News & market updates

Emirates launched its Travel Rehearsal programme in the UK, holding a first session at London Stansted Airport to let people on the autism spectrum rehearse the full air travel journey and reduce anxiety ahead of a flight.

The EPF's listed equity portfolio rose 27% to Rs. 188.85 billion at end-2025. The fund cut holdings from 65 to 59, fully exited six counters (Cargills Bank, Ceylon Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, Jetwing Symphony, LAUGFS Gas, Sierra Cables) and added Hemas (40m shares); gains were led by banks and diversified stocks.

Shangri-La Colombo's Tiki Bar has relaunched with a new cocktail menu and a 'Golden Hour' ritual, featuring Sri Lanka-inspired drinks (e.g., Chilli and Passion Daiquiri, Coriander Fizz, Arrack Fashioned) and complimentary second servings on selected beverages.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah held a full-day Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) celebration on 14 April with traditional rituals, feasts and games for guests. The article notes Sri Lanka received over 600,000 international visitors in Q1 2025 (USD 1.025bn) and highlights Pasikudah's growing role in East Coast tourism.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held a Media Networking Session and B2B Roadshow in Dhaka on 5–6 April 2026, attracting 35 media personnel, 147 Bangladeshi travel agents and 19 Sri Lankan tourism companies to foster collaborations and boost tourist arrivals.

Colombo stocks rose 0.25% as foreign investors turned net buyers after a 21-session selling streak, recording a net inflow of Rs. 19.8 million and lifting the ASPI 55.45 points to 22,625.48. Top contributors included CINS, BUKI, CFIN, MELS and NHL, while consumer services led turnover and oil price moderation supported sentiment.

DFCC Bank convened a discussion examining how the Middle East conflict could transmit into Sri Lanka’s economy, highlighting energy price, shipping, FX, tourism and remittance channels. The forum emphasised banks’ role in helping clients manage FX exposure, trade finance and liquidity amid rising uncertainty.

EPF fully exited holdings in six CSE-listed companies in 2025 — Cargills Bank, Ceylon Hotels, Colombo Dockyard, Jetwing Symphony, LAUGFS Gas and Sierra Cables — and made one new investment, buying 40 million shares in Hemas Holdings; its listed equity count fell from 65 to 59.

The Central Bank's Annual Economic Review 2025 reports real GDP growth of 5% and continued macroeconomic stabilization, with a third consecutive current-account surplus and reserve build-up. Monetary policy remained accommodative supporting low interest rates, credit expansion and improved bank/non-bank profitability, while exchange-rate flexibility and easing capital controls were noted.

Industry leaders at a Sri Lanka-Italy Business Council forum warned geopolitical tensions are testing Sri Lanka’s 2026 recovery, citing a 17.4% drop in tourism to 22 March, ~35% of shipping routes affected and sharp rises in freight, insurance and energy costs that could hit exports and tourism if prolonged.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka will host 'Signature Velvet Nights', a three-night luxury entertainment series from 24–26 April featuring live jazz, a Bollywood dance act, DJ TYSS and headline performances by Jovita Jose; events are limited-capacity and focused on elevated hospitality.

Yazu has opened at Radisson Blu Resort Galle, introducing a Pan-Asian menu (sushi, robata grills, wok dishes) and a location-exclusive 'Tiki Escapes' cocktail collection designed for the coastal setting.

The ASPI fell 0.89% (203.26 pts) to 22,570.03 as Middle East tensions and higher global oil prices weighed on the Colombo bourse. RIL Property, C T Holdings, Commercial Bank and Browns Investments were among top negative contributors while Hikkaduwa Beach Resort and other tourism counters saw notable retail turnover.

Sri Lanka's and China's central banks discussed promoting renminbi‑denominated settlements to facilitate trade. CBSL governor also met India's RBI governor to discuss promoting Indian rupee settlements for trade and tourism.

World Bank projects Sri Lanka's growth will moderate to 3.6% in 2026, citing higher energy prices and a transition to more sustainable growth. It flagged risks from persistently high energy costs, flight disruptions hitting tourism, skilled-labour shortages, weak public capex execution and climate shocks.

A Sri Lankan travel documentary produced by Mark Julian Edwards won Television Broadcast of the Year at the Inspire Global Media Awards 2026 in London. The film, produced after a Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau FAM tour, highlights the country's culture, wildlife and destinations, supporting tourism promotion.

Aitken Spence Travels (part of Aitken Spence PLC) was named Category Winner in Hospitality & Tourism Services and listed among Sri Lanka’s Top 40 at the CPM Best Management Practices Company Awards 2026. The recognition highlights its regenerative tourism focus and sustainability certifications (Travelife, GSTC, ISO) aligned with group governance.

John Keells Hotels' City of Dreams Sri Lanka will host the West End–licensed musical La Bamba at The Forum from 24–27 April; Nations Trust Bank cardholders receive a 15% early-bird ticket discount.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai will host the inaugural Sri Lanka Food Festival from 24–26 April 2026 at Green Meadows Resort, Chennai to promote tourism, trade and cultural ties, organised with partners including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Cinnamon Grand.

France Ambassador Rémi Lambert reaffirmed France as a reliable partner for Sri Lanka's economic recovery and said France will extend support across multiple sectors, starting with the maritime sector. The Sri Lanka–France Business Council's Members' Day also highlighted tourism promotion to the French market, including a visit by French rugby legend Serge Betsen.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka hosted Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) celebrations in Colombo featuring traditional décor, Avurudu buffets, cultural performances and interactive experiences.

More than 90 students from Don Bosco Institute's civil engineering, nursing and hotel & tourism management faculties graduated on April 10, with most reportedly securing jobs before the convocation. The institute is accredited up to NVQ Level 6 and serves about 250 students across six faculties.

Sri Lanka's services PMI rose to 59.4 in March 2026 from 54.4 in February, driven primarily by financial services and growth in insurance and pension funding. Employment and activity also increased, with wholesale/retail and accommodation and food & beverage sectors expanding ahead of the festive season.

IMF/WEO: a Middle East war-driven energy shock is raising inflation and weakening external balances in Asia; the region is projected to grow 4.4% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027 (from 5% in 2025) under the reference forecast. Higher energy costs hit refiners, utilities, manufacturers and tourism, tightening policy space; adverse/severe scenarios could cut cumulative growth by 1–2 percentage points and lift inflation further.

Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher as the ASPI rose 1.47% to 22,588.97, led by gains in Carson Cumberbatch, Hayleys and Dialog Axiata while Asian Hotels & Properties and DFCC Bank were among decliners. Turnover was Rs.4.96bn with capital goods contributing Rs.951m.

Sirin Park Luxury Eco Lodge in Ginemellagaha is offering scientifically backed animal-therapy experiences to guests and has invested around Rs.250 million to develop the property. The lodge has two suites (c.6 guests), farm-sourced meals, basic amenities, solar for staff areas and offers coconut and village tours.

The Sri Lanka–France Business Council hosted its Members' Day at the French Ambassador’s residence where Ambassador Rémi Lambert reaffirmed France's support for Sri Lanka's economic recovery and signalled support across sectors, highlighting maritime and tourism collaboration.

The G-24 warned that rising global risks — including geopolitical tensions, higher energy prices, elevated inflation and tighter financing — threaten fragile recoveries in economies like Sri Lanka. The group urged more concessional finance, faster debt restructuring and stronger multilateral support.

IEA, IMF and World Bank issued a joint statement saying the war in the Middle East has driven up oil, gas and fertilizer prices, disproportionately hurting energy importers and threatening food security, jobs and tourism. They said they will coordinate assessments and provide policy advice and financial support.