*ACS Capital Research* *News Alert 26.05.2025* *Tourist arrivals in May top 90,000* A total of 91,785 tourists have arrived in the country thus far in May, data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/Z6HOUGGfkBVleiIa8fys *Sri Lanka in fresh push to resolve US tariff crisis* The Government is making a fresh push to resolve the crisis with high tariff on exports by the President Donald Trump-led US Government. Source:https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Sri-Lanka-in-fresh-push-to-resolve-US-tariff-crisis/26-776904 *Central Bank cites easing inflation, weaker external demand as reasons for rate cut* The Central Bank (CB) said it eased monetary policy on Thursday (22) due to a lower-than-anticipated inflation path and weaker-than-expected aggregate demand, stemming from geopolitical uncertainties following the imposition of broad-based tariffs on the United States’ (US) trading partners. Source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/Central-Bank-cites-easing-inflation-weaker-external-demand-as-reasons-for-rate-cut/273-309782 *IMF review hinges on prior actions, tariff adjustment* The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that the approval for the fourth review of Sri Lanka’s programme under the extended fund facility (EFF) is contingent on the government completing prior actions, including restoring electricity cost recovery pricing. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/ZreoHDjEVTfQMDhuQkKa *ORIGINAL: Sri Lanka and China looks to complete its long overdue FTA NEW: Sri Lanka-China to revive long-stalled FTA talks* Sri Lanka and China are exploring to complete their long overdue free trade agreement (FTA) as the Chinese Commerce Minister will visit Colombo in the coming week, The Economic Times reported. Source:https://www.themorning.lk/articles/2Efx8ejdyBpL5JREiXIR *Indian Ministry of Mines Delegation explores potential collaborations with SL* A delegation led by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, comprising representatives from leading Indian public sector mining companies, visited Sri Lanka from May 20–22 ,2025 to explore potential collaborations with Sri Lanka. Source:https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/05/26/business/784952/indian-ministry-of-mines-delegation-explores-potential-collaborations-with-sl/ *Kotagala to raise Rs. 762 m via Rights* Kotagala Plantations PLC is to raise Rs. 761.6 million via the issuance of Rights to part settle debt and fund working capital. Source:https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Kotagala-to-raise-Rs-762-m-via-Rights/44-776899