Economy

Export income soars to USD 1,139 million in March 2024

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2024

Merchandise export earnings surged by 9.8 percent to US dollars 1,139 million in March 2024, marking a notable increase from the US dollars 1,037 million recorded in March 2023. All major export categories experienced growth, with industrial exports leading the pack. This rise in industrial goods exports can be attributed primarily to petroleum products, buoyed by increased volumes in bunkering and aviation fuel exports. Textiles and garments also saw a significant uptick in export earnings.

In the agricultural sector, earnings improved, driven by robust performances in tea and coconut-related products, despite a notable decline in spice exports. Mineral exports experienced a slight uptick in earnings during March 2024.

The month-on-month comparison also reveals positive trends, particularly in textiles and garments, which saw their highest earnings since December 2022.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 840,000 so far this year

Published

16 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 840,000 mark.

Accordingly, a total of 840,411 tourists have visited the country between January 1 and April 22, 2026.

The highest number of arrivals has been recorded from India, with 176,465 tourists, the SLTDA noted.

A significant number of visitors have also arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and China.

Meanwhile, the SLTDA stated that a total of 99,777 tourists arrived in the country between April 1 and April 22, 2026.

However, the data indicate that daily tourist arrivals in April have declined significantly compared to previous months.

Economy

Haputale restaurant fined Rs. 1 million forover pricing bottled water

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2026

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A restaurant in Haputale has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling a bottle of drinking water above the maximum retail price.

The fine was imposed by the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on April 24 following a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority Badulla District Office.

The raid targeted a restaurant owned by a private company on Welimada Road in Haputale. Authorities found that the establishment had sold bottled water at a price exceeding the approved limit.

The court subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on the hotel.

Economy

Sri Lanka to Launch First Digital Motor Insurance Card from May 1

Published

3 days ago

April 25, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has announced that the country’s first digital motor insurance card will be introduced from May 1.

The Ministry stated that this initiative represents a significant step toward advancing national digitalization while also enhancing public safety.

By replacing physical plastic cards, the move is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability across the country.

The Ministry added that the digital motor insurance card will be officially launched in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Police.