Govt. offers cheaper credit to millers to stabilise paddy market

In an effort to support the farmgate prices and strengthen market liquidity, the government yesterday announced the launch of a concessional loan scheme for the small and medium-scale paddy millers and cooperative societies to finance the paddy purchases during the 2026 Yala harvesting season.

Trade deficit expands to US $ 4.7bn

Sri Lanka’s trade deficit widened to nearly US $ 4.7 billion in the first five months of 2026, dragging the country’s external account back into deficit, as the soaring fuel costs and a sharp rise in vehicle imports outpaced the growth in exports and remittance inflows.

ASPI closes in red

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, R I L Property and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.0 bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 edged up. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Windforce, Ceylon Cold Stores and Singhe Hospitals.

The 16 participating financial institutions under the concessional pledge loan scheme are:

Foreign demand across targeted tenors boosts trading volumes

The secondary market was abuzz with activity yesterday, as foreign demand for select tenors provided a significant boost to trading volumes.

Lanka Business TV’s ‘Vyavasayaka’ Summit in Kalutara receives huge response

Lanka Business TV’s highly acclaimed ‘Vyavasayaka’ Business and Investment Summit was held with great success recently at the Jie Jie Beach Hotel in Panadura, with the participation of over 250 attendees, including entrepreneurs and those eager to gain economic knowledge.

Agrithmics powers Goomera Estate digital transformation as landmark first for country’s State-Owned plantations

In a pioneering step for Sri Lanka’s plantation sector, Agrithmics Pvt Ltd has introduced a fully integrated digital estate management system at Goomera Estate, making it the first government-owned tea estate in Sri Lanka to embed digital solutions.

Amana Bank featured at IsDB Group’s Annual Meetings in Azerbaijan

Amana Bank was recently featured at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Private Sector Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan coinciding with IsDB Group’s 2026 Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. The events were held under the patronage of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

The Offices at Cinnamon Life commands highest rental rates in Colombo

The Offices at Cinnamon Life, developed by John Keells Properties, has set a new benchmark in Colombo’s commercial real-estate market, achieving the highest rental rates in the city. This milestone reflects the growing demand for premium, well- located office spaces within integrated developments that offer a seamless blend of business, lifestyle, and connectivity. The office tower features large, efficient floor plates of 10,646 sq. ft., designe

Vietjet opens bookings for first-ever direct flights between Sri Lanka and Vietnam

Vietjet has opened bookings with special launch fares for its new Colombo–Ho Chi Minh City route, scheduled to commence on 18 August 2026. The service will be the first scheduled direct air connection between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, further strengthening tourism, business, and cultural ties between the two countries.

Hermi Electric launches long-range EVs in Sri Lanka

Global Hermi (Liaoning) Industrial Development Co., Ltd, the parent company of Hermi Electric, has launched what it says is Sri Lanka’s longest-range electric three-wheeler and electric bike at competitive prices.

Seylan Bank partners with AECC Global to support students pursuing overseas education

Seylan Bank has entered a strategic partnership with AECC Global (Pvt) Ltd, a leading international education consultancy, to enhance financial accessibility for Sri Lankan students pursuing higher education overseas.

CBSL banking supervision to go digital following Cabinet approval

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the initiation of the procurement process to implement a technology-based supervisory solution for the Banking Supervision Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), marking a significant step towards modernising financial sector regulation and supervision.

Hemas Holdings appoints Sabrina Esufally to board

Hemas Holdings PLC announced the appointment of Sabrina Esufally as an Executive Director to its board, effective July 1, 2026.

Assetline Finance PLC Marks a Transformational Year with Strong Financial Performance and Public Listing

Assetline Finance PLC (AFIN), a leading licensed finance company and the flagship financial services arm of the David Pieris Group, delivered another year of exceptional financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026 while achieving several transformative milestones that significantly strengthened its institutional profile, broadened its funding capabilities, and positioned the Company for its next phase of sustainable growth.

Cabinet approves new core banking system for BOC

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to initiate procurement for the implementation of a new core banking system at Bank of Ceylon (BOC), in a move aimed at modernising the country’s largest state-owned bank’s digital infrastructure.

Central Bank adds Infinity Rover to banned pyramid schemes list

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) yesterday expanded its list of prohibited pyramid schemes, declaring Infinity Rover (Pvt.) Ltd as having engaged in, conducted and promoted a banned scheme under the Banking Act.

SEC & CSE to host Investor Forum on 9 July

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), is to host another investor forum as part of an ongoing island-wide initiative to broaden investor participation following a successful forum held last week.

Retailers eye consumer rebound, seek stronger policy voice

Sri Lanka’s organised retail sector expressed it is positioning itself for a recovery in consumer spending and seeking a stronger voice in economic policymaking as businesses prepare for the next phase of growth following the country’s economic crisis.

KOKO and Aitken Spence Hotels open new era for hotel payments in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s buy now pay later platform, KOKO, has entered into a partnership with Aitken Spence Hotels, to make installment payments available directly within the group’s official, real time booking engine.

Sampath Bank honoured with three banking accolades at World Finance

Sampath Bank PLC has been recognised with three accolades at the World Finance Banking Awards 2026, securing the titles of Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank, Best Commercial Bank, and Best Corporate Governance – Sri Lanka 2026.

CHEC commences construction of Home Lands Skyline’s Pentara Residencies

China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) officially commenced construction of Pentara Residencies by Home Lands Skyline, a premium twin-tower super high-rise residential development in Colombo 05, with a ceremonial groundbreaking held at Pentara Residencies.

Two suspects on bail over alleged counterfeit Caltex, Delo engine oil trade

Two suspects allegedly involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit lubricant products bearing the Caltex and Delo brands, in violation of the Intellectual Property Act, were released on bail after being produced before the Mawanella and Kegalle Magistrates’ Courts.

Sri Lanka weathers Middle East shock better than expected: IMF

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery has remained resilient despite the fallout from the Middle East conflict, with strong revenue collection and growth helping cushion the impact of external shocks, although significant reform challenges remain, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday.

Construction firms report strong project pipeline despite mounting cost pressures

Sri Lanka’s construction sector regained momentum in May as a steady flow of new project awards helped drive activity back into expansion territory, offering fresh evidence that investment activity remains resilient despite higher borrowing costs and global uncertainty.

Food and energy costs push Sri Lanka inflation to 6.8% in June

Headline inflation accelerated further in June, rising above the Central Bank’s 5 percent target as higher domestic energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict continued to feed through to the economy.

Duminda Hulangamuwa takes helm at BOI

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday announced the appointment of his Senior Economic Adviser Duminda Hulangamuwa as the new Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI).

Nordic investors channel US$ 35mn into Sri Lanka’s MSME sector via LB Finance

LB Finance PLC has secured US$ 35 million in long-term funding from Norway’s Norfund and Sweden’s Swedfund.

Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Dialog Axiata, John Keells Holdings and Windforce with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.7 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Secondary market commences week on a quiet note

The secondary market saw subdued trading activity and low volumes, with the yield curve remaining broadly stable across the curve.