Financial literacy only ‘Half the Problem’, warns JICA, urging lender regulation

As Sri Lanka launches new initiatives to boost financial literacy, a top international partner has stressed that merely educating borrowers is not enough. Real financial inclusion, the official warned, will remain out

Nepali parliamentary delegation explores HIP’s investment potential

A high-level delegation from the Federal Parliament of Nepal visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently to explore potential business opportunities and gain first-hand insight into the port’s infrastructure,

Sri Lanka inks €30 mn debt rescheduling deal with Hungary

Sri Lanka has signed a bilateral agreement with Hungary’s official export credit agency to reschedule approximately €30 million of outstanding debt, marking another key step in its broader external debt

IMF warns of export-driven 3% GDP drop ahead of US tariff deadline

As Sri Lanka’s export sector holds its breath ahead of the 9 July deadline for the 44 percent US reciprocal tariff to take effect, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday expressed serious concerns about the

Sri Lanka sets ambitious goal to rival Singapore’s port capacity by 2035

The Sri Lankan government has set a bold target to elevate the nation’s port capacity to 33 million TEUs by 2035, a figure that would position it to compete with the world’s busiest transshipment hub, Singapore.

Focused interest persists; yields stay anchored

Yesterday’s market tone was marked by selective buying interest, including pockets of foreign participation. 2029 maturities garnered noteworthy investor interest while 2028 maturities also drew consistent interest.

Union Bank Heroes recognises top performers

Launching Union Bank Heroes, a performance-based recognition initiative, Union Bank recognised and awarded the top performers for the first quarter 2025.

NDB Bank with CMA celebrates excellence in MSME development

In commemoration of the United Nations’ MSME Day 2025, NDB Bank participated in the MSME Business Development Summit and Business Excellence Awards hosted by the Institute of Certified Management

Indices closed in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hayleys, CT Holdings and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 bn.

SLIM Brand Excellence 2025 calls for entries

The SLIM Brand Excellence Awards return with renewed purpose in 2025, spotlighting Sri Lanka’s most outstanding marketing achievements and brand stories.

Hotel Asia Exhibition and Int’l Culinary Challenge 2025 returns

The 19th edition of Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge is set to take place from October 20 to 22, 2025, reinforcing its status as the Maldives’ largest and most influential hospitality trade

TWC Capital advises Hela on major FDI deal

TWC Capital, a leading corporate finance advisory firm under TWC Holdings, successfully served as the sole financial adviser to Hela Apparel Holdings PLC on its divestment of two running garment factories in

Sri Lankan insurance broker accuses state body of engaging foreign firm with bribery record

A significant controversy is brewing in Sri Lanka’s insurance sector as Strategic Insurance Brokers (SIB), a local firm, has accused the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF), a state body, of awarding a reinsurance

Shehani Seneviratne new SLASSCOM Chairperson

Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) has appointed seasoned tech leader Shehani Seneviratne as its Chairperson for 2025/2026.

Allianz Insurance Lanka recognises top performers

Allianz Insurance Lanka Limited hosted its annual awards ceremony, The Night of Legends, recently at Monarch Imperial, Colombo, to honour and celebrate the exceptional achievements of its top performers

HNB-Micro Cars strengthen mobility offering

HNB PLC has partnered with Micro Cars Ltd to offer leasing solutions for a wide range of passenger and commercial vehicles, including MG Vehicles, TIGGO 4 PRO mid-size SUV, PROTON SAGA sedan,

People’s Bank triumphs at 6th Governor’s Challenge Trophy Quiz

The quiz team from People’s Bank emerged as champions at sixth Governor’s Challenge Trophy Corporate Quiz Competition for Global Commerce Excellence 2025, held recently at Galadari Hotel,

Women are equally capable as men in workforce, says ILO rep.

Women can equally work as well as men in the labour market and should be given the same opportunities of excelling, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director and Senior Gender Specialist Joni Simpson

New Defender 110 Trophy Edition now available to order

The new Defender 110 Trophy Edition celebrates the return of the brand to international adventure challenge events and offers a range of recommended expedition accessories that make the vehicle the

SL unlocks new market opportunities with 15 SLAB conformity assessment accreditations

The Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), under the patronage of the Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry, marked a significant milestone with the accreditation of 15

CSE closes lower but holds above 18,000

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the trading day on a negative note, reflecting a decline in overall market momentum. Despite the downward movement, market sentiment remained mixed, with notable selling pressure observed as investors engaged in profit-taking.

SLASSCOM’s year of purpose and progress

As the curtains fall on an eventful year for SLASSCOM, outgoing Chairman Nishan Mendis reflects on the past 12 months with a powerful blend of introspection, pride, and optimism. Against a backdrop of national recovery and global challenges, SLASSCOM’s story this year was one of recalibration, resilience, results and impact.

Sri Lanka charts a new course for digital future with sovereign cloud strategy

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka has unveiled a duo of forward-thinking draft policy documents that propose a significant shift in the nation’s digital infrastructure strategy.

IRD revenue soars 42% on back of sweeping VAT reforms

Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) hauled in a staggering Rs.2,620.07 billion in 2024, a 42.22 percent surge from the previous year, according to its recently released annual performance report.

King Khan to shine spotlight on Sri Lanka’s City of Dreams

King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan will bring the spotlight to Sri Lanka this August, as he is to grace the grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka, a luxury integrated resort developed by John Keells Holdings in partnership with Melco Resorts & Entertainment.

SLANA chairperson urges unified industry voice to reinstate terminal handling charges

In a powerful address after securing a second term as Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA), Swabha Wickramasinghe made a clarion call to the shipping industry, urging a unified front to advocate for the reinstatement of terminal handling charges (THC).

Indices closed in green

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as CT Holdings, Colombo Dockyard and Access Engineering with the turnover crossing Rs. 7.8 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Seylan Bank nonvoting, Access Engineering and Commercial Bank nonvoting. Mixed interest was observed in RIL Property, John Keells Holdings and Pan Asia Banking Corpor

ATX Partners and Arcasia Investment launch mandatory offer for Alpha Fire Services

ATX Partners (Private) Limited and Arcasia Investment and Trading (Private) Limited have announced a mandatory offer to purchase the remaining shares of Alpha Fire Services PLC, after acquiring a majority stake in the company, according to a stock filing.

T-bill auction yields flat, buying sentiment rebounds

Reversing the cautious sentiment from the previous day, the secondary market sustained the buying interest in the 2028 and 2029 maturities, while renewed buying interest emerged in the 2031 and 2033 maturities. As a result, both volumes and overall activity reached moderate levels.

SL unlocks new market opportunities with SLAB’s Conformity Assessment

Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), under the patronage of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, marked a significant milestone with the accreditation of 15 Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), bolstering Sri Lanka’s quality infrastructure and opening new avenues for international trade. Announced during SLAB’s 20th anniversary held in conjunction with World Accreditation Day 2025, this achievement undersco