Budget 2026 maps Rs.5.3tn income, Rs.7.1tn outlay

Budget 2026 forecasts total revenue and grants of Rs.5,300 billion, reflecting the government’s intent to strengthen fiscal consolidation while expanding public investment to spur growth.

IDB to oversee functions of NEDA and SMED to develop SMEs

The functions of the Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Division (SMED) would be consolidated, under the new budget proposals.

Rs.30bn digital injection proposed in 2026 to spur economic transformation

The government has proposed a substantial allocation of approximately Rs.30 billion in Budget 2026 for a sweeping digitalisation drive, signalling a decisive shift towards transforming Sri Lanka into a modern, knowledge-based economy.

Govt. to revise national port master plan to boost regional hub aspirations

The government is set to revise and update the national port master plan alongside a strategic land use master plan, allocating Rs.300 million in Budget 2026 for this vital groundwork.

ASPI gains 2.3% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.7 Bn.

Momentum moves market, powered by buying interest

The secondary market continued its momentum from the previous session, with the investors demonstrating sustained buying sentiment.

JAT Holdings sets sights on Australia and India after Mirotone acquisition

JAT Holdings PLC has unveiled an ambitious post-acquisition strategy focused on an aggressive Australian relaunch and a landmark entry into the Indian market, following its acquisition of Mirotone (NZ) Limited.

Vessel omissions at Colombo Port choking export sector: FTZMA warns

Free Trade Zone Manufacturers this week issued strong worded letter to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, raising alarm over the rising instances of vessel omissions at the Port of Colombo.

CIPR appoints Rishini Weeraratne as Ambassador for Sri Lanka

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has appointed Rishini Weeraratne, Editor of The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited, as its new Ambassador for Sri Lanka.

SDF issues first High Yield Sustainable Bond

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) rang the market opening bell at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), to commemorate the landmark issuance of its High-Yield Sustainable Bond. The market opening ceremony, held at CSE’s iconic Trading Floor, highlighted SDF’s

Sri Lanka Telecom appoints Riyaaz Rasheed as new CEO

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) announced the appointment of Riyaaz Rasheed as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 January 2026, the company announced in a filing to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

Moderate trading and steady buying in the secondary market

The secondary market yield curve experienced moderate trading volumes and activity, supported by continued buying interest yesterday.

ASPI closes, surpassing 23,000 mark

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, National Development Bank and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.0 bn.

LOLC Al-Falaah honoured as NBFI of the Decade at IFFSA 2025

LOLC Al-Falaah, the alternate financial services unit of LOLC Finance PLC, was once again in the spotlight at the 10th Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) Awards, held recently at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.

HNB Assurance leads industry with 3Q GWP growth of 38%

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) announced a strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, posting a 38 percent year-on-year growth in life insurance gross written premium (GWP), which is the highest growth among the life insurers in Sri

Royal Prashanth Fertility Centre marks a new era in fertility care in Sri Lanka

The Royal Prashanth Fertility Centre officially opens its doors, marking a new milestone in fertility and reproductive healthcare in Sri Lanka.

Pan Asia Bank marks 30 years with a commemorative stamp

Pan Asia Bank marked a significant milestone in its journey of excellence and innovation with the official launch of a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Sampath Bank-Ideal Motors drive affordable vehicle ownership

Sampath Bank PLC recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ideal Motors (Pvt.) Ltd, an authorised distributor of Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka.

Beyond congestion: Urgent need to reform Colombo’s port operations

Every delay at the Port of Colombo now comes at a heavy price. For Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, time is not just money; it’s trust. The recent reports of ships failing to call at Colombo because of the potential delays in the Port of Colombo, are a major concern for the

AMW opens new Matara showroom

Associated Motorways (Private) Limited (AMW) marked another milestone with the grand opening of its newest showroom in Matara.

CA SL sets new benchmark with highest Chartered Accountant number in a single year

For over 65 years, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has stood as the national body of accountants and a beacon of professional excellence established by an Act of Parliament in 1959. The CA Sri Lanka qualification has been the gold standard

Likuid Spaces at One Galle Face redefines premium workspaces in Colombo

Perched high above the city within Shangri-La’s One Galle Face Office Tower, Likuid Spaces stands as a reflection of Colombo’s new era of work one defined by creativity, connection, technology, and design excellence.

Jayantha Gallehewa appointed OPA President

Jayatha Gallahewa was sworn in as the 45th President of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) for the 2025/2026 term at its Annual General Meeting held on October 31.

Next@Acer 2025 showcases future of technology in Sri Lanka

The Next@Acer 2025 was recently held at the Waters Edge, where Metropolitan Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized distributor for Acer in Sri Lanka, unveiled the brand’s latest lineup of next-generation laptops, AI-powered devices, and productivity devices set to shape 2026 and

ISMM holds ‘National Supply Chain Day 2025’

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) held the National Supply Chain Day 2025 celebrations recently at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB).

JKH defies critics with blowout 2Q results

In a striking rebuke to its critics, top blue chip John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported a breakout performance for the three months ended September 2025, posting an 88 percent growth in revenue, a 127 percent surge in operating results and a 21 percent rise in profits attributable to the equity holders.

NDB reports stellar performance for September on new loans, lower provisions

Amid a deluge of earnings this week, National Development Bank PLC (NDB) reported a solid financial performance for the September quarter, driven by new loans, higher fee incomes and lower impairment provisions. The bank recorded a net interest income of Rs.9.07 billion for the three months, up 13.8 percent from the same period last year, while the fee incomes rose by an even higher 24.3 percent to Rs.2.77 billion.

National tea sale average down in October as Low Grown prices weaken

The national tea sale average (NSA) for October 2025 eased to Rs.1,177.14 per kilo (US $ 3.87), reflecting a month-on-month decline of Rs.14.48 (US $ 0.07), from September’s Rs.1,191.62 (US $ 3.94), according to the data compiled by Forbes & Walker Research.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life appoints Nalin Subasinghe as Chief Executive Officer

Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) announced the appointment of Nalin Subasinghe as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective November 3, 2025.

Sysco’s global tech leaders visit Sysco LABS Sri Lanka

Sysco LABS, the Global Innovation Center for Sysco, recently hosted the company’s Global Technology Leadership Team (TLT) for an immersive four-day visit to its Sri Lankan center.