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.

Groundbreaking publication charts Sri Lanka’s competition law

A landmark publication on competition law in Sri Lanka was launched on September 4, 2025, for the first time in the country’s legal literature.

Domino’s Sri Lanka becomes 1st in South Asia to win Golden Franny Award

Domino’s Sri Lanka has been awarded the prestigious Golden Franny Award for Overall Performance, making Sri Lanka the first market in South Asia to receive this global recognition from Domino’s International.

Hayleys Fentons and Hayleys Electronics achieve AEO Tier 1 certification from Sri Lanka Customs

Hayleys Fentons Limited and Hayleys Electronics Limited have secured the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Tier I status, officially awarded by Sri Lanka Customs recently.

MAS welcomes ADB delegation at MAS Fabric Park

MAS Holdings recently hosted a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at MAS Fabric Park in Thulhiriya as part of the ADB’s efforts to support the private sector through meaningful partnerships and investment.

18 Premium Channels, 6.8 Million Viewers — Endless Advertising Possibilities with Dialog Television

Dialog Television, Sri Lanka’s #1 Pay-TV service provider, invites corporate advertisers to leverage one of the country’s most powerful media platforms, trusted by over 1.7 million households and more than 90% of Sri Lanka’s corporate sector.

Sri Lanka Tourism’s Whispers of Ceylon wedding offering taps into Polish market

In a strategic move to attract the growing Polish tourism market, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has partnered with The Barn House Sri Lanka to introduce ‘Whispers of Ceylon’, a novel wedding and engagement offering.

Arpico Smart Investment Plan empowers policyholders

Arpico Insurance PLC, the dynamic insurance subsidiary of the celebrated Richard Pieris Group, recently announced the launch of its groundbreaking new offering: Arpico Smart Investment Plan.

Omega Line wins Asia Best Employer Brand Award

Omega Line has been recognised on one of Asia’s most competitive stages, winning the prestigious Asia Best Employer Brand Award at the 20th Employer Branding Awards, held recently at Pan Pacific, Singapore.

Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 extends early bird deadline to Sept. 15

The Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 international marine summit, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, will unfold on October 16, 2025, at The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo and the early bird registration deadline is extended, offering a 10 percent discount for registrations on or before September 15.

Siyapatha Finance initiates financial literacy programmes covering all provinces

In celebration of a 20-year-long journey of changing lives through comprehensive financial solutions and awareness, Siyapatha Finance PLC successfully concluded its nationwide financial literacy programme with a goal of connecting with and promoting responsible financial behaviour among the existing as well as prospective customers.

CA SL felicitates IRD Commissioner General

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) held a special felicitation ceremony in honour of Inland Revenue Department Commissioner General R.P.H. Fernando, in continuing a long-standing tradition.

Indian tourist influx pushes Sri Lanka pass 1.6mn arrivals

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues its resurgence into September, posting a 28.2 percent year-over-year growth in the first week of the month, overwhelmingly credited to a sustained surge in arrivals from neighbouring India. For the first seven days of the month, the island nation welcomed a total of 37,495 international visitors, which has pushed the nation’s total tourist arrivals for the year beyond the 1.6 million mark.

Commercial banks extend July private sector credit by a whopping Rs.202bn

Credit to Sri Lanka’s private sector continued its strong momentum in July, with the licensed commercial banks extending over Rs.200 billion for a second consecutive month, marking 2025 as a year of record growth in private sector lending.

Browns Investments unit to offload Maldives resort for US $ 57.5mn

Browns Investments PLC yesterday disclosed that its subsidiary Browns Ari Resort (Private) Limited has signed a sale and purchase agreement to sell the assets and business of Barcelé Whale Lagoon Maldives Resort to ASB Hotel Properties Maldives Private Limited.

RDB posts record first-half profit on strong lending, deposits

State-owned Regional Development Bank (RDB) reported a record profit in the first half of 2025, supported by a strong lending and deposit growth, marking a milestone in its 40-year history.

LOLC Finance announces Rs.20bn debenture issue

LOLC Finance PLC announced a significant move to raise fresh capital through a listed debenture issue of up to Rs.20 billion.

Nawaloka Hospitals settles with HNB

Nawaloka Hospitals PLC has concluded a crucial debt settlement with Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), resolving the outstanding loan facilities and positioning the healthcare giant for a new phase of growth driven by technological innovation and service expansion, according to the company’s latest annual report.

LAUGFS co-founder Thilak De Silva bows out after stake sale to Vallibel Three

Long-standing co-founder and Deputy Chairman U.K. Thilak De Silva has stepped down from the boards of LAUGFS Gas PLC and LAUGFS Power PLC, following the sale of his 39.58 percent stake in parent company LAUGFS Holdings Ltd.

Turnover crosses LKR 6 Bn

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Ceylinco Holdings, John Keells

Secondary market opens week on a subdued note

The secondary market began the week on a quiet note, characterised by subdued trading volumes and minimal investor participation.

Deshal De Mel appointed to Capital Alliance Board

Economist Deshal De Mel has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Capital Alliance PLC as an Independent, Non-Executive Director, effective September 4, 2025.

SLEIS 2025 to kickoff unveiling Sri Lanka’s tourism potential

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit (SLEIS) 2025, themed “Gateway to Growth: Asia’s Emerging Opportunity”, will be held on December 2–3 at the Shangri-La Colombo.