Sri Lanka’s economic outlook remains weak amid Middle East crisis: Dr. Wijewardena

Sri Lanka’s economy, which has been very badly hit by the Middle East crisis as well other external shocks such as climate change, is not expected to have a very promising future, noted former Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena.

Tourism success questioned as Sri Lanka leans on volume over value

​Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded a historic 2.3 million international arrivals in 2025 but the industry analysts are urging a pivot in how success is measured within the island’s economic framework.

Apparel sector flags urgent policy window as 1Q exports fall 8%

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry yesterday warned of a narrowing policy window to stabilise the exports, after the shipments fell 8 percent in the first quarter (1Q26), with the rising energy costs, shifting US trade dynamics and looming European market risks threatening to deepen the slowdown, unless immediate action is taken.

Infinix unveils Note 60 Series with first-ever AI Matrix Display and Snapdragon

Infinix, Sri Lanka’s top smartphone brand, hosted a grand and immersive launch event for its highly anticipated Note 60 Series, marking a new milestone in innovation and intelligent smartphone experiences.

DIMO cascades EV expertise at Mercedes-Benz Flying Doctor Service Clinic 2026

As the global automotive industry advances toward electrification, the need for specialized technical expertise and trusted aftersales support has become progressively critical.

LG Electronics showcases innovation and growth strategy for Asia at LG Innofest 2026 APAC

LG Electronics (LG) showcased its latest products and regionspecific solutions at LG InnoFest 2026 APAC, held in Busan, Korea, from April 7–10.

Sri Lankan ICT companies attend Japan IT Week 2026

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, announced the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s second participation at Japan IT Week Spring 2026, held from April 6th to 10th at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.

Activ8 Asia honoured with Platinum Excellence in BPO & Customer Experience Solutions

Activ8 Asia was awarded Platinum Excellence in Business Process Outsourcing & Customer Experience Solutions in 2026 at City of Dreams, Cinnamon Life, Colombo, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the BPO industry and its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience solutions.

NCE launches SLAB-endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) announced the launch of its Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) - endorsed Certificate of Ethical Trading (CET) at its 40th Anniversary special celebration and Annual General Meeting.

People’s Bank presents 2025 Annual Report to CBSL Governor

People’s Bank presented its 2025 Annual Report to Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe recently.

CRIB and LRA jointly announce soft launch of AI-powered DDCR Model

The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB), in partnership with Lanka Rating Agency (LRA) as its technical partner, recently announced the soft launch of the AI-powered Digital Dynamic Credit Ratings (DDCR) model, a transformative initiative set to reshape how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be benefited when evaluated for creditworthiness and access to capital.

Janashakthi Finance launches ‘Shakthi’ to empower smarter financial growth for women

Janashakthi Finance PLC, a subsidiary of JXG, has introduced ‘Shakthi’,a dedicated fixed deposit product for women, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive finance and long-term wealth creation.

Sri Lanka unveils comprehensive National Event Calendar to boost global tourism

At a recent ceremony held at the Shangri-La Colombo, the Event Management Association (EMA) of Sri Lanka unveiled the official Sri Lanka Event Calendar.

Secondary market stalls amid geopolitical jitters

The secondary market commenced the week on a subdued note, with activity largely at a standstill, leaving the yield curve broadly unchanged.

Week begins in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Sampath Bank and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.9 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation

Colombo Dockyard shifts year end to March

Colombo Dockyard PLC yesterday said it has received the regulatory approvals to change its financial year-end to March from December.

WindForce enters US $ 18mn IFC loan deal

WindForce PLC yesterday disclosed a US $ 18 million loan agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), flagging the facility as a material borrowing.

NDB replaces EY with KPMG in line with audit rotation requirement

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) has moved to appoint KPMG as its external auditor for the 2026 financial year, replacing Ernst & Young (EY), in a change driven by the Central Bank-mandated rotation rules but coming at a time of intensified scrutiny, following the bank’s recent fraud disclosure.

Visa appoints Suresh Sethi as Group Country Manager for India and South Asia

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, yesterday announced that Suresh Sethi has been appointed as Group Country Manager for India and South Asia.

March vehicle registrations expand over 15% as EV adoption accelerates

​Sri Lanka’s local automotive market recorded a substantial influx of vehicle imports in March, with total motor vehicle registrations expanding by 15.6 percent month-on-month to reach 59,734 units, according to the latest registration data compiled by JB Securities.

Sri Lanka’s tourism investments hit six-year high in 2025 amid substantial capacity expansion

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector recorded a massive resurgence in investor confidence in 2025, with realised investments reaching their highest level since 2019.

Transition to weekly fuel pricing urged to mitigate market distortions

​Sri Lanka’s retail fuel sector could significantly benefit from a shift toward weekly price revisions to iron out severe market distortions caused by abrupt, large-scale price adjustments.

EPF assets cross Rs. 5trn mark, but returns moderate

The Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) reached a significant milestone in 2025 as its total asset base crossed the Rs. 5 trillion mark, representing a considerable expansion from the Rs. 4.4 trillion recorded at the end of 2024.

IRCSL tightens motor insurance credit and mandates digital cards

​The Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) has issued a series of directives aimed at modernising the general insurance sector, curbing unauthorised brokering, and tightening financial discipline.

Pan Asia Bank-Softlogic Life provide access to int’l health care for Premier customers

Demonstrating its commitment to delivering holistic financial and lifestyle solutions, Pan Asia Bank announced a strategic bancassurance partnership with Softlogic Life Insurance PLC to offer an exclusive international health insurance solution tailored for its Privilege Banking segment.

Elektrateq-Elexi seal electric three-wheeler fleet partnership

Elektrateq (Private) Limited and Mobility as a Service (Private) Limited, operating under the brand Elexi, announced the signing of two landmark commercial agreements, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in Sri Lanka.

Nawaloka Hospital Colombo clinches multiple top honours at CPM Awards

Demonstrating excellence across healthcare, innovation, sustainability and community impact, Nawaloka Hospital Colombo has emerged as a standout performer at the prestigious CPM Awards, securing multiple accolades across diverse categories.

99x shares key insights at SLASSCOM Women in Tech Conference 4.0

Sri Lanka’s technology industry is entering a defining phase, where the focus is shifting beyond growth to how that growth is achieved.

UK’s generational smoking ban: Another bullet off target?

The UK sits at the cusp of enacting legislation to ban the sales of tobacco products to persons born after 2009, with the objective of creating a smoke-free generation. The draft bill passed in UK Parliament and now merely needs royal ascent to come into practice.

SL-Korea Business Council hosts session on doing business with South Korea

The Sri Lanka-Korea Business Council (SLKBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an awareness session titled ‘Doing Business with South Korea’, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea.