*JKSB Opening Bell – News Snippets* 🔔 *06.06.2025* *Govt musters Rs 1.7 Tn tax revenue by end May* “By May 29, the Inland Revenue Department has collected Rs. 907 billion, exceeding its Rs. 900 billion target, a 101% growth, Sri Lanka Customs has generated Rs. 780 billion, topping its Rs. 730 billion target and the Excise Department mustering in Rs. 102 billion versus a target of Rs. 98 billion which total to a record Rs. 1.7 trillion Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando said.” https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/06/06/business/791419/govt-musters-rs-1-7-tn-tax-revenue-by-end-may/ *Foreigners buy US$8.3mn worth Sri Lanka rupee bonds last week* “Foreign investors bought $8.28 million dollars worth Sri Lanka government securities in the week ended on May 29, Central Bank data showed.” https://economynext.com/foreigners-buy-us8-3mn-worth-sri-lanka-rupee-bonds-last-week-224224/ *Sri Lanka trade deficit widens due to motor vehicle imports* “Sri Lanka’s trade deficit has widened to USD 717.5 million in April this year, driven primarily by a sharp increase in motor vehicle imports, according to the latest report released by the Central Bank.” https://island.lk/sri-lanka-trade-deficit-widens-due-to-motor-vehicle-imports/ *SVAT repeal expected to add Rs.191bn annually to VAT coffers* “The upcoming repeal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) regime is projected to significantly bolster Sri Lanka’s Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, with an estimated additional Rs.191 billion expected to flow into state coffers annually.” https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/SVAT-repeal-expected-to-add-Rs-191bn-annually-to-VAT-coffers/108-310698 *Colombo Port transshipment decline enters 4th month; April dips 5.8%* “The Port of Colombo’s transshipment volumes recorded a 5.8 percent year-on-year (YoY) decline in April 2025, reaching 495,456 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking the fourth consecutive month of slowdown in this crucial segment.” https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Colombo-Port-transshipment-decline-enters-4th-month-April-dips-5-8/108-310700 *Sri Lanka rupee closes stronger, bond yields steady* “Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 299.15/25 to the US dollar in the spot market Thursday, stronger against Wednesday’s close of 299.32/38, dealers said, while bond yields closed broadly steady.” https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-rupee-closes-stronger-bond-yields-steady-224341/