Sri Lanka’s tea industry, the lifeblood of its rural economy and a global symbol of national pride, is facing a defining moment. The Tea Research Institute (TRI) has called for sweeping reforms—blending climate adaptation with Geographical Indication (GI) certification—to safeguard the future of Ceylon Tea amid mounting environmental and market challenges.

Speaking at the “Perspectives on Geographical Indications in Sri Lanka” forum in Colombo, TRI Deputy Director of Research (Production) Dr. Shyamantha Bandara said the industry must urgently shift toward climate-smart and sustainable cultivation models. He warned that Sri Lanka, ranked among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, is already witnessing yield declines caused by erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.

“With nearly one million livelihoods tied to the tea sector, our future depends on innovation,” Dr. Bandara noted. Sri Lanka’s tea production, which reached about 262 million kilograms in 2024, must rise to 400 million kilograms to sustain export growth. However, he cautioned that achieving this goal requires modernised cultivation systems, advanced technology, and better soil and water management.

To adapt, the TRI is promoting shade management, improved irrigation systems, and intercropping methods such as tea-and-coconut cultivation. Dr. Bandara highlighted the potential of micro-irrigation a system successfully used in other tea-producing countries—to reduce water stress and ensure yield stability. He added that such methods should align with GI standards to strengthen sustainability credentials and market differentiation.

GI certification, which legally protects products linked to specific regions, has become a crucial strategy for global competitiveness. Following the success of Ceylon Cinnamon’s European Union (EU) GI recognition, the Tea Board and its French partners are working to secure similar protection for Ceylon Tea. “GI certification enhances traceability, prevents mislabelling, and ensures authenticity critical for maintaining trust in international markets,” Dr. Bandara explained.

He also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s tea production costs are among the highest globally, leaving limited room for price competition. Instead, the country must leverage quality and heritage through GI certification to justify premium pricing and strengthen its international reputation.

Dr. Bandara further called for institutional coordination to modernise certification frameworks and integrate digital traceability tools to meet global standards. “We must view GI as a bridge between our producers and global consumers, enhancing transparency and market access,” he said.

The Colombo forum, co-organised by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), concluded the Ceylon Tea GI project supported by the French Agency for Development.

As climate pressures intensify, the TRI’s message is clear: without urgent innovation and GI-backed sustainability, Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea risks losing its competitive edge in an increasingly uncertain global market.

India’s latest proposal to allow Sri Lankan entities to issue bonds in Indian Rupees (INR) marks a bold shift in regional financial diplomacy one that could redefine Sri Lanka’s access to credit while also raising questions over economic sovereignty and long-term fiscal risk.

Announced by Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Dr. Satyanjal Pandey at the ‘Bridging Borders II’ dialogue in Colombo, the move aims to enable both government and private sector entities in Sri Lanka to raise capital through INR-denominated bonds. Dr. Pandey described it as a “long-term vision” built on “deepening trust” between the two neighbours.

The proposal’s appeal is clear. Issuing INR bonds would give Sri Lanka and its corporates access to a wider investor base in India  the world’s fastest-growing major economy  while reducing dependence on costly dollar borrowings. With the rupee gaining regional prominence and India’s bond market offering high liquidity, the initiative could help Colombo diversify funding channels, lower borrowing costs, and mitigate exchange rate risks that have plagued the country’s external debt.

Yet, beneath the optimism lie considerable complexities. India’s own capital account is not fully convertible, meaning cross-border issuance in INR would require significant regulatory reforms by the Reserve Bank of India. Dr. Pandey acknowledged these “steep challenges,” including potential rupee volatility and compliance constraints under India’s external commercial borrowing rules.

Critics in Colombo also warn that greater financial alignment with India may deepen dependency and limit policy autonomy. With nearly 65% of Sri Lanka’s trade already tied to India, further financial integration could make the economy more susceptible to rupee-driven shocks. Moreover, if rupee depreciation occurs, Sri Lankan issuers could face repayment risks similar to those triggered by dollar fluctuations in the past.

