Accountants best placed to lead sustainability reporting: IFAC Chief

Financial markets need trust worthy, high quality information on sustainability related risks and opportunities so that investors and lenders can make efficient decisions, said International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President Jean Bouquot during his recent visit to Sri Lanka.

Elephant House marks 160 years in business

Elephant House celebrates 160 years of building trust across generations, an exceptional milestone in the country’s corporate and consumer brand history.

Parliament takes up amendment to split container operator regulation from freight forwarders

Container operators will soon be governed by an independent legal framework as the government moves to amend the Licensing of Shipping Agents Act of 1972 to exclude them from its scope.

CA Sri Lanka hails historic appointment of female Auditor General

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has hailed the historic appointment of Chartered Accountant, Samudika Jayaratna, as the country’s first female Auditor General.

Tea auction of 6.1 MnKgs sees firm interest in premium western lots

This week’s auction comprised of 6.1 M/Kgs. There was fair general demand mostly at firm to easier rates, except for the seasonal teas from the Western slopes which appreciated significantly following quality.

Asiri Hospital pioneers advanced cardiac care in Matara

Asiri Health has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab), together with a fully-equipped Coronary Care Unit (CCU), at Asiri Hospital Matara.

Nawaloka Hospitals to serve as Platinum Sponsor of ‘Medicare 2026’

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s private healthcare sector, is taking a bold step into the future by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare. Demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical innovation, the hospital group will proudly serve as the Platinum Sponsor of the 15th edition of the Medicare – International Healthcare Exhibition 2026, where it will unveil its latest AI-driven technologies.

Mabroc Teas launches ‘TeaTrace’

As transparency becomes a defining requirement among European buyers, Mabroc Teas (Pvt) Ltd has launched ‘TeaTrace’, a data-driven traceability platform designed to meet evolving global standards in ethical and sustainable sourcing.

DFCC Pinnacle hosts seminar on cardiovascular health

DFCC Pinnacle hosted an exclusive lifestyle forum titled ‘Matters of the Heart’ on January 17 at the DFCC Bank Pinnacle Centre, in collaboration with Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore.

Cargills Sarubima Fund empowers farming communities through regional scholarships

Cargills recently conducted the 7th and 8th regional Sarubima scholarship distribution events at Boralanda and Ruwalwela, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to uplifting children from farming communities across Sri Lanka.

Oxford Chester Uni of Higher Education opens Head Office at Gangaramaya Educational Hub

The Head Office of Oxford Chester Uni of Higher Education (OCU) was ceremonially opened at the Gangaramaya Educational Hub, located within the historic premises of the Gangaramaya Temple, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape.

Seylan Tikiri empowers children with financial literacy

Seylan Tikiri celebrated World Children’s Month (WCM) for the 12th consecutive year with a series of island wide initiatives, marking the first time a bank in Sri Lanka has rolled out a nationwide celebration for WCM.

SLIIT honours staff excellence at 2025 ‘Stars of SLIIT’ Awards Night

The 2025 SLIIT staff awarding ceremony ‘Stars of SLIIT’, held on 28th December 2025 at Shangri-La, Colombo, marked yet another milestone in SLIIT’s annual tradition of recognising and celebrating staff excellence.

British Council offers English courses in Gampaha

Continuing a long-standing legacy of excellence in English language education, the British Council recently announced the opening of its newest English Centre in Gampaha on 28 January 2026. The English Centre will cater to students from ages six and above, bringing internationally recognised English language learning closer to the heart of Gampaha.

40% of Fortune 1000 works to be elevated by AI by 2029: Salesforce

Forty percent of work at Fortune 1000 companies will be elevated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2029, Salesforce Senior Director Sridhar Hariharan stated at a media meet held in Colombo recently.

Aitken Spence reimagines Negombo nightlife with Iguana Cantina

On a stretch of Lewis Place historically dominated by colonial churches and traditional seafood taverns, a sombrero-wearing green iguana now stands guard under a vibrant floral arch.

Indices edge up

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as ACME Printing & Packaging, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.0 bn.

Secondary market records higher volumes amid sustained buying interest

The secondary market continued to experience broad-based buying interest yesterday, with trading volumes remaining elevated.

Cartoon of the Day 07-02-2026

LAUGFS Gas raises domestic LPG prices for February 2026

LAUGFS Gas PLC has announced an increase in domestic LPG refill prices for February 2026, effective from midnight today.

Banks’ revival units failed to deliver: Ceylon Federation of MSME

The Ceylon Federation of MSME (CFMSME) has alleged that “Revival Units” mandated by the Central Bank to rescue struggling businesses have been a spectacular failure, restructuring only 0.03 percent of the sector’s distressed loans.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 returns to Cinnamon Life

FACETS Sri Lanka, the country’s premier international gem and jewellery exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), will return from 4th to 6th January 2027 at the iconic Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking the 34th edition of this flagship industry showcase.

World Bank ED holds talks in Colombo

World Bank Group Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer visited Sri Lanka this week as the island nation seeks to deepen development cooperation and attract investment into priority sectors to support job creation and long-term growth.

Samudika Jayaratne takes office as Sri Lanka’s first female Auditor General

Samudika Jayaratne assumed duties yesterday as the 42nd Auditor General of Sri Lanka, becoming the first woman to hold the country’s top auditing post.

Softlogic Finance proposes capital reduction to clear Rs.7.6bn in accumulated losses

Softlogic Finance PLC has announced a proposal to reduce its stated capital by approximately Rs.7.6 billion to set off the carried-forward retained losses, a strategic move aimed at restructuring its balance sheet to reflect a more accurate financial position.

Secondary market sees moderate volumes alongside consistent buying

The secondary market yesterday saw buying interest, while the trading volumes stood at moderate levels.

Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 11.1 bn.

Apparel Exporters Association reappoints Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chair

The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at Cinnamon Life Hotel, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and the diplomatic community to review sector priorities and reinforce Sri Lanka’s position in global apparel supply chains.

Sri Lanka Packaging Institute celebrates 50th AGM

The Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging (SLIP) marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

HNB among Top 10 Best Employers

HNB PLC has been recognised among the Top 10 Best Employers of 2025 at the inaugural EFC National Best Employer Awards.