News & market updates

Asia Securities convened 150+ investors and corporate leaders at the Sri Lanka Investor Conference 2026 to present a constructive capital-market outlook, with speakers citing roughly 4% GDP growth prospects for 2026. Panels highlighted construction, banking/finance, consumer and digital sectors as key growth drivers and projected strong corporate earnings expansion.

SriLankan Airlines will add three weekly Colombo–Melbourne services to reach 10 weekly flights from 2 August 2026. The new UL608/UL609 frequencies are timed to boost leisure travel, diaspora and student connectivity and improve onward connections via Colombo to India.

The Economic Surveillance Committee met at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss urgent measures to stabilise Sri Lanka's economy amid the Middle East conflict, focusing on risks from fuel imports, remittances, trade, tourism and export links.

Cabinet approved free 14-day visa extensions for foreign nationals stranded in Sri Lanka due to flight cancellations through West Asia, with a further 14-day extension possible if cancellations continue, to allow them to remain legally while awaiting new travel.

Fitch warned the Iran conflict could raise credit risks for emerging markets such as Sri Lanka by raising energy prices and disrupting remittances, exchange rates, fiscal subsidies and access to international finance.

DP World executed cross-border logistics for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup across India and Sri Lanka, transporting more than 55,000 kg of broadcast and match infrastructure via air and sea between Dec 2025 and Jan 2026. Shipments included 620+ packages to Delhi (25,000+ kg) and 465 packages to Sri Lanka (30,000+ kg), coordinated with customs for timely arrival.

Geoffrey Bawa Trust's Bawa Space in Colombo is hosting 'Ways of Knowing', a multi-sensory, accessible exhibition running until the end of March with public programming (workshops, tours, talks) and support from the British Council and Kohler India.

ACP Asset Management launched the first Sri Lanka-focused UCITS fund, seeded with $10m and expecting a further $25m within 30 days, targeting $100m AUM in 6–12 months. The fund will invest in Sri Lankan equities, sovereign eurobonds and liquid treasury instruments and aims to draw foreign capital into sectors including banking, construction, F&B and tourism.

Colombo market rebounded as the ASPI rose 2.17% (474.38 pts) to 22,378.52 after global oil prices fell below $95/bbl, with gains led by banks and blue-chips including HNB, SAMP, COMB and DIAL and turnover of about Rs.4.48bn.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board has opened applications for Sri Lanka Expo 2026 (18–21 June at BMICH), offering 650 booths and opportunities to meet over 1,500 global buyers; applications close 31 March 2026. Sectors covered include industrial and agro-industrial products and services such as ICT, tourism, renewable energy and healthcare.

UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka launched a Country-Level Environmental and Supply Chain Sustainability Working Group strategy and held January 2026 kick-off sessions to mobilise 70+ companies across five thematic working groups. The initiative focuses on climate mitigation/adaptation, water and ocean stewardship, and supplier capacity building to advance sustainability and regulatory-aligned disclosure.

Airlines have started broad fare hikes after jet fuel surged to roughly $150–$200/barrel amid the Middle East conflict; Air New Zealand raised fares (domestic +NZ$10, short‑haul +NZ$20, long‑haul +NZ$90) and suspended its 2026 outlook. Vietnam Airlines has asked authorities to remove a jet fuel tax as travel disruption and tourism losses mount if the conflict persists.

Sri Lanka's tourism crossed 600,000 arrivals in 2026 with YTD growth of 9%, but arrivals in the first eight days of March fell 30.5% YoY due to the Middle East conflict and aviation disruptions. Officials warn a one-week Middle Eastern airspace closure could cost about $10–15m and higher fares from longer routings are expected.

Frontier Research warned that a sharp rise in global oil prices from the Middle East conflict could raise Sri Lanka's petroleum import costs and push up inflation via higher transport and electricity prices. The firm also flagged risks to tourism from rerouted flights and higher travel costs, which could weaken external sector earnings.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management hosted an International Women’s Day forum 'Give to Gain' to empower the next generation of women leaders in Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sector. The event included keynote and panel sessions on mentorship, workplace policy, digital transformation and cybersecurity.

