001
27 Sept 202353K
Port City development
The development of Port City as a large-scale urban project in Sri Lanka.
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Economy
The island's economy, prices, currency and business climate.
002
003
8 Sept 202354K
Cost of a New Year holiday
The cost of a New Year holiday for a family and a comparison of package tours with independent travel.
Open source004
8 Sept 202354K
Prices for flights, accommodation, and tours
Prices for flights, accommodation, and package tours.
Open source005
5 Dec 202335K
Dairy Production
The Ambewella dairy farm as one of the island's well-known agricultural sites.
Open source006
007
31 Mar 202427K
Cost of a Vacation
Estimating a basic trip budget covering flights, transfer and accommodation.
Open source008
31 Mar 202427K
Cost of Traveling Around the Island
An example budget for a three-day trip with a car, safari and accommodation.
Open source009
010
011
15 Sept 202415K
Consumer market
Differences in the range of goods and the availability of services between Russia and Sri Lanka.
Open source012
19 Dec 202456K
Price of oysters
The price of fresh oysters at the farm is around 70 rubles each.
Open source013
10 Feb 2023136K
Economy
The QR-code-based fuel distribution system, weekly fuel limits, and how it works for tourists.
Open source014
19 Jan 202520K
Fruit prices
Examples of prices for popular fruits and tips on buying them at the markets.
Open source015
21 Feb 202321K
Sri Lanka's tea industry
Sri Lanka's tea industry: its place in the global economy and the scale of its exports.
Open source016
21 Feb 202321K
The Lipton and Dilmah brands
The history of the Lipton and Dilmah brands and the growth of the tea business on the island.
Open source017
16 Apr 202327K
The cost of surf lessons
The cost of surf lessons: about $10 for a lesson with a local instructor and around $1 per hour to rent a board.
Open source018
16 Apr 202327K
Cost of a week at surf camp
A week-long surf camp costs around 1,000 dollars, including accommodation and the program.
Open source019
10 May 202320K
Budget versus luxury travel
Comparing budget and luxury travel in Sri Lanka and approaches to planning expenses.
Open source020
10 May 202320K
Prices at a premium hotel
Prices at a premium hotel: alcohol, the minibar and additional expenses.
Open source021
10 May 202320K
Cost of group yoga classes
The cost of group yoga classes — around 15 dollars per session.
Open source022
023
9 Aug 202315K
Cost of karting
The cost of karting and how accessible such entertainment is for local residents.
Open source024
23 Aug 2023168K
Ceylon tea
Ceylon tea: labelling, varieties, and the differences between grades.
Open source025
1 Jun 2026
Fuel QR Codes: Government to Tighten Enforcement
A minister announced stricter enforcement of the fuel QR code system, citing a surge in foreign currency spending from $97 million in February to $524 million in May.
Open source026
31 May 2026
Fuel Companies Raise Prices Again: Reason for Queues Revealed
The reason behind petrol station queues has been revealed: Sri Lanka's fuel companies have again raised the price of petrol.
Open source027
28 May 2026
IMF Approves Fifth and Sixth Tranches for Sri Lanka Totalling $695 Million
The IMF approved the disbursement of the fifth and sixth tranches to Sri Lanka totalling $695 million.
Open source028
27 May 2026
Digital Nomad Visa Creates More Rupee Demand Than Export Goods
A DailyMirror article argues that a simple digital nomad visa can create structural demand for the rupee more effectively than traditional exports of tea, rubber, and textiles.
Open source029
26 May 2026
Rupee Strengthens to 327 per Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee strengthened to 327 per US dollar.
Open source030
24 May 2026
Any News from the Petrol Stations? Editorial Asks
The editorial team asks subscribers to share any updates on the situation at Sri Lanka's petrol stations.
Open source031
22 May 2026
Rupee Recovers to 339 per Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee strengthened to 339 per US dollar.
Open source032
21 May 2026
Rupee on Bybit Drops Below 367 per USDT
On Bybit the rupee dropped below 367 per USDT; Anton Sakhno analyses the reasons for the sudden fall in his Telegram channel.
Open source033
20 May 2026
Rupee Slump Explained: What Should Ordinary People Do
An informal breakdown of the rupee's decline — oil, imports, tourism, market jitters — with practical tips for those earning in foreign currencies.
