Short-term ROI no longer enough for banks, says CB Governor

Sri Lanka’s banks must rethink how they deploy capital, moving beyond a narrow focus on immediate financial returns to a “return on learning” approach that prioritises experimentation, data capability and long-term resilience, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, as climate risks and digital disruption increasingly shape financial sustainability.

Loss of nearly Rs.2bn due to CEB’s renewable energy curtailments, industry warns

The Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) arbitrary curtailment of power generation in the local renewable energy plants is causing a loss of almost Rs.2 billion, the Grid Connected Solar Power Association (GCSPA) said yesterday.

Sunshine Holdings signs deal to take 75% of Joint Agri Products

Sunshine Holdings PLC yesterday announced its intention to acquire a 75 percent stake in Joint Agri Products Ceylon (Private) Limited (JAPC), a leading export-oriented company, subject to the conditions in the Share Purchase Agreement signed on January 21, 2026.

Indices close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Colombo Dockyard and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hatton National Bank, Renuka Foods and Central Finance Company. Mixed interest was observed in Colombo Dockyard, Hayleys and ACL Cables whilst retail interest was noted in Lank

Writer Business Services commences operations in Sri Lanka

Writer Corporation, one of India’s leading business groups, announced the launch of its subsidiary, Writer Business Services Pvt. Ltd., and the commencement of its operations in Sri Lanka. The expansion reflects Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in Writer’s regional growth plans and its role in supporting a highly regulated digital and financial services market which is currently undergoing digital transformation.

Dialog Enterprise and NCE to drive digital transformation of Sri Lankan exporters

Dialog Enterprise, the corporate ICT solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, together with the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), recently hosted “From Sri Lanka to the World – Digital Marketing Strategies for Export Growth,” a knowledge-sharing seminar focused on strengthening the digital capabilities of Sri Lankan exporters.

Secondary market volumes hold steady whilst buying sentiment prevails

The secondary market continued to witness buying interest yesterday, while the overall activity remained steady at moderate levels.

Varun Beverages drives PET circularity through recycling partnerships

Varun Beverages Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has forged strategic alliances with Cleantech Pvt Ltd Recyclers and Neptune Recyclers to strengthen Sri Lanka’s PET plastic recycling ecosystem and advance large-scale circularity across the country.

Evolution Auto leads with widest, most diverse EV portfolio for 2026

Evolution Auto reaffirmed its position at the forefront of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) transition, announcing that it is fully geared for 2026 with the widest and most diverse electric vehicle portfolio available in the Sri Lankan market.

HNB launches ‘Nana Savi Mehewara’ to support children affected by cyclone

HNB PLC has launched ‘Nana Savi Mehewara’, a nationwide initiative to support the educational needs of children affected by Cyclone Ditwah.

Sri Lanka - Germany Business Council holds 26th Annual General Meeting

The 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka–Germany Business Council (SLGBC) took place at Hilton Colombo Residences recently.

Megakem launches ‘Megaproof Hi-Build’

Megakem Engineering (Pvt) Ltd., a subsidiary of Wardena Venture Holdings, recently unveiled ‘Megaproof Hi-Build’, a new high-build elastomeric waterproofing coating, at a formal launch event held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) on January 8.

NTB secures up to US $ 70mn IFC debt financing package

Becomes first bank in Sri Lanka to secure post-crisis multilateral debt funding through IFC

Softlogic Life secures US $ 15mn from Norfund and OP Finnfund

Sets up growth roadmap with long-term capital from Norfund and OP Finnfund Global Impact Fund I Sri Lanka’s top-notch insurer Softlogic Life Insurance PLC has secured a US $ 15 million landmark five-year Tier 2 loan facility from Norfund and OP Finnfund Global Impact Fund I.

Fairway Holdings launches 7th luxury apartment project ‘Fairway Latitude’

Condominium developer Fairway Holdings celebrated the launch of its 7th apartment project, Fairway Latitude, on January 20 at Cinnamon Life.

