Hon. Sunil Handunnetti - Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

## Summary Minister Handunnetti spoke in support of a regulation increasing outward payment limits through foreign currency accounts, raising the ceiling for resident businesses from USD 200,000 to USD 500,000 and for individuals to USD 25,000 for permissible transactions. He framed this measure as evidence of Sri Lanka's economic recovery and stability, contrasting current conditions with the foreign exchange crisis, import bans, and loss of market access experienced eighteen months prior. The Minister cited supporting indicators including 2025 export earnings of USD 17.2 billion, 13.3 percent export growth in January 2026, a major multinational investment delegation to his Ministry, and ongoing transparent PPP initiatives for Kahatagaha Graphite and Eppawala rock phosphate. He also acknowledged external risks, including regional conflict and the Ditta cyclone, but argued the Government was proceeding with its policy framework through calibrated, temporary adjustments rather than using such events as a pretext to restrict economic liberalisation.