- After 26 years of civil war, Sri Lanka recovered in 2009, with its postwar economy growing by an average of 8-9% per year until 2012.
- Despite this, its average GDP growth rate declined significantly following 2013 due to a decline in global commodity prices, a decline in exports, and a significant increase in imports.
- Sri Lanka's budget deficits were substantial throughout the conflict, and the 2008 global financial crisis depleted its currency reserves. As a result, the nation had to borrow $2.6 billion from the International Monetary Fund in 2009.
- Despite seeking an IMF loan of US $1.5 billion in 2016, Sri Lanka's economic condition deteriorated due to the IMF's conditions.
- The Easter bomb attacks in churches in Colombo in 2019, which resulted in several deaths, significantly reduced the number of visitors, causing a loss in forex reserves.
- During their campaign, the newly formed government led by Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised lower tax rates for farmers and a broader package of social programs for them.
- The hasty execution of these ill-advised policies intensifies the situation.
- In addition, the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 exacerbated the situation, causing tea, rubber, spices, and textile exports to suffer.
- International tourist arrivals fall significantly, eventually leading to a decline in revenues.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, government spending increased in 2020-21 to overcome the shock, but the worsened budget deficit reached 10%, and the debt to GDP ratio reached 119%.
- A ban on fertilizer imports was enacted in 2021, and Sri Lanka is set to become an agricultural nation based entirely on organic and natural processes.
- The abrupt switch to organic fertilizers has a significant influence on food output.
- To curb rising food prices, a weakening currency, and rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves, the President of Sri Lanka declared an economic emergency.