Marking World Hypertension Day on May 17, health authorities are raising urgent alarms about the hidden danger of high blood pressure in Sri Lanka, with one in every three citizens affected—and nearly half of them unaware they are living with the condition. “It is known as the silent killer,” warned Dr. Shilanthi Mettananda, Consultant Community…
The World Bank has pledged US$1 billion to support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, focusing largely on private-sector-led investments that aim to create jobs and modernize key sectors such as energy, agriculture, tourism, and regional development. The funding package, to be delivered over three years, is expected to unlock significant private capital, especially in renewable energy…
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga will visit Sri Lanka on Wednesday, May 7—the first visit by a World Bank president to the country in nearly two decades. The trip, made at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, comes as Sri Lanka navigates a challenging path toward economic recovery. Banga is expected to meet…
Two major Chinese-backed projects in Sri Lanka — the Sinopec oil refinery in Hambantota and the Colombo Port development — have reportedly been delayed. According to sources, Sinopec has requested to increase the originally agreed local market supply quota of 20% for its oil products. The massive export-oriented refinery project, which involves an investment of…
This Vesak season, Daily Reporter, Impactus and the Right to Life Human Rights Centre are calling on all Sri Lankans to make a small but powerful choice: buy locally made Vesak decorations and help a struggling family earn a living. In recent years, Chinese-made lanterns and LED lights have flooded the Sri Lankan market. They…
Vehicle imports to Sri Lanka have resumed following the lifting of the import ban on February 1, but high taxes continue to limit sales, market sources say. New vehicle importers are currently processing orders, and it typically takes about four to six months for a new vehicle to arrive. Importers are required to register imported…
Sri Lanka is ready to tax the digital services supplied by non-Sri Lankans from October 1. This was legalised by the certification of VAT (amendment) Act No. 4 of 2025. Inland Revenue Department said in a press release that procedures for registration, payment and compliance would be specified by the Commissioner General in due course….
China’s trade surplus with Sri Lanka surged to an all-time high of over US$4 billion (Rs. 1.195 trillion) in 2024, nearly doubling from the previous year and highlighting the growing imbalance in bilateral commerce. According to official data, Sri Lanka exported just US$251.91 million worth of goods to China in 2024 — a 2% decline…
From April 1, 2025, the withholding tax on interest from fixed deposits in Sri Lanka has been increased from 5% to 10%. However, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) states that individuals whose total annual income is less than Rs. 1.8 million are eligible to claim a refund of the tax deducted on interest. To do…
Sri Lanka’s fragile economy could face further strain following the United States’ recent tariff hikes, warns Fitch Ratings. The global credit rating agency stated that countries with low external buffers and high debt burdens, like Sri Lanka, are particularly vulnerable to the ripple effects of the escalating US trade war. Currently rated CCC+, Sri Lanka…
