Indian tourists secure nearly 50% arrivals in 1H May as market shifts to Asia

Sri Lanka welcomed 75,465 tourists during the first 17 days of May 2026, with India dominating the arrivals board, as the local tourism sector leans heavily into Asian markets.

Tea export volumes extend decline in first four months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s tea exports slipped marginally in April 2026, extending the weak start to the year, as the lower shipments of value-added categories such as tea packets and tea bags offset the gains in the bulk tea exports. The tea exports for April stood at 17.97 million kilogrammes, down 0.23 million kilogrammes, from 18.20 million kilogrammes recorded in the same month last year, according to the industry data.

Digital transformation drive launched to modernise Sri Lanka’s tea industry with new Hantana resource centre

​Taking a major step towards digital transformation, Sri Lanka’s traditional tea industry witnessed the inauguration of a digital tea resource centre at the Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka International Training Institute in Hantana.

Shangri-La unveils ‘Golden Hour’ in Sri Lanka

As daylight softens and the island begins its quiet transformation into night, Shangri-La introduces Golden Hour—an evocative new cocktail ritual now unveiled at Shangri-La Colombo and Shangri-La Hambantota.

NCHS continues to inspire innovation through INCOHST 2026

Building on the success of previous years, ‘INCOHST 2026’ continued its mission of inspiring the next generation of innovators and future technology leaders.

The Daily Leaf officially launches in Colombo

Colombo’s vibrant culinary and lifestyle landscape welcomed a new addition with the official launch of The Daily Leaf.

CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition Grand Finale celebrates young culinary talent

The Grand Finale of the CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition – Season 01 was successfully held on 9th of May at the CAHM premises, SLIIT Main Campus, Malabe, celebrating the talent, creativity and passion of young aspiring chefs from across Sri Lanka.

Bingxue Sri Lanka opens first outlet in Dehiwala

Bingxue Sri Lanka officially marked a significant milestone with the opening of its first local outlet in Dehiwala on 16 May, introducing the globally recognized dessert and beverage brand Bingxue to the Sri Lankan market for the very first time.

Prime Group conducts skill development program for PM’s Security Division

Prime Group hosted a special program at the Prime Minister’s Office recently. The program aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of all the officers serving in the Prime Minister’s Security Division.

The Book Studio introduces SL’s first automated book vending machine

The Book Studio Pvt Ltd has introduced Sri Lanka’s first fully automated book vending machine, marking a significant innovation in the country’s publishing and retail landscape. Redefining how readers can discover and purchase books with instant self-service, this landmark initiative represents a strategic synergy of technology and convenience, designed to make literature more accessible to the community.

Allianz Lanka promotes Road Safety Awareness among three-wheeler drivers

In a continued effort to promote road safety awareness in Sri Lanka, Allianz Lanka recently concluded a large-scale island-wide sticker campaign engaging over 7,000 three-wheeler drivers across nearly 60 locations.

OrphanCare and AAA Industries forge partnership

The OrphanCare Trust has entered into a partnership with AAA Industries (Pvt) Limited, a footwear manufacturer, through which the company will make a financial contribution to OrphanCare on the basis of each shoe sold on selected footwear brands.

AIA Sri Lanka hosts annual conference to honour top performers

AIA Insurance Lanka hosted its annual Company Conference and awards ceremony under the theme “Rising to the Top”, bringing together its employees for an evening dedicated to recognition of inspiration and celebration of excellence.

Zellers crowns Sri Lanka’s first AI Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya

Zellers crowned Sri Lanka’s very first AI Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya recently, by creating a unique event blended with tradition and technology to redefine Avurudu celebrations.

ComBank empowers future leaders with 400th IT Lab and ‘ComBank Akshara’

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has reached a landmark moment in its long-standing commitment to digital education in Sri Lanka, with the donation of its 400th IT Lab, while simultaneously unveiling ‘ComBank Akshara’ to unify and strengthen its education-focused corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Yield curve softens amid forex market developments

Amid the rupee appreciation in the forex market, the secondary market yield curve shifted downward from the short to mid tenure amidst renewed buying interest, while market activity and trading volumes remained moderate.

Indices lose 4.3% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Melstacorp and Richard Pieris & Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

JKCG denies prior knowledge of vehicle surcharge

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG) yesterday rejected the allegations that it had prior knowledge of the government’s latest temporary surcharge on the imported motor vehicles and had acted in advance by opening Letters of Credit (LCs) before the measure came into effect.

Cartoon of the Day 23-05-2026

Sri Lanka’s lubricant industry still in regulatory limbo despite 2023 pledge

Sri Lanka’s lubricant industry remains without a dedicated regulatory framework, over a year since formal plans were first announced.

Prime Melwa launches luxury marina-front residential project at Port City Colombo

Prime Melwa Port City (Pvt) Ltd has formally commenced its luxury marina-front residential development at Port City Colombo, marking one of the most high-profile private real estate launches within the reclaimed

CHEC marks key milestone in China-funded affordable housing project in Colombo

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has achieved a major construction milestone in the China-aided affordable housing project in Colombo, with the successful topping out of the Maharagama site on 12

Dialog proposes employee share incentive plan worth 2% stake

Dialog Axiata PLC said it is seeking shareholder approval to introduce a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) that could see up to 184.0 million shares issued to eligible employees, as the telecom giant moves to

Yields edge up across the curve as selling continues

The secondary market yesterday carried forward the selling streak, resulting in an upward shift in yields across the curve. Market activity remained moderate, with trading volumes holding steady at similar levels.

Indices close on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Colombo Dockyard and ACL Cables with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.1bn.

SLIM launches National Sales Awards 2026

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) has officially announced the launch of National Sales Awards (NSA) 2026, marking the prestigious platform’s 25th anniversary milestone in recognising and

LOLC Life Assurance expands branch network

LOLC Life Assurance continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering accessible, customer-centric life insurance solutions through the strategic expansion of its branch network across key locations in Sri

Chaudhary meets CB Governor

Nepalese billionaire investor Dr. Binod Chaudhary recently called on Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe to discuss the progress of his investments in Sri Lanka and explore future

SLT-Mobitel-Peradeniya Uni pioneer SL’s 1st AI-integrated engineering degree

SLT-Mobitel is the University of Peradeniya’s Technology Partner in introducing the country’s first-ever Bachelor of Science of Engineering Honours in Electronic and Intelligent Systems Engineering, equipping

Lanka Hospitals presents 2025 annual report and 5-year strategic roadmap

Lanka Hospitals recently presented its annual report for 2025 and the five-year strategic plan for 2026-2030 to Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha and Treasury and