Cyclone Ditwah is expected to push Sri Lanka’s inflation higher due to damage to agriculture and disruptions in supply chains. Analysts warn the rupee may weaken further as the country increases imports of essential goods. The LKR has already depreciated 1.3% in the past month amid low forex liquidity and higher import demand.

Sri Lanka’s interest rates have risen in October as banks increased deposit collection amid strong loan demand, despite earlier rate cuts and controversial liquidity injections by the central bank. Analysts warn that recent monetary practices risk repeating past currency crises, especially as the rupee weakened again in 2025. The post-Cyclone Ditwah recovery adds uncertainty, with the government planning major spending and expecting IMF and World Bank support.

Cyclone Ditwah caused about US$4.1 billion in direct physical damage across Sri Lanka, affecting all 25 districts, around 2 million people, and nearly 500,000 households, making it one of the worst disasters in recent history. The infrastructure sector was the hardest hit, accounting for 42% of losses (US$1.735 billion), followed by housing (US$985 million) and agriculture (US$814 million), with the Central Province — especially Kandy — suffering the most severe impacts.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the government is strengthening Sri Lanka’s export sector by streamlining trade facilitation, customs procedures, investment approvals, and improving export facilities, while ensuring stability, transparency, and accountability. Speaking at the 27th Presidential Export Awards 2024/25, she highlighted the challenges exporters faced from global disruptions, natural disasters like the Ditwah cyclone, and past policy inconsistencies, and

Sri Lanka’s economy grew 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, marking a continued recovery from its recent financial crisis, led mainly by strong industrial expansion. Growth was broad-based, with industry, agriculture, and services all contributing, despite disruptions caused by severe flooding and cyclone damage in late November. Authorities remain cautiously optimistic, supported by an IMF bailout programme and emergency funding, though risks to growth persist i

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Thushari Tennakoon has urged motorists to avoid nighttime travel to Nuwara Eliya due to heightened landslide risks following recent adverse weather. A fresh earth mound collapse on the Gampola–Nuwara Eliya main road in Katukithula underscores ongoing road instability. She confirmed that all necessary relief measures have been provided to affected residents and dismissed claims questioning the government’s response as unfounded.

The Prime Minister visited the University of Peradeniya to assess severe flood damage estimated at over Rs. 6 billion, which affected major faculties, IT facilities, laboratories, and student infrastructure. She praised the successful evacuation of students and the support from the Army, Disaster Management Centre, and local donors during the crisis. The Government pledged full assistance, directing authorities to restore essential services, repair buildings, strengthen early

Sri Lanka’s stock market fell 3.04% as Cyclone Ditwah triggered heavy selling, though construction stocks rose on expectations of rebuilding demand. Analysts say investors are cautious and the downward trend is likely to continue. Across Asia, markets moved mixed, with Japan declining, Pakistan rising, and India slipping due to cyclone impacts and trade uncertainties.

Sri Lanka is confronting one of the most catastrophic disasters in its modern history as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah rises to 479, with more than 350 people still missing.

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are facing devastating floods that have killed more than 1,100 people and displaced millions, prompting large-scale military rescue operations. Indonesia and Sri Lanka are the worst affected, with blocked roads, damaged infrastructure, and missing persons complicating relief efforts. Authorities across the region warn that climate-driven extreme weather is intensifying these disasters, while schools, homes, and public services rema

Sri Lanka’s Kandy district has been hit by severe landslides triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, leaving several areas buried under earth and debris. Rescue teams are still searching for missing residents as unstable, rain-soaked slopes pose a high risk of additional collapses. Authorities warn that worsening weather conditions could further complicate relief efforts across the central province.

Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved moving forward with the process to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), beginning with completing a formal questionnaire from the trade bloc. Membership would require the country to gradually eliminate tariffs on 85–90% of goods, unlocking access to larger export markets and global supply chains. The questionnaire, issued in October 2024, must be completed before January 1, 2026, to continue Sri Lanka’s accession proces

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