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US trade war poses risks to Sri Lanka’s creditworthiness, warns Fitch

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Meanwhile, tensions between the world’s two largest economies remain high

By Sanath Nanayakkare

Sri Lanka’s already vulnerable financial position could be further threatened by the ongoing US trade war, according to a recent analysis by Fitch Ratings.

The global ratings agency highlights that Sri Lanka, currently rated CCC+, is particularly susceptible to negative impacts if its export earnings are hit by the escalating tariffs.

Fitch Ratings, Hong Kong, in a press release issued on April 15, 2025, warned that increasing US tariffs would weigh on the credit metrics of many sovereigns in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The report emphasised that APAC’s high trade openness and reliance on US demand make it especially vulnerable to the fallout from the trade war.

While the 10% tariffs imposed by the US on most countries are slightly below Fitch’s earlier projections, the agency believes that Asian economic growth will slow as exports and export-oriented investments suffer from tariffs and increased uncertainty.

“This slowdown, coupled with weaker commodity prices and exchange rate adjustments, will affect APAC sovereigns to varying degrees. Several economies in the region, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, and Korea, rely heavily on manufacturing exports and investments, with the US serving as a major export market. These economies could face significant challenges as a result of the trade war,” it stated.

Fitch noted that government policy responses would be crucial in determining the ultimate impact on APAC sovereign ratings. While some higher-rated jurisdictions like China, Singapore, and Taiwan may have the fiscal space to implement stimulus measures, some others, including Sri Lanka, have limited headroom due to high debt levels and constrained fiscal consolidation since the pandemic and its own economic crisis.

The ratings agency also cautioned that the US dollar could appreciate against some APAC currencies, potentially increasing debt burdens for countries with a large share of foreign-currency debt. Furthermore, foreign-exchange reserves could shrink if authorities intervene to support their currencies, further straining economies with low external buffers like Sri Lanka.

Fitch concluded that countries with relatively low external buffers, such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, were particularly at risk if their export earnings were negatively impacted by the tariffs.

Meanwhile, tensions between the world’s two largest economies remain high.

After the White House website claimed that imports from China to the US would face tariffs of up to 245 percent, the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned yesterday that China would pay no attention to the US’s further tariff numbers game, and it would take ‘resolute countermeasures’ and ‘fight to the end’ if Washington persisted in substantially infringing on China’s rights and interests.

China Daily – the ruling Chinese Communist party’s English-language mouthpiece published a sharply worded editorial on April 15, rejecting U.S. President Trump’s repeated claims that the US had been ‘ripped off’ by China.

“The U.S. is not getting ripped off by anybody. It is taking a free ride on the globalisation train and is living beyond its means,” China Daily argued.



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Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled

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A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).

The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.

Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.

Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.

The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.

Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.

He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.

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Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership

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Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.

Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”

Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.

“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”

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Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive

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Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.

For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.

The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.

Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.

Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”

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