News & market updates

The Sri Lanka Economic Association will hold its Annual International Conference on 6–7 December in Colombo on “Transforming Industries for Economic Revival,” bringing over 35 papers and global experts to discuss industrial policy, trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism, STEM and other strategies for sustainable growth.

Hemas Hospitals has introduced 3D laparoscopic donor nephrectomies for kidney transplants, a minimally invasive technique that reduces incision size, pain, recovery time and complications and may lower costs and encourage more donors.

The author urges Sri Lanka to adopt data-driven governance, calling for investment in digital infrastructure, a national data analytics centre, AI/ML tools, cross-agency data sharing, privacy laws and training to improve policy targeting and service delivery.

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga pledged broad support for Sri Lanka’s development across jobs, education, healthcare, social protection, climate action, agriculture and digital transformation and said Sri Lanka will host the World Bank South Asia Integrated Office from 25 July 2025. President Dissanayake highlighted priorities on poverty alleviation, revenue growth via digitalisation and reforms in tourism, energy, maritime and SOEs.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told World Bank president Ajay Banga he aims to raise government revenue by strengthening tourism, the maritime industry, SOEs and the energy sector, and by promoting digitalization and investor participation in power generation. He also stressed poverty alleviation and support for education, healthcare and agriculture.

Sri Lanka will host the World Bank’s South Asia integrated office from July 25, 2025, following a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and WBG President Ajay Banga. The discussion covered WBG support for poverty alleviation, digitalization, tourism, energy, education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.

Clogard unveiled a new two-variant mouthwash (Clove and Mint), the first mouthwash in Sri Lanka to receive Sri Lanka Dental Association (SLDA) accreditation. The products are fluoride-formulated with natural ingredients to help prevent cavities, fight germs and provide long-lasting freshness.

SLIM launched the SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2024 to recognise and support Sri Lankan SMEs in marketing, branding and sales. The awards span 14+ sectors (IT, FMCG, hospitality, exports, construction, agriculture, etc.), set micro/small/medium revenue eligibility bands, and aim to help SMEs commercialise and grow.

Vision Care led eye-health activities at the National Diabetic Walk and Health Camp, offering free screenings via its 'Eyes on Wheels' mobile unit. The company also highlighted diabetic retinopathy assessments available at select branches, including OCT, fundus photography and other diagnostic tests.

Royal Nursing Home Private Limited will open its fifth facility, a 100‑bed nursing home in Hanwella, on 1 January 2025. The renovated former hotel on two acres along the Kelani River will be upgraded to ISO 9001-2015 and Elderly Residential Care Guidelines to offer affordable, high-quality care.

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) launched a Professional Bachelor's in Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene to train dental professionals in preventive and community-focused care, aiming to improve oral healthcare access and standards across Sri Lanka.

International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) graduated over 600 students across Foundation to PhD programs—including more than 400 government nurses—and has trained over 5,000 healthcare professionals to date.

Sri Lanka and Romania are advancing a draft MoU to expand foreign employment for Sri Lankans, with Romania proposing a quota of up to 100,000 foreign workers annually and a focus on semi-skilled and skilled roles. Talks covered recruitment, visa streamlining, orientation programmes and a possible G2G matching mechanism, with final decisions after Romania's 2024 elections.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner met BIDA Chair Ashik Chowdhury on 14 Nov to discuss investment cooperation and support for around 80 Sri Lankan projects operating in Bangladesh; both sides flagged opportunities in ICT, healthcare/pharma, construction, logistics, tourism and a potential BSPTA to boost trade.

Sri Lanka's ambassador to Saudi Arabia introduced Port City Colombo investment opportunities to the Saudi Investment Ministry and SIPA, handed over incentives information and agreed to pursue further discussions following a recent bilateral MoU. He highlighted opportunities in agriculture/aquaculture, tourism, ICT and pharmaceuticals.

