External sector opens 2026 on firm footing

Sri Lanka’s external sector delivered a stronger-than-expected start to 2026, with January’s numbers pointing to a more broad-based foreign exchange cushion.

Labour shortage clouds construction boom despite strong PMI reading

Construction sector recorded an index value of 75.0, its second highest reading since highest of 75.7 recorded in July 2020

Unit trust investors to benefit from proposed tax disclosure measures: UTASL

The proposed amendments to Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Act aim to improve tax transparency for the unit trust investors and strengthen governance within the sector, the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL) said. Under the draft legislation, the unit trusts would be required to issue detailed income certificates to the investors, outlining the earnings, exemptions, withholding taxes and any other information specified by the Commissioner Gen

Apparel exports dip in January as global demand wavers

Sri Lanka’s apparel exports fell 2.66 percent in January 2026 to US $ 425.44 million, from US $ 437.07 million a year earlier, reflecting the persistent pressure across key markets.

SLT group ends 2025 strong as 4Q profit rises on efficiency gains

The SLT group closed 2025 with a markedly stronger December quarter, as tighter cost controls and easing finance costs lifted the operating profit, despite only a marginal revenue growth.

Seylan Bank sees solid 2025 with quarterly profit up 9.4%

Seylan Bank PLC reported higher top and bottom-lines in the quarter ended in December 2025, defying the absence of one-off gains from provision reversals, as the other provisions for loans fell sharply, despite a solid loan growth.

Union Bank profits soar while asset quality improves

Union Bank of Colombo PLC reported sharply higher profits for the three months ended in December 2025, the bank’s financials showed, as the banking sector earnings wrapped up.

Union Bank to raise Rs.3bn via Basel III-compliant debenture issue

Union Bank of Colombo PLC announced its proposed debenture issue 2026, a strategic move aimed at raising up to Rs.3 billion.

Sri Lanka’s rubber industry at crossroads amid economic and structural stress

Sri Lanka’s rubber industry entered 2025 under mounting pressure from weakening global demand and policy uncertainty to persistent disease outbreaks, labour shortages and rising production costs.

Evolution Auto joins hands with Sterling Aftercare assuring after-sales support

Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd recently announced a strategic partnership with Sterling Aftercare, offering customers and prospective buyers across Sri Lanka access to premium full-service support for all Evolution Auto vehicle brands.

TONIK targets high-value tourism segment with story-led villa portfolio

TONIK, a design-led villa brand backed by the diversified Acorn Group, seeks to capture high-yield global travellers looking for culturally immersive experiences, largely through Sri Lanka’s boutique hospitality sector.

McLarens Group unveils improved Mobil–3M Experience Center

McLarens Group announced the opening of the Mobil–3M Experience Center, a state-of-the-art showroom located at Union place, Colombo 02, bringing innovation, science, and performance together under one roof.

Regen Renewables and Noritake Lanka Porcelain drive sustainable manufacturing with 350 kWh solar project

Regen Renewables (Pvt) Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy solutions providers, has officially signed a strategic partnership agreement with Noritake Lanka Porcelain (Pvt) Ltd to develop and implement a 350 kWh solar power project at Noritake’s manufacturing facility in Pannala.

HIP expands RoRo capacity with new yard

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has commissioned a new six-hectare roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) yard as part of Stage I of Phase II of its RoRo yard expansion programme, marking a significant step in the port’s long-term automotive transhipment strategy.

Janashakthi Life records Rs.3.42bn net profit

Janashakthi Life, a leading name in the insurance industry and a flagship brand of JXG (Janashakthi Group), announced strong financial performance for the year ended December 2025, with 67 percent growth in new business and 31 percent growth in total gross written premiums, recording Rs.8.65 billion, endorsing credentials of a fast-growing insurer in the local insurance industry.

