💰 The Economy
📰 Sri Lanka’s tourism sector surges to new heights in 2025
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has recorded an impressive start to 2025, with 252,761 visitors arriving
in January. This record surpasses the previous record of 238,924 visitors set in 2018.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/27hj28j6

📰 Sri Lanka to import coconut kernel products to address shortage
The Government has approved measures to import coconut kernel products and dried coconut
pieces to support local industries and consumers amid a coconut production shortfall.
Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved importing the equivalent of 200 million coconuts to
stabilize the market and sustain coconut-based industries.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/y2j7vpbx

⚖ Politics & Policy
📰 Board of Investment (BOI) targets USD 2 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025
BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath announced that the institution aims to attract USD 2 billion in FDI
in 2025. He further indicated that at least USD 1 billion is expected to be secured within the
first half of the year.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/46xj48tb

📰 Sri Lanka moves closer to finalising debt restructuring with Japan
Sri Lanka has taken a major step towards finalising its debt restructuring process with Japan,
with the Cabinet of Ministers approving the signing of exchange notes and an amended
agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on 03 February.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/rn46bnnz

📰 National Water Supply and Drainage Board considers water tariff reduction
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said that steps will be taken to reduce
water tariffs by 10-30 percent in the near future. A NWSDB spokesperson expressed that the
Board is considering a tariff reduction in line with the recent decrease in electricity rates.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/ypsmvk5k

📰 President to visit UAE to attend ‘World Government Summit 2025’
President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka will undertake a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
from 10 to 13 February 2025 at the invitation of the President of the UAE Mohamed Bin Zayed
Al Nahyan to participate in the ‘World Government Summit 2025’.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4x9f2c6m

📰 Coalition of industry bodies call for immediate action on Colombo Port congestion
Twenty-nine joint chambers and associations have come together to propose urgent solutions
and recommendations aimed at mitigating the impact on the nation’s economy, in response to
the escalating port congestion crisis at the Colombo Port. The coalition has also highlighted the
severe repercussions of the congestion, including delays for exporters, missed shipping
opportunities, and increased processing costs.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/6uffxd9p

📰 EDB, IFC and EU collaborate to launch Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative 2025
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), has commenced the Sri Lanka Export Excellence
Initiative (SLEEI) 2025. Supported under EU’s regional initiative ‘Accelerating Climate Smart
and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)’ as part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy,
the SLEII is a strategic initiative to enhance the export capabilities of Sri Lankan SMEs.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4jebp9ee

📰 UAE expresses interest to invest in Sri Lanka’s energy sector
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody, met with the Ambassador of the UAE to Sri
Lanka, Khaled Nasser AlAmeri, to discuss bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, the
Ambassador expressed the UAE’s interest in investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly
in the energy sector.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/44d47av5

⁉ What you need to know
📰 Industry veteran Saifuddin Jafferjee re-elected Chairman of JAAF at AGM
The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) held its 21st AGM on 27 January in Colombo.
Reappointed Chairperson Saifuddin Jafferjee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead
the industry once again, and noted the industry’s recovery, surpassing USD 5 billion in exports,
crediting the resilience and dedication of industry leaders and teams.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/5e72vvcw

📰 Teejay Lanka delivers resilient growth in Q3 amidst dynamic market conditions
Teejay Group announced a Year-to-Date (YTD) Profit after Tax of LKR 1.9 billion for Q3 of
FY2024/25, marking a remarkable 234 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/33z5ahmk

📰 Hirdaramani unveils proposed ‘Diya Arana’ Wetland
Hirdaramani Apparel recently unveiled ‘Diya Arana’, a proposed wetland located at the
Hirdaramani Ja-Ela (Washing) facility’s premises. ‘Diya Arana’ is planned for completion in
February 2026, coinciding with World Wetlands Day.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/ykz8b6zs

Disclaimer – This Advisory is intended for circulation among JAAF stakeholders only. Please do
not circulate or share on social media. The Advisory includes economic, political, social and
governance perspectives. It draws on news reports, analyses, Government announcements and
documents, and other sources that we may be in contact with or have access to. This Advisory
was prepared by the Strategic Communications Unit of Adfactors PR Lanka. For inquiries,
contact sarah.muiz@adfactorspr.com