SL’s resilience keeps drawing investors back: Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary

Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary last week delivered a powerful endorsement of Sri Lanka’s long-term investment story, saying he repeatedly chose to back the country at moments when fear, instability and crisis had paralysed investor sentiment.

Sri Lanka to launch interim digital tourism campaign soon, followed by Rs. 4bn global push

Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities are gearing up to launch a targeted interim digital marketing campaign within days to cushion an ongoing slump in tourist arrivals, which will serve as a precursor to a Rs. 4 billion global promotional drive.

Fuel costs and holiday slowdown drag private sector activity  

Sri Lanka’s private sector activity lost momentum in April as post-New Year seasonality, rising energy costs and fallout from Middle East tensions weighed on both manufacturing and services, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Pan Asia Bank March profit modest on lower loan loss provisions

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC reported a modest performance in the three months ended March 2026, driven by substantially lower provisions against possible loan losses.

SLT-Mobitel delivers strong revenue and profit growth in 1Q 2026

The SLT Group reported a strong start to the year, posting double-digit revenue growth and significantly higher profitability in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 1Q 2025, driven by notable gains in operating profit and net earnings and a sustained demand for broadband (internet) services.

CBSL launches digital complaints platform to tighten oversight of banks, finance firms

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has rolled out an online Complaint Management System (CMS), stepping up efforts to strengthen financial consumer protection and improve accountability among banks, finance companies and other regulated financial institutions amid Sri Lanka’s fast-growing digital financial ecosystem.

Dialog earnings surge as lower finance costs, data growth lift margins

Dialog Axiata PLC reported a sharp rise in first-quarter earnings as stronger data consumption, cost controls and easing finance-related pressures boosted profitability, even as the telecom operator continued to scale down parts of its lower-margin international business.

NTB March quarter profit lifted by loan expansion

Robust lending growth helped lift Nations Trust Bank PLC’s earnings in the three months ended March 2026, as the bank expanded its loan book amid continued credit demand.

SL-Nepal launch cross-border digital payment connectivity to strengthen regional financial integration

In a significant milestone for regional digital payment interoperability, on May 12, 2026, Sri Lanka and Nepal officially launched cross-border QR payment connectivity.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo appoints Ashan Peiris as Hotel Manager

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo announced the appointment of Ashan Peiris as its new Hotel Manager, further strengthening the property’s leadership alongside General Manager Dushyantha Tittawella.

DFCC Bank recognised at ACEF Global Customer Engagement Awards

DFCC Bank PLC has been recognised at the 15th ACEF Global Customer Engagement Awards, receiving multiple accolades across digital engagement, experiential marketing, purpose-led communication and community-driven initiatives.

ComBank rewards Debit Card Challenge 2026 winners

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the first winners of its exciting Debit Card Challenge 2026, with 250 debit card holders emerging victorious in the inaugural monthly draw of a promotion that is set to reward 1,000 customers with prizes worth a total of Rs.45 million.

SDB bank-Hayleys Mobility advance sustainable mobility and private vehicle leasing

SDB bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Hayleys Mobility Limited through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), reinforcing the bank’s commitment to expanding access to structured mobility financing while advancing its broader sustainability banking agenda.

Melwa in US $ 57.6mn PCC ultra-luxury waterfront residential project with Prime

In a major investment that reflects the growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s long-term economic direction, Melwa Conglomerate and Prime Lands have acquired a prestigious marina-front land parcel at Port City Colombo (PCC) for the development of a US $ 57.6 million ultra-luxury waterfront residential project.

Sampath Bank unveils ‘Mastercard Business Credit Card’ to power SME growth

Reinforcing its commitment to Sri Lanka’s business community, Sampath Bank has introduced the Mastercard Business Credit Card, a dedicated solution designed to support the financial and operational needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Dr. Binod Chaudhary shares valuable insights at SLID CEO Forum

Dr. Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global and Nepal’s billionaire, shared profound insights on navigating the complexities of global business leadership at Chairman & CEO Forum, organized by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) together with Union Bank and Port City.

