Sri Lanka’s debt burden has declined in both debt-to-GDP and US dollar terms, despite an increase in the country’s total debt measured in local currency, Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha said.
In a video statement released by the Finance Ministry, Jayantha said Sri Lanka’s total government debt had fallen to 88.8% of GDP as of end-June 2026, from 95% at the end of December 2025.
According to official Finance Ministry data, total government debt stood at around US$95 billion at the end of June, down from US$100.4 billion at the end of 2025.
However, when measured in Sri Lankan rupees, the country’s total debt increased to approximately Rs. 32 trillion by end-June 2026, compared with Rs. 31.2 trillion as of December 31, 2025.
The figures indicate that while Sri Lanka’s debt stock has risen in rupee terms, the overall debt burden has improved relative to the size of the economy and when measured in US dollar terms.
Sri Lanka-Hong Kong Seminar Boosts Trade and Investment Cooperation
A seminar and business networking dinner held in Colombo brought together Sri Lankan exporters and business representatives to strengthen trade, investment and commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, while exploring new opportunities for market expansion.
The programme was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL).
Representatives from the apparel, handicrafts, ICT and software, boat building, gems, food and tea sectors participated in the programme, discussing opportunities to expand Sri Lankan products and services into Hong Kong, Mainland China and other international markets.
The discussions also covered investment facilitation, international market expansion, major trade fairs and business summits, as well as opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to develop stronger commercial partnerships with businesses in Hong Kong and China.
Hillwan Brahmanda, Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong’s Jakarta Office, outlined investment opportunities in Hong Kong and highlighted the GoGlobal initiative. He also explained Hong Kong’s role in connecting enterprises from Mainland China with international markets.
Meanwhile, Vian Cheung, Director – South Asia and Thailand at HKTDC, highlighted the opportunities available to Sri Lankan companies through HKTDC’s extensive network of international trade fairs and business summits, which can help local businesses strengthen their presence in overseas markets.
Sri Lanka’s Debt Falls in US Dollar and GDP Terms Despite Rupee Increase: Deputy Finance Minister
