SRI LANKA NEWS
(JANUARY 2025)
Compiled by Victor Melder
Consultant Paediatrician Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Dr. Deepal Perera urged parents to keep their children safe as there was a notable reduction in the number of births in the country. Dr. Perera yesterday (31) said the number of births in Sri Lanka had witnessed a marked reduction. The annual number which was at about 350,000 has dropped to about 250,000 per year. The reduction in the number of deliveries would result in the lessening in the number of school admissions and even impact the paediatric population, he warned. Dr. Perera urged parents to ensure the safety of their children. “The number of diseases affecting children has increased,” he said. “Children now face not only issues such as autism spectrum disorders and dengue, but are also at risk of developing cancer, diabetes, addictions, and experiencing abuse as a result of mobile phone use,” he lamented. He observed that depression and phone addiction have increased among children. Countries like Australia are planning to ban social media for children under 16 years of age. Unfortunately, the situation is different in Sri Lanka, where mobile phone use begins at a very young age. He appealed to parents to monitor their children more closely. Dr. Perera further said that there was an increase in child deaths due to road traffic accidents. He appealed to road users to be more careful. Drunk driving, sleepiness during driving could lead to such accidents especially during the 31 to 01 January period. Therefore, road users should be more cautious, he emphasised. Dr. Perera further urged parents to keep children away from firecrackers or exercise greater caution when handling them. He pointed out that children are more vulnerable to sustaining firecracker injuries. (Ceylon Today, 1.1.2025)
The Government has issued a special gazette notification banning the use of children under the age of 12 in commercial advertisements. This regulation, signed by Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, comes into effect today (01). The gazette notification specifically prohibits using children under 12 in advertisements for baby food, food products for children, milk, and milk-related products. Additionally, any advertisement or product label in print, electronic or social media, or other medium featuring a pregnant mother, breastfeeding mother, infant, or child under 12 is banned. The notification also bans the direct or indirect promotion of food items to children under 12 through various means, such as leaflets, free samples, materials or toys, cartoon characters, and the use of celebrities without proper approval. (Daily News, 1/.1.2025)
Sri Lanka Customs achieved a record-breaking revenue of over Rs 1.5 trillion by the end of 2024, marking the highest annual revenue in its history. Customs revenue surpassed the Rs 1.5 trillion milestone by 11:00 p.m. on 31 December, with projections indicating it would reach Rs 1.515 trillion by the close of the day. This remarkable achievement brought Sri Lanka Customs very close to meeting the Government’s revenue target of Rs 1.533 trillion for 2024.The success is attributed to the Government’s tax policies, increased imports and significant reforms implemented by the Customs administration to streamline the tax collection process. These efforts, coupled with the dedication of the entire Customs staff, were instrumental in achieving this record income. Sri Lanka Customs extends its gratitude to all taxpayers for fulfilling their tax obligations and contributing to this historic revenue milestone. The Customs staff also expresses pride in making a substantial contribution to the national economy by successfully nearing the revenue targets set by the Government.(Ceylon Today, 2.1.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry concluded 2024 with over 2.05 million arrivals, though the final tally just falling short by a mere 2.2%. The performance represents the highest annual figure since 2019, showcasing a remarkable 38.07% year-on-year (YoY) growth, signaling a promising recovery for a sector that faced multiple challenges over the past five years. The 2024 performance, however, was still 12% lower in comparison to the record achievement of 2.3 million in 2018. December 2024 also saw 248,592 arrivals, an 18.18% increase compared to the same period last year, marking the highest monthly performance of the year. It is also the highest December figure achieved post-Easter Sunday attacks. While the December numbers were slightly below the record 253,169 arrivals in December 2018, the average daily arrivals reached a new milestone of 8,019 visitors, up from 6,139 in November 2024. The performance underscores Sri Lanka’s resilience as a tourist destination despite setbacks, including global travel advisories and delays in launching a much-anticipated global marketing campaign. Although the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revised its original target of 2.3 million arrivals to 2.1 million in August 2024, the final tally just fell short.
