Significant contraction in profitability of SOE sector in first half of 2025

Eighteen out of 52 major state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have incurred losses in the first six months of 2025, worsening fiscal pressures on the government and taxpayers, according to the Mid-Year Fiscal Report released by the Ministry of Finance.

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The report has revealed a significant contraction in the profitability of the SOE sector. During the first half of 2024, the 52 entities collectively posted profits of Rs. 280.7 billion. In contrast, their combined profit for the corresponding period in 2025 has dropped to Rs. 227.8 billion—a decline of more than Rs. 52 billion.

Among the largest loss-makers are the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), SriLankan Airlines and the Lanka Sugar Company, all of which have recorded steep reversals compared to previous years. The CEB has posted a pretax loss of Rs. 13.2 billion as at 30 June 2025, a dramatic fall from profits of Rs. 144 billion in 2024 and Rs. 57.6 billion in 2023.

SriLankan Airlines has also suffered a sharp downturn, recording a pretax loss of Rs. 12 billion between April and June alone. The airline's cumulative losses now stand at a staggering Rs. 628 billion. Its equity position has deteriorated to a negative Rs. 415 billion, while total liabilities have risen to Rs. 606.7 billion.