Business & Economics

Cost of Living Pressures Continue to Shape Economic Debate

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Rising living costs remain a central concern for households and policymakers alike. The cost of living continues to dominate economic discussions in Sri Lanka, as households adjust to higher prices for essential goods and services. Despite signs of macroeconomic stabilisation, many families report persistent financial strain. Government officials point to targeted welfare measures and price...

Southeast Asia Balances Growth and Environmental Concerns

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Rapid development in Southeast Asia has intensified debates over sustainability.Featured Image Prompt: Southeast Asia city and forest contrast Southeast Asian economies continue to experience strong growth, but environmental concerns are increasingly shaping policy discussions. Governments face pressure to balance industrial expansion with conservation efforts. Infrastructure projects and urbanisation have raised concerns about deforestation and resource...

Global Markets Respond to Shifting Monetary Policies

Asian TribuneFebruary 1, 2026

Changes in monetary policy across major economies are influencing global markets.Featured Image Prompt: Global stock market screens Global financial markets have reacted cautiously to shifting monetary policies in major economies. Central banks have signalled adjustments aimed at balancing inflation control with growth concerns. Investors remain alert to interest rate signals and currency movements, reflecting uncertainty...

IFC Commits US$166 Million to Sri Lanka to Boost SME Lending and Trade Finance

Asian TribuneJanuary 26, 2026

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) — part of the World Bank Group — has pledged a US$166 million financing package to strengthen Sri Lanka’s private sector and expand access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The announcement on January 26, 2026 underscores renewed confidence in the island nation’s economic recovery as it transitions...

Sri Lanka Woos Middle East Investors as Reforms Shift Focus to Rebuilding and Growth

Asian TribuneJanuary 26, 2026

Sri Lanka intensified its efforts this month to attract Middle Eastern investment as the country seeks to convert its recent economic stabilisation into sustained foreign capital inflows. Senior government officials and market regulators led investment forums in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, pitching Sri Lanka’s recovery story and the potential opportunities for Gulf...

Sri Lanka Central Bank Buys US$1.76 Billion in Dollars in 2025 as Reserves Rebound

Asian TribuneJanuary 26, 2026

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank continued its active foreign exchange market interventions in 2025, purchasing a net US$1.7582 billion in foreign currency over the year. The move aimed to stabilize the Sri Lankan rupee and rebuild foreign exchange reserves, which have been a major policy focus since the country’s economic crisis. According to data released, the...

New US TikTok Deal Secures App’s Future, Brings Changes for Users

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 23, 2026

Washington / New York — A new agreement reached between the United States government and TikTok will allow the popular short-video platform to continue operating in the US, ending years of uncertainty over a possible nationwide ban. Under the deal, TikTok’s US operations will be placed under a newly established American-based entity, with stricter oversight...

EU Parliament Set to Suspend Approval of US Trade Deal as Markets Slide

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

STRASBOURG — The European Parliament is preparing to suspend approval of the US–EU trade deal reached in July, sources close to the European Parliament’s international trade committee said, amid escalating tensions between the two economic powers. The decision is expected to be announced in Strasbourg on Wednesday, marking a major setback for the deal that...

PM Harini Holds Discussions with ADB President in Davos

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

DAVOS, Switzerland — Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held discussions with Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The meeting took place at the WEF Congress Centre in Davos-Klosters and focused on Sri Lanka’s...

OpenAI Rolls Out Age Prediction on ChatGPT to Protect Minors

Indika SuriarachchiJanuary 21, 2026

SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is rolling out a new age prediction feature on ChatGPT that estimates whether an account likely belongs to someone under 18, a move aimed at increasing safety for younger users as the company prepares to allow mature content on the popular AI chatbot. The technology uses behavioural and account-level signals —...