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On the Brink: Sri Lanka's Exporters Confront Surging Costs and ... - WWD
Alarmed by the rapidly shifting global situation, exporters in Colombo are bracing themselves. On Day 32 of the Middle East conflict, the fallout continues to ripple across economies far beyond the immediate region. It is being felt sharply in Sri Lanka as well. Fuel prices have surged by 35 percent, while electricity costs are set to rise by an average of 10 percent on April 1, implemented across different consumption slabs. In a bid to manage limited resources, the government has mandated a four-day work week, designating Wednesdays as public holidays. Fuel and electricity rationing measures are already in place, extending even to operational limits on air conditioning systems, which must be shut down by 3 p.m. in government and affiliated institutions. Disappointing too was the loss of two major events planned this March to bring global players in close connect with manufacturers, and an occasion to highlight the gains in the industry in 2025. The two-day Cascale forum, scheduled to open on March 30, and an Investors Forum organized by the Board of Investment for the same day, were both postponed amid mounting logistical challenges. Exporters said that the decision reflected the gravity of the situation; postponing the events was unavoidable. Renuka Weerakone, director general of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, noted that while the events were expected to attract a large number of global participants, travel disruptions—especially the widespread cancellation of flights from the Middle East—made it impractical to proceed as planned. “A lot of global players and dignitaries were coming here, but connectivity was becoming a major issue due to the high number of flight cancellations,” she told Sourcing Journal. Smaller delegations have still managed to visit, she added, emphasizing that the investment forum has not been cancelled, but postponed. It is now expected to be combined with Sri Lanka Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from June 18 to 21, 2026. Meanwhile, the Cascale event has been rescheduled for March 17-18, 2027. “This decision follows a thoughtful review of ongoing disruptions to international travel and safety concerns affecting many of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and staff. Ensuring the safety of everyone involved remains our top priority,” Cascale organizers said in a statement. Export data for the last two months show a worrying downturn. Apparel exports to the European Union declined by over 19 percent in February, wh...
DFCC Bank engages export sector as global trade conditions grow more ...
The DFCC Bank panel comprised senior representatives from key business areas, including (second from left) Senior Vice President – Head of Treasury Prins Perera, Vice President – Head of Business Banking Pradeep De Alwis, Vice President – Trade Services Prasanna Premaratne and Assistant Vice President Business Banking Jude Muttiah. The session was moderated by Assistant Manager Business Banking. Koushall Vian (extreme left) DFCC Bank said Sri Lanka’s export sector is operating under increasingly complex global trade conditions, with currency volatility, payment risks, and shifting market dynamics reshaping how businesses approach growth, following its participation in recent industry discussions at the Export Acceleration Program hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Sri Lanka’s exporters are adjusting to a different kind of global environment. Costs are less predictable, currencies are moving faster, and trade routes are no longer as stable as they once were. Growth remains on the table, but it is now accompanied by more questions than before. These realities came into sharper focus at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce earlier this month, where the Export Acceleration Program brought together exporters, bankers, and industry stakeholders over two days of discussion. DFCC Bank participated in the program, contributing to conversations that quickly moved beyond theory and into the practical challenges businesses are navigating today. What began as a capacity-building workshop evolved into a more grounded dialogue, reflecting a noticeable shift in how the export landscape is being understood. One theme emerged consistently: foreign exchange is no longer something managed in the background. It has moved firmly to the forefront of decision-making. Currency movements are sharper, timing is more critical, and the cost of misjudgment is significantly higher. Payment risk has also become a more pressing concern. Exporters are experiencing longer settlement timelines, particularly in less familiar markets, while counterparty risk has become harder to assess. In some cases, transactions are being restructured simply to create greater certainty around when, or whether, payments will be received. There is still appetite for growth, and that has not changed. However, the way companies are approaching expansion has become more measured. Businesses are moving more selectively, weighing opportunities against currency exposure, compliance requirements, and working capital...
Gulf Crisis Casts Shadow over Sri Lanka Tea Exports
The Gulf crisis could lead to shipping disruptions, higher freight costs, and currency volatility all of which would pressure export margins. For an industry already grappling with declining dollar returns, this could prove challenging. The immediate future will likely depend on how effectively exporters can pivot.
Sri Lanka: Garment exporters face continued uncertainty as fuel ...
"On the Brink: Sri Lanka's Exporters Confront Surging Costs and Global Turmoil", 31 March 2026 Alarmed by the rapidly shifting global situation, exporters in Colombo are bracing themselves. On Day 32 of the Middle East conflict, the fallout...is being felt sharply in Sri Lanka... Fuel prices have surged by 35 percent, while electricity costs are set to rise by an average of 10 percent on ...
