Economy

World Bank Group president to visit Sri Lanka after 20 years

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2025

Ajay Banga is visiting Sri Lanka, marking the first presidential visit to the country by a World Bank Group president in nearly 20 years. The visit comes at a critical moment, as Sri Lanka continues its path toward economic recovery and seeks to build a more resilient, inclusive, and private sector-led future.

The visit follows an invitation from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, extended during a congratulatory call between the two leaders shortly after his appointment last November.

Mr. Banga’s trip reflects the strong and enduring partnership between the World Bank Group and Sri Lanka, which spans more than 70 years. His visit will focus on supporting job creation, boosting private investment, and driving an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery for the country.

While in Sri Lanka, Mr. Banga will meet with President Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and senior government and private sector leaders. These discussions will center on how Sri Lanka can overcome current challenges and seize new opportunities as it continues to recover economically and socially.

The World Bank Group currently supports Sri Lanka through a portfolio of projects worth $2.2 billion, including both public and private sector investments. Recent World Bank reports have noted Sri Lanka’s progress but also stressed the importance of tackling poverty and maintaining reform momentum to ensure long-term success.

Economy

Govt saving Rs. 5.7B through price regulation of 13 expensive medicines

Published

1 day ago

October 4, 2026

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The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) says the government’s estimated savings from regulating the prices of 13 major high-priced medicines amount to Rs. 5.7 billion.

NMRA Chairman Specialist Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama made this statement at a media briefing held in Colombo today (01).

He further said that the savings to the public would vary depending on the medicines they purchase.

He noted that the medicines whose prices had been reduced are mainly those that patients require for long-term use.

Economy

CBSL Governor says Fitch upgrade reflects Sri Lanka’s progress on economic reforms

Published

6 days ago

September 29, 2026

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The Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating upgrade by Fitch Ratings from ‘CCC+’ to ‘B-’ with a Stable Outlook reflects ongoing progress in macroeconomic stabilization and reforms.

Speaking at the 49th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) on September 23, Dr. Weerasinghe stated that the restoration of stability following the severe economic crisis has provided a stronger foundation for the country’s next development phase.

“This progress has also been recognised by the upgrade of Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating by Fitch Ratings to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’, with a Stable Outlook, announced, reflecting the continued progress in macroeconomic stabilisation and reforms,” he added.

Economy

Sri Lanka ranked among top 10 global risers in tourism

Published

1 week ago

September 28, 2026

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Sri Lanka has been ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for the fastest improvement in the Travel and Tourism Development Index between 2024 and 2026, according to the 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Sri Lanka has been ranked 10th on the list, with its Travel and Tourism Development Index score increasing by 4.33% in 2026 compared to 2024.

Albania ranked first, recording a 7.0% increase in its index score.

Vietnam and Laos ranked second and third, respectively, with increases of 6.3% and 6.1% in their index scores.