Open source034
20 May 2026
Rupee Plunges to 349.5 per Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee fell to 349.5 per US dollar according to Bybit data.
Open source035
18 May 2026
Rupee Falls Further: Some Banks at 336 per Dollar
The selling rate for the US dollar reached 336 rupees at some Sri Lankan banks as the depreciation continues.
Open source036
16 May 2026
PayPal Reportedly Now Works in Sri Lanka
Unconfirmed reports suggest PayPal has started working in Sri Lanka as of today.
Open source037
15 May 2026
War with Iran Pushed Fuel Import Bill Up 432%
Since the start of the war with Iran, Sri Lanka's monthly fuel import bill has risen by 432%.
Open source038
15 May 2026
Rupee Keeps Falling: 332 per Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee's market rate hit 332 per US dollar, declining alongside other regional currencies.
Open source039
14 May 2026
Rupee sharply fell below 330 per dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee sharply weakened: the Central Bank's official selling rate reached 329.92 rupees per dollar, while the market rate exceeded 330.
Open source040
11 May 2026
47 companies interested in managing Mattala Airport
Sri Lanka is accepting bids from local and foreign investors to manage Mattala International Airport in Hambantota; 47 parties have shown interest, including Middle Eastern companies.
Open source041
24 Apr 2026
Sri Lanka launched its first national events calendar
Colombo unveiled the country's first national events calendar, covering cultural festivals, sports competitions, and business events, to develop tourism and the 60-billion-rupee events industry.
Open source042
16 Apr 2026
Rupee continues to fall, rate at 311–319 per dollar
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has set the rupee exchange rate at 311 buying and 319 selling per US dollar.
Open source043
12 Apr 2026
QR code system at fuel stations suspended until April 18
The QR code system at Sri Lanka's fuel stations has been suspended until April 18, 2026.
Open source044
6 Apr 2026
Sri Lanka agrees on Russian oil supplies
Sri Lanka's transport minister told TASS that an agreement has been reached to supply Russian oil to the country starting mid-April.
Open source045
31 Mar 2026
Government issues guidelines on fuel and electricity conservation
Sri Lanka's government recommended switching off AC in state offices after 3pm, advertising screens after 8pm, and street lights from 6pm to 10pm.
Open source046
30 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka electricity tariffs to rise from April 1
From April 1, Sri Lanka's electricity tariffs will increase by an average of 13.56%, with the largest rise of up to 25% for high-consumption users.
Open source047
26 Mar 2026
Russia agrees to supply refined fuel to Sri Lanka
According to Daily Mirror, Russia has agreed to supply refined fuel to Sri Lanka.
Open source048
26 Mar 2026
Russian delegation arrives in Sri Lanka for fuel supply talks
Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshаvin arrived in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit to negotiate fuel supplies with the Lankan government.
Open source049
26 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka needs rain to avoid an energy crisis
Due to fuel supply disruptions, Sri Lanka's electricity generation could be at risk without sufficient rainfall to fill hydroelectric reservoirs.
Open source050
25 Mar 2026
Russian Deputy Energy Minister travels to Sri Lanka to discuss fuel supplies
Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshаvin will visit Sri Lanka to negotiate fuel supplies under a potential government-to-government agreement.
Open source051
22 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka fuel prices up 25%, rupee weakening
Sri Lanka fuel prices rose about 25%: 95 octane to 455 LKR, 92 octane to 398 LKR; the rupee weakened to 320 per dollar, driving broader price increases.
Open source052
19 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka may introduce odd-even vehicle fuel rationing
According to unconfirmed reports, Sri Lanka is introducing a fuel rationing system based on the even or odd last digit of vehicle licence plates.
Open source053
18 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka power grid threatened by coal and fuel supply problems
Low-quality coal and delayed Middle East oil shipments threaten Sri Lanka with regular nighttime power cuts of up to one hour.
Open source054
18 Mar 2026
Separate QR fuel quota system launched for tourists
Sri Lanka's government launched a separate QR fuel quota system for tourists; registration with SLTDA is required to obtain a quota.
Open source055
17 Mar 2026
Government introduces Wednesday day off to save energy
Sri Lanka's government declared Wednesday a public holiday to conserve energy resources, with exceptions for healthcare, ports, and customs.
Open source056
15 Mar 2026
Sri Lanka introduces QR code fuel rationing system
Sri Lanka has reintroduced its QR code fuel rationing system, previously used successfully years ago; registration is available at fuelpass.gov.lk.
Open source057
10 Mar 2026
Fuel prices in Sri Lanka rise amid Iran conflict
Amid the Iran conflict, fuel prices in Sri Lanka rose: 92 octane up 24 rupees, 95 octane up 25 rupees, and diesel up 22 rupees.
Open source058
3 Mar 2026
Comment for RBC on the Fuel Crisis and Middle East Conflict
The author commented to RBC that a fuel crisis in Sri Lanka would only occur if Middle East hostilities are prolonged, which he considers unlikely.
Open source059
2 Mar 2026
Fuel Queue Panic Easing, Supply Is Available
Queues at petrol stations have reduced; news reports confirm fuel is available.
Open source060
1 Mar 2026
Minor Fuel Queue Panic After Strait Closure News
News of the Strait of Hormuz closure prompted Sri Lankans to rush to fuel stations, but queues are already easing; tourists skip the line.
Open source061
18 Feb 2026
Why Russia Is Not Investing in Sri Lanka
A brief comment explains that the lack of viable projects and poor investment climate account for weak Russian investment in Sri Lanka.
Open source062
9 Feb 2026
Russia Seeks Workers from Sri Lanka to Fill 11 Million Labour Shortage
Russia is actively recruiting workers from Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh to fill an 11 million labour shortage worsened by the war and a demographic crisis.
Open source063
5 Feb 2026
Wildberries Enters the Sri Lankan Market
Russian marketplace Wildberries is moving to enter the Sri Lankan market — details published on Retail.ru.
Open source064
4 Feb 2026
Russian Tourist Flow to Sri Lanka Drops by 20 Percent
In January 2026, the number of Russian tourists dropped by 20% year-on-year, and the UK overtook Russia in arrivals due to reduced flights and competition from Vietnam.
Open source065
3 Feb 2026
Sri Lanka Targets 3 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2026
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced a target of 3 million tourist arrivals in 2026 after a 2025 record of 2.36 million tourists generating $3.2 billion in revenue.
Open source066
26 Jan 2026
Nuwara Eliya Taxi Drivers Strike Against Pick Me Service
Taxi owners in Nuwara Eliya went on strike to protest against the operation of the ride-hailing app Pick Me in their city.
Open source067
18 Jan 2026
World's Largest Purple Star Sapphire Unveiled in Colombo
In Colombo, the natural purple star sapphire 'Star of Pure Land' weighing 3,536 carats was officially unveiled — the largest documented stone of its type, certified by the GIA.
Open source068
13 Jan 2026
Average Tourist Spending in Sri Lanka Falls to $148 per Day
Average tourist spending in Sri Lanka fell from $181 in 2018 to $148 per day, prompting authorities to plan development of the premium tourism segment.
Open source069
11 Jan 2026
Sri Lanka Named Cheapest Place to Live in Asia
International Living ranked Sri Lanka first globally for cheapest places to live in 2026, citing a beachside villa with a pool available for $385 per month.
Open source070
17 Dec 2025
Sri Lanka Rupee Falls to 313 per US Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee exchange rate against the US dollar has fallen to 313 rupees per dollar.
Open source071
14 Nov 2025
Rupee Falls to 309.5 per Dollar
The rupee fell to 309.5 per dollar and the stock market dropped 0.52% — the IMF previously stated it would review the 2026 budget before approving the next loan tranche.
Open source072
6 Nov 2025
Outdated Tourism Revenue Counting System
It has emerged that Sri Lanka's average tourist spend was calculated not from objective data but from airport surveys, casting doubt on the reliability of tourism statistics.
Open source073
3 Nov 2025
IMF revises Sri Lanka's 2026 growth forecast to 3.1%
The IMF revised Sri Lanka's 2026 growth forecast to 3.1%, noting the country's strong post-crisis recovery supported by the fund's reform program.
Open source074
3 Nov 2025
Old Sri Lankan rupees from 2005–2006: do you like them?
The author shows 2005–2006 rupees and invites readers to vote on whether the old or new banknotes are better.