December arrivals, projected at 256,389, misses the target by 7,797 visitors. However, the strong December numbers helped push the annual total past the critical 2 million mark — a feat not achieved since 2019. India retained its position as Sri Lanka’s largest source market, contributing 416,974 visitors or 20.3% of total arrivals. Other significant markets included the Russian Federation with 201,920 (9.8%), the UK with 178,339 (8.7%), Germany with 136,084 (6.6%), and China with 131,681 (6.4%). Tourism earnings for 2023 are estimated to have surpassed the $ 3 billion mark, a notable improvement from the $ 2.1 billion registered in 2023. Despite the strong numbers, the industry’s challenges serve as a reminder of the importance of a choice strategy. The delay in launching the global marketing campaign and visa-related difficulties were cited as key reasons for falling short of revised targets. Industry stakeholders remain optimistic, noting that the recovery achieved last year demonstrates Sri Lanka’s enduring appeal and sets the stage for future growth. “The momentum gained in 2023 presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to build on its success,” they added. For this year, Sri Lanka Tourism is expecting 3 million arrivals and $ 5 billion income, with a five-year plan to attract over 5 million visitors and generate around $ 8.5 to 10 billion in revenue. Sri Lanka Tourism is also set to unveil a unified national brand this month instead of going ahead with campaign taglines, aiming to redefine the country’s global tourism appeal and achieve a higher return on investment (RoI). (Financial Times, 2.1.2025)
The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau has announced that 2024 marked the highest number of Sri Lankans leaving the country for foreign employment in its history. According to a statement released yesterday a total of 312,836 persons went abroad for work, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. Over the past six years (2019–2024), 1.3 million Sri Lankans have sought employment overseas. Of those, 185,162 were male workers and 127,674 were female workers in 2024 alone. The largest number of Sri Lankans immigrated to Kuwait, with 77,546 individuals taking up work there. The United Arab Emirates ranked second, receiving 51,550 workers from Sri Lanka.
The bureau also highlighted an increasing trend in Sri Lankans seeking employment in countries such as South Korea, Israel, and Japan. In 2024, 7,098 workers left for South Korea, 9,665 for Israel, and 8,665 for Japan, reflecting a growing diversification in destinations for foreign employment Additionally, by the end of November 2024, Sri Lanka had received $ 6,462 million in remittances, underscoring the significant contribution of migrant workers to the country’s economy. (Financial Times,2.1.2025)
Police Headquarters have revealed that 12,140 individuals have lost their lives in traffic accidents across the country over the past five years. During this period, a total of 117,970 vehicle accidents occurred, including 11,581 fatal ones, according to the Police Headquarters’ Motor Traffic Division. The Police Motor Traffic Division attributes the rapid increase in vehicle accidents to a variety of factors, including non-compliance with traffic laws, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, and inexperienced drivers. The number of accidents involving buses has been increasing rapidly on an annual basis, according to the police. As a result, the police are intensifying legal action against errant drivers. In response, plainclothes police officers are deployed in buses to identify and take action against drivers who commit traffic violations. Vehicle owners have been informed to comply with a directive to remove these unnecessary accessories from their vehicles. (Daily Island, 7.1.2025)
