SRI LANKA NEWS – JULY 2025
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) reports a 17.9% increase in foreign worker remittances for May 2025, bringing total remittances for the January–May period to US$ 3.1 billion. Tourism earnings for May are estimated at US$ 164 million, contributing to a cumulative total of US$ 1.5 billion over the past year—highlighting a steady recovery in the tourism sector. In terms of imports, US$ 118 million was spent on vehicle imports in May, with a total of US$ 312 million recorded from January to May 2025. Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves remain stable at US$ 6.3 billion, maintaining the same level as in April. On the domestic front, construction activity rebounded in May after a slowdown in April due to the festive season. The Sri Lanka Buyers Index rose to 59.7 points, signaling increased activity—especially in road development, which saw a notable rise in new project awards. (Daily News, 1.7.2025)
The Transport and Highways Ministry yesterday announced sweeping new seat belt regulations to strengthen road safety and reduce fatalities as part of its broader 85-point National Road Safety Plan. Effective immediately, all bus drivers will be required to wear seatbelts while operating on any road and from 1 August rear-seat passengers in light vehicles travelling on expressways must also fasten their seatbelts. The rules will tighten further from 1 September when it will become mandatory for all vehicles on expressways to wear seatbelts, regardless of the seating position. Speaking to the media, Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake said the measures were introduced to address the country’s high rate of road accidents and fatalities. “A large number of lives are lost due to road accidents and this decision was taken to prevent such situations,” he said during an inspection at the Colombo Central Bus Stand. The Minister acknowledged that while seatbelt laws for drivers and front-seat passengers of light vehicles have been in force since 2011, bus and lorry drivers as well as many rear-seat passengers had largely remained outside enforcement scope. This gap has contributed to avoidable injuries and deaths. “Wearing seatbelts will be mandatory for drivers of buses and lorries from now. This was not merely a legal enforcement effort, but part of a broader Government initiative aimed at minimising the damage caused by accidents,” Rathnayake stated. After speaking to bus drivers, he opined if the bus owners are unwilling to invest in safety features such as seat belts and headrests, they should consider leaving the industry altogether. The National Transport Commission (NTC) Chairman Engineer P.A. Chandrapala reiterated the Minister’s warning, announcing that bus drivers who fail to comply will face strict legal action. He noted that despite the Motor Traffic Act making seatbelts mandatory from as far back as October 2011, weak enforcement had allowed many drivers to ignore the law, contributing to the rising toll of road injuries. The Ministry underscored that these regulations form a critical pillar of its long-term strategy to improve public safety on roads, and said it would step up monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance in the months ahead. (Daily Financial Times, 2.7.2024)
Retired senior military officers allege that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s call to reduce military presence in the Northern and Eastern provinces posed a serious threat. The Geneva official had refrained from acknowledging the releasing of land over the years when he called on the government to release land to their owners without further delay, they said. The deployment in the Jaffna peninsula and Kilinochchi, coming under the purview of Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna, is a case in point, they said. Of nearly 25,000 acres of land that had been held by the military in the Jaffna peninsula in 2009, 22,800 acres were released by the end of June this year, they said. In the Kilinochchi theatre, the land held by the Army had been reduced to 600 acres from nearly 25,000 acres in 2009, the ex-military men said, challenging the UN office, Colombo, to clarify the information pertaining to the land release with the Defence Ministry. During the war, the Jaffna peninsula was the home for four infantry divisions, including the 53 – at one time known as the Reserve Strike Force. “The truth is that of nearly 50,000 acres of land held by the Army in 2009, we now hold less than 2,500 acres. Any further reduction may undermine overall defence,” a serving officer said The armed forces expanded the areas under their control and established High Security Zones (HSZs) as part of the strategy to counter large scale attacks, long range artillery and infiltration. Former Chief of Staff General Jagath Dias recently told The Island that they eradicated the LTTE militarily in May 2009, and the Army commenced phased handing back of land in the following year. The government and the Army did that on their own, the Gajaba Regiment veteran said. Gen. Dias, who commanded the 57 Division, deployed on the Vanni front, said that those who find fault with the military and the government should at least admit they were able to release so much land because the LTTE was no more. (Daily Island, 2.7.2025)
