SL’s corporate tax collection lags regional peers, threatening fiscal recovery: WB

Sri Lanka’s corporate income tax (CIT) collection remains far below the regional peers, raising concerns over the sustainability of government revenue and its post-crisis fiscal recovery, the World Bank (WB) highlighted.

Skills Expo 2025 to address SL’s critical skill shortages across industries

The annual Skills Expo, returning for its third edition in 2025, aims to bridge the growing gap between vocational training and industry demand, the organisers said, as the country faces acute shortages in technical and skilled labour.

Advocata urges full SOE reform following Cabinet move to close 33 dormant SOEs

Colombo-based think-tank Advocata Institute commended the government’s decision to close 33 non-operational state-owned enterprises (SOEs) but urged that this be only the first step toward comprehensive divestiture of commercially viable entities.

Citrus Leisure sells 62.5mn shares in Hikkaduwa Beach Resort

Citrus Leisure PLC has sold 62.5 million ordinary voting shares of Hikkaduwa Beach Resort, representing over 10 percent of the resort’s issued voting shares, the company said in a Colombo Stock Exchange filing

PickMe expands into entertainment with QR ticketing platform

PickMe, Sri Lanka’s leading digital mobility platform, is expanding into the entertainment and lifestyle sector with the launch of a QR code-based ticketing system for events.

Indices bounce back with turnover surpassing LKR 11 Bn

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, National Development Bank and Nawaloka Hospitals with the turnover crossing Rs. 11.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was

Auction results fall short while yield curve shows marginal uptick

Ahead of today’s T-bond auction, the secondary market yield curve witnessed subdued activity and low trading volumes, with the yield curve showing only marginal movement.

Banks push card offers but debt growth remains tepid

Growth in Sri Lanka’s credit card debt showed signs of slowing in June, rising by just Rs.539 million, compared with a Rs.534 million increase in May, even as the overall consumer spending picked up.

HNB receives Euromoney’s recognition as SL’s Best Bank for Large Corporates

HNB PLC has been recognised as the Best Bank for Large Corporates in Sri Lanka at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, reaffirming the bank’s position as a trusted financial partner to the country’s largest businesses and most ambitious institutions.

Engineers called to lead Sri Lanka’s industrial transformation at IESL NEC 2025

The National Engineering Conference (NEC) 2025, organised by the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL), was held recently at Hotel Galadari, bringing together engineering professionals, academics, policymakers and industry leaders to deliberate on engineering-driven solutions for national development.

Sampath Bank crowned as Best Bank for ESG in SL at Euromoney Awards

Sampath Bank has been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025.

People’s Leasing relocates Kegalle branch

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC recently relocated its Kegalle branch to No. 453, Main Street, Kegalle, with a new, more accessible location.

IFS champions SLASSCOM’s Megamind 2025

The much-anticipated Megamind 2025 Quiz, organised by SLASSCOM, brought together the country’s brightest minds for an evening of knowledge, camaraderie and spirited competition

JKLL and ISMM strengthen Sri Lanka’s supply chain sector

John Keells Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd (JKLL) has officially partnered with the Institute of Supply and Materials

BIMT Campus CEO wins 2 CPM SL’s Management Leadership Excellence Awards

BIMT Campus CEO Farshath Jamal received national recognition at the prestigious Management Leadership Excellence Awards 2025, organised by the Institute of Chartered Professional Managers (CPM Sri Lanka). He was named First Runner-Up in two significant categories: Education and Professional Institutes and Entrepreneurship special awards segment.

Browns recognised at Asian Technology Excellence Awards

In keeping with its 150 anniversary celebrations, Brown & Company added another accolade to its long milestones of achievements in being recognised for yet another innovation in digitalisation at Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2024.

Policybazaar expands into Sri Lanka

Policybazaar for Business, the B2B arm of Policybazaar.com, announced the launch of its reinsurance operations in Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman and the UAE.

Cartoon of the Day 11-09-2025

CSE rebounds strongly amid elevated turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed an eventful session today, marked by sharp intraday swings and robust investor activity.

Spend smarter, WB cautions Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka must focus on smarter spending and fairer revenue collection to sustain its economic gains, the World Bank cautioned in a report published yesterday, as the country seeks to consolidate one of the sharpest fiscal adjustments in its history.

Global promotion gaps put SL’s 2030 tourism targets at risk

Sri Lanka’s ambitious plan to attract five million tourists and generate US$ 10 billion in annual revenue by 2030 is under threat as bureaucratic delays stall a critical global promotional campaign, industry leaders said.

SL’s financial inclusion strategy gets spotlight at AFI Forum in Namibia

CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe took centre stage at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Policy Forum in Namibia, sharing Sri Lanka’s roadmap for digital inclusion and inclusive growth.

Sri Lanka,WB launch US$ 100mn initiative to boost agri-food sector

Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group on Monday announced a US$ 100 million partnership to strengthen rural livelihoods, increase agricultural productivity, and build climate resilience in the country’s agri-food sector, the Treasury said.

Tourism campaign set for 2025, but industry predicts year long lag

The government expects to launch its long-delayed global tourism promotion campaign, complete with a new brand identity, early next year, according to a top Tourism Ministry official.

National workshop for 2026–2030 tourism strategy launched

The Tourism Ministry yesterday launched a National Consultation Workshop to develop the Tourism Strategic Plan 2026–2030, bringing together representatives from all 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Foreign buying accounts for 17% of turnover

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylon Tobacco Company, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.0 bn.

Market rates stage a slight pickup following auction announcement

The secondary market witnessed yet another day of limited activity yesterday, with thin volumes being traded amidst mixed sentiment among participants.

Union Bank’s bold bid to rewrite SL’s banking order

Sri Lanka’s banking sector has emerged from one of its darkest periods, scarred but standing. The near-collapse that once loomed large has given way to a fragile recovery, yet the industry now finds itself at a defining juncture. Debt restructuring may have bought breathing space, but with political shifts, easing restrictions, and digital disruption reshaping the landscape, banks no longer have the luxury of complacency.

CB inaugurates Financial Literacy Month 2025 today

The Central Bank inaugurates Financial Literacy Month today, signifying a pivotal milestone in the nation’s progressive journey toward financial inclusion.

Bollywood icon Arjun Rampal brings star power to Signature Glam at City of Dreams Sri Lanka

As part of its ongoing commitment to curating world-class lifestyle experiences, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is set to host Signature Glam, a two-day celebration of celebrity elegance, with Bollywood’s iconic Arjun Rampal headlining the weekend.