The National Tea Sales Average (NSA) for tea in 2024 increased across all elevations in comparison to last year, with positive variances in both Rupee and Dollar terms. Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said the NSA for the year closed at Rs. 1,225.17 equivalent to $ 4.08, marking gains of Rs. 53.88 and $ 0.49 compared to last year’s average of Rs. 1,171.29 and $ 3.59. December 2024 capped the year with a monthly average of Rs. 1,184.82 ($ 4.08), an increase of Rs. 47.60 ($ 0.17) from November. However, this marked a slight decrease of Rs. 1.59 year-on-year (YoY) compared to December 2023, despite a significant rise of $ 0.43 in Dollar terms over the same period. This highlights the impact of currency fluctuations and potential market dynamics influencing year-end performance. NSA for. In Dollar terms, the year-end overall average figure stood at $ 4.08 whilst showing an increase across the board, sustaining demand in international markets. It was also complemented by the highest contribution from Low Grown teas at $ 4.34, while High Grown and Medium Grown teas also showed positive trajectories. Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said the data for January to December 2024 points to consistent growth across all tea elevations. High Grown teas averaged Rs. 1,141.63 ($ 3.80), up Rs. 69.15 and $ 0.52 YoY. Medium Grown teas closed at Rs. 1,064.48 ($ 3.55), reflecting an increase of Rs. 52.13 and $ 0.45 YoY. Low Grown teas, which are typically the most lucrative segment, registered Rs. 1,304.38 ($ 4.34), an elevation of Rs. 52.23 and $ 0.51 YoY. It also noted that the December 2024 monthly average reveals a distinct narrative for each elevation. High Grown teas showed a month-on-month increase of Rs. 35.27, ending at Rs. 1,128.16, whilst Medium Grown teas at Rs. 1,037.77 posted an increase of Rs. 47.52 compared to November. Low Grown teas led the sector with Rs. 1,253.76, recording Rs. 62.03 compared to the previous month, though falling short of December 2023 by Rs. 24.32. (Financial Times, 9.1.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has made an impressive recovery in 2024, generating over $ 3.2 billion in revenue, registering a substantial 52.38% year-on-year (YoY) increase achieving its revised target. December also proved to be a stand out month with the industry raking in over $ 362 million, recording the highest monthly earnings for the year. This reflected a robust 34.46% YoY increase and a notable 33% improvement over November 2024. Last year’s performance marks the fifth highest tourism revenue ever registered and the highest since 2019. However, the sector’s potential for 2024 was undercut by policy delays and logistical challenges, which industry stakeholders argue cost the country in millions of dollars lost in revenue. As per the provisional data by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the average tourist expenditure per day in 2024 stood at $ 181.15 which is higher than $ 164.4 registered in 2023, while the overall average stay was 8.42 nights, slightly below 8.44 nights in 2023. Industry stakeholders claimed the delayed reactivation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, despite a Supreme Court mandate for its immediate enforcement was a major administrative hiccup for the industry. It was believed that this policy decision has deterred around $ 45,000-50,000 potential visitors in August alone, leading to an estimated revenue loss of $ 80-100 million. In 2024, tourists spent over 17.29 million nights in Sri Lanka compared to the over 12.55 million registered in 2024. However, December 2024 saw a slight shorter stay of SLTDA had set its sights on 2.3 million arrivals and over $ 4 billion in revenue for 2024. However, the visa-related crisis enforced a downward revision of its targets to 2.1 million arrivals and over $ 3 billion income. The sector ended the year with over 2.05 million arrivals, falling short of the revised arrivals target by just 2.2%, though it was the third highest visitors registered.
The industry champions said while 2024 demonstrated the resilience, the numbers highlight both the potential for growth and the unforeseen challenges. They expressed optimism on the new administration in ensuring smoother operational framework to capitalise on what promises to be a more robust performance in the years ahead, whilst focusing on attracting high-end tourists, with plans to lift daily average spending per visitor.