Health officials have raised concerns over an increase in accidents involving children, calling for immediate safety improvements at home and in public areas, the Health Promotion Bureau said. Consultant Community Physician Dr. Samitha Sirithunga revealed that nearly one million people are admitted to hospitals each year due to accidents. He said about 11,000 accident-related deaths are reported annually, with around 1,000 fatalities each month. According to hospital admission data, Dr. Sirithunga noted that 50% of accidents happen at home, while 25% are due to road accidents. He further highlighted a worrying rise in cases of falls, burns, drownings, road injuries, and even suicides. (Daily Mirror, 3.7.2025)
More Read
A meeting was held yesterday (2) at the Presidential Secretariat between President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Netherlands Ambassador Bonnie Horbach to discuss the possible return of ancient Sri Lankan artefacts and manuscripts currently in the Netherlands. (Daily Financial Times, 4.7.2025)
The ongoing human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 261 individuals both human and animal within the first six months of this year, the Department of Wildlife Conservation revealed. According to official data, 198 elephants have died so far in 2024, while 63 people have lost their lives in elephant attacks during the same period. A senior official from the department told Daily Mirror that the causes behind the elephant deaths included 34 from gunshot injuries, 35 from electrocution, 18 from explosives concealed in food items known as ‘hakka patas’, and 12 in train collisions. The remaining deaths were attributed to natural causes or unidentified reasons. Worryingly, most of the elephants killed were juveniles. The official added that 2024 has already seen significant losses on both sides with last year recording a total of 380 elephant deaths and 154 human fatalities due to the conflict. (Daily Mirror, 3.7.2025)
The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved a proposal by the National Archives Department to sign an agreement and proceed with a research project on Sri Lankan-origin Dutch palm leaf manuscripts, following its success in securing a competitive grant of € 384,248. The grant, awarded by the Netherlands Research Council under its thematic call ‘Whose Knowledge, Whose Values? Palm Leaf Manuscripts and the Question of Colonial Collections in Dutch Heritage Institutions’, will support a collaborative research program from 2025 to 2029. The project brings together the National Archives Department and five other institutions, including the Free Universities of the Netherlands, to explore and document this historically significant manuscript collection. The agreement for the project has received the clearance of the Attorney General, recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and concurrence from the External Resources Department. The initiative aims to deepen understanding of Sri Lanka’s colonial-era knowledge heritage while contributing to global academic discussions on the provenance and value of colonial collections. The proposal to this effect submitted by Buddhism, Religious Affairs, and Cultural Affairs Minister Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Daily Financial Times, 4.7.2025)
More Read
The auction offerings totaled 6.4 million kilograms (M/Kgs), marginally lower to the 6.5 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. The Ex-Estate offerings totaled 0.83 M/Kgs and here again, marginally lower to the 0.86 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. The overall quality of teas on offer was slightly preferable to last. Improved demand was seen, particularly for the better Westerns, which appreciated by Rs.50-100 per kilogram and more. The prices at the lower end of the market for the BOPs were weak and were firm to Rs.50 per kilogram easier in most instances. The corresponding BOPFs often appreciated by a similar margin, widening the price parity at the lower end between the BOP/BOPFs greatly in favour of the latter. The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs were mostly unsold against the backdrop of weak quality. The Uda Pussellawa’s were firm and easier, whilst the Uva BOP/BOPFs were firm and dearer and here again, particularly for the BOPF grade. The CTC teas – BP1s, had hardly any offerings. The PF1s – High and Mid Growns, were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogram dearer for the better teas, whilst the Low Growns continued to sell well at firm to marginally dearer rates. From a global perspective, there appears to be a dearth of good quality teas vis-à-vis the plainer/poorer counterparts and in these circumstances, with the overall volumes showing a decline, the tea prices are likely to remain buoyant in the forthcoming sales. The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.5 M/Kgs. All categories met with good demand. In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the Select Best and Best BOP1s were firm to dearer, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties sold around last levels. The well-made OP1s appreciated, whilst the balance eased. The well-made Ops, together with the cleaner Below Best and shorter varieties were dearer. However, the balance together with the mixed/open varieties were irregular. The well-made OPAs were dearer, whilst the balance maintained at last levels. The Select Best and Best PEKs were firm to dearer, whilst the balance together with the mixed/open varieties was easier. The teas at the bottom sold around last levels. The well-made PEK1s appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels. In the Tippy catalogue, the well-made FBOPs together with the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated, whilst the balance was firm on last. The Select Best FF1s were firm, whilst the Best and Below Best varieties together with the cleaner teas at the bottom were dearer. The balance sold around last levels. In the Premium catalogue, the Very Tippy teas together with the Best and Below Best varieties met with good demand and were dearer, whilst the balance too appreciated to a lesser extent. (Sunday Mirror, 6.7.2025)