Sri Lanka's cabinet approved free 14-day visa extensions for foreign nationals stranded by West Asia flight cancellations, with a further free 14-day extension available if cancellations continue.

The ONE LOVE Reggae Music Festival 2026 in Bentota, originally scheduled for end-March, has been postponed and rescheduled for August 2026. Organisers cited Middle East tensions and air-travel disruptions, artist safety, and completion of venue works as reasons.

Elvoir, Sri Lanka’s first certified perfumer-led fragrance brand, is manufacturing IFRA/ISO/GMP-certified luxury perfumes locally and targeting exports. It has sold out limited editions, partners with hospitality brands, and is expanding into candles, smart diffusers and personal-care lines.

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) partnered with Home Lands at the Property Investment Roadshow 2026 and introduced a specialised home loan package offering up to 120% financing (100% of property value plus 20% for furnishing/remodeling). The event also launched about 1,000 resort apartments and NDB provided on-site relationship officers and flexible repayment options.

Sri Lanka Export Development Board has opened applications for Sri Lanka Expo 2026, a four-day international trade exhibition from 18–21 June 2026 at BMICH offering 650 booths and access to over 1,500 global buyers; application deadline is 31 March 2026.

ITC Ratnadipa is offering an Iftar buffet, 'A Feast for the Senses', at the Indian Ocean Pavilion from 18 February to 19 March (6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.) at LKR 9,500 nett per person. The menu includes traditional kanji (mutton and chicken), biryanis, shawarma, slow-cooked curries and Arabic desserts.

Aitken Spence (SPEN.N0000) via Aitken Spence Travels facilitated shore excursions for about 700 passengers from the Viking Sky cruise that called at Colombo Port. The visitors took curated city, cultural and scenic tours promoting Destination Sri Lanka.

The BOI will host the 'Invest in Sri Lanka' Forum on 30 March to showcase improving macroeconomic stability and attract global investors to opportunities in renewable energy, tourism, technology and infrastructure.

Mercedes‑Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka unveiled a three‑year roadmap through 2028 and confirmed strategic partners, naming DIMO as a powering partner, Sampath Bank Private Banking as Official Banking Partner, and Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams as Official Host Venue.

AIA Group Chairman Sir Mark Tucker met Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Minister Vijitha Herath on 9–10 March and briefed him on AIA's operations; the Minister invited AIA to further expand its footprint in the country.

Thailand Week 2026 concluded after a three-day fair that highlighted bilateral trade reaching $649m last year, a 48% increase from $438m in 2024. The event showcased 30 Thai firms across food, cosmetics and household goods, and officials urged full implementation of the Sri Lanka–Thailand FTA to attract investment.

Fitch warns the Iran conflict could raise credit risks for emerging-market sovereigns by raising global energy prices and straining remittances, fiscal subsidies, exchange rates and access to finance; hydrocarbon exporters could benefit while importers (e.g. Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Ukraine) are more vulnerable.

SriLankan Airlines will resume daily flights to Riyadh tonight (09) and to Dubai from tomorrow (10); scheduled services include UL265/UL266 (Colombo–Riyadh) and UL231/UL232 (Colombo–Dubai) with authorities continuing to monitor the Middle East situation.

Singer’s “Take the Load Off Her Head” campaign won a Bronze Effie in the Home Furnishings & Appliances category via Ogilvy Digital. Ogilvy Group overall secured six metals at the 2025 SLIM Effie Awards for campaigns linked to sustainability and tourism.

The Shoppes at City of Dreams will launch its first-ever Eid Festive Souq, a two-day seasonal market on 14–15 March. The family-friendly event on the mall's 8th floor will feature festive fashion, handcrafted vendors, kids' activities, iftar facilities and complimentary mehendi with free entry.