Economy

Sri Lanka’s exports hit US$ 10 billion mark in first seven months of 2025

Published

5 months ago

August 25, 2025

Sri Lanka’s total export earnings in the first seven months of 2025 have soared to nearly US$ 10 billion, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL and Sri Lanka Customs metrics.

Total exports including both merchandise and services reached US$ 9,992.53 million between January and July 2025, the CBSL noted.

This marks a robust 7.79% increase compared to the same period last year, reinforcing the country’s strategic gains in global trade.

Industry experts attribute this strong performance to proactive policy measures, enhanced market diversification efforts, and competitive improvements across key export sectors.

Accordingly, with five months still remaining in the year, the country appears on track to surpass the US$ 17 billion export target set for 2025, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB) stated.

In July 2025, merchandise exports grew by 15.37 % year-on-year, reaching US$ 1,304.0 million, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs including the estimates for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products.

For the period January to July 2025, merchandise exports totaled US$ 7,799.82 million, reflecting a 7.22 % increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, services exports have emerged as a key driver of overall export growth.

In July 2025, earnings from services exports were estimated to be US$ 337.11 million.

Over the first seven months of the year, services exports are estimated to have increased by 9.86 %, totaling US$ 2,192.71 million.

The services export sector, comprising ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial services, and Transport & Logistics, continues to diversify Sri Lanka’s export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities across the island.

Furthermore, the estimated value of ICT/ BPM exports is expected to increase by 7.23 % to US$ 897.49 million during the period of January to July 2025 when compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

In addition, the estimated value of Logistics & transport services is expected to increase by 21.24 % to US$ 1,195.25 million during the period of January to July 2025 when compared to the corresponding period of 2024, according to the latest figures issued by the CBSL.

Economy

Galle ranks fifth among top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026

Published

6 days ago

January 20, 2026

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Galle has been placed fifth among the world’s top 10 honeymoon destinations for 2026 in the latest rankings released by Tripadvisor.

The ranking forms part of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 and is based solely on the volume and quality of traveller reviews submitted over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor said the list reflects destinations that consistently received strong feedback from honeymoon travellers worldwide.

Beach and island destinations dominate the upper end of the 2026 rankings. Bali secured the top position, followed by Mauritius and the Maldives, with St. Lucia ranked fourth. Galle placed fifth, ahead of several established long-haul honeymoon favourites.

Tripadvisor noted that Galle’s appeal lies in its blend of heritage and coastal experiences. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Galle Fort remains a key attraction, with preserved ramparts, historic buildings, and walkable streets.

Economy

Sri Lanka Postal Service achieves record revenue

Published

2 weeks ago

January 12, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s postal service has recorded a remarkable turnaround in 2025, surpassing revenue targets set by the Treasury and signalling a major revival after years of stagnation.

Postmaster General Ruwan Sathkumara said the Department of Posts generated Rs. 13.1 billion last year, exceeding the revenue target assigned for 2025.

He highlighted that the past year also saw wide-ranging reforms, including large-scale recruitments, confirmations of long-serving staff, infrastructure upgrades, and investments in technology and transport to improve efficiency and service delivery.

According to Sathkumara, 378 Sub-Postmasters received permanent appointments in June 2025—the first confirmations for the category since 2020. In September, the appointments of 1,000 Postal Assistants were regularised, marking the first such confirmations since 2022.

The Postmaster General added that recruitment is underway to hire 600 Postal Service Officers through open competition, with appointments expected in February 2026.

Economy

Sri Lanka ranked most affordable place to live or retire in 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

January 11, 2026

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International Living magazine has identified the five most affordable places to live or retire in 2026, which scored the highest in the cost-of-living category of its 2026 Global Retirement Index.

It evaluated retirement destinations across climate, healthcare, visa and lifestyle, along with cost.

Sri Lanka ranked top of the list due to affordable local transportation and easy-to-obtain retirement visas. A couple can live extravagantly on $2,200 (£1,637) a month, or on $1,000 (£744) with some budgeting.

In second place is Vietnam, with the average cost of living in Hanoi sitting at under $1,800 (£1,339) per month. Rent is low and healthcare is affordable.

Thailand was ranked third, because a couple can live comfortably for around $2,000 (£1,488) a month in cities such as Chiang Mai or coastal towns such as Hua Hin. These both have affordable housing, and accessible services and transportation.

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