Economy

SL Customs collects record Rs. 27.7bn in a single day, annual target achievable next week

Published

7 months ago

November 11, 2025

Sri Lanka Customs says this year’s expected revenue could be achieved within the next three days.

Customs Director Chandan Punchihewa highlighted that the country recorded the highest single-day revenue in its history on November 6, amounting to Rs. 27.7 billion. He noted that previously, the highest single-day collection had been Rs. 24.4 billion on October 15, 2025.

“In the history of customs collection, the highest revenue in a single day was recorded on October 15, 2025, when we collected over Rs. 24 billion. On November 6, we surpassed that with Rs. 27.7 billion, which is now the highest single-day revenue in the history of tax collection in Sri Lanka,” Punchihewa said.

Economy

Sri Lanka Secures US$695 Million IMF Tranche

Published

3 days ago

May 28, 2026

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Sri Lanka has secured another US$695 million from the IMF after the completion of the fifth and sixth reviews of the country’s reform programme.

The IMF says Sri Lanka’s reform performance remains “generally strong” despite global challenges, but warned that the Middle East conflict and Cyclone Ditwah pose risks to economic recovery.

Economy

IMF Says Sri Lanka’s Policy Framework StrongerThan In The Past

Published

4 days ago

May 27, 2026

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IMF mission chief Evan Papageorgiou painted a firmer, more confident picture of Sri Lanka’s economic policy framework as the Fund’s Executive Board prepares to consider the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of the country’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on Wednesday, 27 May.

“Sri Lanka’s reform program continues to move forward,” Papageorgiou said, stressing that “Sri Lanka’s policy framework today is considerably stronger than in the past.”

The IMF view, voiced at a critical moment for the island’s finances , frames the coming Board decision as a test of whether progress on macro stability, reserve rebuilding and investor confidence will translate into continued financial support.

The Executive Board’s decision could unlock the sixth and seventh tranches of the EFF, together worth about USD 700 million.

IMF mission chief Evan Papageorgiou said that the authorities’ recent progress in restoring macroeconomic stability and rebuilding reserves has been recognised by the public, investors and stakeholders.

Global shocks continue to pose renewed pressures, but the Fund emphasised that a stronger policy stance means Sri Lanka is better placed to navigate them.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s exports surpass US$ 5.7b in first four months of 2026

Published

5 days ago

May 25, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,380.93 million in April 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 6 % compared to April 2025.

According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports in April 2026 increased by 9.87% to US$ 1,063.77 million.

Earnings from services exports were estimated at US$ 317.16 million in April 2026, underscoring the growing importance of the services sector in driving Sri Lanka’s overall export performance.

On a cumulative basis, total exports for the period January to April 2026 are estimated at US$ 5,784.38 million, reflecting a growth of 4.3 % over the corresponding period in 2025.

Overall, the positive export performance recorded during the first four months of 2026 highlights the resilience of Sri Lanka’s external sector. Sustained export earnings, supported by stable merchandise trade and the growing contribution of services exports, indicate a steady and encouraging recovery trajectory for the Sri Lankan economy in 2026.