Sri Lanka Tourism has set ambitious goals for 2025, aiming to attract 3 million visitors and generate $ 5 billion in revenue. The long-term vision targets 5 million annual arrivals and $ 8.5 to $ 10 billion in earnings by 2030. (Financial Times, 10.1.2025)
A 25-year-old elephant that had been struggling in pain and hunger for 14 days due to suspected severe gunshot injuries died on Saturday near the Iranamadukulam tank in Kilinochchi.Villagers who noticed the injured elephant informed Wildlife officers about its condition. Although a team of officials rushed to the location and attempted to treat the elephant, its condition was critical due to severe injuries and its extreme weakness, making recovery impossible.Wildlife officers said that the elephant was about 25 years of age and they suspected that the elephant’s injuries had been caused by a gunshot. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The Kilinochchi Police and Wildlife officials have launched an investigation into the death of the elephant. (Daily Island, 20.1.2025)
Expatriate Sri Lankan workers remitted over 6.57 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, which is a 10.1 percent increase compared to 2023, the latest data by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has shown. In 2023, Sri Lankans remitted around 5.97 billion dollars. In December 2024, Sri Lankans remitted 613.8 million dollars, compared to 569.7 million dollars in December 2023. According to data from Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, a total of 312,836 Sri Lankans left the country for overseas jobs in 2024, the highest number of Sri Lankans migrating abroad for employment in the nation’s history. (Daily Island, 13.1.2025)
A troubling rise in shootings linked to organised crime has left 66 people dead in over 100 incidents reported across the country since January 2024. Of these, 13 deaths occurred in organised crime-related shootings involving the underworld in the last three months alone. Despite intensified efforts to combat violence, challenges persist, including the involvement of overseas-based traffickers and corruption within the prison system. According to the data, organised crime-related violence surged in late 2024, with 10 fatalities and four injuries reported in 13 separate shootings between October and December. Three more victims were killed in shooting incidents in early January 2025. The shootings took place in several areas, including Ambalangoda, Mount Lavinia, Dikwella, Padaviya, Gampaha, Kandana, Meegoda, Maradana, Meetiyagoda, Ja-Ela, Galle, Seeduwa, Weligama and Ahungalla. The most recent shooting occurred on January 9 in Ahungalla, where a man was injured after being shot by two individuals on a motorcycle. The victim, identified as the President of the Ahungalla Three-Wheeler Association, is reportedly related to Sujeewa Ruwankumara, a known underworld figure known as ‘Loku Patty.’In 2024, a total of 103 shooting incidents were recorded, with 56 linked to underworld activities. Of the 63 victims, 45 were connected to organised crime. Police have arrested more than 50 suspects in connection with these incidents and recovered 20 T-56 firearms during investigations. In response to the rise in organised crime and shootings, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala directed the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take immediate action to address the issue. He has also ordered the involvement of the Special Task Force (STF) in investigations and operations where necessary. Efforts to combat organised crime have been challenging due to the involvement of overseas-based drug traffickers, who continue to direct operations from abroad, including ordering murders and ransom-related crimes. Corruption within the prison system, where some traffickers continue to orchestrate criminal activities, has also hampered efforts. To address the issue, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has earlier instructed officials to take swift action to tackle drug trafficking and the underworld influence within prisons.(Daily Mirror, 11.1.2025)
Senior Professor of Forensic Medicine at Karapitiya Hospital U.C.P Perera said it was a matter of serious concern that the fatalities in road accidents have been increasing at a large proportion every year and that 118,240 road accidents had occurred in Sri Lanka for the last five years up to December 2024 claiming 12,140 human lives. “The number of accidents reported in 2020 was 23,704, and 2,363 fatalities were reported. In 2021, there were 22,847 accidents and 2,557 deaths. In 2022, 2,540 persons had died in accidents. There were 21,953 road accidents in that year.
In 2023, the number of road accidents stood at 24,877. According to reports, 2,321 people died in road crashes in that year. In 2024, the death rate in road accidents stood at 2,359 from 24,859 accidents. “It is sad that the road accidents and the death rate have been increasing despite various road safety programs. The government has taken steps to import more vehicles. The UNO had laid down guidelines with a target to reduce the rate of accidents by 50 per cent of that reported in 2020. However, the rate of accidents increased by 100 per cent.
