Business
Deficit in merchandise trade account narrows
External Sector Performance – March 2023
The deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed to US dollars 412 million in March 2023, from US dollars 761 million in March 2022, mainly due to the subdued level of imports, compared to a year earlier. However, the trade deficit in March 2023 widened significantly, compared to February 2023, reflecting the increase in imports due to seasonal demand. The cumulative deficit in the trade account during January-March 2023 was US dollars 861 million, declined from US dollars 2,397 million recorded over the same period in 2022. The major contributory factors for this change in trade balance are shown in Figure 1.
Overall Exports: The merchandise exports recovered in March 2023 recording over US dollars 1 billion for the first time during 2023. However, earnings from merchandise exports declined marginally by 2.0 per cent in March 2023, year-on-year, to US dollars 1,037 million. The decline in earnings from industrial exports, including garments, mainly contributed to the decline in export earnings in March 2023, compared to a year earlier. Meanwhile, export earnings have improved on a month-on-month basis mainly due to higher exports of gems, diamonds and jewellery and rubber products. Cumulative export earnings during January-March 2023 recorded at US dollars 2,998 million, a decline of 7.9 per cent over the same period in the last year.
Industrial Exports: Earnings from the exports of industrial goods declined in March 2023, compared to March 2022, with a significant share of the decline being contributed by garments. Accordingly, exports of garments to most of the major markets (the USA, the EU and the UK) recorded declines. Earnings from the export of petroleum products decreased due to the decline in the average export prices of bunker fuel exports. In contrast, earnings from machinery and mechanical appliances (mainly, machinery and equipment parts); gems, diamonds, and jewellery; and rubber products (mainly, rubber tires) increased in March 2023.
Agricultural Exports: Earnings from the export of agricultural goods increased in March 2023, compared to a year ago, mainly due to the increase in earnings from tea, spices (primarily, cinnamon and cloves) and seafood (primarily, processed fish). Earnings from tea exports improved due to the increase in average export prices of tea although the volume continued its declining trend owing to the lagged effect of fertiliser shortages. However, there was a decline in export earnings from coconut related products (primarily, desiccated coconut and fibres), minor agricultural products (primarily, arecanuts) and natural rubber in March 2023.
Mineral Exports: Earnings from mineral exports increased in March 2023, compared to March 2022, mainly due to the increase in exports of granite under earths and stone.
Overall Imports: Import expenditure increased significantly to US dollars 1,450 million in March 2023, compared to US dollars 1,021 million in February 2023, due to seasonal demand and the partial recovery in fuel imports. However, continuing the year-on-year declining trend since early 2022, the import expenditure declined by 20.3 per cent in March 2023. The year-on-year decline in expenditure was observed in all major import sectors, although the decline in intermediate and investment goods was substantial. Meanwhile, cumulative import expenditure during January-March 2023 declined by 31.7 per cent over the corresponding period in 2022.
Consumer Goods: Expenditure on the importation of consumer goods declined in March 2023, compared to a year ago, due to lower expenditure on food and beverages imports although non-food consumer goods imports recorded a marginal increase. The decline in import expenditure on food and beverages goods was broad-based, with a notable drop in imports of cereals and milling industry products (mainly, rice), dairy products, spices and fruits. In contrast, expenditure on non-food consumer goods increased marginally due to higher medical and pharmaceuticals (mainly, medicaments), while most of other subcategories declined, compared to March 2022.
Intermediate Goods: Expenditure on the importation of intermediate goods declined in March 2023, compared to a year ago, driven by lower imports of fuel, plastics and articles thereof, and textiles and textile articles (primarily, fabrics). However, almost all subsectors under intermediate goods increased in March 2023, compared to the previous month, in that import expenditure on fuel increased by over 90 per cent, month-on-month. A sizable decline was recorded in the importation of rubber and articles thereof, base metals (primarily, iron and steel) and chemical products. However, the categories of intermediate goods that recorded an increase include wheat, fertiliser and agricultural inputs (primarily, animal fodder), compared to a year ago.
Investment Goods: Import expenditure on investment goods declined significantly in March 2023, compared to March 2022. Almost all types of goods listed under the three main investment good categories, namely machinery and equipment, building material and transport equipment, recorded a decline. (CBSL)
Recommends prudent policy choices and regional collaboration
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has highlighted Sri Lanka’s economic recovery as exceeding initial expectations in its Asian Development Outlook April 2025 report, but cautioned that the rebound remains fragile, with significant risks posed by global trade tensions, fiscal pressures, and unresolved debt vulnerabilities.
The following are some key highlights from the report:
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow at a moderate pace in 2025–2026, driven by broad-based improvements. However, domestic demand is expected to stay sluggish, reflecting lingering challenges from the country’s recent economic crisis. While fiscal consolidation efforts remain on track bolstered by stronger-than-anticipated revenue. With that said, however, the ADB warned that under-execution of capital spending or a loss of reform momentum could derail progress.
Takafumi Kadono, ADB Country Director for Sri Lanka, brings profound expertise in both macro and microeconomic dynamics, steering transformative development support tailored to Sri Lanka’s evolving needs
After a period of deflation, Sri Lanka’s inflation is forecast to rise in 2025 due to higher electricity tariffs, relaxed import restrictions, wage hikes, and exchange rate depreciation. The government’s commitment to fiscal discipline faces pressure from potential expenditure increases, even as external debt interest payments resume, pushing the current account into deficit.
