Economy

Japan Officially Notifies Sri Lanka of Its Decision to Resume Disbursement to Yen Loan Projects

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2024

Following the completion of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and Sri Lanka on 23 July and the expression of the willingness by the Government of Sri Lanka to swiftly conclude a bilateral agreement on debt restructuring, the Government of Japan has officially decided to resume disbursement to Yen Loan Projects, which had been suspended since the default of Sri Lanka in 2022.

On 24 July, the Government of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka Office held a joint press conference to inaugurate this milestone decision at Ministry of Treasury.

While congratulating the completion of the MOU on debt restructuring between Sri Lanka and the OCC, Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki highlighted the unprecedented initiative and outstanding contribution by the Government of Japan, as a co-chair of the OCC, in leading and concluding the public debt restructuring.

Ambassador MIZUKOSHI also commended Sri Lankan authorities for their ongoing efforts in implementing the comprehensive economic and social reforms essential to guide the country back to a sustainable path. He stated that all the suspended yen loan projects are crucial infrastructures that promote Sri Lanka’s economic growth and further reaffirmed Japan’s continuous and unwavering commitment to supporting Sri Lanka.

On behalf of Mr. YAMADA Tetsuya, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, Ms. IDE Yuri, Senior Representative, handed over the official letter on this decision to Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Treasury, which is addressed to Hon. President Wickremesinghe from Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, President of JICA.

Ms. IDE Yuri expressed her hope that the resumption of Yen Loan Projects will contribute to stabilizing the economy and society of Sri Lanka and help gain momentum toward long-term sustainable growth, thus paving the way for Sri Lanka to recover trust and confidence from the people and private businesses of both Sri Lanka and the world.

Secretary Siriwardana expressed his profound gratitude for this decision and sincere appreciation for Japan’s excellent initiative and long-term dedication in the debt restructuring. It is hoped that the resumption of disbursement to Yen Loan Projects would further strengthen the bond between Japan and Sri Lanka, as well as help this island nation bring itself back on track for further economic development, serving as a hub in the Indian Ocean.

Economy

Vehicle imports generate Rs. 512.5 billion in tax revenue

Published

1 day 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

3 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.

Economy

Sri Lanka exports to India grow 7.2% to USD 669mn in first seven months

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports to India increased by 7.22% year-on-year during the first seven months of 2026, reaching US$669.36 million, according to data from the Export Development Board (EDB).

Exports to India during the January-July period rose from US$624.31 million recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.

In July alone, exports to India increased by 9.12% year-on-year to US$129.51 million, compared with US$118.69 million in July 2025.

The EDB said the cumulative growth in exports to India was mainly supported by increased shipments of boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps, petroleum oils, animal feed and base metal products.

The growth also came amid a broader expansion in Sri Lanka’s exports to the South Asian region.

Exports to South Asian markets increased by 11.98% year-on-year to US$916.55 million during the January-July 2026 period.