Economy

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

Published

3 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

Tourist arrivals pass 2.1m for the first time in 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 5, 2025

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A total of 212,906 tourists have arrived in the country in the month of November, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows.

According to data released by the SLTDA, a total of 51,391 tourists have arrived from India which accounts to 24.1%. Furthermore, 24,953 persons from Russia, 16,915 from the United Kingdom, 14,518 from Germany and 9,384 Australian nationals have also visited Sri Lanka in the month of November.

Meanwhile, the number of tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2025 has increased to 2,103,593 with the release of the latest figures for November.

Among them, 474,796 individuals are from India, 191,742 from the UK, 158,593 from Russia, 131,259 from Germany, 121,671 from China and 101,771 are from France, the SLTDA noted.

Economy

Apple to support relief efforts in flood-hit Sri Lanka

Published

3 days ago

December 3, 2025

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Apple CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will contribute to relief and rebuilding efforts across several Asian countries—including Sri Lanka—following days of severe flooding, landslides, and powerful winds.

Cook said that recent storms across Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have devastated communities, extending the company’s condolences to all those affected.

Economy

Management Committee appointed for ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

Published

5 days ago

December 1, 2025

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, which aims to rebuild the country after the immense damage caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwa’, one of the worst natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history.

The fund is to be established as a statutory fund under the Presidential Secretariat, and its Management Committee will comprise representatives from the government and private sectors.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, will serve as its Chairman, while Senior Additional Secretary to the President, G.M.R.D. Aponso will serve as the Convener of the Committee.

Other committee members include:

• President’s Special Envoy for Foreign Investment, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof
• Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma
• Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Duminda Hulangamuwa
• Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sugeeshwara Gunawardena
• Chairman of the Hayles Group, Mohan Pandithage
• Chairman of John Keells Holdings (JKH), Krishan Balendra
• Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake
• Brandix Group CEO Ashroff Omar
• LOLC Executive Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara