ltd. This decision is a key component of the ambitious Colombo Port Expansion Project, aimed at enhancing the port’s infrastructure and […]
The Impact of President Trump’s Policies on South Asia and Sri Lanka’s Economic Landscape

Introduction The tenure of President Donald J. Trump was marked by transformative policies that had profound effects globally. South Asia, a region of strategic economic and political importance, was significantly influenced by his administration’s foreign and economic policies. This article explores the impact of President Trump’s presidency on South Asia, with a special focus on […]
Sri Lanka Economic Association hosts expert panel to chart path from debt default to transformative growth

On January 16, 2025, the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), in collaboration with the globally recognized think tank ODI Global, spearheaded a pivotal discussion at the University of Colombo. The focus was the launch of a critical publication titled “Sri Lanka: From Debt Default to Transformative Growth.” This gathering of minds aimed to dissect and […]