Cabinet appoints new DG for Export Agriculture

The Cabinet of Ministers approved this week the appointment of M. K. S. R. D. Samarasinghe as the new Director General of the Department of Export Agriculture, effective immediately.

Cement sector optimism lifts Tokyo Cement’s outlook despite seasonal slowdown

Tokyo Cement Group has kicked off the 2025/26 financial year on a cautiously optimistic note, projecting steady demand for cement supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and continued private sector investment.

Turnover hits Rs. 10 bn after five weeks

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 10.8 bn.

Activity remains limited, yield curve stays put

The secondary market yesterday withstood yet another day of measured caution amid limited investor activity, which in turn prompted the yield curve to remain largely static.

EDB engages with Palestinian envoy to strengthen bilateral trade opportunities

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka Ihab I.M. Khalil for a courtesy call that aimed at fostering stronger trade ties and exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

DFCC Bank unveils SL’s first-ever 20-year fixed-rate home loan

In a landmark move that redefines home financing in Sri Lanka, DFCC Bank has introduced the country’s first 20-year fixed interest rate home loan—an unprecedented product designed to offer long-term financial stability, faster access and deeply human-centred support to Sri Lankan homebuyers.

Bank of Ceylon UK celebrates 75th anniversary in London

Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd (BOC UK) marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 75th anniversary recently, at the Milton Suite, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s.

SL-Indonesia Business Council holds 2nd AGM

The Sri Lanka-Indonesia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently.

SamsonLines appoints Rushdi Zackariya as Director

Samson Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd (SamsonLines), a subsidiary of DSI Samson Group, in a strategic move to transform into a fully-integrated third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has appointed Rushdi Zackariya to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Colombo Port City Economic Commission reaffirms commitment to compliance and business

This release is following recent developments reported in the media, including Ada Derana’s release on August 13, 2025, regarding the detention and deportation of foreign nationals employed by entities operating as Authorised Persons (APs) licensed by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC).

People’s Leasing & Finance achieves highest-ever lease and loan disbursement

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), one of Sri Lanka’s leading non-banking financial institutions, offering a comprehensive range of leasing, loans and other financial services, announced a historic milestone, achieving its highest-ever lease and loan disbursement.

Softlogic Life powers through 1H 2025 with Rs.18.7bn GWP, grows 29%

Softlogic Life reported another robust half-year performance, posting a gross written premium (GWP) of Rs.18.7bn for the six months ended June 30, 2025, marking a 29% year-on-year increase and securing the highest absolute GWP growth in the industry of Rs.4.2bn.

Sampath Bank achieves 11th win as SL’s Best Retail and Best Commercial Bank

Sampath Bank has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank and Best Commercial Bank by the UK-based World Finance magazine at World Finance Banking Awards 2025.

Lanka Rating Agency appoints new board

Lanka Rating Agency Ltd (LRA), Sri Lanka’s pioneering national credit rating institution, in line with its mission, has appointed two new directors to its board, bringing in distinguished leaders with strong backgrounds in finance, governance and business, along with international expertise from the South Asian region.

Laugfs celebrates 30 years of purpose, progress and innovation

Laugfs Holdings Limited celebrates a momentous milestone, 30 years of visionary leadership, strategic growth and impactful transformation across Sri Lanka and beyond.

KIST-GIZ boost sustainable aloe vera cultivation in Kilinochchi

On August 14 2025, renowned Sri Lankan food brand KIST, marketed by Cargills Food and Beverage Limited, marked a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture and rural empowerment in Sri Lanka by entering into a grant agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to launch a high-tech aloe vera cultivation project in Kilinochchi.

DPL opens Monaragala Latex Collection and Lab

In a landmark initiative to uplift Sri Lanka’s rural rubber economy, Dipped Products PLC (DPL), a member of the Hayleys group, officially opened a state-of-the-art latex collection and laboratory facility for the smallholder rubber farmers in Monaragala.

CEAT extends premium SIS retail experience to Kelaniya and Horana

Sri Lanka’s top tyre brand CEAT has extended its premium retail experience to Kelaniya and Horana, with the opening of new-concept Shop-in-Shop (SIS) outlets in these bustling towns. The 11th and 12th CEAT SIS outlets in Sri Lanka are located at Jayantha Tyre Traders at No 408, Kandy Road, Kelaniya and at Lal Tyre House at No 243, Panadura - Anguruwatota Road, Horana, providing vehicle owners in these areas an exclusive and premium purchase exper

Rhino launches Premier roofing sheets

Rhino Roofing, Sri Lanka’s most trusted name in roofing and ceiling sheets, unveiled its latest innovation Rhino Premier Roofing Sheets, at a grand launch ceremony that took place on August 15, 2025, at Cumulus Ballroom, Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

Hayleys Energynet deploys Riello’s first 300 kVA UPS system in Sri Lanka

Setting a new benchmark in industrial power resilience, Hayleys Energynet, a subsidiary of Hayleys Fentons Limited, has successfully deployed Riello’s first 300 kVA UPS system in Sri Lanka.

US tariffs could still cost SL’s exports US$ 634mn, thousands of jobs - IPS study

A new study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) warns that recent U.S. tariffs could slash Sri Lanka’s total export income by US$ 634 million and lead to significant job losses, particularly in the apparel and rubber industries.

Sri Lanka warned of higher trade costs over US$ 1bn X-Press Pearl verdict

Sri Lanka could face significant economic fallout, including higher import-export costs, following the Supreme Court’s landmark US$ 1 billion verdict against the stakeholders of the X-Press Pearl container ship.

CEB’s June quarter profit drops to Rs. 5.3bn amid lower revenue

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has reported a net profit of Rs. 5.31 billion for the April-June 2025 quarter, a significant decrease from the Rs. 34.54 billion earned in the same period last year. The decline is attributed to lower revenues following tariff reductions implemented over the past year.

July PMI signals strong growth in manufacturing and services

Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and services sectors expanded vigorously in July, defying uncertainties on the global trade front. The strong performance suggests the economy remains robust and is growing faster than previously expected.

JAT Holdings defies low season with 20% profit growth in 1Q

JAT Holdings PLC has kicked off its 2025/26 financial year with a robust 20 percent year-on-year growth in profit after tax (PAT) for the first quarter, a significant achievement during what is traditionally the paint industry’s slowest period.

Sampath Bank’s loan book surpasses Rs. 1trn

Sampath Bank PLC significantly expanded its loan book in the second quarter of 2025, pushing it past the Rs. 1 trillion milestone. However, profitability came under pressure from narrowing interest margins, rising deposit costs, and higher operating expenses.

SLT swings to profit on Mobitel turnaround, cost reductions

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Group reported a sharp turnaround in its financial performance for the first half of 2025, driven by improved profitability and cost management, with subsidiary Mobitel returning to profitability after posting losses a year earlier.

SLINTEC’s accredited food testing services boost SL’s export potential

The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) has reached a major milestone, with its Advanced Analytical Services Laboratory receiving ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation from the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board.

hSenidBiz starts FY26 strong with steady recurring revenue and margin gains

hSenid Business Solutions PLC (hSenidBiz) announced its financial results for the first quarter of FY2026, reporting a stable topline performance and the continuation of profitability improvements seen in the prior quarter.

AHRP marks 25th year taking HR to forefront

The Association of HR Professionals (AHRP), the conclave of discerning human resource practitioners in the country, celebrates 25 years of shaping the professions’ onward march this year.