SL’s external sector shows mixed performance in February

Sri Lanka’s external sector showed a mixed performance in February 2025. 

While the current account surplus increased compared to the previous month, the trade dynamics presented a contrasting picture.   

The current account recorded a surplus in both January and February 2025. However, the surplus in February was lower than that of February 2024. The merchandise trade deficit contracted in February 2025 compared to January 2025 but widened compared to February 2024. The trade deficit reached US $ 411 million in February 2025, compared to US $ 319 million in the same period last year.   

Overall, the trade deficit increased from US $ 860.2 million to US $ 1,144.0 million in the first two months of the year, meaning it expanded by US $ 283.8 million.   

Exports amounted to US $ 1,053 million in February 2025, a 0.6 percentage year-on-year (YoY) decrease, while imports increased by 6.2 percentage to US $ 1,464 million. The terms of trade deteriorated as the export prices declined at a faster rate than the import prices, although the volumes of both exports and imports increased.  

This initiative highlights Sri Lanka’s most promising fintech start-ups, offering them a unique opportunity to gain global exposure, attract investment and build strategic partnerships. It also reinforces the vision of Port City Colombo, its strategic partner, to establish itself as a leading offshore financial centre and regional business hub, while playing a pivotal role in positioning Sri Lanka as a globally recognised destination for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Beyond the competition, the participants will benefit from mentorship, high-level networking and access to global markets, equipping them to help shape the future of financial technology