UNDP urges SL to regularise carbon markets to unlock private capital

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has urged Sri Lanka to urgently operationalise and regularise its policy position on carbon trading, warning that private capital will only flow into markets that offer deep predictability and clear institutional structures.

Climate ambition alone won’t pay bills, Sri Lanka warned

Sri Lanka must urgently strengthen its pipeline of bankable climate projects or risk missing out on much-needed climate finance and losing ground in increasingly climate-conscious global markets, development partners and business leaders warned.

Dimal Arandara appointed chairman of loss-making SriLankan Airlines 

A. K. D. D. Dimal Arandara has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SriLankan Airlines Limited with immediate effect.

Govt. seeks to fast-track industrial investment through environmental reforms

Sri Lanka is seeking to accelerate industrial investment and strengthen export competitiveness through a series of environmental reforms aimed at reducing project delays, streamlining approvals, and aligning businesses with emerging global sustainability standards, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said.

Sri Lanka pushes labour reforms to strengthen worker protection

Sri Lanka is pressing ahead with efforts to strengthen labour protection and modernise workplace standards as the government seeks international support for a broad reform agenda aimed at improving working conditions and expanding social protection for workers.

Hayleys obtains enjoining order against Wimal Weerawansa

The District Court of Kaduwela has issued an enjoining order against former MP Wimal Weerawansa on an application filed by Hayleys PLC over alleged defamatory statement.

Indices bounce back

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Sampath Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 bn.

Trading activity remains constrained

The secondary market yesterday withstood yet another lacklustre trading day marked by thin trading volumes. Sentiment remained cautious prompting the yield curve to hold firm.

Hayleys Mobility launches all-new JAECOO J5 HEV in Sri Lanka

Broadening its range of high-performance hybrid SUVs to meet the evolving demands of Sri Lanka’s growing new energy vehicle market, Hayleys Mobility Limited, the mobility arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, introduced the all-new ‘JAECOO J5 HEV’ in Colombo recently.

Siyapatha Finance appoints 2 board directors

Siyapatha Finance PLC has appointed Deshal de Mel and Nishani De Zoysa as Independent Non-Executive Directors to its board, with effective from May 18, 2026.

ComBank offers exclusive financial solutions to Air Force

Reinforcing its commitment to those who serve the nation, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to introduce a comprehensive suite of concessionary financial facilities for its officers and other ranks.

BOC Bringing Banking Closer to Every Sri Lankan by Covering All 331 DSDs

As “Bankers to the Nation,” Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has achieved a historic milestone by establishing a presence across all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Sri Lanka with the opening of the BOC Connect Agency Banking Centre at the Welipitiya Post Office.

Dawn of agentic enterprise - How Sri Lanka can leapfrog with digital labour

The global business landscape is currently undergoing a seismic shift, driven by a technological evolution that is fundamentally rewriting the rules of corporate engagement, software architecture and productivity.

MO Marketplace brings AI to Sri Lankan commerce

MO Marketplace, launched in June 2024 by founder and CEO Anika Wijesuriya, is Sri Lanka’s first dedicated buying and selling mobile platform, growing faster than most boardrooms have noticed.

Future finance leaders take oath at ACCA Sri Lanka New Member Ceremony 2026

ACCA Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone in its professional calendar with the hosting of the New Member Ceremony 2026, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

CICT handles 2,241-tonne battery storage shipment for SL’s largest energy storage programme

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) successfully handled a 2,241-tonne Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) shipment comprising 54 battery units destined for Sri Lanka’s largest energy storage programme to date, supporting a landmark national initiative aimed at strengthening grid stability, accelerating renewable energy integration and enhancing long-term energy security.

Rethinking finance for a sustainable future in Sri Lanka

Global economic frameworks, long dependent on automated and profit-maximizing capitalist models, are facing increasing international scrutiny. Beris Gwynne, the co-founder and chair of the GRFC, is at the forefront of a growing movement seeking to redesign these entrenched systems. Drawing from her extensive early career as an Australian public servant and diplomat, Gwynne observed that the governance and finance systems established over the past

EFC Solutions Unit expands as One-Stop Shop for HR needs

The Solutions Unit of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), which has been providing both member organizations and non-members with a broad spectrum of legal and human resource (HR) consultancy services since its launch, has significantly expanded its offerings to meet the evolving needs of Sri Lankan businesses.

People’s Bank becomes first state-owned bank to achieve ISO certification

People’s Bank has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state-owned bank in Sri Lanka to be awarded the internationally recognized ISO 22301:2019 certification for its Business Continuity Management System (BCMS).

KOKO joins Mastercard ‘Tap for Change’ campaign

KOKO, a leading Buy Now Pay Later platform, has joined the Mastercard ‘Tap for Change’ campaign, designed to turn everyday transactions into contributions towards long-term cancer care infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

‘Climate-Proofing Business Sri Lanka’ Executive Leadership Dialogue to be held tomorrow

As climate-related risks increasingly reshape markets, supply chains, investment decisions and business continuity planning, Sri Lankan business leaders are being called upon to rethink resilience as a strategic leadership priority. In response to this growing imperative, Genesis – the Dilmah Centre for a Sustainable Future, in partnership with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will host “Climate-Proofing Business Sri Lanka: An Executive Leadership

Sampath Bank opens Colombo Port City Branch to advance Sri Lanka’s global investment ambition

Sampath Bank PLC marked a significant milestone in its growth journey with the official opening of its Colombo Port City Branch, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s emergence as a globally connected financial and investment destination.

First Capital takes lead in sustainability across capital market industry

First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) has secured several global and local sustainability affiliations during FY 2025/26 while deepening its commitment towards responsible finance, climate accountability, financial inclusion and long-term stakeholder value creation.

Market remains on sidelines awaiting further clarity

The secondary market commenced the week on a cautious note, with investors largely remaining on the sidelines, resulting in low trading activity and subdued volumes.

Week begins in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Bukit Darah and Hayleys with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Senthilverl Holdings raises stake in Amana Takaful to 12%

Senthilverl Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd has increased its shareholding in Amana Takaful Insurance PLC to 12.046 percent, following the acquisition of 7.28 million ordinary voting shares in the insurer.

Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 26th edition in October

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) announced that the 26th edition of the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit would be held on October 12 and 13, 2026, with the preparations now being finalised, as the country’s foremost economic policy forum returns for another year of dialogue on issues of national importance.

Consumer rebound faces new test from oil prices, grey market: Singer

Sri Lanka’s consumer recovery could face fresh headwinds from the rising global oil prices, higher shipping costs and a thriving informal market, according to Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, a market leader in consumer durables, even as the retail giant delivered its strongest earnings growth in years.

Credit appetite holds strong with active cards rising in April

The consumers continued to tap credit despite the higher borrowing costs and mounting pressure on household finances, leading Sri Lanka’s active credit card base to expand in April.

Colombo and Vizhinjam ports to complement rather than compete, say industry experts

Despite the widespread industry concerns that India’s newly developed Vizhinjam International Seaport will drain transshipment volumes away from Sri Lanka, leading maritime experts assert that the two deep-water hubs are positioned to complement rather than aggressively rival one another.