Business
New rules to convert will have multiple benefits for the country – CBSL
Sri Lanka has embarked on a focused path towards ensuring macro-economic and financial system stability, having faced strong headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic resulted in a substantial loss of foreign exchange revenues to the country, but unprecedented support provided by the Government and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), from fiscal, monetary and public health aspects, has helped a strong rebound of the economy as well as a considerable recovery in some foreign exchange earning sectors. The tourism sector is also expected to display a notable recovery in the period ahead, and concerted efforts are taken to improve worker remittance inflows through formal channels. Recent tensions in the forex market have also highlighted the need for Sri Lanka to increase its reliance on foreign exchange earnings over time to strengthen the economy, rather than increasing its foreign borrowings which exposes the economy to various types of shocks.
In this context, in February 2021, the CBSL issued Rules under the provisions of the Monetary Law Act to reinforce the prevailing repatriation requirement on proceeds of merchandise exports and ensure the conversion of a given share of such proceeds within a specific period of time. These Rules that had been based on similar rules of neighbouring countries, had been fine-tuned from time to time upon requests made by the business community, while those have also helped to ease foreign exchange liquidity issues faced by the domestic market to some extent, with a gradual improvement in repatriation and conversion of export proceeds. In addition, with mandatory sales of export proceeds converted under the aforesaid Rules by licensed banks, the CBSL has been able to purchase a reasonable quantum of forex from the market thus far during the year, which the CBSL 2 has utilised to part-finance the import of essential commodities to the country during the past few weeks.
Under the new Rules issued on 28October 2021, the minimum mandatory conversion rate of 25 percent has been relaxed, and instead, exporters have provided with the opportunity to utilise export proceeds for:
a) outward remittances in respect of current transactions;
b) withdrawal in foreign currency notes, as permitted;
c) debt servicing expenses and repayment of foreign currency loans;
d) purchases of goods and obtaining services including one-month commitments; and
e) payments in respect of making investments in Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs) in foreign currency up to ten per cent of the export proceeds, so received.
The residual after the utilisation of export proceeds as above will have to be converted into Sri Lanka Rupees. This method, followed by several other countries, ensures that exports with a large import content are not penalised, while enabling exports with a higher domestic value addition to convert a greater percentage of proceeds, after meeting foreign currency financial obligations of such enterprises.
In addition, considering the importance of the growing services export sector and the concessions provided to such sectors over time to expand their activities by the Government, the Rules have been extended to services exports as well. This coverage has been defined in the Rules as payments received in foreign exchange by a person resident in Sri Lanka for services (including professional, vocational, occupational, or business services) provided to a person resident outside Sri Lanka. Accordingly, remittances by Sri Lankan expatriates, which are not considered as services exports, will not be subjected to these Rules.
The implementation of the new Rules, which treat merchandise exports and services exports equally, is expected to provide greater foreign currency liquidity to the domestic market, ensuring the availability of foreign exchange for essential payments at a reasonable exchange rate by Sri Lankans, including the purchase of imported goods, overseas 3 education, foreign travel and health expenses, etc. In addition, the Rules will enable the identification of the true “value addition” of each export sector of the economy, through the different ratios of conversion as reported by banks.
Exporters enjoy various tax concessions and other advantages provided by the Government in recognition of the net foreign exchange inflow to the country through their operations, and in consideration of the benefits accruing to the country when such proceeds are converted into Sri Lanka Rupees. Realisation of these anticipated outcomes will therefore enable the Government to continue the provision of concessions to such sectors. Full repatriation of foreign exchange earnings and improved conversion will also help ensure the stability of the exchange rate and support the stability of the macro-economy and the financial system.
The launch of a dedicated wildlife unit at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is expected to deliver significant economic benefits by improving aviation safety, strengthening eco-tourism and enhancing Sri Lanka’s investment appeal, Wildlife Conservation Department Director General Ranjan Marasinghe said.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Marasinghe said the initiative links conservation directly with national development and revenue generation.
“This is more than an administrative step—it is a forward-looking initiative that aligns conservation, aviation safety and national development in a single strategic effort,” he said.
He noted that wildlife management at airports is globally recognised as essential for reducing bird strikes and wildlife-related disruptions, which can lead to costly repairs, delays and operational losses.
By proactively managing such risks, the Mattala Wildlife Unit is expected to lower potential costs for airlines and airport operators while improving efficiency and confidence among carriers considering future operations.
Marasinghe said the airport’s proximity to premier tourism destinations such as Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park, together with marine tourism opportunities including Blue Whale watching, gives Mattala a strong commercial advantage.
“This convergence of aviation and wildlife tourism creates an extraordinary opportunity,” he said, adding that the airport has the potential to become a major gateway for high-value eco-tourism.
Industry observers note that wildlife tourists generally spend more on guided safaris, hotels, transport and local experiences, generating stronger foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
Marasinghe said integrating environmental standards into airport operations would also improve Sri Lanka’s global image at a time when investors and international travellers increasingly value sustainability.
“By integrating environmental considerations into airport operations, we position Sri Lanka more favourably on the global stage, demonstrating that we are a nation committed to sustainability, responsibility and innovation,” he said.
He expressed hope that the Mattala model would be replicated at other international airports, creating long-term savings, stronger environmental governance and wider economic returns.
The Director General said the Department of Wildlife Conservation remains committed to supporting the national economy through new and meaningful avenues while protecting Sri Lanka’s natural assets.
“Conservation must also contribute to development,” he said, stressing that protecting biodiversity and generating growth can go hand in hand.
By Ifham Nizam
Aitken Spence Elevators, in collaboration with CINEC Campus, recently held the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the latest batch of trainees of the Elevator Serviceman Course at the Elevator Training Centre (ETC). The graduates were awarded their NVQ Level 3 certifications, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey within Sri Lanka’s vertical transportation industry.
The certification programme was developed in partnership with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and the Ministry of Vocational Training & Skills Development, ensuring trainees received industry-recognised qualifications, alongside strong practical competencies. The ceremony was attended by directors of both Aitken Spence and CINEC Campus, as well as staff members, lecturers, and invited guests of the graduating students
Anuka Prashan Pieris was recognised as the Most Outstanding Student of the batch in appreciation of his exceptional performance and commitment throughout the programme. The Elevator Training Centre plays a vital role in addressing the growing demand for skilled elevator service technicians through structured training and hands-on learning. The facility features Sri Lanka’s first Elevator Training Tower, offering trainees practical exposure aligned with both local and international standards.
All graduates of the current batch have already commenced their careers as technicians and supervisors at Aitken Spence Elevators. Their seamless transition into the workforce reflects the programme’s strong emphasis on developing job-ready professionals capable of contributing effectively from day one.
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA– Sterling Steels (Pvt) Ltd, a premier manufacturer of high-quality globally renowned steel roofing & cladding, announced it has been honored with a prestigious Merit Award at the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) Annual Product Awards 2026. The national recognition was awarded in the highly competitive Zinc-Aluminium Coated Profile Steel Sheet category, underscoring the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and superior quality in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
The award was presented during a grand ceremony held at the esteemed Nelum Pokuna Theatre, a key event in the nation’s architectural and construction calendar. The SLIA Annual Product Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for quality and design excellence, with products rigorously evaluated by a panel of distinguished architects and industry experts. Receiving this Merit Award positions Sterling Steels among the top-tier suppliers of building materials in the country.
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