Open source075
31 Oct 2025
Sri Lanka second most expensive in South Asia
According to SAARC, the average cost of living per person in Sri Lanka is $506 per month, the second highest in the region after the Maldives.
Open source076
20 Oct 2025
New 2000-rupee banknote in circulation
The author asks readers whether they have already come across the new 2000-rupee Sri Lankan banknote.
Open source077
1 Oct 2025
Russian Ambassador: Sanctions Hinder Tourism and Trade with Sri Lanka
The Russian ambassador to Sri Lanka stated that US sanctions block electronic transactions and limit the full potential of bilateral relations.
Open source078
23 Sept 2025
More Indian Tourists, Fewer Russians in August 2025
SLTDA August 2025 report: India up 40% year-on-year, Russia down 3.3%, China down 3.7%, Bangladesh broke into the top 10 with 56% growth.
Open source079
20 Sept 2025
Sri Lanka Lowered Its 2025 Tourist Arrival Forecast
SLTDA revised its 2025 tourist arrival forecast from 3 million to 2.6 million, but this figure would still be a historic record.
Open source080
19 Sept 2025
S&P Upgraded Sri Lanka's Credit Rating to CCC+
S&P upgraded Sri Lanka's credit rating to CCC+/C, noting political stability after the NPP's constitutional majority in the 2024 elections.
Open source081
16 Sept 2025
Sri Lanka GDP Grew 4.9% in Q2 2025
Sri Lanka's economy grew 4.9% in Q2 2025, marking positive growth for seven consecutive quarters.
Open source082
29 Aug 2025
Central Bank of Sri Lanka Issues New 2000-Rupee Banknote
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued 50 million new banknotes of 2,000 rupees denomination.
Open source083
25 Jul 2025
Mattala Airport Seeks New Investors
A new tender has been announced for the development of the loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport after a deal with a Russian-Indian consortium collapsed due to US sanctions.
Open source084
6 Jul 2025
Tourism in Sri Lanka: Paradise for Sale
An article from Hi!! magazine examines the flip side of Sri Lanka's tourism boom, where a weak rupee attracts budget travelers but deepens social exclusion and erodes local communities.
Open source085
5 Jul 2025
VAT Refund Service Launched for Tourists at Colombo Airport
A VAT refund service for foreign tourists was officially launched at Bandaranaike International Airport to improve the visitor experience and boost economic growth.
Open source086
4 Jul 2025
Sri Lanka Customs Denies New Tax on Small Parcels
Sri Lanka Customs denied rumors of a new tax on small parcels, clarifying that the changes only ensure correct application of existing duties.
Open source087
2 Jul 2025
AliExpress Ceases Operations in Sri Lanka
A brief announcement that AliExpress is ceasing operations in Sri Lanka.
Open source088
29 Jun 2025
Sri Lanka Risks Losing the Russian Tea and Tourism Market
Jagath Chandrawansa warned that without a national strategy Sri Lanka risks losing the Russian tea market ($122M in 2023) and Russian tourists (13.6% of arrivals).
Open source089
24 Jun 2025
Russia Ranked Only 10th for Tourism Arrivals to Sri Lanka in May
SLTDA data for May 2025 shows Russia ranked 10th with a 2.5% share of 132,919 tourist arrivals, compared to 3rd place in May 2022.
Open source090
18 Jun 2025
Sri Lanka Considers Hotel Discounts for Russian Tourists
Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister said talks are underway on reducing hotel prices for Russian tourists during the upcoming winter season.
Open source091
17 Jun 2025
Russian Tourists Spend More Than Others in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Russian tourists spend an average of $200 per day, exceeding the average of $180.
Open source092
11 Jun 2025
Electricity tariffs raised by 15%
Sri Lanka's electricity tariffs have reportedly been raised by 15%.
Open source093
27 May 2025
Sri Lanka breaks record for tourist arrivals in a year
Sri Lanka reached 1 million tourist arrivals faster than ever before, as part of its plan to attract 3 million tourists in 2025.
Open source094
19 May 2025
Adventure tourism to grow to $2.1 billion by 2035
Sri Lanka's adventure tourism market is forecast to grow from $780 million in 2025 to $2.1 billion by 2035 at a 10.5% annual growth rate.
Open source095
11 May 2025
Ceylon Electricity Board considers 25–35% tariff hike
The Ceylon Electricity Board is considering raising electricity tariffs by 25–35%, according to the Sunday Times.
