Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, Bukit Darah and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in John Keells Holdings, LOLC Holdings and Lanka Milk Foods. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Agstar and Prime Lands Residencies whilst retail intere

CTC declares Rs.34 first interim dividend for March quarter

Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) has declared a first interim dividend of Rs.34 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2026, according to a filing with the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Sampath Bank quarterly profit pressured by prudential provisions

Substantially higher provisions made against the possible loan losses dented the profits at Sampath Bank PLC, as the bank made additional precautions against the weakening macroeconomic conditions and its fallout on the borrowers’ ability to repay but the bank grew its loan book at a robust pace in the first three months.

Climate change emerging as new face of poverty in Sri Lanka: CEPA

Sri Lanka’s poverty challenge is evolving beyond income deprivation, with climate change and environmental vulnerabilities emerging as new drivers of economic hardship, Senior Economist and Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) Executive Director Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne said.

Hotels lobby for crackdown on unregistered listings on global booking platforms

The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has called on the government to introduce a simple legislative amendment mandating the global online travel agencies, including Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia, to exclusively list the accommodations registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Hoteliers urge minimum US$ 50mn annual marketing spend to hit 2030 targets

The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) is calling for a consistent, minimum annual marketing investment of US$ 50 million to steer the industry toward its ambitious target of 5 million arrivals and US$ 10 billion in income by 2030.

Inland Revenue Bill introduces criminal penalties for tax procedural failures

A proposed amendment to the Inland Revenue Act is set to introduce strict criminal penalties for taxpayers who fail to meet key procedural requirements, marking a significant shift in enforcement.

Abans Finance launches maiden debenture issue listing on CSE

Abans Finance PLC (Abans Finance) recently marked the official listing of its maiden 13,384,000 debentures on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) with a bell ringing and market opening ceremony held at the CSE trading floorthis Monday (11th May 2026).

Indices close on a mixed note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, R I L Property and Cargills with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.6 bn.

Sri Lanka Expo rescheduled for January 2027

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has announced that Sri Lanka Expo 2026, originally scheduled to be held in 2026, has been rescheduled for 14–17 January 2027.

2039 maturity fully rejected at latest T-Bond auction

Yesterday the PDMO concluded a T-Bond auction which saw 2030, 2034 and 2036 maturities being accepted at weighted average yields that closely mirror the prevailing market rates, in turn pushing the yield curve down from the short to mid-end. However, the 2039 maturity which was set to raise Rs. 50.0bn was fully rejected.

Tea sales average climbs in April as dollar returns stay under pressure

Sri Lanka’s national tea sale average rose in April from the previous month, supported by gains across all elevations in rupee terms, although the earnings in dollar terms continued to lag year-on-year (YoY) amid the currency movements and softer export value realisations.

HNB Life records staggering 54% GWP growth in 1Q 2026

HNB Life PLC reported a strong start to the year for the three months ended March 31, 2026, continuing its growth trajectory following its recent rebranding and reinforcing its position as a leading life insurer in Sri Lanka.

Amana Takaful recognised for excellence in management practices

Amana Takaful Insurance’s Medical Claims team has been recognised at CPM Best Management Practices Company (BMPC) Awards 2026, highlighting excellence in management practices and operational performance.

Rockland appoints Tharindra Kulasinghe to board

Rockland Group has appointed Tharindra Kulasinghe to its board of directors as a Non-Executive Director, effective immediately.

MIFL records Rs.818mn PBT in FY 2025-26, up 193% YoY

Mahindra Ideal Finance Ltd (MIFL) reported its strongest ever financial performance in the year ended March 31, 2026, recording a significant growth across profitability, lending volumes and operational efficiency.

CA Sri Lanka unveils inaugural Sustainability Summit 2026

For decades, the language of business was simple: profit, growth, shareholder return. But the planet has rewritten the dictionary.

JB Financial introduces Credit Opportunity Fund

In a market where traditional savings accounts and fixed deposits are struggling to keep pace with the rising costs and changing interest rates, JB Financial has launched the JB Vantage Credit Opportunity Fund (COF), a flexible investment solution designed for the investors seeking stronger returns without sacrificing liquidity.

Union Assurance hosts SLIM Certified Financial Adviser Graduation Ceremony

Union Assurance PLC recently hosted the SLIM Certified Financial Adviser Graduation Ceremony on its head office premises, recognising 38 professionals who successfully completed the programme, a milestone that reflects the company’s focus on building a highly capable and accredited sales force.

SLCBCC elects new office bearers and executive committee

Sri Lanka China Business Co-operation Council (SLCBCC) announced that the following office bearers and executive committee members were elected at its 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held recently at the NCCSL auditorium.

Rhino Roofing launches Rhino Academy to bridge Sri Lanka’s industrial skills gap

In a bold move to transform the landscape of technical education and youth employment in Sri Lanka, Rhino Roofing Products Limited has announced the launch of the Rhino Academy.

Sri Lanka’s wheat consumption rises on economic and tourism revival

Sri Lanka’s appetite for wheat, the island’s second staple food, is on a steady upward trajectory, fuelled by a recovering economy and a booming tourism sector but yet to reach the pre-crisis levels.

SLASSCOM’s Xcellerate powers country’s next wave of investment-ready startups

SLASSCOM’s Xcellerate Accelerator Programme is reshaping Sri Lanka’s startup ecosystem by fast-tracking MVP-stage tech startups into investment-ready, scalable ventures.

RTS Holdings’ Hidellana and Avissawella tea factories achieve Zero Carbon Manufacturing Certification

RTS Holdings has reached a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s tea industry with its Hidellana and Avissawella Tea Factories being awarded the Zero Carbon Manufacturing Certification by The Sustainable Future Group, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable tea production.

Maxtherm Lanka wins Silver at National Energy Efficiency Awards

Maxtherm Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has secured the Silver Award for Best Energy Efficiency Service Provider at the National Energy Efficiency Awards 2025, organised by the Ministry of Power and Energy and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.

Richard Pieris Finance launches device financing solution for Samsung smart phones

Richard Pieris Finance Limited (RPFL) has expanded its consumer financing portfolio with the launch of a new device financing solution for Samsung smartphones through authorized mobile dealers of John Keells Office Automation, enabling customers to access premium mobile devices through affordable and flexible instalment plans.

Hutch unlocks top global solutions to raise Sri Lankan businesses

Hutch Sri Lanka is leveraging its international pedigree to bring the best of enterprise solutions to help Sri Lankan businesses leapfrog into a new era.

ACAP unveils strategic business transformation; sets sight on a new frontier of investments into Sri Lanka

ACAP Stockbrokers (Pvt) Ltd. is entering a new phase of its journey under the stewardship of Stallion Consultancy, ushering in a new era of client-focused investment advisory.

JKCG Auto partners with BOC and SLIC to support EV adoption among State employees

John Keells CG Auto (JKCG Auto), the authorised distributor of BYD and DENZA in Sri Lanka, has launched a campaign in partnership with Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd. (SLIC) to accelerate New Energy Vehicles (NEV) adoption among government sector employees.

SLIM ushers in new era of leadership at 2026 AGM

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 on 8th April at the Galle Face Hotel.