Sri Lanka’s export earnings from rubber and rubber-finished products fell 9.33 percent year-on-year to US $ 73.60 million in May, as sheet rubber exports slumped 40.91 percent, indicating the persistent pressure on the key product categories in international markets, commodity broker Forbes and Walker said in its June rubber market report. The export revenue from rubber-based products in the first five months of 2025 amounted to US $ 386.03 million, a 7.25 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024. The broker said the drop was partly due to a 21.39 percent fall in exports of pneumatic and retreaded rubber tyres and tubes. At the public auctions, the quantity of rubber offered improved to 285,550 kilograms, up from 241,610 kilograms in the corresponding period last year.In the domestic market, premium-grade Latex Crepe Rubber (LCR) 1X recorded a notable price increase of Rs.75.00 per kilogram, supported by robust demand and positive sentiment. The other Latex Crepe grades followed suit, with LCR No.1 increasing by Rs.121.66 and LCR No.2 gaining Rs.71.25 per kilogram. LCR No.4 rose Rs.52.25, while No.3 posted a marginal decline of Rs.1.25. The Scrap Crepe categories continued to display a steady uptrend. The 2X Brown grade increased by Rs.57.00, while 1X Brown advanced by Rs.22.83, 3X Brown by Rs.48.25 and 4X Brown by Rs.47.83 per kilogram. The broad-based gains across the scrap category reflected sustained market demand. However, the volumes of ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber at the auctions remained low during the month, as continuous rainfall disrupted the tapping activities. As a result, all RSS grades remained unquoted at the auctions, reflecting the ongoing supply constraints and subdued auction activity. In response to the local supply limitations and cost advantage offered by the foreign products, the manufacturers opted to import lower-grade RSS to meet the production needs during this period, the report said. (Sunday Mirror, 6.7.2025)
Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.16 million foreign tourists during the first six months of 2025, marking a significant uptick in post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. A total of 1,168,044 international visitors arrived in the country between January and June this year — a 15.6% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which saw 1,048,249 arrivals. Tourism earnings for the first half of 2025 have also shown growth, with Rs. 509.1 billion generated during the period. This represents a 5.9% increase from the Rs. 480.9 billion earned in the first six months of last year. (Daily Island, 21.7.2025)
U.S. President Donald Trump has added Sri Lanka to his growing list of trade targets, issuing a letter on Wednesday announcing a new 30% tariff on all imported goods from Sri Lanka. The move comes as part of a broader tariff push aimed at multiple countries, with levies set to take effect from August 1, 2025, pending trade negotiations. According to a copy of the letter posted on Trump’s social-media platform Truth Social, the proposed 30% tariff for Sri Lanka is a reduction from an earlier 44% rate floated in April this year. The same tariff rate will also apply to Algeria, Libya, and Iraq three of seven countries included in Wednesday’s wave of trade actions. In the letter, Trump highlighted the longstanding trade imbalance between the United States and Sri Lanka, claiming the relationship has been “far from reciprocal” due to Sri Lanka’s tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers. He insisted that the new tariff was necessary to address what he described as persistent trade deficits, which he labeled a threat to U.S. economic interests and national security. “Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Sri Lanka a tariff of only 30% on any and all Sri Lankan products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs,” the letter stated, adding that any attempts to bypass the tariff through transshipment would be met with higher penalties. Trump further offered an incentive, saying Sri Lanka could avoid these tariffs if Sri Lankan businesses chose to manufacture products within the United States, promising expedited approvals for such ventures. He also warned that should Sri Lanka retaliate by raising its own tariffs, the U.S. would increase the 30% levy by an equivalent amount. Concluding the letter, Trump expressed hope for a long-term trading partnership but made clear that the tariffs could be adjusted “upward or downward” depending on future relations between the two countries. This latest announcement marks the seventh such tariff letter unveiled by Trump on Wednesday alone, targeting nations including Algeria, Brunei, the Philippines, Iraq, Libya, and Moldova underscoring an aggressive trade stance as part of his ongoing policy platform. (Daily Mirror, 10.7.2025)