Open source096
5 May 2025
Sri Lanka tourism in 2024: 2.05 million tourists
Sri Lanka welcomed 2.05 million tourists in 2024 — India leads, while Russia loses market share despite a slight increase in absolute numbers.
Open source097
3 May 2025
Sri Lanka tourism: April figures still below 2018 peak
Despite a 17% year-on-year increase, April tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka are still 4% below the 2018 record — the author analyses official SLTDA data.
Open source098
28 Apr 2025
Sri Lanka must find its own path in tourism
The SLTDA chairman stated that Sri Lanka should not compete with Thailand and Malaysia in mass tourism but instead build a unique national brand.
Open source099
10 Apr 2025
Tourist flow drops: operators say Sri Lanka overpriced itself
A tourism operator representative said Sri Lanka overpriced itself and lost tourists to other destinations — 'greed leads to poverty'.
Open source100
1 Mar 2025
Fuel queues gone, situation back to normal
Fuel queues have disappeared and the situation is back to normal — peaceful island life can resume.
Open source101
1 Mar 2025
Queues at fuel stations: no shortage declared, but supplies running low
The fuel distributors' association stopped ordering new supplies, causing queues at stations in the South and Colombo, though the government denies a shortage.
Open source102
17 Feb 2025
Sri Lanka's 2025 budget highlights foreign investors
President Dissanayake presented the 2025 budget in parliament, with specific provisions highlighted for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.
Open source103
6 Feb 2025
January 2025 tourism record: 252,000 visitors
In January 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 252,761 foreign tourists — 21% more than a year earlier; the top source countries were India, Russia, and the UK.
Open source104
22 Nov 2024
Gazprombank warns of UnionPay card issues abroad
From 21 November, Gazprombank's UnionPay cards may stop working abroad — the bank recommends carrying cash.
Open source105
21 Nov 2024
Do Gazprombank cards work in Sri Lanka?
A subscriber asks about the usability of Gazprombank cards in Sri Lanka — a relevant question for Russian residents.
Open source106
19 Nov 2024
SriLankan Airlines cancels eight flights due to technical issues
SriLankan Airlines cancelled 8 flights due to technical problems and aircraft shortages, sparking passenger outrage.
Open source107
17 Nov 2024
SLMExchange sponsors the Island photo contest
Currency exchange service SLMExchange sponsored the contest, offering the winner commission-free currency exchange at the best rate for one week.
Open source108
13 Nov 2024
Warning about exchange rates in Sri Lanka
A brief warning for tourists: do not count on a good exchange rate when changing money at the airport or with informal exchangers.
Open source109
8 Nov 2024
Sri Lanka refuses to hand Mattala airport to Indian-Russian company
Sri Lanka's authorities refused to issue a licence for the management of Mattala airport to an Indian-Russian consortium due to legal obstacles.
Open source110
27 Oct 2024
SLT Cuts Fiber Prices Amid Starlink Competition Threat
Sri Lanka Telecom cut the price of 50 Mbps fiber internet to $26/month, fearing competition from the expected Starlink launch.
Open source111
19 Sept 2024
Volkswagen opens largest car assembly plant in South Asia
Sri Lanka's president inaugurated the Volkswagen plant in Kuliapitiya, the largest in South Asia, producing 25 vehicles daily and creating 2,000 jobs.
Open source112
13 Aug 2024
Starlink Licensed to Operate in Sri Lanka
Starlink has received an official license to operate in Sri Lanka.
Open source113
17 Jul 2024
Rosselkhozbank hints at restrictions
A short post hinting at restrictions or changes in Rosselkhozbank's operations.
Open source114
1 Jul 2024
Ceypetco fuel prices cut from midnight
Ceypetco cut petrol and diesel prices; the author also reports fuel shortage at gas stations on that day.
Open source115
28 May 2024
Rains Destroyed Crops: Vegetable Prices Spike Sharply
Due to prolonged rains, farmers have raised vegetable prices — limes up to 1,800 rupees, green chilli to 400 rupees and so on.
Open source116
26 Apr 2024
Mattala Airport Handed to Russian and Indian Companies
The loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport was handed to India's Shaurya Aeronautics and Russia's Airport Regions Management Company for 30 years.
