Business
IMF: What happens now and after elections will be crucial for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is showing first signs of recovery as it finds itself in an election year, and therefore, what happens before the elections as well as after them will be crucial for the economic recovery in Sri Lanka, IMF’s Senior Mission Chief, Peter Breuer said on Friday.
He said so at a press briefing held at the conclusion of the IMF Staff Visit to Sri Lanka.
“This year is expected to be an election year. During our visit, we listened to political parties, their perspectives and angles of their economic policy perspectives. So, of course, what takes place in Sri Lanka in the run up to the elections and afterwards will have an impact on the country’s recovery and growth path and how it extricates itself from the ongoing crisis,” he said.
Breuer said that their strong expectation is Sri Lanka would reach a deal with its commercial creditors and bondholders by the next IMF review on Sri Lanka.
“It is our understanding that negotiations are ongoing and proposals are being exchanged,” he said.
However, he pointed out that Sri Lanka’s foreign debt restructuring is a complex procedure that takes time.
“There is also the China Development Bank which is considered as a commercial creditor. So those negotiations are still ongoing just as with the bondholders,” Breuer said.
He further said:
“We have been here from January 11th to 19th. The Economic Reform Program implemented by the Sri Lanka authorities is yielding the first signs of recovery. Real GDP recorded positive growth of 1.6 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2023, which is the first expansion in six consecutive quarters.”
“Shortages of essentials have eased and inflation remains contained. Gross international reserves increased by $2.5 billion during 2023 and preliminary data point to improved fiscal revenue collections during the fourth quarter of 2023.”
“However, challenges remain as these improvements need to translate into improved living conditions for Sri Lanka’s people. In this context, sustaining the reform momentum and ensuring timely implementation of all program commitments are critical to rebuilding confidence and putting the recovery on a firm footing that will benefit all people.”
“Swift progress towards the introduction of a progressive property tax is key to ensuring fair burden sharing while sustaining the revenue-based consolidation. Tax policy measures need to be accompanied by strengthening tax administration, removing tax exemptions, and actively eliminating tax evasion to make reforms more sustainable and to further build confidence among Sri Lanka’s creditors to regain debt sustainability to gain their support.”
“Building on the central bank’s success in taming inflation, future monetary policy decisions should remain prudent, with a focus on keeping inflation expectations well anchored. Against continued uncertainty. It remains important to continue rebuilding external buffers through strong reserve accumulation and protecting the poor and the vulnerable through improved targeting and better coverage of cash transfers remains critical.”
“To safeguard the stability of the financial sector and bolster its capacity to support economic growth, the authorities need to urgently finalize amendments to the Banking act in line with their commitment under the IMF supported program, implement bank recapitalization plans, and strengthen financial supervision and crisis management frameworks.”
“Following the publication of the IMF Governance Diagnostic Report, it is now imperative for the authorities to adopt their own action plan for implementing the recommendations in the report beyond the priority commitments under the EFF arrangement. At the same time, ensuring an enabling environment for governance and transparency reforms to take place is key to bolstering public confidence and facilitating implementation of these important efforts”.
“The authorities have made commendable progress with putting debt on a path towards sustainability. The execution of the domestic debt restructuring was an important milestone. A swift completion of final agreements with official creditors and reaching a resolution with external private creditors remain critical. Progress in meeting key commitments under the IMF supported program will be formally assessed in the context of the second review of the EFF arrangement alongside the forthcoming 2024 Article IV Consultation, which will assess Sri Lanka’s economic health.”
Breuer said that the Mission’s visit to the northern and eastern provinces enriched their understanding of the challenges as well as the potential of Sri Lanka.
Business
SLAF, Aviyana Ceylon partner to elevate high-end sports tourism with Eagles’ Monsoon Cup 2026
Aviyana Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s upcoming ultra-luxury seven-star hospitality project, has stepped decisively into the country’s high-end sports tourism space by coming on board as the principal sponsor of the prestigious Eagles’ Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament 2026, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The international-standard golf tournament is scheduled to be held on January 11, 2026, and is expected to attract diplomats, corporate leaders, high-net-worth individuals and overseas golfers, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s positioning as an emerging premium leisure and sporting destination.
Under the patronage of Aviyana Ceylon chairman, Dr. Thisara Hewawasam, the company has committed a Rs. 2.5 million sponsorship, marking one of the most significant private-sector investments in elite golf events in recent years.
The sponsorship was formalised at a ceremonial cheque handover held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters, where Dr. Hewawasam officially handed over the cheque to Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe.
“Our decision to support the Eagles’ Monsoon Cup goes beyond sport. It is a strategic investment in positioning Sri Lanka as a global luxury tourism and lifestyle destination, Dr. Hewawasam said.
“International sporting events with strong networking potential play a critical role in shaping perceptions, attracting premium travelers and enhancing the country’s brand equity. Aviyana Ceylon is committed to supporting platforms that elevate Sri Lanka’s global standing, he added.
