Business
Ranil to govt: Disclose emergency economic roadmap now as U.S. tariffs threaten debt repayment deadline
UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has urgently called on the government to publicly outline its strategy to mitigate the economic fallout from impending U.S. tariffs, warning that Sri Lanka’s plan to resume international loan repayments by 2028 may need renegotiation.
Delivering a special statement yesterday, the former president underscored the looming crisis as a direct threat to jobs, livelihoods, and economic stability.
Wickremesinghe highlighted that while U.S. President Donald Trump has suspended tariffs for three months, their implementation appears inevitable.
“Even if tariffs are reduced to 25-30%, Sri Lanka faces severe repercussions,” he said. “We must use this window to collaborate with global partners, including China, to navigate this trade turbulence. Failure to act will cost thousands of jobs, weaken the rupee, and derail growth projections,” he said.
The UNP leader stressed that the tariffs could widen Sri Lanka’s earnings-payments gap, citing a $300 million debt obligation due this quarter.
“Resorting to Central Bank borrowing or fresh loans will further devalue the rupee,” he cautioned, referencing the currency’s recent depreciation. “Our 2028 debt repayment target and last year’s 5% growth are now at risk. The government must treat this as a ‘national emergency’ and disclose its action plan immediately,” Wickremesinghe emphasised.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed concerns over Sri Lanka’s fragile recovery in an April 11, 2025, statement following a staff visit.
“Global shocks are compounding uncertainties for Sri Lanka’s economy,” said IMF Mission Chief Evan Papageorgiou. “More time is needed to assess impacts and align solutions with the IMF-supported programme,” the international lender said.
In a related development, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, former health minister and Wickremesinghe ally, proposed leveraging the ex-president’s rapport with Elon Musk – a Trump confidant – to negotiate favorable tariff terms.
“Wickremesinghe’s ties with Musk could open diplomatic channels to ease this burden,” Senaratne remarked at a press briefing.
As pressure mounts, the government faces growing demands to address what analysts label a ‘make-or-break’ moment for Sri Lanka’s economic future.
by Sanath Nanayakkare
Business
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2026 Mid-Year rebalance.
The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 22nd June 2026 (after the market close of 19th June 2026) are presented below.
The S&P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. The constituents are weighted by float-adjusted market capitalization, subject to a single stock cap of 15%, which is employed to reduce single stock concentration.
The S&P SL 20 index has been designed in accordance with international practices and standards. All stocks are classified according to the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®), which was co-developed by S&P Dow Jones Indices and MCSI and is widely used by market participants throughout the world.
To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of 500 million Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), a six-month median daily value traded of Rs 0.25 million and have positive net income over the 12 months prior to the rebalancing reference date. For information, including the complete methodology, please visit: www.spindices.com
Effective from 22nd June 2026 the stocks in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 in alphabetical order are as above.
Business
Teejay Group navigates industry headwinds with financial strength and strategic focus
The Teejay Group recorded revenue of LKR 60.04 billion during the period, reflecting a 10% year-on-year decline, primarily due to continued softness in global textile demand. This performance was largely impacted by reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified pricing pressures across key markets, and the resulting decline in volumes, all of which collectively weighed on topline growth.
Group Gross Profit declined by 36% year-on-year to LKR 5.02 billion, mainly attributable to lower production volumes, underutilization of plant capacity, sustained pricing pressures, and an unfavorable product mix. Together, these factors adversely affected margin performance amid a challenging operating environment.
The Group reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 54.7 million, representing a 98% year-on-year decline. This was primarily driven by higher rupee-denominated costs and non-recurring items, provision for doubtful debts, and restructuring costs associated with right-sizing initiatives.
Ajit Gunewardene, Chairman of the Teejay Group said, “The year was marked by persistent global demand softness and pricing pressures, which impacted results. Despite this, we focused on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and strengthening our financial resilience. These actions position the Group to navigate ongoing uncertainty while remaining committed to long-term value creation for our shareholders.”
Despite these near-term challenges, the Teejay Group continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by disciplined working capital management and a robust liquidity base. As at 31 March 2026, cash and cash equivalents stood at LKR 8.3 billion, while the Group’s net asset base increased by 3% year-on-year to LKR 32.4 billion, reinforcing the resilience of its balance sheet.
Business
Fairfirst celebrates 7 years of supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit
Fairfirst Insurance has once again partnered with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit, continuing its support for the seventh consecutive year. This partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community.
Through this initiative, Fairfirst will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for the highly trained canines attached to the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit. These dogs play a critical role in supporting police operations across the country, assisting with crime detection, narcotics investigations, search and rescue missions, and public safety efforts.
As a company that believes business should create a meaningful impact beyond insurance, Fairfirst remains committed to initiatives that support communities and recognise the vital contributions of those who help keep society safe. This shared commitment to protection and responsibility continues to drive the company’s long-standing partnership with the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit.
Commenting on the continued partnership, Ravishankar Wickneswaran, CEO of Fairfirst Insurance, said, “It is a privilege for us to continue supporting the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit for the seventh consecutive year. These dogs serve the country with incredible discipline and loyalty, often in challenging situations. Supporting their wellbeing is one small way for us to give back, and it reflects the FairfirstWay of standing by those who protect and serve our communities every day.”
Fairfirst looks forward to continuing this partnership and contributing to the wellbeing of the Sri Lanka Police K9 Unit in the years ahead.
-
News7 days agoCreditor not yet paid
-
News7 days agoConsumers bearing 22% tax burden despite 18% VAT claim: Dr. Harsha de Silva
-
Features6 days agoNanda Pethiyagoda Wanasundara as three generations of family saw her
-
Features5 days agoSri Lanka developing independent hydrographic capabilities
-
Editorial6 days agoFuel crisis: Beyond price debate
-
Opinion4 days agoRanasinghe Premadasa: The man who would not take ‘No’ for an answer
-
Latest News5 days agoSooryavanshi thumps fastest List A fifty as India A win tri-series
-
News3 days agoUS Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs meets President