There have been 66 shooting incidents in Sri Lanka so far this year; 48 of them were over underworld turf wars, according to the Police Headquarters. Police data reveals that 35 people have been killed and another 37 injured in the shootings across the country since 01 Jan. 2025. Meanwhile, five shootings have been reported from the Panadura South and Hirana Police Divisions over the past two and a half months. They resulted in one death and injuries to five individuals. Police suspect the violence in Panadura stems from an ongoing turf war between two underworld figures — ‘Kudu Salindhu’ and ‘Panadura Nilanga’. (Sunday Island, 13.7.2025)
Sri Lanka’s workers’ remittances remain robust, with the June inflow surging to $ 635.7 million, marking the highest since 2016. As per the latest Central Bank data, the June inflow reflects a robust 22.3% year-on-year (YoY) growth, although it registered a mere 1% dip compared to May 2025. The $ 693.3 million in March is the highest monthly remittance inflow registered so far in 2025. The improved inflows during June also boosted the cumulative remittances for the first half of 2025, which reached over $ 3.7 billion, a 19% YoY increase and the highest cumulative figure in the period since 2021. The cumulative figure also represents a 3.46% increase compared to the $ 3.61 billion registered in the same period of 2016 — the year that holds the record for the highest annual workers’ remittances inflow at $ 7.24 billion. In 2024, workers’ remittances hit a four-year high of $ 6.57 billion, up by 10.1% from $ 5.69 billion in 2023. This growth was followed by a record wave of people seeking foreign employment after an unprecedented economic crisis. The sharpest post-crisis rebound was in 2023, when workers’ remittances grew by 57% to $ 6 billion, recovering from a 12-year low of $ 3.78 billion in 2022. Historically, the highest-ever annual workers’ remittances were recorded in 2016, whilst between 2014 and 2018, the annual inflows averaged around $ 7 billion, or roughly around $ 600 million per month. (Financial Times, 14.7.2025)
Sri Lanka has recorded a sharp rise in fatal road accidents in the first half of 2025, with police statistics showing 1,274 fatal crashes resulting in 1,351 deaths between January 1 and July. This represents an increase of 108 fatal accidents and 129 additional deaths compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,166 fatal crashes led to 1,222 deaths. In addition to fatal accidents, the first six months of 2025 also saw over 2,600 serious accidents, 4,642 minor accidents, and 2,018 property-damages. The most fatal accident this year occurred in May, when a passenger bus veered off the road and plunged down a precipice at Gerandi Ella in Ramboda, along the Nuwara Eliya–Gampola main road. The tragedy claimed 22 lives and left more than 30 people injured. Following the Ramboda crash, authorities appointed a committee to investigate the causes of the accident. Based on its findings, Police Headquarters ordered disciplinary action against all Police OICs and Traffic OICs who fail to identify and mitigate accident-prone areas in their jurisdictions. The Acting Inspector General of Police has issued the necessary instructions and stressed that officers in all 607 police divisions must coordinate with the Road Development Authority (RDA) and local authorities to improve road safety. Meanwhile, Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya said that there are currently 779 high-risk locations identified along Sri Lanka’s road network. Police said that recommendations to address these hazards have already been submitted to the RDA in an effort to reduce future tragedies. (Daily Mirror, 14.7.2025)
In the wake of shocking death of ‘Bathiya’ tusker, the Wildlife Department yesterday revealed that thirteen more elephants including two tuskers were currently receiving treatment due to gun-shot injuries. Director Wildlife Health at Department of Wildlife Conservation Tharaka Prasad told a news conference that seven elephants were receiving treatment in Anuradhapura, three in Polonnaruwa, one in Vavuniya and two elephants in the South were being treated for gun-shot injuries. Clarifying the death of ‘Bathiya’, he said ‘Bathiya’ had sustained gun-shot injuries two months ago when the wildlife department was informed of the incident on May 18, 2025 and that the department acted swiftly to treat it where a veterinary surgeons arrived at the scene on May 19 to treat it. He said ‘Bathiya’ did not have open wounds when it was inspected except for some healed gun-shot wounds with a lump on its front leg. Meanwhile, Director General at Department of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe said 17 percent of elephant deaths for the first six months of this year has been reported due to gun-shot injuries. He said 20 percent of elephant deaths in the country occur due to gun-shot injuries in the Sri Lanka and added that over 90 percent of such deaths are caused by locally made weapons. The Director General said the department face practical issue in the investigations and taking legal action against culprits as locally made weapons are used in most cases. He said if legal weapons are used, the government analyst can assess the bullets and weapons and make it easy for investigations. (Daily Mirror, 17.7.2025)
The Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry has announced that, starting in August, foreign tourists will be able to obtain temporary driving licences directly at the airport upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Issuing a public notice, the Ministry said that this new measure is aimed at simplifying the process for tourists who wish to drive while in the country. Currently, tourists are required to travel to the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) in Werahera to obtain their temporary licences, a process often seen as inconvenient and time-consuming. The new system will make it easier and faster for tourists to access local transport options, and is part of broader efforts to improve Sri Lanka’s tourism experience. Further details on the application process and required documents are expected to be released in the coming weeks. (Daily Mirror, 19.7.2025)
Government revenue collection in May peaked at Rs. 486 billion, bringing the total in the first five months to nearly Rs. 2 trillion—half of 2024’s full-year haul. As per latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Government revenue and grants amounted to Rs. 1,942 billion (Rs. 1.94 trillion) as against Rs. 1,619 billion in the corresponding period of last year, reflecting a 20% increase. Of the figure, tax revenue amounted to Rs. 1,802 billion. Overall revenue collection in May amounted to Rs. 486 billion—the highest for the year so far—surpassing Rs. 414 billion netted in February and higher than April (Rs. 387 billion) and March (Rs. 306 billion). Analysts said the Government’s revenue effort appears robust year-to-date, as per latest data. Better enforcement, as well as expansion of tax coverage to include motor vehicles from March, have contributed to this momentum. In 2024, Government revenue rose to Rs. 4 trillion from Rs. 3 trillion in 2023. CBSL data also showed that total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 2,179 billion during the five months ending May 2025 compared to Rs. 1,986 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, reflecting a Rs. 193 billion or 9.7% increase. During the five months ending May 2025, the overall Budget deficit decreased to Rs. 236.6 billion compared to Rs. 366.8 billion recorded in the same period of 2024. During the five months ending May 2025, net domestic financing decreased to Rs. 298.6 billion compared to Rs. 394.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2024. Foreign financing recorded a net repayment of Rs. 62 billion compared to a net repayment of Rs. 27.6 billion. (Financial Times, 21.7.2025)
Sri Lanka welcomed over 1.16 million foreign tourists during the first six months of 2025, marking a significant uptick in post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest report issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. A total of 1,168,044 international visitors arrived in the country between January and June this year — a 15.6% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024, which saw 1,048,249 arrivals. Tourism earnings for the first half of 2025 have also shown growth, with Rs. 509.1 billion generated during the period. This represents a 5.9% increase from the Rs. 480.9 billion earned in the first six months of last year. (Daily Island, 21.7.2025)
Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi announced that eight mangrove forests in the Puttalam District will be officially declared as protected reserves on July 26, in celebration of World Mangrove Day. The announcement was made at a media briefing held today (21) at the Department of Government Information under the theme “Let the Mangroves Bloom.” The Ministry of Environment, along with its Biodiversity Division, the Department of Forest Conservation, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, has organized several conservation programs to mark the occasion. One of the main events will take place at the Anawilundawa Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. on July 26. At 12:00 a.m. on the same day, the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Forest Conservation will jointly sign the gazette notifications to officially declare the following mangrove forests in the Puttalam District as reserves: Madampe – Marambattiya Mukalana, Chilaw – Marawala C, Chilaw – Marawala B, Chilaw – Marawala A, Chilaw – Marawala, Arachchikattuwa – Kusala, and Arachchikattuwa – Karukapane B. Minister Patabendi emphasized that mangrove ecosystems are vital for both environmental balance and the livelihoods of local communities. (Daily News, 21.7.2025)