Open source117
25 Mar 2024
McDonald's Closes All 12 Restaurants in Sri Lanka
McDonald's closed all 12 of its Sri Lanka restaurants after a legal dispute with the local franchisee over hygiene violations.
Open source118
21 Jan 2024
Carrot prices in Sri Lanka published alongside gold rates
A channel that tracks daily gold prices has started publishing carrot prices — an ironic comment on the vegetable's cost situation on the island.
Open source119
9 Jan 2024
Tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 exceeded forecasts
The 2023 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority report beat conservative forecasts; experts note the peak season has shifted by about a month.
Open source120
9 Dec 2023
Island-wide power outage hits Sri Lanka
A nationwide power outage struck Sri Lanka after lightning hit transformers and a major transmission line failed.
Open source121
4 Nov 2023
Litro Gas raises cooking gas cylinder prices
Litro Gas Lanka raised prices for all cylinder sizes: a 12.5-kg cylinder now costs 3,565 rupees — prices changed nine times during the year.
Open source122
2 Nov 2023
VAT to rise from 15% to 18% from 1 January 2024
The cabinet approved raising VAT from 15% to 18% and extending the tax to goods and services previously exempt.
Open source123
1 Nov 2023
Fuel prices revised from 1 November 2024
From 1 November, prices for 95-octane petrol, diesel, and kerosene rise, while 92-octane petrol becomes cheaper.
Open source124
20 Oct 2023
Sri Lanka electricity tariff increase from October 2023
PUCSL announced new electricity tariffs effective October 20, with fixed rates rising by approximately 18% across all consumption categories.
Open source125
11 Oct 2023
NITC 2023 conference: Sri Lanka's digital economy
The 41st National IT Conference opened in Colombo, initiated by President Wickremesinghe as part of the country's digital economy programme.
Open source126
9 Oct 2023
Monday, October 9: Unistream halts transfers to Sri Lanka
Morning digest with weather and important news: Unistream payment service has stopped money transfers to Sri Lanka.
Open source127
1 Sept 2023
Sri Lanka scraps fuel QR codes
Sri Lanka has abolished the fuel QR code rationing system that was introduced in August 2022 at the peak of the fuel crisis.
Open source128
3 Aug 2023
Post Bank UnionPay cards temporarily blocked abroad
Post Bank UnionPay cards are temporarily restricted for transactions abroad due to technical reasons — the bank advises withdrawing cash.
Open source129
29 Jul 2023
Granny Explains Crypto Wallets to Her Grandchildren
Continuation of the humorous 'granny letters' series: she explains how to store crypto and why the Telegram wallet is the most convenient option.
Open source130
25 Jul 2023
Dollar Rises Sharply Against Sri Lankan Rupee
News of a significant dollar rise against the rupee with the current rate and an invitation for economists to comment.
Open source131
24 Jul 2023
Granny Explains Crypto to Island Expats
A humorous letter from a 'grandmother' in St Petersburg about the difficulty of sending money to Sri Lanka and her attempts to understand cryptocurrency.
Open source132
21 Jul 2023
UnionPay Cards: Which Russian Banks Still Work Abroad
List of six Russian banks issuing UnionPay cards outside the SDN list, plus news of Tinkoff cards being blocked for Sri Lanka from a specific date.
Open source133
21 Jul 2023
Fuel Quotas to Increase Next Month
Minister Kanchana Wijesekara announced an increase in fuel quotas and a revised six-month fuel supply plan.
Open source134
15 Jul 2023
New Colombo–Jaffna flights and push to adopt Indian rupee
Cinnamon Air has launched regular Colombo–Jaffna flights, and President Wickremesinghe expressed intent to use the Indian rupee alongside the dollar.
Open source135
10 Jul 2023
Thai Air Asia resumes Bangkok–Colombo flights
Thai Air Asia has resumed regular Bangkok–Colombo flights: the first flight arrived on July 9 carrying 134 passengers.
Open source136
1 Jul 2023
New petrol and cigarette prices, inflation drops 12%
Petrol and cigarette prices rose on the island, which will likely raise tuk-tuk fares, while inflation dropped sharply by 12%.
Open source137
30 Jun 2023
Minimum room rates for Sri Lanka hotels from August 2023
The government introduces minimum room rates from August 1, 2023: from $80 for three-star to $130 for five-star hotels.
