Deeper regional and global integration will determine Sri Lanka’s emergence as a regional hub, says AIA Chairman

Deeper regional and global integration will ultimately determine how Sri Lanka emerges as a regional hub in the reconfigured global economy, according to AIA Group Independent Non-Executive Chairman Sir Mark Tucker. Delivering the keynote address at the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors Chairman’s and CEO’s Forum held in Colombo this week, Tucker emphasised that while the nation has achieved commendable economic stabilisation, transitioning to su

Capital controls choke Sri Lanka’s hub ambitions, warns former CB Chief

​Sri Lanka’s ambitions to transform into a vibrant regional economic hub would remain stunted unless the current capital restrictions and exchange controls are systematically rolled back, former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy warned.

ADB reaffirms commitment to Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and long-term development during the talks between ADB President Masato Kanda and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the ADB headquarters in Manila, with the lender noting that its pipeline of support to the country exceeds US $ 1 billion annually from 2026 to 2029.

Plantation firms accelerate net zero push with Rs.5bn renewable energy investment

Sri Lanka’s plantation companies are stepping up the investments in renewable energy as part of a broader transition towards net zero emissions, committing more than Rs.5 billion for the clean energy projects in what the industry leaders describe as a defining shift for the sector.

Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Colombo Dockyard and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.3Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged down. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Distilleries, Singer Sri Lank and Commercial Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Credit and Business Finance, Softlogic Capital and Softlogic Holdings whilst retail interest was

CSE provides capital market access to Kegalle with new branch

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Kegalle Branch to the public, further strengthening its countrywide presence.

Mixed market sentiment emerges ahead of bond auction

Pivoting from the previous day’s sentiment ahead of the bond auction, the secondary market witnessed a mixed sentiment with moderate volumes and low activity.

COYLE appoints Suren Chandraratna as Chairman

The Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) held its Annual General Meeting on March 10, marking a significant leadership transition as Suren Chandraratna was appointed Chairman for the 2026–2027 term, succeeding Immediate Past Chairman Manjula Wijesundera.

BYD’s seven-seater SUV ‘SEALION 8’ makes South Asian debut in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s most popular NEV brand, BYD, in partnership with its authorised distributor John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), officially launched the BYD SEALION 8 on March 10.

Geethika joins PMF Finance as Deputy GM – Fund Mobilization

PMF Finance PLC announced the appointment of Geethika Wickramasinghe as Deputy General Manager – Fund Mobilization with effect from 3rd March 2026.

Galloluwa added to Amana Bank’s self banking network

Amana Bank has further strengthened its people-friendly and development-focused banking footprint with the opening of its 43rd Self Banking Centre (SBC) in Galloluwa, providing customers in the area with greater access to convenient and modern banking services.

Luxury Brands introduces ‘World Class by DIAGEO’ to Sri Lanka

Luxury Brands (Private) Limited continues to raise the bar for Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, introducing World Class by DIAGEO, the world’s prominent bartending competition, to the island for the very first time.

DPMC opens Workshop Express in Ambalangoda

David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited (DPMC) opened DPMC Workshop Express in Ambalangoda recently. Located at Urawatta, Ambalangoda, the new Workshop Express is positioned in a highly convenient and easily accessible location, ensuring seamless access for Bajaj customers in the area.

Agriculture & Livestock Minister visits Ambewela Farms

Ambewela Dairy Farm welcomed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and also Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Madhura Senevirathne recently.

Fortune GP Farms strengthens poultry sector performance through int’l collaboration

Reinforcing its commitment to advancing measurable production standards across Sri Lanka’s poultry value chain, G P Farms Lanka Limited, a joint-venture between Bairaha Farms PLC and Crysbro group, recently conducted a two-day technical workshop/seminar in collaboration with global breeding leader Cobb Vantress.

Nanaska strengthens board and leadership team with key appointments

Nanaska, one of Sri Lanka’s professional education institutes specialising in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, has strengthened its governance structure with the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors alongside a reconstituted executive leadership team.

People’s Bank conducts Financial Literacy Programme for Mirigama entrepreneurs

People’s Bank recently organised a special programme for entrepreneurs in the Mirigama Divisional Secretariat area under its Entrepreneurial Villages initiative, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and strengthening business sustainability among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

SPiCE South Asia 2026 to kick start on 23 March

With just two weeks remaining, the 7th Annual Strategic Platform for iGaming Conference & Exhibition (SPiCE South Asia 2026) is preparing to welcome policymakers, operators, investors, and industry experts to Sri Lanka for three days of strategic dialogue and regional collaboration.

Govt. and pvt. sector align on PPPs to secure future of Sri Lankan healthcare

The Sri Lankan government has signaled a strong commitment to expanding public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the healthcare sector, aligning with industry leaders who view collaborative governance as the key to unlocking the country’s medical potential.

SLFFA announces leadership transition to guide Sri Lanka’s logistics sector

The Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) has announced a transition in its leadership with effect from 6 March 2026.

Rising claim ratios squeeze insurance margins

The Sri Lankan insurance sector is grappling with heavily squeezed profit margins and soaring claim ratios, prompting urgent calls for deeper structural synergies with the private healthcare system.

Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years with Rs. 9bn expansion plan

Nestlé Lanka plans to invest around Rs. 9 billion over the next few years to further develop its manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka, as the multinational marks 120 years in the country, its Chairman and Managing Director Bernie Stefan said.

SEC seeks Shariah scholars to strengthen Islamic capital market oversight

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) this week called for applications from qualified Shariah scholars to join its panel of accredited experts, as the regulator moves to strengthen oversight and support the growth of Sri Lanka’s Islamic capital market.

Drug trafficking tops SL’s money laundering threats as terror financing risk rises

Drug trafficking, fraud and trade-based money laundering are Sri Lanka’s most significant money laundering threats, while warning that terrorist financing risks have increased, the latest national risk assessment released by the Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka revealed.

Indices bounce back

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4bn.

Sentiment stabilizes amid signs of geopolitical de-escalation

The secondary market witnessed some cautious buying activity yesterday, deviating from yesterday’s selling pressure.

Local maize price expected to reduce with ‘Sow and Grow’ project: Agri official

The price of a locally produced kilo of maize is expected to be brought down from the current Rs.170 to Rs.95 in future with the successful launch of Sow and Grow project, which will ensure sustainable maize production for Thriposha in Sri Lanka, an agricultural official said this week.

Assetline Finance opens 63rd branch in Athurugiriya

Assetline Finance PLC (AFIN) opened its 63rd branch in Athurugiriya recently.

ComBank partners Ideal Motors to offer special leasing packages

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered into a strategic partnership with Ideal Motors (Pvt) Ltd. to promote the Mahindra XUV 3XO passenger vehicle, through a joint promotional campaign.

CA Sri Lanka decodes new investment landscape

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently convened an informative session titled “Change in Waves: Safe or Struggle? Navigating Incentives and Reforms under the Port City Act and Strategic Development Projects Act”, providing a vital forum to explore how new rules on governance, employment taxes and sunset clauses are redefining the country’s appeal to foreign investors.