The rate of accidents in Sri Lanka is the highest in South Asia in proportion to the population and the land area. Ir is imperative that a Presidential Task Force is formed to resolve this major issue affecting the country,” Prof. Perera further said. He proposed the establishment of a presidential task force to reduce the number of accidents as otherwise it would trigger a serious social crisis. (Daily Mirror, 11.1.2025)
Sri Lanka Export revenue for 2024 has increased by over USD 1.2 billion as against 2023 said Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO of Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), while announcing the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony which will be held on February 7, at BMICH. Wijesinghe said that merchandise exports contributed around USD 12. 7 billion which include ICT exports of around USD 1.6 billion and apparel exports around USD 5.1 billion. Service exports accounted for around USD 3.5 billion. The Chairman said they expect a major contribution from the Construction Industry that now has emerging opportunities in Maldives, Myanmar and Cambodia. “This industry brought to our notice that they are facing a ceiling issue of USD 1 million and requested to increase this amount to USD 5 million.” “We have brought this to the notice of the government and are awaiting a positive response.” The Chairman also opined that heavy taxation by the previous government is also creating issues for exporters and these will be addressed soon. “After bringing amendments to tax we expect the gem and jewellery sector also to double their contribution from around USD 400 million to USD 800 million next year.” It was also opined that similarly the ICT sector and other industry issues would be ironed out to help bring increased revenue. He said that with a focused campaign assigning many export related sectors they hope to even better this to USD 18.2 billion next year. “We expect 14. 7 billion revenue from merchandise exports and a further 4.2 billion from Service exports.” (Daily News, 17.1.2025)
Acting Inspector General Priyantha Weerasuriya confirmed that the Government has issued directives to recruit 10,000 new police officers to address the current shortage within the police force. The Acting IG also revealed that there is currently a shortage of 22,000 officers within the Police force. To alleviate the pressure caused by this shortage, around 2,000 officers, who previously serving in the VIP security units, have been re-assigned to assist with daily police duties, bringing significant relief to the police services. The Acting IGP also pointed out that a considerable number of police officers are retiring due to age, and others are passing away due to various health conditions. This has contributed to the ongoing personnel shortage within the force. Notably, last year alone, 241 police officers lost their lives while on duty, as a result of various issues, further exacerbating the staffing crisis within the police force, according to the Acting IGP. (Daily News, 20.1.2025)
Six persons have been killed in eight shooting incidents in the last 19 days since 1 January 2025, according to the Police. The Police Media Spokesman’s Office said that four of the persons shot dead were suspects organised crimes and five people were injured in those shooting incidents. Meanwhile, a 24-year-old youth was shot dead in a shooting incident that took place in Galaha on Sunday. Last week, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the Daily Financial Times that crime divisions similar to the Colombo Crime Division will be established in all provinces, soon, to strengthen investigation capacities of the Sri Lanka Police in order to bring down the crime rate in the country. Each of the newly set up crime divisions will directly come under the supervision of senior DIGs in the respective provinces. According to Wijepala, a Cabinet paper would be presented at the next Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held yesterday. The main objective of establishing these crime divisions was to bring down crime rates, which were high in some of the provinces. (Daily Financial Times, 21.1.2025)
The College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) President Dr Kapila Jayaratne, revealed that approximately 5,800 infants are born annually with birth defects in Sri Lanka. Of these, 24 per cent are born with congenital heart disease, while 20.3 per cent are born with limb deformities. Speaking at the South Asian Regional Conference for Knowledge Exchange on the Management of Birth Defects he said, the CCPSL plans to expand its treatment and rehabilitation clinic for children with clubfoot, to the District General Hospital in Vavuniya. This initiative aims to encourage parents to seek corrective treatment for their children without losing hope and to launch a community awareness programme. Dr Jayaratne noted that treatment and management of birth defects have already been established in several government health institutions, including the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, the National Hospitals in Kandy and Karapitiya, the Teaching Hospitals in Jaffna and Batticaloa, and the Srimavo Bandaranaike Specialised Children’s Hospital in Kandy. The South Asian Regional Conference for Knowledge Exchange on the Management of Birth Defects, organised by the CCPSL in collaboration with ‘Miracle Feet,’ was launched in Colombo. The event, which concludes tomorrow (22), employs an interactive and participatory methodology to foster collaboration and dialogue. The long-term goal is to improve and sustain outcomes for children affected by clubfoot in the South Asian region. In December, Dr Kapila Jayaratne wrote to the Health Secretary, Dr Anil Jasinghe, outlining the CCPSL’s intention to expand the programme to cover the entire country. (Ceylon Today, 21.1.2025)
