Standard Chartered Sri Lanka organized a webinar titled “A Test of Resilience: Global Research Briefing Webinar on Global & Sri Lanka Economic Outlook for H2-2026,” aimed at engaging corporate clients and financial institutions in a dialogue about the economic outlook for both the global landscape and Sri Lanka as we move into the latter half of the year.
The session explored the unexpected fortitude displayed by the global economy and financial markets during the first half of 2026, despite facing one of the most significant energy supply chain disruptions in history. While global growth appears to be stabilizing, the discussion emphasized the importance of exercising caution, given the fragile geopolitical climate, stretched financial market valuations, and the limited sources of growth.
The event began with remarks from Bingumal Thewarathanthri, the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Sri Lanka, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the necessity of timely, research-driven insights as businesses and investors navigate a complex economic landscape.
Expert contributions were made by Edward Lee, Chief Economist and Head of FX for ASEAN & South Asia; Saurav Anand, South Asia Economist; and Divya Devesh, Co-Head of FX Research for ASEAN and South Asia at Standard Chartered. The speakers analyzed the factors likely to influence the latter half of 2026, discussing inflation trends, currency shifts, energy market dynamics, and overall growth projections, as well as their implications for both global and Sri Lankan markets.
The briefing also addressed critical risks that investors should keep an eye on in the upcoming months. Key concerns included ongoing geopolitical instability, the sustainability of global growth, high market valuations, and potential repercussions from developments in energy and financial markets. The speakers contemplated how these various elements could impact Sri Lanka’s economic path and the strategic choices faced by businesses and investors.
Furthermore, the discussion on Sri Lanka included considerations for future policy frameworks beyond the current International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility, which is set to conclude in 2027. Bingumal Thewarathanthri remarked that the program has facilitated enhanced fiscal discipline, cost-reflective energy pricing, more efficient cash transfer systems, and greater independence for the Central Bank. Despite ongoing challenges such as poverty, support for small and medium enterprises, and the pace of foreign direct investment, he proposed that a subsequent Stand-By Arrangement could help maintain reform momentum, bolster confidence among investors and rating agencies, and aid Sri Lanka’s eventual re-entry into international capital markets while allowing for greater policy flexibility.
The session wrapped up with a panel discussion moderated by Tamani Dias, Executive Director and Head of Local Corporates and Global Subsidiaries at Standard Chartered Sri Lanka. The panelists addressed participant questions and provided additional insights regarding the outlook for the global economy, Sri Lanka, and financial markets in the second half of the year.