Sri Lanka has registered a remarkable 101% year-on-year (YoY) surge in realised foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows during the first half of 2025, reaching over $ 507 million, according to the latest data released by the Board of Investment (BOI). This significant rebound from $ 252 million during the same period in 2024 marks the country’s strongest first-half FDI performance in recent years and reflects deepening investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic reforms and investment climate During this period, the BOI has approved 57 new projects with a total estimated investment value of $ 569 million, of which $ 320 million is foreign investment. These include 31 greenfield ventures and 26 expansion projects from existing enterprises. Collectively, these initiatives are expected to create over 14,000 jobs once operational, offering a welcome boost to employment and inclusive economic growth. BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath attributed the strong FDI performance to both global investor confidence and domestic policy improvements. “The continued rise in FDI demonstrates the global investor community’s growing trust in Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory. With new policy frameworks, streamlined facilitation processes, and improved investor confidence via good governance, we are actively addressing investor needs and ensuring Sri Lanka remains an attractive hub for sustainable investments,” he stated. Local investor activity also remained robust, with realised domestic investment totalling $ 285 million in the first six months of 2025, a 13% increase from the same period last year. The rise reflects growing confidence among Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and businesses, who are responding to improved macroeconomic stability and new growth opportunities by expanding and diversifying their operations. As Sri Lanka continues its path of economic stabilisation and structural transformation, the sharp rise in FDI inflows during the first half of 2025 stands as a clear signal of renewed global interest and growing investor faith in the country’s long-term economic potential. (Financial Times, 23.7.2025)
Sri Lanka’s tea production expanded in the first half of 2025, supported by improved output across all elevations, although gains were tempered by a year-on-year drop in June, data from Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers showed.Tea output in the January–June period totalled 135.74 million kilograms (M/Kgs), up 6.1 percent from 127.96 M/Kgs in the same period last year. Compared with 134.66 M/Kgs in the first half of 2023, production rose by 1.08 M/Kgs. All elevations recorded an increase in comparison with the corresponding period of 2024. However, when compared with 2023, all elevations except for the Mid Grown Elevation showed negative variances. June output stood at 21.69 M/Kgs, down 1.46 M/Kgs from 23.15 M/Kgs a year earlier, marking a 6.3 percent drop. Production also fell by 1.40 M/Kgs from 23.09 M/Kgs in June 2023. All elevations show a decline in comparison with the corresponding month of 2024. (Daily Mirror, 23.7.2025)
Sri Lanka’s real estate sector is demonstrating robust signs of recovery and renewed investor confidence in 2025, buoyed by a stabilising economy and favourable market conditions. One of the most significant indicators of this recovery is the rapid appreciation of land prices in the Western Province. The report indicates an average year-on-year (YoY) increase of 12% in the region for 2025. Suburban areas are leading this surge, with land prices in the Colombo district’s suburban areas experiencing an average 20% increase. Piliyandala, for instance, recorded a 16% price increase, and both Athurugiriya and Homagama experienced 14% YoY growth. This trend suggests a shift in investor focus from the historically saturated city centre to burgeoning suburban zones that offer strong infrastructure and development potential. In contrast, Colombo 1-15 saw a more moderate 7% price increase, underscoring the increasing appeal of outer-city investments. Beachfront lands are also in high demand, with southern coastal areas seeing average asking prices of Rs. 2 million per perch, driven by tourism and interest from overseas buyers. nThe report also notes that the residential apartment sector is beginning to stabilise following several years of sharp price swings. YoY apartment sales prices increased modestly, with urban areas seeing rises from 0.2% to 2.8%, and suburban areas experiencing increases up to 2.9%. Rental prices have remained steady, particularly in high-end segments, reflecting sustained demand despite the broader market cooling. This shift indicates a cooling market environment and a transition from speculative activity to more structured, long-term investment behaviour. With an existing inventory of 37,000 units and an additional 8,200 expected by 2027, supply is ample, yet demand remains robust, especially for three-bedroom units. Overseas buyers account for a significant 27.7% of search traffic, according to the LPW’s search traffic, emphasizing Colombo’s attractiveness to expats looking to invest, primarily due to the stabilising environment and attractive square foot rates compared to the region and developed countries, when calculated in US dollars. Housing demand in suburban locations has also picked up. Areas such as Malabe, Homagama, and Athurugiriya continue to gain traction among buyers due to improved infrastructure and relatively lower prices. Residential properties in Colombo 1-15 now start from Rs. 60 million and above, while houses in key suburbs are priced from Rs. 20 million. Rental yields in these markets remain healthy—around 3.5%—with monthly rents typically exceeding Rs. 25,000. Fuelling this broad-based growth is the greater availability of affordable financing. Following a 7.75% cut to the Central Bank’s Overnight Policy Rate, most commercial banks now offer home loans at rates averaging around 10%. This has made property ownership more attainable, particularly for middle-income buyers, and has reactivated demand among developers and end-users alike. With land prices climbing, the apartment market stabilising, and access to credit steadily improving, Sri Lanka’s real estate market is entering a promising new phase of recovery marked by improved transparency, cautious optimism, and long-term investment opportunities. (Financial Times, 26.7.2025)
Cyberattacks are becoming an increasingly serious issue in Sri Lanka, with the number of computer crime complaints rising sharply in 2025. According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), over 5,400 cybercrime incidents have been reported so far this year. The majority of cases involve social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with nearly 90% linked to Facebook. A significant number also involve misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Common cybercrimes reported include malware attacks, data theft, phishing scams, and online financial fraud. With over seven million internet users in Sri Lanka, of which about 90% are active on social media, the risk of online exploitation remains high. Complaints in recent months point to a sharp rise in fake profiles, account hacking, and WhatsApp hijackings. The increasing use of AI-generated malware, phishing emails, and deepfake videos has introduced new risks, often used to harass individuals, extort victims, or manipulate public opinion. Several government institutions have also been targeted. Earlier this year, cyberattacks disrupted websites belonging to key agencies, including the Department of Government Printing and the Sri Lanka Police. Meanwhile, there has been a surge in WhatsApp and Telegram account takeovers, many involving phishing techniques and intercepted one-time passwords (OTPs). Attackers have also used deepfake videos and fake emergency messages to trick victims into giving up account access. Beyond technical threats, cybercrime is taking on a more human dimension. Increasingly, individuals are being lured overseas with fake job offers and trafficked into scam operations. Once abroad, they are forced to engage in online fraud through encrypted platforms, often under threats or coercion. The Sri Lanka Police have also warned of a sharp increase in crimes committed through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and WeChat. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has identified two main methods used in online financial frauds. The first involves fake investment and work-from-home schemes. Victims are shown fake profits to gain trust, then tricked into sending large sums. Scammers later demand extra payments under false pretenses before vanishing. The second method uses bogus remote job offers to collect bank account details, which are then used to launder stolen funds. (Daily Mirror, 26.7.2025)
A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order directing authorities to detect and remove illegal electric fences to ensure the protection and conservation of elephants. The petitioner stated that Sri Lanka lost 488 elephants in 2023, and by the end of November 2024, a further 354 elephants had been lost. Of these, approximately 72 elephants were killed due to electrocution in 2023, while 49 suffered the same fate in 2024. The petitioner further submitted that the iconic tusker known as Deega Danthu, aged between 45 and 50 years, who roamed the areas of Kala Wewa, Balalu Wewa, and the surrounding jungles in Kekirawa, was found dead on November 27, 2024, on the land belonging to Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Upul Priyantha Bandara, located in the Palagala, Inguruwewa area. According to reports filed before the Magistrate’s Court, it is evident that Deega Danthu was killed due to electrocution caused by an illegally constructed electric fence powered by a battery and connected to a high-voltage line surrounding the suspect’s residence. The petitioner stated that while electric fencing can be used as a preventive measure to deter wild elephants from entering villages, it must be designed solely to repel, not to harm or kill them. In this instance, the individual responsible for the death of the tusker unlawfully employed a high-voltage current for lethal purposes. The petition was filed through Attorney-at-Law Sachintha Rodrigo and to be taken up for support on August 11. (Daily Mirror, 26.7.2025)
Despite global uncertainties, Sri Lanka’s export sector continues to show strong recovery and resilience, recording an all-time high of $ 8.3 billion in total exports during the first half of 2025—a 6.7% year-on-year (YoY) growth—alongside the strongest performance recorded for the month of June 2025 marked a notable performance, with total exports, including both merchandise and services, climbing to over $ 1.46 billion, registering a significant 8.73% YoY increase and a 5.79% rise compared to May 2025, reflecting the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the positive impact of strategic efforts to diversify markets and enhance competitiveness. This was also the first time that June recorded the highest revenue during the month and the highest cumulative during the first half Merchandise exports for June 2025 reached over $ 1.15 billion—a 6.85% YoY increase, including estimated earnings from key sectors such as gems and jewellery and petroleum products.
