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World Bank forecasts 2.2% growth for Lanka in 2024, driven by tourism and remittance recoveries

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2 years ago

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The latest Global Economic Prospects report from the World Bank forecasts a 2.2 percent growth for Sri Lanka’s economy in 2024, marking a positive revision of 0.5 percentage points from January. This upward revision is attributed to gradual improvements in remittances and tourism.

The June edition of the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report highlights that tourism and remittances have rebounded following the economic contraction in 2023. However, both sectors remain below pre-pandemic levels.

The report states, “In Sri Lanka, the economy is expected to expand by 2.2 percent in 2024—a 0.5-percentage-point upward revision from January—supported by modest recoveries in remittances and tourism. Growth is projected to strengthen further in 2025-26, reaching 3 percent in 2026, assuming successful debt restructuring negotiations and the implementation of structural reforms, which would offset the adverse impact of planned fiscal consolidation on growth.

“After contracting in 2023, economic activity has strengthened in Sri Lanka, with tourism and remittances also recovering, although they have remained below pre-pandemic levels.

“The report also forecasts a slowdown in growth for the South Asia (SAR) region, from 6.6 percent in 2023 to 6.2 percent in 2024, mainly due to a moderation in India’s growth from recent highs. Regional growth is expected to remain steady at 6.2 percent in 2025-26, supported by stable growth in India. Among other economies in the region, Bangladesh is expected to maintain robust growth, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years, while growth is set to strengthen in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the outlook is clouded by downside risks, including disruptions in commodity markets due to escalating conflicts, potential abrupt fiscal consolidations, financial instability from high bank exposure to sovereign borrowers, extreme weather events, and slower-than-expected growth in China and Europe. Conversely, upside risks include stronger-than-expected activity in the United States and faster global disinflation.

“Several factors have contributed to reductions in external imbalances, such as narrowed trade deficits, increased remittances, and tourism recoveries across multiple countries. Additionally, continued import restrictions, particularly in Bangladesh, have played a role. Foreign exchange reserves have risen in countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka, reflecting eased currency pressures and increased official flows, although reserves remain low in some nations.

“In the SAR region, economic spillovers from outside are generally limited due to lower international trade openness compared to other global regions. However, weaker-than-projected growth in major trading partners could dampen growth in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. For instance, a significant portion of intermediate goods imports in these countries comes from China, and any downturn in Chinese activity could lead to material shortages and reduced economic activity.

“Upside risks to regional growth include stronger-than-expected activity in the United States, which could stimulate growth in large exporting countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Another potential upside is greater progress in global inflation reduction, potentially leading to faster-than-expected easing of monetary policy, lower borrowing costs, and improved growth prospects.”


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Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara

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2026/09/20

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Due to heavy rainfall received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River over the past few hours, there is a risk of minor flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding the Mahaweli River within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara.Residents living in the above mentioned areas and motorists using roads passing through these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding the prevailing situation.

Furthermore, residents living in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in these areas are advised to remain highly alert to the situation and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from any potential flooding.The relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take all necessary measures in response to this situation.

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Landslide Red Alerts issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya

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8 hours ago

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2026/09/20

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The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has  issued landslide Red Alerts to the districts of Kandy,  Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya effective from 14:00 hrs on 20.09.2026 To 14:00 hrs on 21.09.2026

Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district,  Dehiowita,  Aranayake,  Deraniyagala,  Mawanella and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district and Kothmale West, Kotmale East,  Ambagamuwa and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district

LEVEL II [AMBER] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Padukka in the Colombo district, Nagoda, Thawalama and Neluwa in the Galle district, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Walallawita and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ganga Ihala Korale in the Kandy district, Bulathkohupitiya and Kegalle in the Kegalle district,  Akuressa and Pitabeddara in the Matara district, Thalawakele in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.

LEVEL I [YELLOW] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka in the Colombo district, Niyagama and Baddegama in the Galle district, Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Ingiriya in the Kalutara district, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district,  Galigamuwa, Warakapola and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Kotapola, Pasgoda and Athuraliya in the Matara district, and  Eheliyagoda, Kalawana and Elapatha in the Ratnapura district.

 

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Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM

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11 hours ago

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2026/09/20

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common, people-oriented objective.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Friday [September 18] at the Western Province Council Auditorium to review the progress of the development project to rehabilitate Rathmalana Kandawala Road and the drainage system on either side of the road, within the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council limits in the Colombo District.

The project, which commenced on September 10, 2026, is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2027. Implemented by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA), the project includes the construction of a bridge at a cost of Rs. 64 million, the rehabilitation of the drainage system at a cost of Rs. 930 million, and the rehabilitation of the road at a cost of Rs. 115 million.

The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress of the responsibilities assigned to the Western Province Council, the Irrigation Department and the Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat in accordance with decisions taken at the previous committee meeting. Attention was also given to the current status of the plans being carried out by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLRDC), as well as the construction and maintenance activities being undertaken by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA).

Commending the expedite and commendable progress of the project, the Prime Minister particularly appreciated the commitment demonstrated by officials of the relevant government institutions to work in close coordination with one another and in collaboration with the political authority.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of taking measures well in advance to control flooding and minimise its impact on Colombo and several other districts in view of the rainy weather that may affect the Western Province during the latter part of this year.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairperson of the Ratmalana Divisional Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Chairman of the Roads Sub-Committee of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Dewananda Suraweera, Mayor of the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Parakum Shantha, Chief Secretary of the Western Province K.G. Pradeep Pushpakumara, along with a number of government officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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