📈 Blueprint for Sri Lanka’s Transformative Growth (2025–2030)

A high-level policy roadmap titled "Sustaining Transformative Growth in Sri Lanka (2025–2030)" was launched in Colombo on January 8, 2026. Produced by ODI Global and CEPA, the report outlines a strategy to move beyond debt-stabilization toward a resilient and inclusive economy. • Economic Performance & Outlook GDP Growth: Recovered to 5% in 2024 and 4.8% in early 2025. Inflation: Sharp reduction achieved from 2022 peaks, though poverty remains "alarmingly high" (est. 24.5% in 2024). Foreign Reserves: Increased significantly to approx. US$ 6.8 Bn from crisis-era lows. • Key Sectoral Opportunities Tourism: Identified as a "quick win" through improved branding and regional development. Digital Economy: Focus on tapping high-growth potential and modernizing public administration. Niche Manufacturing: Integration into global supply chains to diversify the export base. Agriculture: Modernization to support food security and rural employment. • Strategic Priorities Labor Market: Addressing the critical shortage of STEM graduates and increasing female workforce participation. Factor Markets: Reforming land, capital, and labor productivity to attract FDI. Institutions: Strengthening the Central Bank’s independence and restructuring loss-making SOEs (e.g., SriLankan Airlines, CEB).