FinMin unveils SME debt relief package

Sri Lanka’s struggling businesses can find some respite as the Finance Ministry yesterday announced details of a relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing difficulties servicing their debt due to the economic crisis following the global health pandemic.

All Share Price Index to reach 17,500 mark by year end: FCR

The All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is expected to reach 17,500 points by the end of this year driven by stronger earrings and lower interest rate regime, according to First Capital Research (FCR).

Sri Lanka aims US$ 18.2bn in export revenue for 2025

Sri Lanka through its latest trade and export policy is targeting annual export revenue of US$ 18.2 billion for 2025. The plan, as outlined by EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, is to increase merchandise exports from last year’s target of US$ 12.7 billion to US$ 14 billion, while elevating service exports from US$ 3.5 billion to US$ 4.2 billion within the next 12 months.

AKD engages in discussions with top Chinese corporations to promote investment

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organised by public and private sector entities in China.

Sri Lanka’s external current account could flip into deficit in 2025 on rising imports

Sri Lanka might not be able to extend its streak of surpluses in the current account of the Balance of Payment seen in the last two years in 2025.

Indices continue to close in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Tokyo Cement Company and Lanka IOC with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.0 bn.

Moderate volumes witnessed as investors adopt wait-and-see stance

The secondary market yield curve witnessed a day of moderate volumes and limited activity as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach following the year’s first bond auction held on 9th Jan-25, where the CBSL accepted a total of Rs. 179.3bn in bonds.

Amãna Bank-Bristol Institute empower students through flexible financing

Amãna Bank has partnered with the Bristol Institute of Business Management (BIBM) to offer people-friendly education financing solutions for students enrolling to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from the University of the West of England (UWE) – UK.

Public Relations Association appoints new Executive Committee at 1st AGM

The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL) successfully held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), announcing the appointment of its new Executive Committee for the 2025/2026 term.

CA SL celebrates contributions of over 60 veteran members

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recognised the outstanding contributions of over 60 veteran members at a special felicitation ceremony recently.

National Business Excellence Awards 2025 official launch today

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka is announcing National Business Excellence Awards 2025, the flagship event for the 20th consecutive year, today at 2:30 p.m., at National Chamber Auditorium, Colombo 10. Being one of the pioneering awards competitions initiated as way back as 2004, by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) has maintained its highest standards and gained much recog

DFCC Online Banking enables statutory payments to govt. departments

DFCC Bank, a pioneer in digital enablement and digital banking innovation, has launched a new service through DFCC Online Banking that enables customers to effortlessly make statutory payments to various public institutions around the clock.

Union Assurance shines with multiple prestigious global awards

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s premier life insurer, has once again reinforced its leadership in the industry by earning multiple prestigious global accolades.

Janashakthi Group holds Long Service Awards

Janashakthi Group (JXG) recently celebrated the steadfast dedication of its long-serving employees at the prestigious Long Service Awards ceremony.

Arimac holds SL’s first digital lamp lighting ceremony

Arimac, renowned for its groundbreaking digital solutions, celebrated the new year with a revolutionary twist on a cherished tradition.

Great Place To Work Sri Lanka launches Great Urban Challenge 2025

Great Place to Work Sri Lanka announced the launch of The Great Urban Challenge, an exciting and dynamic team-building event designed to inspire collaboration, creativity and camaraderie among corporate teams. Scheduled to take place on February 22, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., this one-of-a-kind experience promises to take participants on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Colombo.

Datatech Lanka honoured with 2 national awards for excellence

Datatech Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, a premier Japanese education centre in Sri Lanka, has been honoured at National Entrepreneur Excellence Presidential Awards 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Young Entrepreneur Association. Managing Director Sir Thilina Chamara Maduneth Gulavita received Asian National Entrepreneur Excellence 2024 award for his outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial vision.

The Residencies Kotte by ICC marks remarkable construction progress

The Residencies Kotte by ICC is poised to transform apartment living with the near completion of its expansive recreational area—an elevated space spanning over an acre, meticulously designed to foster community and well-being.

SLT-Mobitel Nebula Institute achieves recognition at Pearson BTEC Forum

SLT-Mobitel Nebula Institute of Technology, the educational arm of SLT-Mobitel, has been honoured with international recognition at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Higher Education Forum 2024, highlighting the second consecutive year of acknowledgement for excellence.

Next 6 months critical for SL to leverage geopolitical shifts: Tax expert

As Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture in its economic development, after facing what was the worst crisis in history, the first half of 2025 (1H25) would be a critical period for the island nation, a tax expert said.

China pledges deeper ties with Sri Lanka

China yesterday pledged support to Sri Lanka, with President Xi Jinping expressing readiness to collaborate with the island nation towards a new era of development.

JAAF urges targeted policies for apparel trade growth

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday reiterated the need for targeted policy initiatives that would help Sri Lanka leverage the opportunities created by the geopolitical shifts in the global apparel trade.

One World Duty Free enters South Asia with Colombo store

One World Duty Free (ODF), Singapore’s first home-grown omnichannel duty-free brand, has entered the South Asian market with the opening of its newest store at Port City Duty Free Mall in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s rubber export earnings up 7% YoY

Sri Lanka’s rubber export earnings rose 7 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US $ 11.67 billion in the 11 months to November 2024, driven by the increased revenues from rubber products, Forbes and Walker Commodity Brokers said in its latest rubber report.

Cartoon of the Day 16-01-2025

Cement prices to drop by Rs.100

The price of a bag of cement will drop by approximately Rs.100, following a decision to lower the prevailing cess, the Finance Ministry announced.

SEC extends deadline for corporate finance advisor licensing

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has extended the deadline for individuals and entities engaged in corporate finance advisory activities to obtain a licence until March 31, 2025.

ASPI gains 1.42% during the day

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, DFCC Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 Bn.

Yield curve declines at short end following weekly T-bill auction

The Central Bank conducted the weekly T-bill auction, raising Rs.107.0 billion, with the total offered amount being fully accepted across all maturities.

Prime Lands Residencies set to transform urban landscape with Colombo Border project

Prime Lands Residencies PLC is set to transform Sri Lanka’s urban landscape with its ambitious Colombo Border project.