Open source138
27 Jun 2023
World Bank approves $500 million support for Sri Lanka
The World Bank approved the largest budget-support tranche for Sri Lanka since the IMF deal — $500 million in two disbursements.
Open source139
22 Jun 2023
Parade of Lankan-Made Vehicles in Colombo
Colombo hosted a parade of over 150 vehicles manufactured in Sri Lanka, including, as it turned out, bicycles.
Open source140
29 May 2023
Fuel Quotas to Increase from June
Sri Lanka's Minister of Energy announced on Twitter that fuel quotas will be increased starting June 2023.
Open source141
18 May 2023
Rupee Falls Below 300 Per US Dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee has strengthened, falling below 300 per US dollar according to the Central Bank's data.
Open source142
11 May 2023
Channel Seeks Best Currency Exchange Service for Rupees
The channel's editorial team invites subscribers to share their currency exchange services for an independent review of rates, convenience, and guarantees.
Open source143
20 Apr 2023
What is depicted on Sri Lanka's banknotes
A detailed breakdown of the imagery on Lankan banknotes: birds, butterflies, bridges, power stations, and traditional dancers on denominations from 20 to 100 rupees.
Open source144
5 Apr 2023
QR-Code Fuel Quotas Increased for the New Year Season
The Ministry of Energy increased QR-code fuel quotas for the New Year season, with cars and vans now allocated 30 litres each.
Open source145
28 Mar 2023
Fuel Station Queues Form as Owners Await Government Price Cut
Queues at Sri Lankan fuel stations are explained by owners delaying fuel orders while awaiting the price cut by April 1 promised by the Energy Minister.
Open source146
28 Mar 2023
Sri Lanka's Top 3 Exports: Tea, Brassieres, and Underwear
The morning digest notes that Sri Lanka's top exports are tea (10.4%), brassieres (5.17%), and underwear (5.06%).
Open source147
22 Mar 2023
Sri Lanka's agriculture: export share and textiles
From the morning digest: as of 2008, agriculture accounts for 20% of exports and textiles for 63%; WTO clothing quotas were lifted in 2005, benefiting China.
Open source148
21 Mar 2023
IMF approves $2.9 billion aid package for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved an Extended Fund Facility program for Sri Lanka worth up to $7 billion to stabilize the economy and attract investors.
Open source149
20 Mar 2023
Global oil prices fall — fuel in Sri Lanka may get cheaper
Oil prices hit a 15-month low after US bank collapses, which could lead to lower fuel prices on the island.
Open source150
15 Mar 2023
Mass Strikes in Sri Lanka Over Tax Reforms
Sri Lanka faces simultaneous strikes by doctors, railway workers, university lecturers, and air traffic controllers protesting tax reforms.
Open source151
9 Mar 2023
Sri Lanka rupee may hit record low by end of 2023
Fitch Solutions forecasts the Sri Lankan rupee weakening to a record 390 per dollar by end of 2023, despite hopes for an IMF programme.
Open source152
4 Mar 2023
Sharp rupee appreciation: exchange rate drops to 330-340 per dollar
The Sri Lankan rupee sharply appreciated to 330-340 per dollar, linked to IMF loan conditions, interest rate changes and the approaching Sinhala New Year.
Open source153
28 Feb 2023
Sri Lanka met its tourism target for February
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando announced that over 100,000 tourists visited the island in February, meeting the optimistic forecast.
Open source154
27 Feb 2023
QR Codes at Sri Lanka Fuel Stations Being Phased Out from April 10
From April 10, the QR code system at Sri Lanka's fuel stations introduced during the fuel crisis is being phased out.
Open source155
22 Feb 2023
Sri Lanka to Scrap Fuel QR Codes Within 3-4 Months
Energy Minister Kanchana announced the fuel QR-code system will be scrapped within three to four months once the supply chain is reorganised.
Open source156
17 Feb 2023
Power cuts ended: electricity tariff to rise by 66%
The Energy Minister announced an end to power cuts from February 16 following a tariff revision — an increase of 66%.
Open source157
11 Feb 2023
Exchange pause: when your currency changer runs out of cash
The humorous term 'exchange pause' describes when your money changer has no cash, with a tip for the best exchange rate.
Open source