Binance Research: Crypto crosses US $ 4tn in 2025 as market prepares for institutional-led expansion in 2026

Binance Research has released its Full-Year 2025 and Themes for 2026 report, detailing a year of historic milestones for the global crypto market alongside heightened volatility driven by macroeconomic forces.

IRCSL bars outside employment for insurance principal officers

The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) has issued a fresh directive significantly tightening the employment standards for the principal officers of insurance and brokering companies, effectively barring these top executives from holding any outside employment, consultancy or professional engagements.

IMF to assess cyclone damage in Sri Lanka as talks on programme resumption loom

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team will visit Sri Lanka from January 22 to 28, to assess the economic damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, with the findings expected to feed into the subsequent discussions on the island’s IMF-supported programme, the IMF said on Wednesday.

Cartoon of the Day 17-01-2026

Tea auction sees fair demand at easier rates as Middle East pullback weighs on prices

The auction offering totalled 6.0 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs).There was fair demand mostly at easier rates. Less activity was seen from the Iran and Middle Eastern markets, following the recent restrictions in trading conditions.

Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, DFCC Bank and C T Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.7 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green.

Mixed sentiment prevails as long-term tenures attract buyers

The secondary market yield curve experienced heightened trading activity and elevated volumes, with sentiment remaining mixed.

SLIIT and global partners launch ‘ENSURE’ to strengthen NetZero Skills in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), together with a consortium of leading Sri Lankan and international partners, officially launched the Empowering Net Zero Skills for Sri Lanka’s Sustainable and Resilient Future (ENSURE) project at a national stakeholder event at Waters Edge Hotel recently.

People’s Bank celebrates Thai Pongal

People’s Bank conducted Thai Pongal celebrations at its Kotahena and Pettah branches under the patronage of People’s Bank Chairman Narada Fernando and Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka.

Hemas opens 75th Piyawara Preschool in Homagama

The Hemas Outreach Foundation announced the opening of its 75th Piyawara Preschool, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s early childhood development landscape.

Barberyn Resorts go chemical-free for mosquito control

World’s first Ayurveda Resort chains’ Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort Hospital has replaced traditional chemical pesticides with gentle, insecticide-free Biogents mosquito traps to prioritize eco-conscious travelers and the environment.

DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort offers ‘A Staycation with Nature’

DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort invites families to step away from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world through ‘A Staycation with Nature’, a thoughtfully curated escape where discovery, learning, and relaxation unfold side by side.

The Body Shop’s End of Season Sale is back

The global beauty brand’s much-awaited End of Season Sale is back, with prices slashed up to 50 percent on everything you love - Skincare, Bath & Body, Fragrances, Makeup, Hair Care, and Value-Packed Combo Sets - up until the 2nd of February.

Jaffna Hindu College earns regional praise at ‘AIA Healthiest Schools Competition’

Jaffna Hindu College was named as one of the winner sat the regional award ceremony of the prestigious AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, a flagship initiative by AIA Group aimed at promoting healthier habits among students across Asia-Pacific region through innovative school-based projects.

NOLIMIT expands to the North opening 28th store in Jaffna

Fashion Retail Brand NOLIMIT announced the opening of its 28th store in the heart of Jaffna, a city celebrated for its distinct Northern identity, deep-rooted traditions, and a culture shaped by heritage, learning, and close-knit community life.

Perera & Sons provides clean water to Medabedda Maha Vidyalaya

Perera & Sons (P&S) recently installed a state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant to Medabedda Maha Vidyalaya in Galewela.

NDB Bank elevates festive experience at Splash Shopping Fiesta 2025 at KCC

NDB Bank partnered with Kandy City Centre as the Official Banking Partner of Splash Shopping Fiesta 2025, the biggest shopping festival of the season, held from 24th to 28th December.

Nihon Kohden empowers JICA Sri Lanka with lifesaving skills training

Nihon Kohden Sri Lanka recently held a lifesaving skills training session for staff personnel at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sri Lanka on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

FHIIT celebrates stellar 2025 with historic award win

FHIIT functional fitness brand has had an extraordinary 2025 marked by historic achievements, community momentum and strategic foundations for future expansion with its next location slated to open in Wattala next month.

SLICGL powers ‘Colombo Motor Show 2025’ as Official Insurance Partner

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) partnered the Colombo Motor Show 2025 as the Official Insurance Partner.

Ditwah damage cripples local economies, exposes urgent financing gap: UNDP

Cyclone Ditwah has delivered a broad-based economic shock to Sri Lanka, damaging infrastructure in almost every affected community and crippling livelihoods across key local economies, a new UNDP

Tourism industry warns against repealing of Act

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has issued a strong warning against any move to repeal the Tourism Act, calling it a direct threat to the country’s most promising foreign exchange earner and a sector central to

Industry bodies flag gaps in Draft National Electricity Policy

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with the American Chamber of Commerce, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Federation of Renewable Energy Developers, Joint Apparel Association Forum,

HNB recognised as Superbrand for 2025 affirming trust, leadership and innovation excellence

HNB PLC was conferred Superbrand status for 2025 in recognition of its enduring reputation, consistent delivery of excellence, and sustained leadership in the banking sector. The recognition was awarded in

Grand Hyatt Colombo sale: Govt. sets pre-EOI meeting for Jan. 21

The Government of Sri Lanka has called for a virtual meeting with prospective investors looking to acquire the unfinished Grand Hyatt Colombo, a project that has absorbed over Rs. 20 billion in state investment

NTB-KOKO introduce greater shopping convenience for Amex cardmembers

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB), the issuer and sole acquirer of American Express Cards in Sri Lanka, announced a new partnership with KOKO, one of the country’s leading buy now, pay later solution

HP partners with Singer to expand Sri Lankan market share

In a strategic move designed to consolidate its foothold in the local technology landscape, HP has entered into a major partnership with Singer Sri Lanka PLC.

EDEX Expo 2026 Colombo edition kicks off today; January 24 in Kandy

EDEX Expo 2026 will be held on January 16, 17 and 18, 2026, at the BMICH in Colombo, followed by January 24 and 25, 2026, at the Kandy City Centre in Kandy and will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m.

NEXT Ventures Lanka earns 2025 Great Place To Work certification

NEXT Ventures Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, along with its global branches NEXT Bangladesh and NEXT Malaysia, has been certified with the prestigious 2025 Great Place To Work Certification, a globally recognised

Women still behind men in mobile access and digital payments: Global Findex 2025

While the number of women whose access to mobile phones has increased, a digital divide still persists, the World Bank Group’s (WBG) Global Findex 2025 revealed.