Senior SLAF officials, including chairman, Eagles’ Golf Links, Air Commodore Erandika Gunawardhana, secretary of the Air Force Sports Council and Director Media, Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Secretary of Eagles’ Golf Links, Group Captain Asanka Ratnayake and SLAF Golf Secretary, Wing Commander R.A.S.T.A. Fernando, along with Aviyana Ceylon representatives and invited guests were present at the event.
Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe welcomed the partnership, noting that collaboration between the military and private sector is vital in developing sports diplomacy and tourism-led economic activity.
“Eagles’ Monsoon Cup has evolved into a premier sporting event that brings together global and local stakeholders. The support extended by Aviyana Ceylon strengthens our ability to host events of international calibre and contributes meaningfully to sports tourism and national image-building, the Air Force Commander said.
Beyond the golf tournament, the partnership opens the door to new experiential tourism initiatives, including a proposed collaboration to offer luxury helicopter tours for Aviyana Ceylon’s clientele, operated in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force.
According to Dr. Hewawasam, the concept aims to provide discerning travelers with exclusive aerial experiences showcasing Sri Lanka’s landscapes, coastlines and heritage.
“Luxury heli-tours represent a new dimension in experiential tourism. They allow us to present Sri Lanka’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point, appealing to high-value travelers seeking privacy, exclusivity and unforgettable experiences, he said.
Industry observers note that such initiatives align with global trends where luxury hospitality brands integrate sports, aviation and curated experiences to differentiate destinations and increase average tourist spend.
The Eagles’ Monsoon Cup is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most elite sporting events, functioning not only as a golf tournament but also as a high-level networking platform linking diplomacy, business and leisure.
By Ifham Nizam
Reports received by us from tea brokers, the Colombo Tea Traders’ Association (CTTA) and other sources indicated that, by and large, the local tea sector has been spared by the recent weather havoc.
The CTTA in their recent communications said that although Cyclone Ditwah affected parts of Sri Lanka, production, sales, and exports of tea continued without interruption. Clearly, the report said, the well established and highly coordinated industry network was fully geared to confront these issues. Production and sales continued with least disruption . While some tea growing areas in Uva, and the Central Province experienced some impact no loss in manufacturing capacity was reported.
Damage was largely confined to specific roads, resulting in temporary disruptions to transportation. Some key routes connecting plantations to the city have now been reopened and transport services are resuming normal operations. Harvesting operations are gradually returning to normal with access roads being reopened and temporary roads have been constructed to facilitate transport of green leaf to manufacturing locations.
The tea small holders we met said, although their production routine was affected, quick return to normalcy was ensured thanks to the established Tea Small Holders’ Association whose action ensured speedy return to normalcy. They reiterated production was near normal; and the dismal situation was now in a controlled position. They assured that such losses were minimal and could be recouped with minimum delay.
The CTTA further said the majority of plantations and small holder lands in the South of the island were spared cyclone damage. Harvesting, manufacturing and transportation activities are continuing as usual.
Trading activities at the Colombo Tea Auctions continue to be held although with a revised calendar. The tea auction previously set for the 1st week December has been rescheduled for the last week December. This adjustment ensures uninterrupted financial flows to the producers , including small holders, maintaining the momentum of the industry.
Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers reported a national tea sale average for November of Rs. 1137.22 ( USD3.89) which shows an increase of Rs.61.17 and USD 0.02 YOY. The total National Sale Average for the year 2025 ( to date) was recorded at Rs. 1,164.97( USD 3.88). a decline of Rs . 63.49 ( USD 0.17) against the corresponding year’s average of Rs. 1228.46 (USD4.05). The report further said all elevations recorded negative variances during the period January to November 2025 in comparison to the cumulative corresponding year of 2024 in both LKR and USD terms.
By Steve A. Morrell
Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS), a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC, has launched its iconic Elephant House Ice Cream in Australia, marking a bold step in the brand’s global expansion. The official unveiling took place on 4th December 2025 at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley, where industry leaders, local distributors, and strategic partners gathered to celebrate the occasion. The launch was further honoured by the presence of Ms. Pradeepa Seram, Consul General Designate of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Cassandra Fernando, Member of the Australian Parliament, reflecting the deep and growing connections between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Elephant House is one of the highest-penetrated Sri Lankan brands among Sri Lankan communities living overseas, with a presence in 16 countries, including the Maldives, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others.
In a significant milestone for the company, Elephant House Ice Cream is now manufactured locally in Melbourne to support wider availability in the ethnic market in Australia. The range currently available includes Vanilla, Karutha Kolomban, and Fruit and Nut in 500ml packs. This marks the first time in CCS’s 150-year legacy that Elephant House Ice Cream has been produced outside Sri Lanka, signalling a new chapter in the company’s international growth journey in collaboration with Millennium Imports Pty Ltd, it’s one of the franchise partners for Australia.
S. Achchudan appointed as Director General of the Sports Development Department.
Amendment of the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980
Tax relief for Dates received as donations or gifts for Ramadan
Cabinet nod to establish the Sri Lanka Industrial Transformation and innovation Authority
Temporary employment of Sri Lankan labour in the State of Israel
Cabinet approves liquidation of Sahasya Investment Company
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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