The ADB’s analysis of new US tariffs, identifies Sri Lanka as vulnerable to trade disruptions. Key risks include:
Sri Lankan exporters, particularly in sectors with thin profit margins, face order cancellations and profit losses.
Competitors like India, Malaysia, and Mexico—benefiting from lower US tariffs—could attract investment away from Sri Lanka.
Full implementation of tariffs could slash GDP growth by depressing exports, manufacturing, and investor confidence, while raising unemployment and fiscal strains.
To mitigate risks, the ADB urges Sri Lanka to diversify export markets and products. Opportunities include expanding into niche EU markets and Asian regional partners, as well as boosting high-value sectors like electronics. Strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating structural reforms could enhance resilience.
Despite progress under its IMF program, Sri Lanka’s debt burden remains “high,” requiring sustained reforms to stabilise public finances. The ADB emphasised that fiscal reversals or delays in restructuring could undermine macroeconomic stability.
While South Asia remains the fastest growing subregion fueled by India’s robust domestic demand, Sri Lanka’s trajectory is distinct, marked by post-crisis recovery challenges. Developing Asia’s overall growth is moderating due to US-China trade tensions and China’s property sector woes, further complicating Sri Lanka’s external environment.
“Sri Lanka’s recovery is commendable but incomplete,” the report states. “Accelerating reforms, safeguarding fiscal discipline, and diversifying trade partnerships are critical to navigating global headwinds and ensuring long-term stability.”
As Sri Lanka balances optimism with fragility, the ADB’s outlook underscores the urgency of maintaining reform momentum while preparing for escalating external risks. The path to sustained recovery, concludes, hinges on prudent policy choices and regional collaboration.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Business
HOPPR Unveiled: PayMaster’s latest innovation that transforms ride-hailing and digital credit access
PayMaster, the leading, award-winning digital payments app in Sri Lanka, has announced its launch of HOPPR, a cutting-edge ride-hailing feature that will transform the market by providing all stakeholders from drivers and customers with financial independence through digital payments and credit access. More than just a ride-hailing service, HOPPR is a tool for financial empowerment that works in unison with PayMaster to allow users to schedule rides without using cash and to open up long-term revenue streams.
A sustainable revenue strategy is established by its unique referral system, which allows drivers to receive lifetime earnings for each user referred, emphasizing that both passengers and drivers are not just participants but valued stakeholders of the platform. Additionally, CREDDY, an AI-powered credit system that acknowledges informal income streams, is connected with HOPPR where drivers can obtain revolving credit of up to Rs.50,000 at 0% interest through CREDDY for everyday expenses, fuel, and vehicle repairs, assisting in closing gaps in their finances and fostering financial stability.
Ransika De Silva, Director/CEO of PayMaster, stated, “With HOPPR, we have built a driver-centric system where each ride is an opportunity to earn, save, and grow financially rather than just a journey. We are changing the financial landscape for gig workers and informal earners, starting with ride-hailing, digital payments, credit access and future expansion into areas for informal income.”
PayMaster is a one-stop app for payments that makes transactions in Sri Lanka easy. From local money transfers, receiving money from around the globe to a local account within two seconds, paying bills, and topping up mobile accounts, users can now also use ride-hailing services thanks to HOPPR. PayMaster, a fully owned subsidiary of Singapore-based FinTech FirstPay (Pte) Ltd, guarantees the highest international security standards by following the criteria for mobile apps from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and submitting to frequent security assessments conducted by a globally reputed auditing firm.
The CSE opened yesterday in a bullish manner after US President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on enforcing increased tariffs on exports.
President Trump said he is ordering a pause on ‘reciprocal’ tariffs slammed on Sri Lanka and other countries after 75 countries offered to negotiate, amid a collapse of stock markets, but a 10 percent tax would remain. Many stock markets around the world were back in the green.
The All Share Price Index was trading up on 693 points within the first half hour of opening and the more liquid S&P SL20 was up 6.42%, or 286 points, at 4,632.00.
Turnover was Rs 6.1 billion with ten crossings. Those crossings were reported in JKH which crossed 30.7 million shares to the tune of Rs 607 million and its shares traded at Rs 20.10, Sampath Bank 3.7 million shares crossed for Rs 419 million; its shares traded at Rs 150, Commercial Bank 2.2 million shares crossed for Rs 151 million; its shares traded at Rs 125.
Singer (Sri Lanka) 1.5 million shares crossed for Rs 52.5 million; its shares traded at Rs 35, Vidul Lanka 3.7 million shares crossed for Rs 49.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 13.50, People’ Leasing 2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 35 million; its shares sold at Rs 2.70, HNB 100,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 30.5 million, Hemas Holdings 210,000 shares crossed for Rs 23.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 117, LMF 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 21.4 million; its shares fetched Rs 42.70 and DFCC 200,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 100.
In the retail market top six companies that have mainly contributed to the turnover were; Sampath Bank Rs 709 million (6.2 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 626 million (4.4 million shares traded), HNB Rs 619 million (two million shares traded), JKH Rs 346 million (three million shares traded), RIL Properties Rs 164 million (10.3 million shares traded) and Brown’s Investments Rs 161 million (22.1 million shares traded).During the day 212 million shares volumes changed hands in 23287 transactions.
Yesterday, US dollar buying rate was Rs 297.50, while the selling rate was Rs 298.60.
By Hiran H Senewiratne
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