*Softlogic Stockbrokers* *News Alert –10th February 2025* *Tourism gains momentum with over 300,000 arrivals in 2025 so far* • Registers over 50,000 arrivals in first week of February • Daily average arrivals reach 8,859, exceeding last year’s figure of 8,282 per day during same period • Sets ambitious target of 310,937 visitors for February • Industry waiting for renewed efforts to roll out global campaign to kick off at least during this month https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Tourism-gains-momentum-with-over-300-000-arrivals-in-2025-so-far/44-772875 *Workers’ remittances up 17.5% in January* Workers’ remittances inflow in January increased by 17.5% year-on-year to $ 573 million, the latest Central Bank data revealed. However, January experienced a slight decrease of 7.12% when compared month-to-month. https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Workers-remittances-up-17-5-in-January/44-772873 *President calls on exporters to seize new opportunities to lead economy* • In address at 26th Presidential Export Awards, reaffirms Govt.’s support for export sector • Awards recognise 14 major winners and 51 companies • Stresses importance of trust between SL and international economic stakeholders • Advocates strategic trade agreements that align with national interests than aggressive trade policies • Acknowledges country’s weak market position, need for external support • Highlights Govt. initiatives to provide technical assistance, improve product quality • Emphasises renewable energy investments, lower electricity tariffs to boost competitiveness https://www.ft.lk/top-story/President-calls-on-exporters-to-seize-new-opportunities-to-lead-economy/26-772878 *Sigiriya crowned World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025* Sigiriya has been crowned the world’s most welcoming city for 2025 by Booking.com, based on over 360 million of its verified customer reviews. https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Sigiriya-crowned-Worlds-Most-Welcoming-City-for-2025/273-302014 *HIP expands bunkering with new HSFO facilities* Hambantota International Port (HIP) marked a significant milestone in January 2025, by successfully integrating High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) into its range of bunkering services. Now offering a complete suite of marine fuels, including Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO/MDO). This development strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the global maritime landscape, allowing HIP to cater to a broader range of vessels navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/02/10/business/720247/hip-expands-bunkering-with-new-hsfo-facilities/ *IMF to approve Sri Lanka’s third review* • Sri Lanka to receive $ 333 million upon successful review • Economic growth and inflation remain within target ranges https://www.themorning.lk/articles/xiMPu2lKXT2U1frzFTIi *BIA arrival lobby to be redesigned* Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is set to undergo a significant redesign of its arrival lobby to improve the passenger experience, particularly for the growing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/02/10/business/720270/bia-arrival-lobby-to-be-redesigned/ *Aitken Spence Logistics powers a greener future* The company’s investment in electric forklifts and electric powered pallet trucks for its new state-of-the-art 100,000 sq. ft. Container Freight Station (CFS) seamlessly integrates efficiency, sustainability and innovation to enhance service delivery and operational excellence. https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Aitken-Spence-Logistics-powers-a-greener-future/273-302011 _Softlogic Research_