Tourist arrival crossed the 100,000 mark within the first two weeks of January, recording a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 22 percent. Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed that the island nation welcomed a total of 112, 415 international visitors. While the daily arrival average currently stands at 8,029, the weekly average is about 56,207. India stands as the largest tourist traffic generator, accounting for 17.2 percent of the total tourist arrivals. In second place is the Russian Federation that contributed to 15.3 percent of the total tourist arrivals. While the United Kingdom ranks as the third largest source for Sri Lanka tourism, bringing in 8.2 percent of the total arrivals, Germany follows closely behind, accounting for 6.6 percent of the arrivals.Other key markets include Australia, France, China, United States, Netherlands, and Poland. (Daily Mirror, 22.1.2025)
Sri Lanka’s coconut shortage will further aggravate in the coming months and we urge the government to expedite the proposal to import 200 million nuts, The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), the umbrella organisation for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, said. “Sri Lanka’s current national coconut output is around 1.5 billion nuts. The Coconut Research Institute has revealed that this year there would be a 10 percent drop in production and that would adversely affect local consumption. An unprecedented coconut shortage is threatening domestic consumers with sky-rocketing prices, about Rs. 200 per nut, and also exports, CCCI president, Jayantha Samarakoon revealed at a media conference held at the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries auditorium last Tuesday. Samarakoon expressed fears that if exporters fail to fulfil the current export orders due to a lack of raw materials, it could severely impact Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable supplier in the world coconut market. The latter is expected to grow to US$30 billion by 2030. The CCCI initially expressed fears of an unprecedented coconut shortage in September last year, while warning that prices could rise to Rs. 270 per nut if no action was taken to reverse the current trend. “The time for action is now. Through collaborative and immediate measures, Sri Lanka can not only recover but position itself as a global leader in the coconut industry. This approach is critical for restoring balance, enhancing export competitiveness and ensuring affordable access for all Sri Lankans, Samarakoon added. “Last year, coconut and coconut-based exports were estimated to have generated US$ 782million in foreign exchange revenue, the highest ever. By 2027, the CCCI aims to help the country achieve US$1.5 billion in coconut-based export revenue while boosting the annual production from 3 billion to 4.5 billion coconuts, he said. “The Coconut Research Institute (CRI) has forecast a production shortfall exceeding 200 million nuts in the first quarter of this year. In 2024, coconut production fell short by 260 million nuts from CRI’s forecast, with a sharp 60 percent year-on-year (YoY) drop in coconut harvest in December 2024. The industry was targeting to bring in US$1 billion in export revenue this year, Samarakoon added. Samarakoon added: “While the government has responded favourably to the industry proposal for imports, it is yet to reach the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. The actions of certain government bodies, such as the Department of Agriculture, are causing further delays in the import process by raising concerns about the possibility of diseases entering the country.“It typically takes a minimum one-month period for imports to reach export manufacturers under the regulations. Further delays could adversely impact farm gate prices in the upcoming June coconut harvest season, as possible delays in imported raw materials could lead to an excess supply scenario during the harvest season, ultimately resulting in lower prices for domestic coconut farmers who are largely smallholders. “The shortages have mainly been due to a short-lived blanket ban on chemical fertilisers and agrochemicals in 2020 and subsequent unaffordable fertilizer prices, which resulted in insignificant application of fertilizers. “The Chamber has proposed allocating Rs. 1.5 billion from the CESS Fund for subsidies covering moisture conservation, fertiliser, pest control and related agricultural improvements. It is also seeking soft loans for infrastructure such as irrigation and solar power to enhance productivity. These measures, once implemented, will take almost a year to increase coconut production.“The Chamber is of the view that importing fresh coconuts is the most cost-effective solution, which would particularly benefit the oil and activated carbon industries. Otherwise, it is seeking equivalent raw materials, including copra chips, dried pairings, coconut milk and frozen kernels, to stabilise the supply chain.(Daily Island, 23.1.2025)
