Press & Media


Merchandise Exports Rise 1.3%: Resilience Amid Geopolitical Volatility

March 26, 2026 at 5:26 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

 Fresh data from the Export Development Board (EDB) released today shows that Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports reached $1.06 billion in February 2026, a 1.32% increase compared to last year. While traditional pillars like Apparel (-10%) and Tea (-3.7%) faced headwinds due to the Red Sea crisis.Electrical and Electronic components saw a staggering 54% surge, while […]

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Exceptional Instability: Yusen Logistics Issues Fresh Middle East Warning

March 25, 2026 at 5:20 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

 In a major customer advisory issued today, Yusen Logistics highlighted that geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have “intensified considerably.” The effective closure of critical waterways is no longer a temporary delay but a “period of exceptional instability” for global supply chains. Carriers are now systematically ceasing new bookings and […]

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Stability Amidst the Storm: CBSL Holds Policy Rates at 7.75%

March 25, 2026 at 5:10 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) decided yesterday to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 7.75%. This decision comes as the bank balances a recovering domestic economy against the “heightened uncertainties” of the ongoing Middle East conflict. While headline inflation has decelerated to 1.6%, the CBSL remains cautious […]

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Logistics Alert: Container Transport Charges Surge 20% Overnight

March 23, 2026 at 4:34 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

The domestic logistics landscape faced a sharp shift at midnight yesterday as the Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA) officially increased import and export haulage charges by 20%. Association Chairman Sanath Manjula confirmed the decision was unavoidable following the third fuel price hike this month. This adjustment is a collective move by all executive committees operating […]

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The Fall of “Warnomics”: Sri Lanka Economy Braces for Mid-East Fallout

March 23, 2026 at 4:31 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

As of today, March 23, the Sri Lankan economy is entering a critical phase as the “heat” of the Middle East war begins to impact domestic choices. Renowned economist W.A. Wijewardena noted in his latest analysis that while initial buffers held, the prolonged maritime disruption is now forcing a radical shift in national policy. With […]

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CWIT Surpasses 1 Million TEUs: A New Speed Record for Colombo Port

March 21, 2026 at 4:23 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), led by Adani Ports (APSEZ), has achieved a significant milestone by crossing 1 million TEUs in container throughput within its first year of operation. This represents the fastest “ramp-up” in the history of the Port of Colombo. Strategically positioned to handle the world’s largest mainline vessels, CWIT’s success is […]

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EDB Launches Priority Fuel Program to Shield 4,500 Exporters

March 19, 2026 at 4:20 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

Recognizing the export sector as the nation’s top economic priority, the Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a fast-track fuel supply program this week. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe announced that the initiative aims to support over 4,500 exporters across the apparel, tea, and spice industries. The program ensures that transport fleets moving export cargo receive […]

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Ceylon Chamber Proposes 5-Point Plan to Protect Export Economy

March 18, 2026 at 4:26 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

To safeguard Sri Lanka’s economic stability amid rising global uncertainty, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce officially proposed five urgent measures today. The Chamber is calling on the government to identify and prioritize “Essential Services” and “Export Sectors” for dedicated fuel and foreign exchange allocation. A standout proposal includes allowing licensed local bunkering firms to independently […]

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Navigating the “Hormuz Closure”: Global Carriers Halt Bookings

March 18, 2026 at 4:16 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

The global logistics landscape has shifted significantly this week. On March 18, major freight forwarders and carriers issued urgent advisories following the effective closure of critical waterways in the Middle East. With the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea seeing intensified disruptions, carriers have begun suspending new bookings and diverting mainline traffic. For the […]

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The “Reliability Tax”: Freight and Insurance Premiums Spike Across Indian Ocean

March 16, 2026 at 4:12 pm | Uncategorized | No comment

Logistics experts are warning of a new “Reliability Tax” hitting the Sri Lankan export sector. Following the escalation of naval conflicts in the Middle East, global insurance underwriters have significantly raised war-risk premiums for vessels calling at South Asian ports. Freight rates for the Colombo-Europe and Colombo-US lanes have seen a sharp increase as shipping […]

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