ASPI surpasses 22,000 points for first time in history

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) crossed the 22,000 mark for the first time, driven by strong investor sentiment and heavy activity in the Banking and Diversified Financials sectors. Each sector contributed over Rs. 2 Bn to market turnover, underlining their pivotal role in today’s rally.

Season of cheer is here!

Vega to develop nation’s first AI-powered autonomous car

Vega, the pioneering electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer behind Sri Lanka’s first supercar, is developing the nation’s first autonomous vehicle, leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence and robotics.

Fitch warns debt risks loom after 2027 for SL despite fiscal gains

Sri Lanka’s revenues jumped 27 percent in the first seven months of 2025, pushing the island nation into a primary surplus and helping foreign reserves recover to US$ 6.2 billion. However, Fitch Ratings warned

Promising local AI startups stifled by ‘prototype-level’ ecosystem, warn industry experts

Sri Lanka has world-class tech talent capable of building AI-driven startups that can compete globally, but the country’s startup ecosystem remains “stuck at a prototype level,” hindered by limited venture capital,

‘Ruhunu Ring’ unveiled to boost tourist spending and drive regional investment

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry yesterday unveiled the ‘Ruhunu Ring’, a landmark private sector-led initiative designed to transform the southern tourism landscape by promoting experiential travel and

Affirms SL’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at ‘CCC+’

As part of its review, Fitch affirmed Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at ‘CCC+’, saying ratings at this level are guided directly by definitions rather than its sovereign rating model.

Plans afoot for R&D leap with proposed RMIT innovation hub

Sri Lanka is exploring the establishment of a Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Innovation Hub to strengthen research and development (R&D) collaboration and drive commercialisation of

Muted market participation with selective interest at short and long ends

The secondary government securities market remained subdued yesterday, with limited trading activity and low volumes, with some selling pressure observed at the short end of the yield curve.

ASPI up for 13 straight sessions

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Melstacorp, Access Engineering and Union Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.5 bn.

Consultations on National Export Development Plan 2025-2029 kicks off

Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this week launched a series of stakeholder consultations to formulate the National Export Development Plan

LOLC Insurance elevates leadership with strategic appointments

LOLC Insurance announced two significant leadership appointments aimed at driving sustainable growth, strengthening governance and enhancing operational excellence across its companies, LOLC Life

Union Assurance again among Top 50 Most Valuable Brands in Sri Lanka

Union Assurance has once again secured a coveted position in the 100 Most Valuable Brands 2025 ranking published by Brand Finance.

WalkersTours.lk and Ayusrilanka.lk win at BestWeb.LK 2025

WalkersTours.lk and AyuSriLanka.lk shined at BestWeb.LK 2025, organised by the LK Domain Registry for the 15th consecutive year, winning top honours for excellence in digital innovation and user experience.

Book Fair tickets now on PickMe

The visitors to Colombo International Book Fair 2025 are now busy securing their entry tickets directly through the PickMe app, a first for the country’s largest literary gathering.

Parental Intelligence, SL’s 1st parenting AI companion introduced

The recently announced Parental Intelligence (PI), Sri Lanka’s first culturally relevant AI parenting companion, was developed to support parents and caregivers in manoeuvring the daily challenges of

CA Sri Lanka women shine at SAFA Women Leadership Awards 2025

Two exceptional women from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) have made the nation proud by winning top honours at the prestigious SAFA Women Leadership Awards, a

CSE Annual Report 2024 wins Gold at LACP Vision Awards

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Annual Report 2024, themed ‘Redefining Horizons’, has achieved global recognition by taking home the Gold award amongst five other awards under the Financials –

Sri Lanka Food Processors Association holds 28th AGM

The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, with the participation of its members and industry

Pine Labs’ Credit+ platform powers BOC’s multi-currency prepaid forex instrument

Global fintech platform Pine Labs Limited announced its partnership with Bank of Ceylon (BOC) in Sri Lanka.

LB Finance Al-Salamah honoured with industry accolades at 10th IFFSA Awards

LB Finance Al-Salamah has been resoundingly recognised for its exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to excellence at the prestigious 10th IFFSA Awards 2025 – Islamic Finance Forum of South

Haycarb completes amalgamation with subsidiary Ultracarb

Haycarb PLC yesterday disclosed it has completed the amalgamation of its fully-owned subsidiary Ultracarb (Private) Limited, a move aimed at boosting finances and streamlining operations.

HNB-Plantchem empower agri machinery sector

HNB PLC announced a strategic partnership with Plantchem (Private) Limited, aimed at supporting agricultural mechanisation through attractive leasing solutions for Lovol tractors.

NDB Bank becomes only local bank to be named as a Great Place to Work

NDB Bank announced that it has once again been certified as a Great Place to Work for the period July 2025 to July 2026, affirming its status as a leading employer and the only local bank in Sri Lanka to receive

CSE edges closer to 22,000 as banking sector leads turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) extended its upward momentum, edging closer to the 22,000 mark as renewed investor sentiment pushed the market to fresh highs. Investor focus remained on upcoming quarterly earnings releases and dividend announcements, driving strong inflows into equities.

Top business chambers challenge VAT collection without refund system

Three leading business chambers in Sri Lanka have filed a writ application in the Court of Appeal, challenging the Inland Revenue Department’s (IRD) move to collect the Value Added Tax (VAT) from October 1, without first implementing the legally mandated automated refund mechanism.

Tourist arrivals hit record high in September

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector celebrated a historic milestone, recording its highest-ever number of tourist arrivals for the month of September, primarily fuelled by a remarkable surge in visitors from neighbouring India.

Cartoon of the Day 02-10-2025

Condo market on a tear in SL as buyers snap up units early

Vertical living in Sri Lanka’s urban and suburban cities is becoming increasingly popular, with condominium units being scooped up even before construction is completed, pushing the prices steadily higher.

Nations Trust Bank facilitates strategic foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has successfully facilitated a landmark foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted financial partner for complex cross-border transactions and structured finance solutions.