Menzell Doehle Group expands footprint with strategic stake in Westport Marine

Hamburg-based Menzell Doehle Group has announced the acquisition of a 40 percent stake in Colombo’s Westport Marine Private Ltd, marking a significant development in Sri Lanka’s port agency sector.

SLICGL delivers strong financial performance in 2025

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited (SLICGL) delivered a remarkable performance in 2025, reinforcing its position as Sri Lanka’s leading general insurer, with outstanding results across key financial metrics.

Colombo consumer prices jump above CB’s 5% target as higher fuel prices reverberates through economy

The consumer inflation measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) jumped in April as the higher fuel prices caused by the war in Iran fed quickly through the rest of the economy sending the prices

War risk premiums surge up to 50% amid ME tensions, hitting Sri Lanka trade

War risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf have surged by up to 50 percent with extreme cases reaching as high as three percent of vessel value per voyage due to

ADB slashes Asia growth outlook as Middle East conflict fuels inflation risks

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sharply downgraded its growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation forecasts, warning that prolonged disruptions from the escalating Middle

Planters seek coordinated response to stabilise tea production and key export markets

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), the apex body of Sri Lanka’s Plantation industry, has called for an urgent review and streamlining of the industry’s cost structures in light of the unprecedented crisis in

Limited activity anchors yield curve

The secondary market witnessed subdued trading activity yesterday, with the overall yield curve remaining largely unchanged.

Cartoon of the Day 01-05-2026

447 Luna Tower: A testament to design integrity

Belluna Lanka, the South Asian anchor of Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan, reinforces its residencies portfolio through 447 Luna Tower, a completed residential development in Colombo 02, with a limited release of

Groundworth launches Legado land development in Homagama

Groundworth (Pvt.) Ltd announced the launch of Legado by Groundworth, an exclusive land development located in Homagama, a rapidly emerging suburb set to transform into a key economic hub under the

Solo Sri Lankan wins Platinum Excellence Award

Solo Sri Lankan was honoured with Platinum Excellence Award 2026 in Tourism Business Growth and Market Expansion, at the City of Dreams – Cinnamon Life, Colombo, recognising its outstanding

La Serena residents celebrate Avurudu

The gentle rhythms of ‘Avurudu’ came alive in a uniquely meaningful way this year at La Serena, where residents of the beachfront retirement resort gathered to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in a

Ceylinco Life holds High Flyers Day

Ceylinco Life reaffirmed its commitment to recognising and inspiring excellence within its sales force with the celebration of High Flyers Day 2026, a signature event that brought together more than 300 of the

The Middle East – Uneasy calm before the storm?

I published an article titled ‘Sri Lanka and the Middle East War: Life and Business as usual or face reality?’ (https://lnkd.in/gV5uSzyF), during the last week of March 2026, in the Daily Mirror.

SLASSCOM’s Fit Hit 2026 drives change in workplace culture

With work having evolved to be faster and more demanding, many organisations are rethinking their approach, positioning employee well-being not as a perk but as a critical foundation for sustained

Hayleys Solar installs 80kW solar system at Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya

Hayleys Solar partnered with Manusath Derana to install an 80kW AC solar power system at Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya, Anuradhapura.

Tree House International School hosts behaviour therapy graduation ceremony

The Tree House International School hosted an awards ceremony to mark the successful completion of its Behaviour Therapy Training Programme, which was held under the patronage of the founder and Director

Roar Global supports inclusive growth through platform knowledge initiatives

Roar Global reinforced its commitment to expanding access to practical digital growth knowledge through its recent partnership with two women-centred initiatives in Sri Lanka - namely, SLASSCOM Women in

AHK Sri Lanka-Fairway Holdings to host Oktoberfest

In a landmark move to strengthen cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Germany, F Entertainment, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Delegation of German

Cargills conducts 10th Regional Sarubima Scholarship Award Ceremony

Cargills recently conducted the 10th Regional Sarubima Scholarship Award Ceremony in Thamuttegama for the financial year, with the first event held in September 2025.

ASPI gains 7.0% during the month

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.4 bn.

Market slides on oil Shock as global risk sentiment turns negative

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed in negative territory today, with both indices declining sharply amid a broad-based sell-off triggered by deteriorating global sentiment. Brent crude oil prices surged above the $120 mark following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, reinforcing a risk-off environment across global markets.

Hela Apparel completes US $ 8mn divestment of UK-based Focus Brands

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC has completed the sale of its UK-based Focus Brands Limited, marking a full exit from the business, as part of a strategic divestment approved by the shareholders earlier this month. In a stock exchange filing, the company said that its wholly-owned subsidiary Hela Brands Limited (Mauritius) sold its entire shareholding in Focus Brands to two investors, Mohamed Salim Suhurdeen and Mohamed Salihu Fazeldeen, for a total co

Seylan Bank March profit up on new loans, fee incomes

As the banking sector earnings got underway, Seylan Bank PLC reported modestly increased profits on the back of the growth in new loans, higher fee incomes and lower impairments.

JAECOO shakes up UK auto market with record-breaking growth

Since its UK debut in January 2025, JAECOO has recorded 28,232 new vehicle registrations within its first year, validated by the SMMT, making it the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand Britain has seen in over a decade. Its flagship model, the JAECOO J7 PHEV, ranked among the most popular retail cars in the UK within its first year and emerged as the best-selling new car in Britain in March 2026.

NCE pays tribute to founding president and past leaders

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) marked its 40th anniversary by honouring its past presidents, with special recognition extended to its Founder President and President Emeritus, the late Patrick Amarasinghe, whose initiative in establishing the Chamber in 1986 laid the groundwork for four decades of organised representation for Sri Lanka’s export community.

E. B. Creasy & Co wins Gold at National Green Productivity Awards

E. B. Creasy & Co., PLC – BIC & DENTA Factory was honoured with the Gold Award at the 2024 National Green Productivity Awards Ceremony, held recently at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Browns Hotels & Resorts raises bar with Quintessential Bartender 2026

Browns Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Periceyl, turned up the energy and artistry with the successful conclusion of Quintessential Bartender 2026 — an inter-hotel bartending competition created to spotlight, sharpen, and celebrate the group’s finest talent.

SITREK Cyber & Tech Summit highlights SL’s growing focus on digital security

Sri Lanka’s growing focus on strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities took center stage at the SITREK Cyber & Tech Summit 2026, held on 4-5 March at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Colombo.

IFC and WindForce partner on Sri Lanka’s first large-scale solar project

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a partnership with WindForce PLC to develop Sri Lanka’s first utility-scale 100 megawatt (MW) solar power facility, a landmark project that will accelerate the country’s energy transition, strengthen energy security, lower electricity costs and create thousands of jobs.