Sri Lanka Export Earnings Surpass US$9 Billion in 2026

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board reported that total export earnings reached an estimated US$9.01 billion in the first half of 2026, an 8% year-on-year increase. Merchandise exports accounted for US$7.07 billion of this total, while services exports contributed US$1.94 billion.

Growth was driven by a 123.48% surge in electrical and electronic components and a 17.63% rise in ICT/BPM exports. However, the country saw declines in its traditional apparel and tea exports. India surpassed the United Kingdom to become the second-largest destination for Sri Lankan exports.

In a related economic move on July 21, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka held the Overnight Policy Rate at 8.75%. The bank cited supply-driven inflation and economic pressures stemming from Middle East tensions as reasons for the decision, noting that Gross Official Reserves were US$6.45 billion as of late June.