SL taps Google to offer free AI research tools to students

Sri Lankan students will soon get free access to Google’s Gemini Advanced research tools and other digital resources, the Ministry of Digital Economy said today.

Police, Customs and Revenue Depts. top corruption lists

In a candid and data-driven address, the head of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption watchdog has revealed that the public institutions are perceived as the most corrupt by citizens, while simultaneously identifying a separate list of state bodies whose corrupt activities inflict the most severe damage on the national economy.

CB to tighten oversight on crypto service providers amid money laundering concerns

In a move to crack down on potential money laundering, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced it will soon mandate that all cryptocurrency (crypto) and virtual asset service providers register with the government to continue their operations.

Public sector wages now ‘fair’, no longer an excuse for corruption, says Anti-Graft Chief

The long-held excuse that low public sector salaries contribute to a culture of corruption is no longer valid, according to the head of Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption commission.

SLT-Mobitel shelves privatisation, pivots to strategic partnerships

In a significant policy shift, SLT-Mobitel is moving away from full-scale privatisation as previously planned and will instead pursue strategic partnerships to drive innovation and growth.

CPCEC welcomes tougher investment rules, citing enhanced transparency and stability

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), in a media statement, has publicly endorsed a new, more stringent investment incentive framework, framing the move as a crucial step toward enhancing investor confidence.

Assetline Finance to raise Rs. 5bn through inaugural debenture issue

Assetline Finance Limited (AFL), the financial services arm of the David Pieris Group, has announced its first-ever foray into the listed debt capital market with a planned Rs. 5 billion debenture issue.

ASUS and Singer target ‘hybrid’ user market with new gaming V16 laptop in Sri Lanka

Global technology leader ASUS, in a significant strategic move with its exclusive retail partner Singer Sri Lanka PLC, has launched the new ASUS Gaming V16 (V3607) laptop.

HNB Assurance wins Silver at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2025 Awards

HNB Assurance bagged a Silver at the Dragons of Sri Lanka 2025 Awards for its Virtual Avurudu Village campaign, under the Digital Category.

Arava honoured as Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year

Arava Private Limited, a pioneering exporter of coconut-based products, was honoured with the prestigious Most Innovative Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 – Gold Award (Extra-Large Category, National Level), at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.

DFCC Bank’s digital marketing excellence recognised at SLIM Digis 2.5

DFCC Bank PLC has been recognised for its leadership in digital marketing at SLIM Digis 2.5 Awards 2025, securing a Merit award for Best Use of AI Technologies and a Silver award for Best SEO/SEM Campaign.

MOVA-FILMBASE to bring next-gen smart glass, LED film solutions to SL

MOVA, a rising leader in furnishing and technology-driven interior solutions, has officially partnered with Shenzhen FILMBASE Technology Co., Ltd, China, to introduce the most advanced smart glass and LED film solutions to Sri Lanka.

SLICGL concludes General Insurance Summit 2024

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) successfully concluded its prestigious General Insurance Summit 2024 recently at Shangri-La Hambantota.

ComBank dominates LMD’s 2025 gala with highest number of awards

Commercial Bank of Ceylon reaffirmed its status as one of Sri Lanka’s top corporate entities when it led the field with six awards at the prestigious LMD Awards Night 2025.

First Capital-Hatch launch Startup Nation programme

First Capital Holdings PLC has stepped forward as the title sponsor of First Capital Startup Nation by Hatch, a transformative programme that connects investors with Sri Lanka’s most promising start-ups.

Pan Asia Bank-Senok Trade Combine unlock exclusive benefits for clients

Pan Asia Bank has partnered with Senok Trade Combine (Pvt.) Ltd.

CFA Society to hold executive programme on money and bond markets

CFA Society Sri Lanka announced the one-day executive training programme ‘Practical Aspects of the Money Market and Bond Market in the Local Context’, to be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Courtyard by Marriott, Colombo City Centre.

Hayleys Solar secures Silver at Dragons of SL 2025

Hayleys Solar has secured a Silver award at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2025, part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia.

Lanka Rating Agency upgrades Vallibel Finance to A- on strong growth and asset quality

Vallibel Finance PLC (VFIN), a licensed finance company in Sri Lanka, has been upgraded by Lanka Rating Agency from BBB- to A-, underscoring its robust market outreach, superior asset quality and improved profitability.

Sri Lankan tea factory sets global record

Elevating the global profile of Ceylon Tea, New Vithanakande Ceylon Black Tea (FFExSp) has entered the Guinness World Records as the most expensive tea ever sold.

CEA joins GovPay digital payment platform

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has integrated with the “GovPay Government Digital Payment Platform,” enabling clients to make payments for its services online from yesterday (26).

CB rolls out trust-first regulatory push to safeguard digital economy

The Central Bank is championing a robust regulatory strategy focused on building public trust to underpin the nation’s rapid digital economic expansion, the officials announced at Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025, in Colombo.

Colombo Stock Exchange revises transaction fees for corporate debt securities

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announced a revision to the transaction fees applicable to corporate debt securities traded on its Automated Trading System (ATS), following approval from the Fiscal Policy Department of the Finance Ministry.

Hemas Holdings inks deal to acquire majority stake in Kenyan consumer firm

Hemas Holdings PLC (HHL) said on Thursday it entered into a conditional agreement to acquire a majority equity stake in a consumer products company based in Kenya, marking a strategic expansion into the East African market.

LB Finance seals Rs.3.7bn deal for controlling stake in AMF

LB Finance PLC, for which the majority shareholder is business tycoon Dhammika Perera-controlled Vallibel One, yesterday disclosed it would acquire a 65.6 percent stake in Associated Motor Finance Company PLC (AMF) for Rs.3.72 billion, following the approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

ASPI gains 2.4% during the week

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Hemas Holdings and Ceylon Grain Elevators with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.0 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Commercial Bank, LOLC Holdings and Hemas Holdings.

TikTok STEM Feed launch marks digital milestone in Sri Lanka’s education reforms

TikTok, in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, launched a new in-app destination, a specialized STEM Feed that provides young learners with reliable science, technology, engineering and mathematics content.

Selling pressure at short end pushes yields higher

The secondary market yield curve saw moderate trading volumes and mixed activity, with some selling pressure observed at the short end.

Seylan Cards hosts ‘The Gathering of Giants’ for second consecutive year

Seylan Cards has renewed its collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and its nature-based tourism arm, Cinnamon Nature Trails, as the exclusive banking partner for the second consecutive year with ‘The Gathering of Giants’, an event that celebrated the world’s largest congregation of Asian elephants.

Melwa donates lab equipment to South Eastern University

Melwa has donated laboratory equipment to the Faculty of Engineering at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka in a move aimed at strengthening engineering education and practical training.