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports in 2024 grew by 5% to $ 4.76 billion as per provisional data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum. Overall exports to the USA, EU (excluding UK), and to the UK have indicated an increase of 5.23% to $ 1.9 billion, 0.81% to $ 1.4 billion , and 7.65% to $ 675 million, respectively, in comparison to 2023. Exports to other countries also indicated an increase of 10.13% to $ 778.4 million in 2024. Exports performance in 2024 trails the apparel industry’s best years of 2022, which saw shipments worth $ 5.6 billion, $ 5 billion in 2020, and $ 5.3 billion in 2019 In December, apparel exports grew by a modest 2% year-on-year to $ 424 million. Exports to the US were down by 4% to $ 167.4 million and to the UK by 10% to $ 49 million. However, exports to the EU grew by 9% to $ 132 million in December and to other markets by 17% to $ 76 million. However, overall December 2024 performance is lower than 2021 and 2022, which amounted to $ 494 million and $ 451 million, respectively. (Financial Times, 23.1.2025)
The smoking rates have dropped among men but are rising in women, increasing the risks of cancer among young female smokers, pediatric respiratory disease specialist Dr. Chana de Silva warned. Addressing the media he said the respiratory system is vital, as humans can survive without food or water for days, but not without breathing. A specialist in respiratory diseases, Dr. Samanmali Dalpathadu highlighted that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the seventh leading cause of death globally. However, Dr. Dalpadatu said that there is a lack of proper awareness about this disease within society. “This disease, the 7th leading global cause of death, often develops unnoticed over decades due to untreated asthma or smoking. Symptoms like breathlessness typically appear after age 45.” A 2017 study shows that 10% of Sri Lankans over 40 have COPD, mainly due to low awareness. “Exposure to air pollution and neglecting to wear masks are significant factors contributing to COPD. Symptoms include difficulty in walking, shortness of breath and increased sensitivity to minor illnesses like colds. Unlike asthma, COPD is a chronic condition that requires consistent, long-term use of inhalers as the primary treatment. (Daily Mirror, 24.1.2025)
Sri Lanka has exported 245.7 Mn kg in 2024 worth $ 1.4 billion narrowly ahead of last year’s low figure of 241.9 Mn kg. One significant positive aspect is that the value of exports reached an all-time high of Rs. 437 billion which converts to an approximate USD value of $ 1.435 billion. Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC said this USD value results in a highest ever FOB per kg of $ 5.83. But earnings in the hands of the farmer and estates had declined in Rupees because of appreciation of the LKR against USD and other currencies. In 2023 the country earned $ 1.3 billion on a quantity of 241.9 Mn kg, which converts to an FOB of $ 5.35 per kg. The highest ever earnings from exports were $ 1.6 billion achieved 10 years before on a volume of 327 Mn kg. “For a country that commands a global share of over 300 Mn kg’s the 2024 numbers are an underachievement resulting from low tea production of 262 Mn kg. The difference is consumed in the country,” said Asia Siyaka Commodities. It said exports in Packets declined to 41% of the total to a quantity of 101 Mn kg down from 108 the year before. Tea bags shipments however are an important positive aspect, with quantity rising 10% to 25.5 Mn kg from 23.2 in 2023. Instant Tea shipments were nominally lower but Green Tea exports increased 4% YoY to 4.6 Mn kg. (Daily Financial Times, 24.1.2025)
The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said that 311,000 Sri Lankans were able to secure overseas employment opportunities in 2024, marking a significant contribution to the nation’s foreign workforce. SLBFE Chairman KosalaWickramasinghe, speaking at an awareness program for newly licensed foreign employment agents on January 23, revealed plans to boost this number to 340,000 in 2025, a 12% increase. He said that the bureau was aiming to achieve this target by streamlining recruitment processes and cracking down on fraudulent activities. Wickramasinghe also emphasised the need for stricter regulation, citing reports of malpractice among some licensed agencies, and warned of legal action against offenders to safeguard workers’ interests. The SLBFE views this initiative as a critical step toward increasing foreign remittances, which are vital for bolstering Sri Lanka’s economy. (Daily Mirror, 25.1.2025)