Still, the timing is strategic. Sri Lanka’s economy, emerging from its worst crisis in decades, has begun to stabilize recording 5% growth in 2024 and regaining modest investor confidence after successful debt restructuring. The IMF has repeatedly urged Colombo to broaden funding options while maintaining fiscal discipline, and the INR bond route could serve that purpose.

Dr. Pandey also hinted at broader regional implications, suggesting that India’s regulators consider allowing INR bond financing for sustainable and infrastructure projects across South Asia. He pointed to the GIFT City model where DFCC Bank has already raised US$8 million  as a proof of concept.

As policymakers weigh the opportunity, the initiative stands as both a promise and a test: whether Sri Lanka can harness India’s growing financial clout to rebuild stability, without surrendering too much of its own economic independence.

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, while encouraging on paper, remains on a precarious footing as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) renews its call for deeper fiscal discipline and urgent State-owned enterprise (SOE) reforms. Despite visible progress under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the country continues to walk a fine line between stabilisation and slippage.

At the IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook briefing, Asia-Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan and Deputy Director Thomas Helbling painted a cautiously optimistic picture. They noted that the economy, after contracting sharply in 2022, rebounded with a robust 5% GDP growth in 2024 and is projected to expand by around 4.2% in 2025. However, Sri Lanka’s potential growth remains capped at roughly 3%, signalling that without structural change, the recovery could quickly lose steam.

Helbling stressed that fiscal consolidation curbing the budget deficit and ensuring SOE viability—is central to sustaining this recovery. “Ensuring the financial viability of SOEs and mitigating fiscal risks will be crucial for sustaining these benefits,” he warned. The IMF’s advice comes amid mounting fiscal pressures: public debt remains above 120% of GDP, while interest payments consume nearly 40% of government revenue.

SOE reform remains one of the most politically and economically challenging fronts. Many state enterprises, including those in energy, transport, and utilities, continue to post significant losses, costing the Treasury billions each year. The IMF noted that reforms in cost-recovery pricing—particularly in electricity and fuel are ongoing, but warned that delays could reverse recent gains in macroeconomic stability.

Srinivasan commended Sri Lanka for making “significant progress compared to a few years ago,” but cautioned that the hardest part lies ahead. “The country has already done the difficult part by continuing with reforms, you will continue to see the benefits,” he said.

The Fund also emphasized the need for stronger institutional frameworks particularly in public investment management and fiscal transparency to prevent the re-emergence of governance weaknesses that contributed to the 2022 crisis.

As the Government faces growing social pressures from rising living costs and calls for increased public spending, maintaining fiscal restraint poses a political challenge. Any deviation from the IMF’s reform roadmap could risk disbursement delays or renewed market instability.

For now, the IMF remains supportive but firm: Sri Lanka’s fragile recovery hinges on consistent reform execution, disciplined budgeting, and political resolve. Without these, the country’s hard-won macroeconomic stability could once again be at risk

Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernandoyesterday said that irresponsible borrowings following the end of the war in 2009 had prevented Sri Lanka from achieving sustained economic growth, as much of the borrowed funds had not been directed into productive economic channels.

Speaking at the Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 International Maritime Summit, which brought together global experts, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape the country’s blue economy, Dr. Fernando noted that while some economic growth was visible in 2010, it was not sustainable due to poor investment decisions.

“You may see some growth in economic development in 2010, but it was not sustainable, because most of the borrowing had not gone into productive economic channels,” he said.

Dr. Fernando emphasized that Sri Lankans are capable of contributing meaningfully to development, but structural missteps and poor financial decisions had hindered progress. “Opportunities alone don’t bring change. What we need is action — and that includes committed Government intervention,” he added.

Highlighting the Government’s proactive role in economic facilitation, he said, “Our mandate is to look at everything carefully and support investors. This is not politicisation – it’s facilitation.”

He further clarified that while political engagement is necessary to support investment, politicisation — or intervening to maximize private interests — will not be tolerated.

The Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 Summit aims to foster collaboration and unlock new opportunities for development in key sectors such as ship repair, shipbuilding and boatbuilding, offshore services and energy, and marine tourism — all identified as critical drivers of export growth and technological advancement in the maritime domain.

Sri Lanka has entered into a USD 100 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance the country’s health sector, the Ministry of Finance announced.

The agreement was signed by Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma on behalf of Sri Lanka, and ADB Country Director Takafumi Kadono representing the Asian Development Bank.

According to the Ministry, the funds—provided through ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources window—will support the implementation of the National Strategic Framework for Health Services Development, focusing on improving the efficiency and quality of secondary healthcare services as the first point of referral care. The initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s progress toward universal health coverage.

In addition to the loan, the package includes an externally financed grant of USD 6.9 million from the Pandemic Fund, provided under a Results-Based Lending approach. This grant component is expected to support measures that enhance the health system’s resilience and preparedness for future public health emergencies.

The National Operations Council for the “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” convened for the first time yesterday (17) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to implement a comprehensive national program aimed at eradicating the growing drug menace in Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” initiative—declared a top national priority—was formally approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on October 13, following a proposal presented by President Dissanayake. The newly established National Operations Council has been tasked with coordinating and driving the program’s implementation.

During its inaugural session, the Council discussed key areas of action including dismantling drug trafficking networks, rehabilitating drug addicts, mobilizing public participation, and engaging community organizations and media to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

President Dissanayake, outlining the main objective of the Council, emphasized that the drug crisis has evolved into a national socio-economic disaster, endangering the lives and futures of the country’s youth and schoolchildren. He stressed that eradicating the drug menace requires a unified effort that combines law enforcement, rehabilitation, education, and public cooperation.

The President further noted that the “Ratama Ekata – National Operation” will serve as a coordinated platform bringing together government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to build a drug-free nation.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today praised India’s Neighbourhood First policy, describing it as a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation that has benefitted all neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi under the theme “Steering Change in Uncertain Times,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya said, “India’s rise, coupled with its inclusive approach, provides an anchor of stability. For Sri Lanka, this partnership embodies a shared belief that we achieve more and rise stronger when we rise together.”

She expressed deep gratitude for India’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, calling it a moment that “redefined leadership.”
“India’s support at our hour of need is remembered and deeply valued by our people,” she said, recalling India’s $500 million line of credit for fuel purchases and a $1 billion facility for essential imports including food and medicine during the crisis.

Amarasuriya, who studied at Hindu College, Delhi in the 1990s, reflected on her student days, saying that returning to India now felt like “coming full circle.”
“In 1991, I was a student here navigating a period of change. Returning now, I have seen India transform into a vibrant country of 1.4 billion,” she said.

During her first official visit to India, Amarasuriya also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.

Referring to Sri Lanka’s path of recovery after the crisis, she said the country has emerged with “a clear mandate for a forward-looking Sri Lanka.”
“We have restructured our debt and we are digitising the public structure,” she noted, emphasizing resilience amid economic and political challenges.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined key areas for India-Sri Lanka collaboration — including trade, regional connectivity, renewable energy, and Indian Ocean security.
“It is very important that India-Sri Lanka relations, especially in trade and investment, must not be seen as a zero-sum game,” she said.

Highlighting economic ties, Amarasuriya noted that India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, leading investor, and top tourism source, while Sri Lankan investments in India — particularly in the apparel sector — employ around 20,000 Indians, mostly women from rural Andhra Pradesh.

She added that Sri Lanka aims to become a maritime hub for the Indian Ocean, offering a cost-effective gateway for global trade, complementing India’s regional growth ambitions.

“As India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, Sri Lanka can serve as a complementary production base — especially in textiles, electronics, and food processing,” she said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to tourism as a major growth frontier, offering opportunities in hospitality, infrastructure, and new travel experiences.

“Our two nations share more than geography — we share a destiny. Together, we can chart a future of inclusive growth and regional prosperity,” Amarasuriya concluded.