08/07/2026
Happy Wednesday – Morning Market Summary
🏡 Local Highlights
• IMF Revenue Reforms: The IMF reviewed Sri Lanka's revenue reform progress with government officials, signaling continued focus on improving tax administration under the IMF program.
https://tinyurl.com/yc6rebpj
• Foreign Investment: Foreign investors recorded a net purchase of US$3 million in Sri Lankan government securities as the rupee continued to stabilize.
https://tinyurl.com/k8kp7au8
• Digital Connectivity: Dialog Enterprise will provide fibre internet services to Prime Lands' new apartment project in Peliyagoda.
https://tinyurl.com/ev52pusa
• Insurance Sector: Sanasa Life's registration has been reinstated by the insurance regulator after a seven-month suspension, subject to compliance with regulatory conditions.
https://tinyurl.com/39k32ve9
• Digital Payments: Sampath Bank launched Google Pay support for Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cardholders.
https://tinyurl.com/zu6zu2ad
• Port Policy: The Government confirmed there are no plans to privatize or lease the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port.
https://tinyurl.com/bdzm9cj6
• Property Market: Colombo condominium prices rose 18.5% YoY in Q1 2026, while sales volumes declined 15.2%, indicating softer demand despite higher prices.
• Foreign Reserves: CBSL recorded a net purchase of US$70.8 million from the domestic forex market in June, supporting reserve accumulation.
https://tinyurl.com/t4we956d
• Taxation: Businesses are seeking clearer guidance on VAT calculations for transactions conducted through online marketplaces.
https://tinyurl.com/3jajr7c4
🌏 Global Highlight
• US-Iran Tensions: The US resumed military strikes on Iran following attacks in the Hormuz Strait, raising concerns over renewed geopolitical tensions and potential impacts on global energy markets.
https://tinyurl.com/3be9ekuw
Peace talks are tested as the U.S. says it hit 80 military targets, while Iran launched missiles and drones at Bahrain and Kuwait.