💰 The Economy
📰 Sri Lanka’s exports surge 6 percent to USD 5.5 billion in first four months of 2025
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) states that during the first four months of 2025,
the country’s export earnings have increased to USD 5.5 billion. This indicates a 6.09 percent
increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/zkwcefue

📰 Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka surpass 1 million in 2025
According to the latest data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA),
1,006,097 foreign nationals arrived in the country as of 25 May 2025. The SLTDA highlighted
that, unlike in 2024 when the one-million mark was reached in June, this milestone has been
achieved within the first five months of 2025. Additionally, 109,213 tourist arrivals were
recorded during the first 25 days of May.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4wwvmj3w

⚖ Politics & Policy
📰 Ministry of Labour summons stakeholders over Katunayake apparel factory closure
A special discussion was held at the Ministry of Labour, chaired by Deputy Minister of Labour
Mahinda Jayasinghe, to address the sudden closure of the ‘NEXT’ apparel factory in the
Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ). Following preliminary discussions, the Commissioner
General of Labour Nadeeka Wataliyadda confirmed that the Company’s management as well as
union representatives would be summoned on 30 May to determine appropriate action under
labour regulations.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/27ex7z4s

📰 Sri Lankan delegation to visit US for second round of tariff discussion

A high-level Sri Lankan delegation is scheduled to engage in discussions in Washington on tariff-
related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade

Representative (USTR), the Office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on 23
May. This meeting marks the second in-person engagement as part of ongoing efforts to enhance
bilateral trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/2ye93rpa

📰 Sri Lanka and China to sign deal to strengthen Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Sri Lanka and China are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week to
strengthen bilateral cooperation in support of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the Cabinet has
approved the establishment of a joint working group to facilitate and promote smoother
bilateral trade between the two countries.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4dcx2w4x

📰 UK trade envoy set to meet Government officials to discuss economic reform and investment opportunities
The UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton, is undertaking an
official visit to Colombo from 25 – 28 May. During the visit, Lord Hannett is scheduled to hold

high-level discussions with key Government officials, including representatives of the Export
Development Board (EDB).
Link: https://tinyurl.com/3k97w4wb

📰 President Anura Kumara Dissanayake prioritizes export-led economic growth
Demonstrating a clear commitment to accelerating export growth, President Anura Kumara
Dissanayake convened a high-level meeting with senior Government officials and private sector
representatives to identify key challenges and formulate actionable solutions. The discussion
focused on the Government’s strategic direction to enhance domestic production capabilities
and advance Sri Lanka’s transition towards an export-oriented economy.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/5n6x9ajw

📰 Sri Lanka welcomes China’s Minister of Commerce for high-level discussions
China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, arrived in Colombo on 28 May, accompanied by
a high-level business delegation comprising 115 representatives from 77 Chinese companies.
During his visit, Minister Wang is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at a high-profile
business forum and hold meetings with the President, senior Government leaders, and key
Cabinet Ministers.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4e7mve2v

!? What you need to know
📰 Apparel exports gain positive momentum in April
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports recorded a strong performance in April, with total exports rising by
15.14 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the Joint Apparel Association
Forum (JAAF).
Link: https://tinyurl.com/5v8bswcd

📰 NEXT closure highlights urgent need for cost reforms
Following the sudden closure of NEXT Manufacturing’s production facility in the Katunayake
Export Processing Zone, JAAF, has called for urgent and collaborative action within the industry
to address the rising operational costs threatening the sector’s long-term sustainability. JAAF
Secretary General Yohan Lawrence reaffirmed the Forum’s position on the need to align local
utility and labour costs with regional benchmarks to preserve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in
the global apparel industry.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/5936muvf

📰 Stakeholders validate apparel curriculum for persons with disabilities
A diverse group of stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, vocational training institutions,
Government agencies, disability organizations, and international development partners
convened at the NH Collection Colombo recently for a national workshop to validate an inclusive
apparel manufacturing curriculum for persons with disabilities (PwDs). Titled ‘Inclusive
Threads: Validating Apparel Manufacturing Curriculum at Vocational Training Institutes’, the
workshop marked a significant milestone in an ILO-supported initiative to promote inclusive
skills development and decent work.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/4hsb5xsb

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.This Advisory was prepared by the Strategic Communications Unit of
Adfactors PR Lanka. For inquiries, contact sarah.muiz@adfactorspr.com