Commercial Bank plans up to Rs.20bn Tier 2 debenture issue

Commercial Bank announced plans to raise up to Rs.10 billion, with an option to increase the issue to Rs.20 billion, through the issuance of Basel II-compliant Tier 2 listed rated unsecured subordinated redeemable debentures, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Falling tax-to-GDP ratio reflects deeper structural weaknesses

Sri Lanka’s steadily declining tax-to-GDP ratio is the heart of a much deeper problem in the country, former Indian Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Arvind Subramanian stated at a recent public lecture organised by the Central Bank. Looking at the data on tax collection from emerging countries from the 1990s and 2020s, Dr. Subramanian revealed that in 1990, Sri Lanka was a positive outlier, as it collected more taxes than expected, given its level of

Commercial Bank plans ESOP linked to up to 3% equity stake

Commercial Bank yesterday said its board has resolved to establish an employee share option plan (ESOP) for the 2026-2028 period, under which the employees could be granted options over up to 46.2 million ordinary voting shares.

Galle Face Capital Partners to subdivide shares in 1-for-4 split

Galle Face Capital Partners PLC disclosed it has resolved to subdivide its issued ordinary shares on a one-for-four basis.

Ceylon Land & Equity to raise Rs.4.3bn via rights issue

Ceylon Land & Equity PLC disclosed that its board approved a rights issue to raise about Rs.4.3 billion, as the property and investment firm looks to pare short-term debt and fund new investments.

Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylinco Holdings and R I L Property, Cargills. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Prime Lands Residencies and Galle Face Capital Partners whilst retail in

Secondary market sees mild buying interest in short-end maturities

The week started with slight buying interest towards the short-tenure maturities in the secondary market, although it witnessed thin volumes and limited activities.

Hayleys Agriculture showcases innovative agricultural technology at Jaffna Trade Fair

Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Sri Lankan agriculture industry at the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2026, which was held from 23rd to 25th January at the Muttraweli Grounds in Jaffna.

CIPM Great HR Quiz 2026 concludes with great success

CIPM Sri Lanka successfully concluded one of its flagship events, the CIPM Great HR Quiz 2026, on 28th January at the Monarch Imperial, Kotte, with enthusiastic participation from the HR fraternity representing leading private and public sector organisations across the country.

AA Japan opens Sri Lanka office

AA Japan (Private) Limited has opened its first office in Sri Lanka in January, bringing three decades of experience in the Japanese used vehicle export business directly to the Sri Lankan market.

SLCGE’s new leadership pledges policy advocacy to strengthen SME apparel exports

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, marking a significant leadership transition and signalling a renewed policy-driven focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s small and medium-scale apparel exporters.

AIA Insurance Lanka champions women’s entrepreneurship at WCIC Awards 2025

AIA Insurance Lanka served as the Platinum Partner of theWomen’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) Prathibhabhisheka Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 for the fourth year.

SLUKCC, SLHC host panel discussion on strengthening UK-Sri Lanka trade ties

The Sri Lanka–United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce in London (SLUKCC) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in London (SLHC) hosted a panel discussion on the theme “Building Stronger Trade Bridges between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom”.

Pan Asia Bank accelerates digital transformation with next-generation card mgt. system

Pan Asia Bank has announced a strategic partnership with global fintech platform Pine Labs to enhance its card issuing and processing capabilities through the deployment of a state-of-the-art, end-to-end card management platform.

SEC and CSE take ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ to Dubai in ME investment push

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) successfully concluded the ‘Invest Sri Lanka’ Investor Forum in Dubai on January 22 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, as part of a series of roadshows across the Middle East.

Dr. Ruchitha Perera re-elected as Co-Vice Chair of CIM board

Dr. Ruchitha Perera has been re-elected as Co-Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), UK.

Sri Lanka’s external sector steadies in 2025

​Sri Lanka closed 2025 with a cautiously improved external position, as persistent current account surpluses, record-high worker remittances, and a stronger services balance helped offset widening trade gaps and softer price dynamics, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) latest external sector performance data.

Local construction sector weathers flood disruptions

Sri Lanka’s construction sector, which has been expanding at a robust pace over the last two years, managed to avoid the worst of the flood-related disruptions to its work, with activities expanding at an even faster pace than in November.

Fracspace enters Sri Lanka with Rs. 5bn ‘Altaira’ hilltop project

India-based prop-tech company Fracspace announced its strategic entry into the Sri Lankan market this week with the unveiling of “Altaira,” a 26-acre ultra-premium hospitality and residential development in Bulathkohupitiya.

December private credit surges by Rs.183bn

Sri Lanka’s licensed commercial banks saw their total outstanding private sector credit rising by a robust Rs.183 billion in December 2025, translating to an equally or more robust 25.2 percent growth on a year-on-year basis.

Former Finance Minister calls for gold import tax reduction

​Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake yesterday urged authorities to reduce taxes on gold imports, stating that high taxation has exacerbated local prices amidst soaring global trends.

Ceylon Land & Equity to invest Rs. 1.7bn in Shaw Wallace & Hedges rights issue

Ceylon Land & Equity PLC has announced a strategic decision to invest approximately Rs. 1.7 billion to subscribe to the rights issue of Shaw Wallace & Hedges Limited, an unlisted company.

Hayleys Mobility unveils OJ in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape took a decisive step towards cleaner, smarter mobility as Hayleys Mobility Limited, the mobility arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, officially unveiled OJ (OMODA & JAECOO) on January 27, 2026, at The Kingsbury Colombo.

Heritance Hotels and Resorts awarded Superbrands Sri Lanka status

Heritance Hotels and Resorts has been recognised as a Superbrands Sri Lanka’s Choice 2025, reaffirming its position as one of the country’s most respected and trusted hospitality brands.

LCB Finance rewards senior citizens with higher FD interest

LCB Finance announced enhanced interest rates for senior citizens.

Global Synergy Awards 2026 on February 21

The organisers of Global Synergy Awards 2026 confirmed that all preparations are now complete for the prestigious awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on February 21, 2026, at the Water’s Edge, Battaramulla.

Verteil Technologies appoints Mack Air as GSA

Verteil Technologies, a leading global NDC-first technology provider transforming airline distribution and modern retailing, announced the appointment of Mack Air as its general sales agent (GSA) and the official launch in Sri Lanka, with an exclusive industry breakfast event held at JAIC Hilton Colombo.

HNB backs TiECON Sri Lanka 2026

HNB PLC partnered TiECON Sri Lanka 2026 as its Platinum Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Sri Lankan entrepreneurs as they scale beyond local market entry and compete internationally.

Visa-NDB Bank launch Card Present Connect to transform POS acceptance in Sri Lanka

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, together with National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank), has launched Card Present Connect (CPC), an in-person digital payment acceptance solution powered by Cybersource, Visa’s open payment platform that supports both online and offline transactions.

First Capital becomes Sri Lanka’s first investment Superbrand

First Capital Holdings PLC has been conferred the prestigious Superbrands status, a globally recognised endorsement awarded to brands that demonstrate exceptional strength, trust and distinction in their respective markets.