Home Lands rewards high performers with brand new vehicles

Real estate developer Home Lands has always believed that its greatest strength lies in its people. The dedication, passion, and commitment of the Home Lands team are what drive the company forward, and this year too, the organization celebrated those who consistently go above and beyond.

HNB Assurance recognized among SL’s Best 20 Workplaces for Women 2025

HNB Assurance PLC was recognized among Sri Lanka’s Best 20 Workplaces for Women 2025 by Great Place to Work Sri Lanka, for the company’s long-standing commitment to fostering an empowering workplace for women. Over the years, HNB Assurance has introduced several progressive initiatives to support women at different life and career stages, including flexible work arrangements, caregiver and maternity support, leadership development programs, and p

Richard Pieris Finance strengthens senior citizen savings with monthly interest fixed deposits

At a time when predictable income and financial security are critical for retirees, Richard Pieris Finance Limited has enhanced its senior citizen fixed deposit offering with a strong emphasis on monthly interest payouts, enabling depositors to receive a regular, dependable income stream while preserving their capital.

Vonlan Lanka wins Presidential Environmental Gold Award

Vonlan Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Yatiyantota, has been awarded the Gold Award in the CIB Category at the Presidential Environmental Awards Ceremony organised by the Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka.

Indra Traders launches ‘Athwela’ with Bank of Ceylon

Indra Traders recently introduced a special program titled ‘Athwela’ in collaboration with the Bank of Ceylon (BOC). The program was designed with a primary focus on customer convenience, aiming to provide essential support by simplifying the financial challenges often associated with vehicle purchasing and servicing. This initiative is regarded as a further strengthening of the trust and relationships Indra Traders has built over its decades of

StanChart sees SL’s rating outlook turning ‘positive’ this year

Sri Lanka is likely to see its sovereign rating outlook upgraded from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’ later this year, setting the stage for a potential full credit rating upgrade in 2027 as the island nation continues to outperform key fiscal and debt targets set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Standard Chartered Bank said.

Unit Trust industry surpasses Rs. 587bn as investor appetite shifts to growth

Sri Lanka’s unit trust industry ended 2025 on a strong note, with assets under management (AUM) rising 7.8 percent year-on-year to Rs. 587 billion, according to the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka (UTASL).

New funding window opens for SL’s climate loss and damage

Sri Lanka has been presented with a fresh opportunity to access global support for climate-related loss and damage, as the newly operational Loss and Damage Fund opened its first call for funding, creating a formal pathway for vulnerable countries facing intensifying extreme weather events.

Daily Mirror’s Nishel Fernando wins Business and Finance Journalist of the Year 2024

Mirror Business Senior Journalist Nishel Fernando last evening won the Business and Finance Journalist of the Year – 2024 (English) award at the Journalism Awards for Excellence, the industry’s flagship annual awards organised by the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka.

Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, John Keells Holdings and Bukit Darah with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.1 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up.

The secondary market sees buying interest amidst steady yields

The secondary market saw some buying interest amid moderate volumes, with trades executing from mid-to-long-term maturities. The yields held steady across all the tenors.

Chartered Accountant Tishan Subasinghe takes reins as 28th CA Sri Lanka President

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) ushered in a new era of leadership with the formal induction of Tishan Subasinghe as its 28th President.

HNB-MarxPay introduce Pay by Bank Account feature via JustPay Web

HNB PLC announced its partnership with MarxPay and LankaPay to introduce Pay by Bank Account feature via JustPay Web, enabling customers to make online payments directly from their bank accounts, instead of using credit or debit cards.

ITC Ratnadipa receives SLTDA 5-Star classification

ITC Ratnadipa announced that it has been awarded the coveted 5-Star Classification Certificate by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and sustainable luxury.

Mercantile Investments expands reach to 90 branches

Mercantile Investments & Finance PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted non‑bank financial institutions with a legacy of over 60 years, expanded its footprint to 90 branches by December, reiterating a commitment to accessibility, customer convenience and community empowerment.