National Cancer Institute of Sri Lanka launched www.helpapeksha.com to accept international donations, securely linked to Sampath Bank’s payment gateway. MillenniumIT ESP developed and will maintain the site for three years as a CSR project, and the platform lists donors and project needs.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, briefed Saudi Deputy Investment Minister Sara Al-Sayed on investment opportunities in Port City Colombo across agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, ICT and pharmaceuticals and handed over project and incentive details; both sides agreed to pursue further discussions under a recent bilateral MoU to promote direct investments.

Hospital de Sant Pau and Huawei outlined a partnership to accelerate digital transformation at Sant Pau, focusing on data storage and security, AI for imaging diagnostics, and 3D/digital-twin surgical planning; Sant Pau has also launched a research group in Advanced Medical Imaging, AI and Image-Guided Therapy.

UAE Ambassador Khaled Nasser Al Ameri said UAE-Sri Lanka ties will be deepened to boost trade, technology and tourism, noting Sri Lanka's $110m tea shipments to the UAE in 2022. He urged Sri Lankan entrepreneurs to pursue UAE opportunities in IT/digitisation, fintech, renewable energy, logistics, health products and tourism.

Nawaloka Hospitals Plc (NHL.N0000) appointed Dr. Chamara Bandara as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Dr. Bandara holds a PhD in Business Management, an MBA, has founded multiple firms and currently serves as an independent director of Kapruka Holdings PLC (KPHL.N0000).

IFC committed a record $12.2 billion to 123 projects across Asia Pacific in the fiscal year to June 30. The investments focused on climate and clean-energy, MSME and financial inclusion, healthcare/pharma capacity, and digital services, and are expected to create up to 570,000 jobs.

Suwa Diviya will host the 'Live Well Health Fair' at Arcade Independence Square, Colombo on Saturday 30 November (10:00–18:00), offering free health screenings, talks on diabetes and heart health, fitness demos and wellness product stalls with participating brands including CIC.

IFC committed a record $12.2 billion to 123 projects across Asia Pacific in the fiscal year to June 30, an 11% YoY increase. Funding targeted climate and clean-energy projects, MSME finance and gender-focused programs, digital economy investments, and support for pharma and food-processing supply chains.

MSF is raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance in Afghanistan and has opened two bacteriology labs in Kunduz and Khost while rolling out portable mini-labs to identify resistant infections and guide targeted antibiotic treatment. MSF is also implementing infection-prevention measures, antimicrobial stewardship committees and public education to address drivers such as over-the-counter antibiotic misuse and poor WASH.

A new Cabinet assumed office, with ministers pledging reforms across food supply and price controls, agriculture (fertiliser and productivity projects), manufacturing, healthcare, justice, and energy. Trade and Agriculture ministers signalled immediate action on price manipulation and the fertiliser shortage, with policy details due in the government's statement.

Sri Lanka has begun IMF staff-level talks to secure a new agreement to pass the next review, targeting government revenues of about 15% of GDP and a primary balance near 2.3% of GDP (requiring roughly a 1.2ppt revenue boost). Proposed tax threshold increases, VAT cuts on some medical items and planned pay/subsidy measures are key fiscal pressures.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (Nov 18–24) calls for urgent action against antimicrobial resistance; Sri Lanka’s New Anthoney’s Group is taking part by promoting antibiotic-free poultry and related advocacy. The campaign stresses One Health, surveillance, stewardship, and reduced antibiotic use in food and healthcare sectors.

Prof. Samitha Hettige urges Sri Lanka's newly elected parliament to pursue macroeconomic policy adjustments — including fiscal and monetary measures and catalytic government investment — to restore state confidence and meet development goals. He also recommends using bonds/loans/grants, studying Uganda's partnership model and managing social cohesion and social media to prevent conflict.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met the IMF mission and urged a balanced economic recovery program that preserves social spending, prioritising child poverty, malnutrition and support for the differently abled, and pledged improved resource utilisation and stronger governance and anti‑corruption measures.