NDB Investment Bank strengthens leadership with three senior appointments

NDB Investment Bank Ltd. (NDBIB), continued to strengthen its leadership team through the new appointments of Kaushini Laksumanage as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer,

Prima KottuMee Hot ‘N’ Spicy Kricket Promotion Concludes with Big Wins

Launched alongside the T20 Cricket World Cup, the Hot ‘N’ Spicy Kricket Promotion campaign brought together the excitement of cricket and the spirit of Prima KottuMee, creating a truly engaging experience for the brand’s consumers, and has now officially concluded on a high note.

Cambridge Linguaskill launched across all 12 CSE Academy branches nationwide

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Cambridge University Press & Assessment officially partnered, making CSE Academy an authorised examination centre for Linguaskill by Cambridge recently on 30 April, bringing the English proficiency test designed for academics and professionals to CSE’s 12 branches leveraging the exchanges’ presence in all provinces in the country.

Tony Pellé crafts over 6,500 custom leather pieces for Cinnamon Life

Tony Pellé, Sri Lanka’s exclusive men’s leather footwear brand, has delivered over 6,500 custom-designed leather products for staff at Cinnamon Life, marking a major milestone in the brand’s ongoing collaboration with one of the country’s most prestigious hospitality developments.

Hilton Colombo brings Seoulful Flavors to Graze Kitchen

Hilton Colombo presents ‘Seoulful Flavors at Graze,’ a 10-day culinary showcase at Graze Kitchen, celebrating the richness and diversity of South Korean cuisine.

Atlas makes learning the perfect New Year Gift for young minds

Atlas Axillia Co. (Pvt) Ltd. announced the launch of its specially curated limited edition “Aluth Avurudu Gift Packs” in celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, offering a meaningful and educational gifting option for children across Sri Lanka.

FPA Sri Lanka launches digital donation platform to support reproductive health and rights

The Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) is proud to announce the launch of its dedicated online donation platform: https://donation.fpasrilanka.org/.

ACHE-Seneca Polytechnic collaboration makes Canadian degrees more affordable for SL students

The American College of Higher Education in Dehiwala has officially partnered with Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto, Canada, to offer affordable and globally recognized higher education opportunities to Sri Lankan students. Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, this landmark international education partnership introduces an innovative undergraduate degree transfer pathway in the fields of business administration and computer science.

Aitken Spence Elevators and CINEC empower next generation of experts

Aitken Spence Elevators, in collaboration with CINEC Campus, recently held the Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the latest batch of trainees of the Elevator Serviceman Course at the Elevator Training Centre (ETC).

Ceylinco Life gifts medical gas pipeline system to Kalutara Teaching Hospital

Ceylinco Life has reinforced its long-standing commitment to Sri Lanka’s public healthcare system with the donation of a comprehensive Centralised Medical Gas Pipeline System (MGPS) to the Teaching Hospital Kalutara, enabling a significant advancement in patient safety, surgical capability and hospital infrastructure.

Sri Lanka’s ratification of ILO C 190 - Impact on the SMEs

On April 16, 2026, Sri Lanka formally ratified the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) on Violence and Harassment, becoming the 55th member state to do so.

Geopolitical concerns weigh on market activity

The previous day’s subdued momentum persisted through yesterday’s trading session.

Week ends on a positive note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Hayleys and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.8 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, Commercial Bank, LOLC Holdings. Mixed interest was observed in Ceylon Printers, Dialog Axiata and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Ceylon Land & Equity, LOLC Fin

Higher tea auction volumes drag down prices of key grades

Sri Lanka’s tea market showed signs of strain this week, as a sharp increase in the auction volumes and weaker quality in some categories dragged down the prices for several widely traded teas, even as the demand remained resilient for select premium varieties, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.