Hemas Consumer Brands-USJ empower future leaders

Hemas Consumer Brands (HCB), Sri Lanka’s leader in the home and personal care sector, recently signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), to prepare students not merely for jobs but for meaningful careers that shape national development and sustainable growth.

Lotus Group opens SL’s first export-based private tissue culture lab

A new chapter in Sri Lanka’s agricultural innovation has begun with the establishment of the first export-oriented private tissue culture laboratory by Lotus Group of Companies.

Colombo stock market extends gains amid renewed investor optimism

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) continued its upward momentum today, supported by renewed investor sentiment and sustained buying interest across key sectors. Following yesterday’s mixed performance, both the All Share Price Index (ASPI) and the S&P SL20 advanced, reflecting improved market confidence

United Petroleum slams govt. for unkept promises

United Petroleum Lanka yesterday expressed “deep disappointment” over the challenges it faced during its short-lived operations in the island nation, stating similar issues have now extended to its exit.

Laugfs Gas suspends Dubai unit after US sanctions

Laugfs Gas PLC announced on Monday its decision to temporarily suspend all commercial operations of its Dubai-based subsidiary, SLOGAL Energy DMCC, following its designation on a sanctions list by the US Treasury.

September gross reserves tad higher at US $ 6.2bn

Sri Lanka ended September 2025 with gross reserve assets of US $ 6,243 million, a tad higher than a month earlier, which was at US $ 6,178 million.

WindForce disburses Rs.231mn of Rs.535.5mn equity for Puttalam wind project

WindForce PLC is advancing the Rs.4.2 billion wind power project in Alankuda, Puttalam, through its majority stake in Safe Power International (Pvt.) Ltd.

Port of Colombo transshipment surge drives robust container growth in August

The Port of Colombo reported a significant surge in container handling in August 2025, marking a strong growth, driven by a robust increase in transshipment volumes.

World Elite acquires majority stake in Gestetner of Ceylon

Gestetner of Ceylon PLC yesterday announced that World Elite Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong, has acquired a controlling interest in the company through a transaction executed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

JF Packaging to launch IPO on October 30

JF Packaging Limited, a leading flexible packaging solutions provider and a subsidiary of Lankem Ceylon PLC, plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) of ordinary voting shares on October 30, according to the disclosures made to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

RBI opens door for rupee lending to Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal

India has stepped up efforts to deepen regional financial integration with its Reserve Bank amending the Foreign Exchange Management (borrowing and lending) Regulations of 2018.

Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, C T Holdings and Mercantile Investments & Finance with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in red. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Gestetner Of Ceylon, Ceylon Land & Equity and Citizens Development Business Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, HNB Finance and SMB Leasing whilst

‘Perspectives On GIs In Sri Lanka’ conference to be held under French Embassy’s patronage

The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB), French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) are organising a conference titled ‘Perspectives on GIs in Sri Lanka’. This by-invitation event marks the conclusion of the Ceylon Tea Geogaphical Indication (GI) project and celebrates Sri Lanka’s achievements in this field.

Secondary market flat; CBSL bond auction raises Rs.162.1bn

The secondary government market recorded subdued trading activity ahead of yesterday’s T-bond auction, resulting in the yield curve remaining broadly unchanged from the previous day. Among the limited number of trades, the 15.10.2029 maturity was quoted at a yield of 9.68 percent.

EDB takes AI to North, empowers SMEs to boost exports

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has stepped up efforts to integrate technology into regional export development, hosting a workshop in Jaffna to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

DFCC Bank-Prime EV Automobiles expand access to next-gen mobility

DFCC Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Prime EV Automobiles, a member of the SENOK Group, to make premium electric and hybrid vehicles more accessible to Sri Lankan customers through tailored financial solutions.

DIMO brings all-new Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator to Sri Lanka

DIMO, the authorised distributor for Jeep in Sri Lanka, officially introduced the all-new 2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator, marking a new chapter for the legendary brand while delivering both adventure and everyday practicality to customers.

Sampath Bank-Micro Cars deliver unmatched benefits on vehicle purchases

Sampath Bank PLC entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently with Micro Cars (Pvt.) Ltd at its head office, formalising a partnership that brings together exclusive customer benefits and financial solutions designed to make vehicle ownership more accessible and rewarding.

SLEIS 2025 to focus on designing next phase of Sri Lanka’s economic playbook

With macroeconomic stability largely restored, and Sri Lanka now facing the task of crafting the next phase of its economic strategy, Day One of Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025 on December 2 will feature a session on how Sri Lanka can drive sustainable, inclusive and investment-led growth, to convert stability into long-term prosperity.

Third Shift and Moratuwa University research recognized at ISBM World Conference in Thailand

Third Shift Media, together with the University of Moratuwa, has received international recognition after presenting four research papers at the ISBM World Conference, Bangkok, Thailand in September.

Bairaha marks 50 years of leadership in local poultry industry

Bairaha Farms celebrates 50 years of excellence and leadership in reshaping the nation’s nutritional landscape. Bairaha has evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s largest fully integrated poultry producers, encompassing broiler breeder grandparent and parent farms, feed milling, processing, and together with island wide distribution of chicken products.

Coca-Cola appoints Mario Perera as Country Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives

The Coca-Cola Company announced the appointment of Mario Perera as Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Raigam Wayamba Salterns reports record turnover and major expansion despite industry crisis

Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC (RWS), Sri Lanka’s only listed salt manufacturer, has recorded a turnover exceeding Rs. 2.5 billion for the 2024/25 financial year — marking a 41.5 percent growth despite facing the most severe crisis in the industry’s history.

Baby Cheramy launches Sri Lanka’s first AI-powered parenting platform

Sri Lanka’s leading baby care brand, Baby Cheramy, launched the country’s first parenting assistance service powered by generative artificial intelligence , the Baby Cheramy Diaper Helpdesk, positioning it as a milestone in the local consumer goods sector, where brands are expanding beyond physical products into digital ecosystems. The free 24/7 service, available on WhatsApp in Sinhala, Tamil and English, aims to provide parents with real-time r

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: A BRIDGE TOO FAR

Attracting FDI, a key enabler of export performance, has been a challenge for Sri Lanka. As exports and FDI are a platform for productivity growth, Sri Lanka has missed out on new technologies and know-how typically associated with FDI.

Colombo stock market ends mixed amid volatile trading

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) experienced a volatile trading session today, with the market oscillating between the 22,200 and 22,400 levels before closing with mixed sentiment. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) ended marginally higher, while the S&P SL20 dipped into negative territory, reflecting a divergence in investor sentiment across key sectors.

Government online services disrupted due to Lanka Government Cloud outage

Several online public services operated by government institutions have been temporarily disrupted following a technical issue affecting the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC).

Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025 champions future-ready workforce

The inaugural ceremony of the “Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2025” educational exhibition was held today at the Conference Hall of Temple Trees under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

SL should mirror neighbours’ AI push to spur growth: Indian economist

As Sri Lanka positions itself on the cusp of an AI-driven transformation, a top Indian economist has urged the island nation to look less to the West and more towards its immediate neighbour, India, whose experience with artificial intelligence offers both promise and caution for Sri Lanka’s ambitions.

Remittance income ploughs ahead putting record high income in sight for 2025

Sri Lankans working abroad sent US$ 695.7 million in remittances in September 2025, compared to US$ 680.8 million in August 2025 and US$ 555.6 million a year ago, in a sign that the year-on-year in growth in the country’s largest foreign income source continues unabated, helping the country to continue to record current account surpluses and also to rebuild buffers to withstand shocks.