Prime Group’s YOLO receives BOI approval with US $ 52.5mn investment

Prime Group’s YOLO has received the Board of Investment (BOI)-approved project status, recognising the development’s strong potential to drive economic development and attract foreign investment, delivering strong urban appeal.

Sampath Bank Champions SME Women Entrepreneurs Through the ‘Unstoppable Woman’ Programme

Sampath Bank proudly celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Unstoppable Woman,” honoring the resilience, strength, and achievements of women-led SMEs. Hosted at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the event brought together over 100 participants, including distinguished speakers and valued customers.

SEC and CSE strengthen role of Watchlist company auditors

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) jointly organised an awareness session recently, for auditors of companies which are currently on the CSE Watchlist.

Cargills Bank ‘Wasi Litha’ offers wonderful savings for Avurudu

As the ‘Punyakalaya’ approaches and the sound of the ‘koha’ fills the air, Cargills Bank is back with its promise of unprecedented savings, adding even more joy and financial flexibility to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations. True to its ethos, the bank is making this Avurudu a truly memorable one for all its Credit Cardholders, blending traditional spirit with modern convenience.

Removal of import cess will harm local enterprises: Opposition

The removal of import cess with effect from April this year will harm local enterprises, as reduced prices of imported goods will flood the local market, the Opposition alleged.

Ceylinco Life voted Sri Lanka’s most popular life insurer for 20th year

Ceylinco Life has been voted the ‘Peoples Life Insurance Service Provider of the Year’ for an unprecedented 20th consecutive year at the SLIM Kantar Peoples Awards, achieving a milestone of two decades as Sri Lanka’s most popular life insurance company.

Virtusa named a Global Leader on 2025 CDP Climate ‘A’ List

Virtusa Corporation, a global product and platform engineering services company, announced it has been named to the prestigious CDP Climate Change ‘A’ List 2025.

LB Finance drives digital adoption at CBSL ‘PayDigital’ campaign in Kurunegala

LB Finance PLC partnered with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) at the two-day PayDigital Kurunegala Campaign held on 20th and 21st February 2026, promoting the adoption of secure and convenient digital payment solutions.

SLASSCOM Women in Tech Conference to spotlight global leaders driving inclusive digital leadership

The Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) is set to host its flagship Women in Tech Conference bringing together an exceptional lineup of global visionaries and local trailblazers to explore the evolving role of women in the digital economy.

Berendina secures dual honours at CA Sri Lanka TAGS Awards 2025

Berendina Micro Investments Company Limited (BMIC) and Berendina Development Services (Guarantee) Limited (BDS) have both secured Bronze Awards at the CA Sri Lanka TAGS Awards 2025, adding to a growing list of recognitions for the organization’s institutional rigour and operational excellence.

LOLC wins People’s Financial Services Brand title at SLIM Kantar 2026 for the 10th Year

LOLC Holdings PLC has once again been crowned People’s Financial Services Brand of the Year at the SLIM Kantar People’s Choice Awards 2026, achieving a historic milestone by securing the title for the tenth consecutive year.

Dialog Unveils Dialog Play Mini with Netflix and Apple TV

Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, has announced the latest upgrade to its smart entertainment lineup with the Dialog Play Mini, featuring seamless access to global streaming platforms including Netflix, Apple TV and YouTube, alongside the Dialog Play entertainment ecosystem for a unified viewing experience. Previously known as the ViU Mini, the device has now been reintroduced as the Dialog Play Mini, reflecting the evolu

Mattala Airport field visit set for next week as Gulf carriers weigh alternative transit hubs

With a crucial field visit scheduled for next week, the Sri Lankan government is advancing discussions with major Gulf carriers to utilise Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as an alternative transit hub amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Mirror Business learns.