During the period from January to June, merchandise exports for the first half of 2025 amounted to over $ 6.5 billion, reflecting a 5.86% growth compared to the same period last year. Services exports in June 2025 are estimated at $ 309.61 million, up 22.39% YoY. During the first half of 2025, services exports reached an estimated $ 1.83 billion—a robust 9.78% increase over the same period in 2024.
As per the data shared by the EDB, apparel and textile exports saw a robust 8.19% YoY increase between January and June of 2025, reaching over $ 2.59 billion. Agriculture exports also witnessed a remarkable growth during the first six months. Tea exports, which comprised 12% of total merchandise exports, rose by 8.16% YoY to $ 743.07 million, whilst coconut-based exports increased by 32.40% YoY to $ 536.65 million, and spices and concentrates exports grew by 29.64% YoY to $ 208.53 million. On the services side, transport and logistics and ICT/BPM showed positive growth during the first five months, up by 17.92% YoY to $ 974.33 million and 11.02% YoY to $ 764.48 million, respectively. Merchandise exports are projected to climb from $ 12.7 billion in 2024 to $ 14 billion in 2025, while services exports are expected to rise from $ 3.5 billion to $ 4.2 billion by the end of the year. (Daily Financial Times, 29.7.2025)
Vitamin D deficiency has become a serious health concern amongst children due to lack of sunlight exposure, and this wasn’t an issue around 20-30 years ago, said Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera He mentioned that now children, instead of going out and playing in the sun, are too busy studying for their scholarship exams, going for tuition, playing video games and watching tv and using their phones. He emphasized that they should be allowed to go outside and play. Dr. Perera, explains that the kind of vitamin D deficiency that is seen in countries in the Middle East (where it’s difficult to go out because of the sun), and European countries (where it’s cold), is now seen more and more in Sri Lanka despite being able to naturally get it from sunlight. He mentions the best time for sunlight exposure is between 9 and 11 o’clock in the morning, adding that sun exposure is very important for the next generation. He also suggested eating vitamin D rich foods such as sprats, egg yolks and moringa leaves. A recent study published in 2024 titled ‘Prevalence of low vitamin D status in an urban district in Sri Lanka: a population-based study’ in the journal of BMC nutrition, revealed that “despite the abundant sunshine in this tropical region, a significant public health concern persists, with a crude prevalence estimate of low vitamin D levels at 93.9%.” The study concludes; the “Colombo District, representing urban settings in Sri Lanka faces a high prevalence of low vitamin D, primarily [Vitamin D Deficiency], with higher rates in females, younger individuals and highly urban areas.” Meanwhile, according to a study from the NIH (Vitamin D deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences), the major cause of Vitamin D deficiency is the lack of understanding “that sun exposure in moderation is the major source of vitamin D for most humans.” It also mentions that very few foods naturally contain vitamin D and the foods that do “are often inadequate to satisfy either a child’s or an adult’s vitamin D requirement.” Regarding the consequences of Vitamin D deficiency, it mentions “Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and will precipitate and exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases.” The study, done back in 2008, starts by saying “Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a pandemic.” (Daily Mirror, 30.7.2025)
