Economy

Delft Island to become Sri Lanka’s first zero emission eco‑tourism destination

Published

1 month ago

August 10, 2026

The Government of Sri Lanka has unveiled plans to transform Delft Island into the country’s first Zero Emission eco‑tourism destination, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental conservation, and the preservation of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

A special site inspection and stakeholder discussion on the proposed development was held under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe recently.

The island, renowned for its Dutch‑era ruins, numerous archaeological landmarks, and iconic wild horses, is seen as possessing exceptional tourism potential.

Deputy Minister Ranasinghe told participants that Delft Island should be experienced not only by international visitors but also by domestic tourists. Despite its extraordinary attractions, he noted, the island has so far made only a limited contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to unlocking Delft’s full potential through sustainable and environmentally responsible development.

Discussions focused on identifying priority infrastructure to position Delft Island as a premier tourism destination, with key areas including water supply, road infrastructure, transportation and accessibility. Strengthening community participation was also highlighted, with plans to enhance the knowledge and hospitality skills of local residents to enable them to benefit directly from tourism development.

Economy

Sri Lanka Sees 27.2% Jump in State Income in First Half of 2026

Published

2 days ago

September 11, 2026

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya outlined in Parliament the significant increase in government revenue recorded during the first six months of 2026, highlighting strong growth in both tax and non-tax income.

The Prime Minister stated that tax revenue, which stood at Rs. 2,152.1 billion during the first six months of 2025, increased by 25.9% to Rs. 2,710.6 billion during the corresponding period of 2026.

She further noted that revenue collected by the Inland Revenue Department rose from Rs. 1,037.9 billion in the first half of 2025 to Rs. 1,247.6 billion during the same period in 2026, reflecting a growth of 20.2%.

According to the Prime Minister, non-tax revenue also recorded a substantial increase. Revenue from non-tax sources rose from Rs. 169.6 billion during the first six months of 2025 to Rs. 243.6 billion during the corresponding period this year, marking a significant growth of 43.6%.

As a result, total tax and non-tax revenue increased from Rs. 2,321.7 billion in the first half of 2025 to Rs. 2,954.2 billion during the same period of 2026, representing an overall growth of 27.2%.

Dr. Amarasuriya explained that the increase in revenue collected by the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, and the Excise Department had been the primary drivers behind the rise in overall government revenue.

Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

5 days ago

September 8, 2026

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Sri Lanka imported 316,000 vehicles during the first six months of 2026, generating Rs. 512.547 billion in tax revenue, according to officials from Sri Lanka Customs.

The figures were revealed during a review of the operations and revenue performance of Sri Lanka Customs by the Parliamentary Committee on Ways and Means.

Of the total tax revenue generated through vehicle imports, motor vehicles imports accounted for the largest share, contributing Rs. 386.726 billion.

Petrol-powered cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc emerged as the highest revenue-generating category, contributing Rs. 137.4 billion in Customs revenue. This represented 9.96% of total Customs revenue.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Customs recorded total revenue of Rs. 1.379 trillion by June 30, 2026, against an expected revenue of Rs. 1.061 trillion for the period, representing 130% of the targeted revenue.

Officials informed the committee that customs revenue had exceeded monthly targets throughout the year and had recorded higher revenue compared with the corresponding months of 2025.

Economy

Rs. 5.8bn World Bank-backed project to rehabilitate 296 irrigation tanks

Published

7 days ago

September 6, 2026

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Sri Lanka has begun rehabilitating 296 minor irrigation tanks under a World Bank-funded programme aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and improving climate resilience.

More than Rs. 5.8 billion has been allocated for the work under the Integrated Rurban Development and Climate Resilience Project (IRDCRP), which is planned to continue until 2029.

Of the 296 tanks, 290 are located across 18 districts and were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. About Rs. 5.58 billion has been allocated for their rehabilitation under the project’s Contingent Emergency Response Component.

The largest number of affected tanks is in Badulla, where 97 are being rehabilitated, followed by Ratnapura with 29, Mannar with 24 and Kurunegala with 19. Fifteen tanks each are being rehabilitated in Kandy and Vavuniya.

A further six minor irrigation tanks in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Jaffna are also being rehabilitated at a cost of about Rs. 256.2 million.