LIIN and Good Market partner to strengthen MSMEs through impact investment ecosystem

In a landmark move to accelerate the growth of impact-driven enterprises in Sri Lanka, the Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) and Good Market have entered into a strategic partnership focused on unlocking new pathways for investment and enterprise development.

Max Comics Universe marks milestone with official launch of Gen Z

Creative minds and industry leaders from Sri Lanka and India recently came together at the National Library Auditorium in Colombo to celebrate the launch of Gen Z, the debut printed graphic novel by Max Comics Universe (MCV).

Cartoon of the Day 10-07-2025

US slaps 30% tariff on Sri Lanka

U.S. President Donald Trump has added Sri Lanka to his growing list of trade targets, issuing a letter on Wednesday announcing a new 30% tariff on all imported goods from Sri Lanka.

CSE shows gains despite uncertainty over US tariff announcement

The Colombo Stock Exchange continued its upward momentum on Wednesday, with the benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining 129.37 points (+0.72%) to close at 18,161.49, supported by strong retail participation and positive sentiment across key counters.

Sri Lanka among top 3 summer getaways: Emirates search data

Sri Lanka is among the top three summer destinations for travel in July and August, according to the latest booking data of Emirates.

Temu imports linked to Rs. 35–50mn daily duty fraud

A significant duty fraud scheme involving courier imports from popular e-commerce platforms like Temu is causing a daily loss of between Rs. 35 to 50 million in tax revenue to the Sri Lankan government, industry leaders claimed at a press conference held in Colombo this week.

Dhammika Perera acquires majority stake in East West Properties for over Rs 3.2bn

Business leader Dhammika Perera has acquired a controlling stake in East West Properties PLC, purchasing approximately 77.40 percent of the company’s shares in a significant transaction valued at over Rs.3.2 billion.

CRTA warns of declining output as rubber sector confronts climate and trade challenges

Sri Lanka’s rubber industry is at crossroads at present with changes taking place in trade, climate, and global consumer expectations, and these have contributed to the falling output, the Ceylon Rubber Traders’ Association (CRTA) said.

CSE appoints new CRO

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced the appointment of Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective 9 July 2025 succeeding Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after a 31-year career at the CSE.

Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, C T Holdings and Hatton National Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.8 bn.

T-Bill yields nudge slightly higher, secondary market stalls

Ahead of the T-Bond auction scheduled for July 11, market participants remained on the sidelines yesterday, leading to a dormant day in the secondary market.

Exporters warn against backdoor charges

The Joint Chambers of Commerce yesterday urged the government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognised industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports and the wider economy.

SL banking leaders join AIA’s Beijing Bancassurance Summit

AIA Group recently hosted its annual Bancassurance Summit 2025 in Beijing, bringing together senior executives and strategic banking partners from across the Asia-Pacific region.

ComBank with Hayleys Agriculture helps farmers acquire modern technology

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with Hayleys Agriculture to offer customised leasing and loan facilities to farmers investing in high-quality agricultural machinery supplied by Hayleys Agriculture, in a move designed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s vital agriculture sector through affordable access to modern equipment.

BCS launches NBQSA 2025

The BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT has once again marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of the 27th edition of National ICT Awards – NBQSA 2025, continuing its nearly three-decade legacy of recognising and rewarding innovation in Sri Lanka’s ICT sector.

HNB Leasing-Senok power commercial mobility with Eicher

HNB PLC announced a new partnership with Senok Commercial Vehicles (Pvt.) Ltd, the authorized distributor for Eicher vehicles in Sri Lanka, to provide flexible and accessible leasing solutions for customers looking to invest in reliable commercial transportation.

Blue Ocean Group and BOI ink US $ 3.38mn project

Blue Ocean Group inked a US $ 3.38 million project with Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI), strengthening its position with business continuity.

Singer Finance-DIMO expand customer benefits

Singer Finance PLC has entered into a strategic partnership with Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) to offer enhanced financial solutions to a wider customer base across the island.

Maldives premier culinary and hospitality event sees 200% increase in participants this year

The Hotel Asia Exhibition is back with one of the most important events in the Maldives, in terms of hospitality, with its famous culinary competition.

AMW and Orient Insurance uplift collision repair services

Associated Motorways (Pvt.) Ltd (AMW), one of Sri Lanka’s leading and most trustworthy names in the automative sector and sole distributor for Nissan and Suzuki, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Orient Insurance, a leading insurance provider.

Rodrigo to helm Nation Lanka Finance as CB-appointed administrator

The Central Bank (CB) has appointed P.W.D.N.R. Rodrigo as the administrator for the financially distressed Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP), effective July 4, 2025.

'Give concessions to import vehicles below 1,500cc'

The Inland Revenue Staff Officers’ Association (IRSOA) urged the government to grant tax concessions for importing vehicles with engine capacities below 1,500cc instead of prioritising the import of higher-capacity vehicles that drain more foreign exchange.

No issues with vehicle imports, fear unnecessary: Cabinet Spokesman

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa dismissed concerns over vehicle imports, stating that undue fear is being created unnecessarily.

Market continues to slide amid strong turnover

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a negative note, despite witnessing heightened trading activity. Within the first half of the session alone, the market generated approximately LKR 5.00 billion in turnover, primarily driven by a series of significant crossing trades that dominated the day’s proceedings.

Vehicle prices may rise if conditions imposed on balance USD 200 million allocation

The local vehicle market could face sharp price hikes if the government imposes any conditions on utilising the remaining USD 200 million allocated for vehicle imports, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Prasad Manage warned.

Know if your vehicle is blacklisted

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and the Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund (VETTF) have introduced a web portal that enables vehicle owners to check whether their vehicles have been blacklisted a service designed to improve transparency and enforce emission regulations.

Cement demand climbs to 4.7mn MT

But industry faces headwinds, says Tokyo Cement

NTC pushes digital shift with transit cards, Google Maps despite audit heat

The National Transport Commission (NTC) is advancing its plans to modernise Sri Lanka’s public transport system by introducing a prepaid transit card and integrating bus routes into Google Maps.

Potential Trump tariffs could trigger 50,000 job losses initially, warns FTZMA

Sri Lanka’s economy is bracing for a potential shockwave, as the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) warns that the proposed tariffs by President Donald Trump could lead to a loss of approximately 50,000 jobs in the initial stages and render the nation uncompetitive in the South and Southeast Asian region.