Coconut export earnings surpass historic USD 1 billion milestone

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, export earnings from coconut and coconut-based products have surpassed the landmark USD 1 billion threshold. According to the Export Development Board (EDB), revenue reached USD 1,033.9 million during the period from January to October 2025, representing an impressive 43.83 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Macksons Paints Lanka records its first-ever paint export to Mayotte, Comoros.

Macksons Paints Lanka (Multilac) has reached a significant national milestone by successfully completing Sri Lanka’s first-ever export of paints to Mayotte, Comoros, further strengthening the country’s presence in value-added manufacturing and global trade.

Chinese Electric Vehicle Makers Confront Do-or-Die Moment in 2026

Analysts warn that dozens of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are approaching a do-or-die moment in 2026 as weakening domestic demand threatens the survival of unprofitable firms in the world’s largest car market.

Construction Activity Records Growth in November 2025

The Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Construction, as measured by the Total Activity Index, rose to 66.2 in November 2025, signaling a robust increase in construction activity.

Despite weather-related disruptions towards the end of the month, most firms reported improved construction operations.

CCPI-Based Headline Inflation Holds Steady in December 2025

The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) remained unchanged at 2.1% in December 2025, primarily supported by a favourable statistical base effect, despite notable month-on-month price increases caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

Food inflation (Y-o-Y) held steady at 3.0%, while Non-Food inflation (Y-o-Y) edged up to 1.8% from 1.7% in November.

ICYMI: Emirates’ 2025 Year in Review — Top 10 Highlights You Need to Know

In 2025, Emirates carried 55.6 million passengers, operated nearly 180,580 flights, circled the Earth 29,290 times, and placed orders for 73 new aircraft. While the airline marked its 40th anniversary in October, the year was defined by innovation, expansion, and a renewed commitment to “fly better.” Here are the top 10 highlights that shaped Emirates’ landmark year:

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bangkok takes part in International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), successfully co-hosted the International Conference on the Global Partnership against Online Scams in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together more than 300 participants from 60 countries. 

flydubai unveils major fleet expansion alongside new inflight connectivity partnership

flydubai has announced major strategic developments aimed at supporting its long-term growth and enhancing the passenger experience, including a significant fleet expansion and a new inflight connectivity partnership.

Inland Revenue records highest-ever revenue in its 93-year history in 2025

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has recorded the highest revenue collection in its 93-year history, collecting Rs. 2,203 billion in 2025, Commissioner-General of Inland Revenue Ms. Rukdevi Fernando announced.

Thilakma City Partners LRH to Launch Paediatric Eye Care Donation Initiative ‘Thilakma Smiles’

Childhood cataract is one of the few causes of blindness that can be treated, yet many children in Sri Lanka lose their chance to see clearly simply because help does not reach them in time. Recognising the critical importance of early intervention, Thilakma City (Private) Limited has partnered with the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) for Children to support life-changing paediatric eye care through its new ‘SMILES donation initiative’.

George Steuart Explores Trade and Expansion Opportunities in Africa

George Steuart & Company participated in a series of high-level engagements in Africa during the latter part of 2025, organised by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), as part of its ongoing efforts to explore trade and expansion opportunities beyond Sri Lanka.

Port City Colombo Marks 11 Years as Developer Reaffirms Commitment to Advancing the Project

CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the master developer of Port City Colombo, has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Sri Lanka and delivering further infrastructure milestones, as the project enters a new phase of commercial operations and vertical development.

ComBank and Mastercard have launched Sri Lanka’s first Dynamic Currency Conversion solution for online payments.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism-related businesses and enhance convenience for foreign travellers, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with Mastercard to introduce Sri Lanka’s first Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) capability for online payments—marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital payments ecosystem.

Macksons Tiles has achieved a major milestone by successfully completing its first-ever tile export to Australia

Macksons Tiles Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (Macktiles) has reached a significant milestone with its first-ever export of tiles to Australia, marking a key step in the company’s international expansion and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s growing presence in value-added manufacturing.

EDB’s National Packaging Centre Empowers Exporters on EU Food Labeling Legislation

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board’s (EDB) National Packaging Centre (NPC) recently conducted an awareness workshop on EU Food Labeling Legislation at the EDB premises, attracting over 110 exporters and potential exporters eager to strengthen their compliance with international market requirements.

Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector Posts 5.42% Growth in Jan–Nov 2025; November Sees Slight Dip

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry posted a robust performance during the first eleven months of 2025, with cumulative exports reaching US$4,571.99 million, marking a 5.42% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released today by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).