News & market updates

Sri Lanka's CPI score rose to 35 in 2025, lifting the country 14 places to 107th in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. The score remains below the global average of 43, signalling improved but still limited governance performance.

Bairaha Farms Plc commissioned a new 500-ton cold storage facility built with about $1 million investment to maintain −20°C conditions, introduce WMS and QR traceability, and strengthen stock management for local distribution and exports.

Hayleys Group held its Chairman’s Awards 2025, naming Haycarb PLC the Overall Winner for its specialty activated carbon for silicon‑carbon anodes for lithium‑ion batteries. Hayleys Fabric PLC won an ESG award for a Smart Energy Saving System (avoiding 159,600 kg CO₂e per machine annually) and group projects in coconut processing and logistics were also recognised.

Sri Lanka and the European Union will hold the 27th EU–Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo on 12 February 2026. Senior officials will review partnership areas including governance, human rights, trade and development cooperation and discuss concrete next steps.

Tokyo Cement reported 3Q turnover of Rs.14,523m (vs Rs.11,639m) and profit after tax of Rs.332m (vs Rs.1,006m), citing volume growth but lower selling prices, higher input and currency costs and capitalisation of expansion and a vessel; expects demand lift from reconstruction and infrastructure spending.

Tokyo Cement Group reported Q3 turnover of Rs.14,523 million (25% YoY) and PAT of Rs.332 million (down from Rs.1,006 million YoY), citing volume growth but pressure from lower selling prices, higher raw material and currency costs, and capitalisation of expansion and a vessel; expects demand support from post-cyclone reconstruction and planned government capex.

The Sri Lanka–Canada Business Council hosted a welcome reception for Canadian High Commissioner Isabelle Martin on 29 January, attended by over 180 members and guests and marking the Council's 35th anniversary. The event highlighted efforts to strengthen bilateral trade, investment and professional ties.

New Anthoney’s Farms celebrates 40 years as Sri Lanka’s only producer of 100% antibiotic-free chicken. The company highlights expansions (including a Nov 2025 'Chicken Havens' premium range), extensive certifications, its 2023 acquisition of Gold Coin Feed Mills, and AMR public-health advocacy.

SLSI and the Sri Lanka Association of Printers agreed to collaborate on a 2025–2030 project to develop 10–20 pilot “Model Printing Companies” implementing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 to raise quality, sustainability and access to international/export markets, with an MoU to be formalised.

Dilhan C. Fernando, Chairman of Dilmah Tea, warns 2026 could be the toughest year for tea growers as discount-driven demand, climate change and inequality force unsustainable practices, threaten livelihoods and food security, and risk long-term declines in tea quality.

Indian Acting High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey said Sri Lanka can leverage India’s growing trade and investment network to boost ports, renewable energy, connectivity and integrated supply chains. He highlighted Colombo Port’s handling efficiencies and urged aligning policies with India to diversify beyond apparel and tourism.

The Export Development Board held a networking session for new and potential tea and coconut exporters with about 100 small and medium exporters attending; industry speakers provided guidance on market entry, exporter registration/compliance, branding and building buyer relationships.

Sri Lanka Business Forum 2026 in Paris promoted government reforms to strengthen investor confidence and export-led growth. The forum highlighted Colombo Dockyard's collaboration with Orange Marine, noting the 2023-built cable vessel 'Sophie Germain' and two additional vessels scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029.

Asia Siyaka Warehousing, a fully owned subsidiary of Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC (ASIY.N0000), became the world’s first tea logistics company to receive ZeroCarbon® certification. Its Muthurajawela warehouse also holds LEED and ISO 22000 certifications and can store up to 11 million kg of tea (29,000 pallet positions).

US President Donald Trump has cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, a change exporters say will immediately release held orders and significantly boost competitiveness and orders for Indian textiles, apparel, leather and footwear exporters.

Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association reappointed Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chair and set a 2026 agenda prioritising GSP+ renewal, FTAs and digitalisation; apparel exports rose 5.42% to USD 5.019bn in 2025. The AGM called for a dedicated trade office, faster export facilitation (Single Window/ETA), predictable VAT refunds and accelerated fiscalised e-invoicing including a RAMIS 2.0 API pilot.

Sri Lanka hosted the Boat and Marine Show and Conference 2026 in Port City Colombo (30 Jan–1 Feb) to promote marine and nautical tourism and attract exporters and investors. The event featured international delegations, yacht and marine exhibitors, diving and charter operators, and government export promotion support.

Sri Lanka's Export Development Board met US Embassy economic officials to explore expanding bilateral trade and investment, pursue tariff exemptions and promote participation in SelectUSA 2026 and Sri Lanka Expo 2026. Sri Lanka's exports to the US were $2,999.15m in 2025, up 3.07% year-on-year.

JAT Holdings posted 7% YoY revenue growth in Q3 to Rs. 8.1bn, with gross profit up 14% and GP margin rising to 36%. PAT fell 23% to Rs. 774m due to Ditwah-related sales losses and higher taxation, while the company completed the acquisition of Mirotone (NZ) to expand its international footprint.

A Customs union meeting yesterday slowed or stopped cargo clearance from about 1 p.m., with officials saying the meeting lasted around two hours and operations resumed thereafter. Private-sector groups warned even short stoppages can delay shipments, raise demurrage costs and disrupt supply chains for time-sensitive imports/exports.

SLAEA reappointed Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chair at its AGM and said apparel exports rose 5.42% to $5.019bn in 2025. She urged prioritising GSP+ renewal, pursuing FTAs, faster export facilitation and accelerated digital reforms including fiscalised e-invoicing.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 returns to Cinnamon Life from 4–6 January 2027 and appoints Shezmin Mansoor as Chairman. The 34th edition aims to attract international buyers with curated pavilions, networking and knowledge sessions, focusing on supporting exporters, SMEs and sustainable practices in the gem and jewellery sector.

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board launched Edges of Sri Lanka alongside Sri Lanka Expo 2026 to promote exports and investment; the Expo will be held 18–21 June 2026 at BMICH to connect exporters with global buyers and investors. The initiative highlights strengths across agriculture, industry and digital services.

JAT Holdings reported Q3 FY 2025/26 revenue up 7% YoY to Rs. 8.1 billion and gross profit up 14%, while PAT fell 23% to Rs. 774 million. The quarter included the acquisition of New Zealand-based Mirotone, expanding JAT's international footprint and R&D/manufacturing capacity.

World Bank Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer visited Sri Lanka to strengthen development cooperation and reviewed World Bank-supported initiatives with the Treasury secretary. He highlighted priority areas for jobs and growth: infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism and value-added manufacturing.

CIC Holdings reported consolidated 9MFY26 revenue of Rs. 70.28 billion (up 8.69% YoY) and PAT of Rs. 5.97 billion, with EBIT rising to Rs. 9.67 billion, as crop, livestock and health divisions offset disruptions from Cyclone Ditwah.

Forbes & Walker Research reported the National Sales Average for tea fell to Rs. 1,164.54 ($3.76) in January 2026, down Rs. 37.04 month-on-month and Rs. 20.89 year-on-year. All elevations recorded negative variances in dollar terms, indicating continued pressure on realised prices.

The NCE pledged full support for the EDB after the board finalised the National Export Development Plan 2025-2029, with Sri Lanka's exports rising 5.6% to $17.25bn in 2025. Council members flagged labour shortages, need for the National Single Window, SME development and market-access concerns.

CIC Holdings reported consolidated 9MFY26 revenue of Rs.70.28bn (+8.69% YoY) and PAT of Rs.5.97bn, with EBIT rising to Rs.9.67bn, despite cyclone-related losses in parts of its agricultural operations.