BCCS Awards 2025 raises bar with stronger focus on integrity, impact and innovation

Now in its 22nd year, the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability (BCCS) Awards continues to raise the bar for corporate responsibility in Sri Lanka.

Future Automobiles introduces Hamer 4x4 modifications to Sri Lanka

Future Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of the Softlogic Group, announced its exclusive partnership with Hamer 4x4 Accessories, a globally respected name in premium off-road vehicle

CMA Sri Lanka inducts New President, Council Members for 2025–2027

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka) held its induction ceremony for the President and Council Members for the term 2025–2027 on June 13 at the Taj Samudra

Singer leads 5G era in Sri Lanka with Honor

Singer Sri Lanka PLC has further strengthened its leadership in the mobile phone market with the exclusive launch of two new 5G-enabled smartphones from Honor; the Honor 200 Smart 5G and Honor

US tariff blow puts SL’s US $ 857mn coconut export industry at risk: Industry

The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industry (CCCI) yesterday issued an urgent appeal to the government in response to the US’ decision to impose a 30 percent import tariff on coconut-based products from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025.

Storage challenge looms as Sri Lanka ramps up solar adoption

Sri Lanka is turning to energy storage systems, including battery and hydro-based solutions, to address the growing imbalance between solar energy supply and demand, a move the government said is critical to sustaining the island’s renewable energy ambitions.

Manufacturing and services activities charge ahead in June

Manufacturing sector PMI at 51.9 index points while services came in at 61.9

ASPI could touch 22,000 by 2026: First Capital Research

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is on the cusp of a significant rerating, driven by a powerful combination of prolonged low-interest rates and a robust surge in corporate profitability, according to a new mid-year outlook report from First Capital Research.

Sri Lanka’s solid tyre dominance threatened by Trump tariffs

Sri Lanka, a global leader in solid tyre manufacturing, faces a critical challenge to its market leadership as a 30 percent US import tariff on Sri Lankan rubber goods is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hayleys and Central Finance Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 17.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hatton National Bank nonvoting, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings accounting for 69.9% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Browns Investments and Access Engineering

Secondary market remains subdued amid light volumes

The secondary bond market remained largely inactive yesterday, continuing the subdued momentum observed in the previous session.

EDB initiates strategic dialogue with NIRDC to boost R&D in pharma sector

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) initiated a constructive dialogue with the National Initiative for R&D Commercialization (NIRDC) to explore avenues of support for strengthening the Sri Lankan pharmaceutical sector through Research and Development.

MiHCM appoints Pubudini as CEO

MiHCM has announced the appointment of Pubudini Abeyesekera as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Sri Lanka and the Maldives with effect from 1 July 2025.

Commercial High Court issues notices in Trademark Infringement Case involving cleaning chemical brand

The Commercial High Court yesterday issued notices to cleaning chemical company in a trademark infringement case filed by a prominent cleaning chemical brand call ‘CLEANA’ alleging unauthorized use of its registered logo and trade mark.

Financial Intelligence Unit signs MOU with Oman’s National Center for Financial Information

The Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka (FIU-Sri Lanka) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Center for Financial Information in the Sultanate of Oman (NCFI-Oman) last week (July 09), during the 31st Plenary of the Egmont Group, held in Luxembourg.

After-sales excellence recognition for Porsche Sri Lanka Porsche Sri Lanka amongst winners of Porsche Aftersales World Challenge 2024

Porsche Sri Lanka announced that it has been named a recipient of the prestigious Porsche Aftersales World Challenge (PACE) 2024.

Cathay Pacific introduces daily flights between Colombo and Hong Kong

Starting 1 September 2025, Hong Kong’s home carrier Cathay Pacific will be operating daily return flights— up from the current five flights per week — between Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport.

Colombo University unites for landmark celebration of UN World Tourism Day

University of Colombo is set to mark the United Nations World Tourism Day 2025 with an inclusive national initiative that brings together government, academia, industry, and youth.

Hotel Show Colombo opens on July 25

The 17th edition of Hotel Show Colombo will be held from 25-27 July at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center, BMICH, Colombo.

SriLankan Cargo achieves ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification

SriLankan Cargo, the air freight arm of SriLankan Airlines, has achieved the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System(QMS) Certification for its cargo ground handling operations at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), reaffirming the airline’s consistent commitment to excellence in all aspects of cargo operations.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts announces new leadership appointments

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has announced a series of senior leadership transitions across its Sri Lankan resort portfolio, reflecting the Group’s strategic commitment to strengthening internal talent pipelines, advancing inclusive leadership, and driving operational excellence across its Sri Lanka Resort portfolio.

Public Relations Association unveils Code of Ethics

The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) unveiled and adopted its first-ever Code of Ethics, aligning the local profession with global standards on World PR Day, celebrated annually on July 16.

CA Sri Lanka opens applications for ‘TAGS Awards 2025’

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) officially launched the 60thAnniversary TAGS Awards 2025 at a press conference held in Colombo this week.

SLT-Mobitel becomes first telco to partner with KOKO

SLT-Mobitel, in a new partnership, has become the first telco to join forces with KOKO, the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) provider, to offer flexible payment solutions for 4G and 5G-ready devices and connectivity products. As the first telecommunications provider to integrate Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, SLT-Mobitel strengthens its position as an industry innovator committed to customer-centric solutions.

July start signals even tougher climb to reach 3 mn tourist arrivals by year-end

Sri Lanka’s ambitious goal of welcoming 3 million tourists in 2025 faces further pressure after a lackluster start to July.

Commercial Credit and Finance to raise up to Rs. 5 bn via high-yield bond issue

Commercial Credit and Finance PLC shared that the board has approved a plan to raise up to Rs. 5 billion through the issuance of listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated high-yield bonds.

PABC public holding up to 60% after Bansei exit

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC yesterday said its public shareholding rose to 60.01 percent as of July 14, following a stake reduction by its second-largest shareholder, Bansei Securities Co., Ltd.

LIOC posts muted 1Q as pump prices dip

The June quarter earnings season got underway with Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reporting lower top and bottom-line performance for the quarter caused by the repeated cuts to fuel prices in line with the softened global oil prices.

German investors explore Sri Lanka while calling for policy reforms

German companies have expressed strong interest in expanding their footprint in Sri Lanka, but stressed the need for greater policy consistency and transparency to drive investment decisions, officials said.

SL’s Palmstone Retreat among global top 10% in Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024

Palmstone Retreat in Kitulgala has been named a winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024, placing it among the top 10 percent of hotels worldwide based on guest reviews and ratings.