Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has experienced strong growth in February 2026, driven significantly by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), 159,339 tourists arrived in the country during the first 15 days of February. This mid-month total contributed to an overall figure of 436,666 arrivals for the year as of February 15, 2026.
The first 15 days of February saw steady inflows, with a notable spike during the final weekend of that period. Specifically, 34,879 tourists arrived between February 13 and 15, boosted by match-related travel.
Meanwhile, the loan demand has strengthened in 4Q-2025, with the overall demand index rising from 70.2 to 74.5, while overall willingness to lend declined from 51.7 to 47.0, which highlights firmer appetite but more cautious supply, the First Capital Research Overview Report said. The report further says: Retail remained the strongest operating channel in Q4 as well: it had the highest demand, the smallest demand–willingness gap, and a sharp fall in rejected applications, indicating smoother credit access. SME credit dynamics were boosted by relief programmes related to the Ditwah cyclone which occurred in 4Q-2025, though practical constraints hinder full credit flow.
While corporate loan demand and banks’ willingness to lend to corporates remained soft last quarter, banks are signaling a shift in lending focus back towards the corporate segment this year. In the 1Q-2026 outlook willingness to lend to corporates rises to 58.4, while willingness to lend to Retail and SMEs moderates. The overall predictive outlook for 1Q-2026 points to softening, which suggests that credit growth is now driven more by sector-specific risks and operational constraints than by interest rates alone. (MFJ)
Source : Daily News