David Pieris Automobiles-ComBank deliver leasing solutions for GWM and BAIC

David Pieris Automobiles (Pvt.) Ltd, the four-wheeler sales arm of the David Pieris Group of Companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Commercial Bank of Ceylon to introduce specially structured leasing solutions for the GWM and BAIC range of vehicles in Sri Lanka.

DFCC Bank rings bell to mark launch, listing of Sri Lanka’s first Basel III Compliant GSS+ Bond

DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC Bank) was invited by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to ring the market opening bell to mark the successful launch of Sri Lanka’s first Basel III–compliant Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked Loan (GSS+) Bond - a milestone in the country’s evolving sustainable finance landscape. The bell-ringing ceremony followed the strong market reception of the Bond, which was oversubscribed on its opening day, reflecti

CIPM launches QS-accredited CQHRM in Sri Lanka

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka marked a defining milestone with the official launch of the revised Chartered Qualification in Human Resource Management (CQHRM), now internationally accredited by Qualifications Scotland (QS) at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 11. The national-level ceremony was held on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the patronage of Prime

SLASSCOM ‘Women in Tech Conference 2026’ returns for fourth consecutive year

The Women Technopreneurs Forum of SLASSCOM has announced the return of its flagship ‘Women in Tech Conference 2026’, taking place on March 26 at the Shangri-La Colombo.

AIBL secures reinsurance broking license, unlocking direct access to global reinsurance markets

Assetline Insurance Brokers (Private) Limited (AIBL), a subsidiary of the David Pieris Group, has further strengthened its market position following the award of the Reinsurance Broking License by the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).

Serendib Flour Mills’ Tharindu earns Silver at Flour Milling Technology Certificate Course

Serendib Flour Mills continues to reinforce its commitment to people development and technical excellence with the recent international academic achievement of Tharindu Ihalagedara, Assistant Miller, who was awarded the Silver Medal at the International School of Milling Technology (ISMT), CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), India.

AMW delivers 26 Nissan Magnite SUVs in fleet partnership with Rockland Distilleries

Associated Motorways (AMW) recently handed over 26 brand-new Nissan Magnite SUVs to Rockland Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, strengthening its growing portfolio of corporate fleet partnerships and reaffirming its commitment to delivering end-to-end mobility solutions to leading Sri Lankan enterprises. The official handover ceremony was attended by senior representatives from all three organisations involved in the collaboration.

“Bank of Ceylon acts as a bridge between Sri Lankan and Maldivian economies”

When H.E. M. Rizvi Hassen assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, he stepped into a role shaped by deep historical ties and growing economic engagement. From centuries of trade and cultural exchange to today’s cooperation in finance, tourism, and investment, the Sri Lanka–Maldives relationship continues to evolve within a dynamic regional environment. In this interview, High Commissioner Hassen shares his vision for stren

Sri Lankan exporters to see tariff relief amid volatile US trade environment

​The Sri Lankan exporters could soon experience a measure of relief following a recent US Supreme Court ruling that struck down the reciprocal tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Colombo inflation cools to 1.6% in February on lower food prices

The Colombo district consumer prices eased in February, as the prices of most food items fell while the non-food prices didn’t budge either way as the prices of petrol were cut.

Sri Lanka reactivates Digital Nomad Visa

Sri Lanka marked a historic milestone on February 26, 2026, with the ceremonial issuance of the first Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and the official welcome of first DNV holder Darya Gordiyenko and her spouse Yaroslav Kovalchuk to the island.

Sri Lanka is Emirates’ next destination on global recruitment drive for skilled technicians

Emirates, the world’s largest international and most profitable airline, is continuing its global search for top-tier aircraft technical talent, with Sri Lanka confirmed as its next destination.

Cartoon of the Day 28-02-2026

Notice

Mirror Business will not be published on Monday, March 2, 2026, due to the Poya day holiday. The next edition will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

ASPI loses 0.33% during the month

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.0 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Renuka Agri Foods, Softlogic Finance and Commercial Bank.