📈 Review of Sri Lanka’s Bond Market 2025

The Government Securities market in 2025 was defined by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and fiscal overperformance, despite intermittent volatility from global shocks and natural disasters. Yields generally trended lower, supported by a shift in the yield curve and robust investor appetite. • Fiscal Performance & Debt: • Revenue grew by Rs. 1.3 Tn (+35% YoY) due to tax reforms. • Primary surplus doubled to Rs. 1.94 Tn (+109% YoY). • Budget deficit narrowed sharply to Rs. 326 Bn from Rs. 1.22 Tn. • S&P upgraded foreign currency rating to CCC+ in September. • Monetary & Inflation Indicators: • CCPI inflation remained in deflation from January–July, ending the year well below the 5% target. • A single 25 bps policy rate cut in May brought the Overnight Policy Rate to 7.75%. • Market liquidity remained in surplus, exceeding Rs. 100 Bn for 80% of the year. • External Sector & Foreign Investment: • Foreign holdings in Rupee Treasuries surged 259% to Rs. 141.37 Bn. • Current account surplus reached US$ 1.68 Bn (Jan-Nov), aided by a 21% rise in remittances. • Gross International Reserves stood at US$ 6.00 Bn as of November. • Key Risks & Outlook: • Market sentiment was shaken by US 'Reciprocal Tariffs' (finalized at 20%) and the Iran-Israel conflict. • Year-end yields rose due to Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in a Rs. 500 Bn supplementary estimate for 2026 reconstruction, creating uncertainty for future rate trajectories.