Authorities at SriLankan Airlines had paid the US $ 9 million (Rs.2.6 billion ) a month for three years as the lease for three aircraft despite them being grounded due to lack of engine spare parts, a minister said. Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake told journalists that one of these aircraft had now been put in use, and the remaining two would be in operation by April. He said the new government had scrapped plans to privatize the airline. “It will be developed according to a business plan being worked out at the moment,” he said. Also, he said the Civil Aviation Authority would stipulate guidelines to develop the domestic airline industry. The national carrier recorded a profit of over Rs. 3 billion for 2023/2024. The profit is attributed to gains from the appreciation of the rupee against the US dollar. (Daily Mirror, 27.1.2025)A total of 1,800 leprosy cases were reported in Sri Lanka within a year, with 12% of the patients being children under the age of 15. Health authorities stated that leprosy is caused by bacteria, and about 6% of patients still have visible injuries. Experts warn the importance of early identification and public awareness to prevent the disease from spreading. Meanwhile, though leprosy has a specific cure, many patients face social discrimination due to myths and misunderstandings about the disease. Consultant Community Physician of the Anti-Leprosy Campaign, Dr. Dilini Wijesekara, stated that according to the World Health Organization, a person can contract leprosy if they stay close to an infected person for over 20 hours a week for about three months. In Sri Lanka, leprosy patients diagnosed at skin disease clinics receive multiple forms of treatment. However, Wijesekara mentioned that around 10% to 12% of patients are children under 15. Most leprosy cases in Sri Lanka are reported among men aged 25 to 45, with a significant number of cases found in the Western and Eastern Provinces. Health experts explain that there are two types of leprosy: a communicable type that can spread to others and a non-communicable type that does not spread. Authorities urge the public to seek medical advice if symptoms appear and to support patients instead of isolating them. Early treatment can prevent severe complications and reduce transmission. (Daily Mirror, 30.1.2025)
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has said his government will allocate 1.35 trillion rupees (about 4.6 billion U.S. dollars) for government capital expenditure from the 2025 Budget, which is the highest amount spent on capital expenditure by a government in recent times,President Dissanayake said that the government anticipates an economic growth rate exceeding four percent in 2025, and that this would require providing the necessary facilities to attract and sustain foreign direct investments. President Dissanayake said they are establishing the necessary mechanisms to ensure that the entire capital expenditure allocation is effectively utilized for intended purposes. He said securing approval to invest in Sri Lanka requires clearance from 82 different institutions and that it takes over two and a half years to obtain the approvals.This time will be reduced to six months, he mentioned. (Daily Island, 30.1.2025)
In Sri Lanka, the consumption of arrack and beer is significant, with people spending as much as Rs. 690 million per day on these beverages, according to the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC). However, 83% of preventable deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by NCDs such as heart diseases, cancer and respiratory illnesses. The leading causes for the onset of NCDs are the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. In 2022, the alcohol tax revenue was Rs. 165.2 Billion, while the losses caused by alcohol were Rs. 237 Billion, according to an UNDP study. Every day in Sri Lanka, 40 to 50 people die because of alcohol, leading to 15,000 – 20,000 deaths each year. Most of these are men, leaving many children without their fathers. The current trend in alcohol initiation shows that most instances occur during large gatherings such as big matches, highlighting peer influence as a significant factor contributing to the onset of alcohol use. ADIC Executive Director, Sampath De Seram, stated that in 2022, people in Sri Lanka spent Rs. 510 million daily on tobacco. According to a UNDP study, in 2019, the tobacco tax revenue was Rs. 92.9 billion. Additionally, the Sri Lankan government incurs an annual cost of Rs. 214 billion to address health problems and economic costs related to tobacco consumption. According to the ADIC-RESET public opinion poll results on alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka, the majority of Sri Lankan adults favour smart pricing policies: 73% favour measures that raise alcohol prices and 75% endorse alcohol taxation. (Daily Mirror, 30.1.2025)
Money Transfer was responsible for bringing in a record USD 350.8 Million in foreign exchange into Sri Lanka in 2024. This represents 5% of the total worker remittances that came into the country last year. This also accounts for 77% of the overall Western Union remittances to the country. MMBL-Money Transfer is a 50/50 joint venture between Aitken Spence PLC and the MMBL-Pathfinder Group. The business model of the company, branded MMBL-Money Master, operates through a unique platform that consists of a comprehensive network of over 3,000 agents spread throughout the island. MMBL-Money Transfer which represents global brands such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria Money Transfer occupies an indispensable position in Sri Lanka’s critical inward worker remittance sector. Over the years this pioneering Aitken-Spence PLC / MMBL-Pathfinder Group partnership has been responsible for bringing in several billion US dollars in foreign exchange to the country, serving millions of Sri Lankans here and abroad. (Daily Island, 31.1.2025)