Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

4 weeks ago

September 8, 2026

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

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.