Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe said Sri Lanka’s economy remains stable despite recent pressures on the rupee and global economic uncertainty, rejecting claims that the country is heading toward another economic collapse.
“Those who are looking forward to another economic collapse, it ain’t gonna happen,” Abeysinghe said in a statement.
“They thought Trump tariffs can bring us down, Ditwa to bring us down, now energy crisis to bring us down. We as a country managed all three,” he added.
Abeysinghe said Sri Lanka had already secured a “strong stable economy on fundamentals,” citing growth in all three major foreign exchange earning sectors in 2025, with two sectors recording growth above 20%.
He said stronger trade balances had enabled the country to allow vehicle imports worth $2.1 billion after restrictions that had remained in place for several years.
The deputy minister also said the economy had repaid $5.1 billion during the tenure of the current government while easing barriers related to export proceeds and external investment reinvestment in an effort to expand economic activity.
According to Abeysinghe, Sri Lanka recorded 5% economic growth in 2025, with inflation at 2.2% and interest rates remaining stable between 7% and 8%.
He added that the rupee depreciated by only 3.9% during the year despite global economic volatility.
Abeysinghe acknowledged that Sri Lanka, as an import-dependent economy, could face periodic difficulties during global economic disruptions. However, he said the country currently holds $6.3 billion in foreign reserves, with another $1 billion expected within the next 30 days.
“The economy will adjust based on fundamentals and adjust itself without much intervention,” he said, adding that the economy would not respond to what he described as “speculation” by opposition groups.
He also claimed that some opposition members could face corruption-related charges in the coming months, including matters linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. (Newswire)