ADB steps up SL support with increased allocation

Visiting ADB President Kanda commends govt.’s handling of economic stability amid domestic recovery challenges and broader external uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East

JXG announces Rs. 5bn IPO to fund new growth cycle

Janashakthi Group’s holding company JXG yesterday announced a Rs. 5 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking a decisive push to scale its financial services platform across Sri Lanka and selected overseas markets, while reshaping its capital structure to support expansion and balance sheet flexibility.

Lankapay enables Weixin Pay acceptance at 400,000 merchants to tap into Chinese tourism boom

Sri Lanka’s national payment network LankaPay officially launched cross-border QR payment acceptance via China’s Weixin Pay, widely known as WeChat Pay, at an event held in Colombo yesterday.

Mahindra ldeal Finance’s debut debenture issue oversubscribed

Mahindra Ideal Finance Limited (MIFL) has announced the successful conclusion of its debut Rs. 1 billion debenture issue, which was oversubscribed on the first day of opening, marking a significant capital market milestone for one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed Non-Banking Financial Institutions.

GGGI continues support for SL’s sustainable capital markets through thematic bond partnerships

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is continuing to strengthen Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance ecosystem through technical support to financial institutions issuing thematic bonds.

Energy costs bite as plantations brace for tariff increase

Sri Lanka’s plantation industry has warned that a proposed electricity tariff increase could erode export competitiveness and strain already elevated production costs, urging regulators to adopt a more targeted and sustainable pricing framework.

Indices close in green

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.2 bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Lanka Milk Foods.

Signs of easing geopolitical tensions prompt cautious buying

As prospects of easing geopolitical tensions surfaced, a cautious buying stance dominated the market yesterday, despite some profit taking that was visible during the early hours of trading.

Sri Lanka’s banking leaders convene to tackle rising fraud risks in digital payments

Senior leaders from Sri Lanka’s banking sector convened in Colombo on 17 March for the “Fraud Management Deep Dive 2026”, co-hosted by IFINITY, a BFSI-focused digital transformation partner and system integrator, together with BPC, a global leader in payment solutions.

Siyapatha Finance debenture issue oversubscribed

Siyapatha Finance PLC announced the success of its recent debenture issuance, which received an overwhelming response from investors, meeting and surpassing all expectations.

Ceylon Chamber marks 187 years of supporting business and country

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce marks its 187th anniversary today (25 March), reflecting a long-standing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s businesses and contributing to the country’s progress.

Sri Lanka and the Middle East War: Life and Business as usual, or face reality?

The war in the Middle East is into its fourth week now and there seems to be no abatement. On the contrary it seems to be escalating. Prices of crude oil and gas are skyrocketing, as well as most other essential goods, due knock-on effect and severe supply chain disruptions and increasing shipping costs.

Unilever Sri Lanka wins big at SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards

Unilever Sri Lanka won big at the SLIM-Kantar People’s Awards 2026, that recognises Sri Lanka’s most loved brands. Unilever bagged 5 categories with its brands Vaseline, Sunsilk, Signal, Vim and Sunlight.

MullenLowe Sri Lanka integrates Synapse VII Advanced Analytics to elevate data-driven advertising

MullenLowe Sri Lanka, has announced the integration of Synapse VII’s advanced data analytics capabilities into its digital services ecosystem.

Cenmetrix achieves ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Cenmetrix recently achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, the world’s most widely recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS).

Colombo Port expected to benefit from Middle East crisis as February numbers hint at growth

​The Port of Colombo recorded a 4.8 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth in total container throughput in February, handling 636,084 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared to 606,784 TEUs in the same period last year. Reflecting this heightened activity, the total number of ships arriving at the port rose by 4.3 percent, increasing from 305 vessels in February 2025 to 318 vessels in February 2026.

Container transport charges hike rattles export supply chain

The 20 percent increase in container transport charges that came into effect yesterday has triggered concern across Sri Lanka’s export supply chain, with the industry stakeholders warning of rising logistics costs, weakened competitiveness and broader inflationary pressures.