CSE begins July with slight pullback but investor activity remains strong

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) commenced the month of July with a slight decline in both All Share Price Index (ASPI) and S&P SL20 and , following a period of sustained gains. Despite the market’s modest pullback, investor activity remained strong, reflecting continued confidence and interest.

SME paddy millers, co-ops to get loans at 7% under Yala season credit scheme

The government would roll out a Rs.6.5 billion concessional loan scheme from today to support the small and medium-scale (SME) paddy millers and cooperative societies in purchasing paddy during the upcoming Yala season, the Development Finance Department said.

Colombo consumer prices fall 0.6% in June

Inflation in the Colombo district reached a tad closer to ending the months-long deflation, as the prices fell by 0.6 percent in June 2025 from a year ago, compared to a 0.7 percent decline in the prices in May.

Sticky trouble for F&B sector as new labelling rules kick in

The new food labelling and advertising regulations coming into force today risk turning the sweet gains sour for the local food and beverage (F&B) sector, the industry stakeholders said, describing the rules as impractical and a potential disruptor for the manufacturers across the board.

People’s Bank marks 64 years in SL’s banking sector today

People’s Bank, one of Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned commercial banks, marks 64 years in operation today, affirming its role in expanding formal banking access and advancing financial inclusion.

June ends with ASPI surpassing 18,000 mark for the first time

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Central Finance Company, John Keells Holdings and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing

2028 and 2029 maturities draw quiet interest

The secondary market showed signs of selective investor interest yesterday, with a noticeable uptick in demand for the bonds maturing in 2028 and 2029.

EDB and Turkish envoy discuss avenues to enhance bilateral trade

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, SemihLütfü Turgut, and the Export Development Board (EDB) recently engaged in discussions on fostering international relations and exploring trade opportunities between the two countries. The meeting was held at EDB on 12th June 2025.

Cargills Bank marks 11 years of purpose-driven banking

Cargills Bank celebrated its 11th anniversary on 30th June 2025, marking over a decade of transformative, inclusive banking dedicated to reshaping access to financial services across Sri Lanka.

APTS and Craft Silicon set new benchmark for digital and AI banking

In a significant move poised to redefine Sri Lanka’s financial sector, global fintech leader Craft Silicon and Sri Lankan ICT solutions provider APTS have officially entered into an exclusive partnership agreement. This collaboration marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for digital banking and financial services in Sri Lanka.

ComBank hosts ‘Empower North’ to drive wider adoption of its digital products

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently conducted a digital awareness initiative in Jaffna titled ‘Empower North: Accelerating Digital Excellence’ as part of its ongoing efforts to support the country’s digital transformation agenda and increase regional engagement with its flagship digital banking platform ‘ComBank Digital.’

HNB credit cards awards dream Singapore getaway to lucky winner

HNB PLC has announced the winner of its latest credit card raffle draw, rewarding loyal cardholders for their everyday spending with the ultimate dream holiday.

Ceylon Chamber launches 22nd Edition of Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2025 (BCCS Awards), now in its 22nd year as one of the most anticipated events on Sri Lanka’s corporate calendar.

Janashakthi Group delivers strong FY25 performance with Rs. 5.24 bn NPAT

JXG (Janashakthi Group) has announced a Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of Rs. 5.24 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2025.

SLRA holds 8th AGM; celebrates milestone year for Sri Lanka’s retail community

The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) held its 8th Annual General Meeting on June 25, at Hilton Colombo Residencies, bringing together leaders from across the retail sector to reflect on the past year and set the course for the future.

NDB Bank partners with VXL Education to empower Sri Lankan students pursuing global education

In a shared vision to simplify international education pathways and empower Sri Lankan students with global opportunities, NDB Bank announced its strategic partnership with VXL Education, a leading international education consultancy firm.

Liquor Licensees Association accuses Excise Department of not supporting tax workshop

The Sri Lanka Liquor Licensees Association (SLLLA) has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, alleging that the Department of Excise and several other state institutions failed to support a workshop aimed at improving tax compliance among liquor license holders.

Connex Information Technologies launches ‘Cyble’ threat intelligence platform

Connex Information Technologies has partnered with Cyble, a global leader in threat intelligence, to officially bring Cyble’s powerful threat detection and response capabilities to the Sri Lankan market for the first time.

Lakpa Footwear apologises for temporary unavailability of ‘Fun Shoe’ brand

Local footwear manufacturer, Lakpa Footwear (Pvt) Ltd. has issued an apology to its customers and retail partners for the temporary unavailability of its popular children’s ‘Fun Shoe’ range following a recent legal dispute. The company acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked customers for their patience during this period.

Cargills Bank marks 11 years of purpose-driven banking

Cargills Bank celebrated its 11th anniversary on 30th June 2025, marking over a decade of transformative, inclusive banking dedicated to reshaping access to financial services across Sri Lanka.

CSE closes June quarter with ASPI surpassing 18,000 mark

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the month on a historic high, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassing the 18,000 mark for the first time. This achievement reflects a continued wave of investor optimism and strong market momentum, supported by active participation across multiple sectors.

ASPI crosses 18,000 mark

The Colombo bourse saw the All Share Price Index (ASPI) cross the 18,000 milestone for the first time in history today.

Prada Acknowledges Sandals Inspired By Indian Kolhapuri Footwear

In an exclusive statement given to NDTV, Prada has finally acknowleged that the footwear pieces featured in its Men’s 2026 Spring/Summer show in Milan, were isnpired by the traditional Indian handcrafted pieces made in specific districts of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

SL lacks reform momentum despite political shift: Top economist

Sri Lanka is falling short of delivering the structural transformation it claims to seek, despite the growing rhetoric around revival and sustainable growth, warned internationally renowned economist Prof. Razeen Sally.

BOI Chief flags US$ 3.7bn Sinopec refinery as “Fragile”

The head of Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) has characterised the highly anticipated US$ 3.7 billion Sinopec oil refinery in Hambantota and Adani Group’s renewable energy project as “fragile investments,” acknowledging the significant uncertainty surrounding their realisation.

Low-interest regime poised to attract more investments into automobile sector: Banker

With Sri Lanka heading towards a lower interest rate environment, the stock market is expected to perform well, attracting greater investment into sectors such as housing and automobiles, a top banker said.

Apparel exports hold steady in May as EU market shows robust growth

Sri Lanka’s apparel export earnings remained relatively stable in May 2025, experiencing a marginal dip of 0.63 percent to US$ 365.08 million compared to the same period last year.

Fix flawed Gambling Bill or lose out to rivals, Advocata tells government

The Advocata Institute, a Colombo-based independent think tank, is urging the Sri Lankan government to withdraw and redraft the proposed Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill, warning that its current form grants “excessive and unchecked powers” to the Minister of Finance, creating a “proxy” regulator instead of an independent body essential for the industry’s integrity and growth.

Colombo bourse ranks among top 10 emerging markets

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has ranked among the top ten best-performing emerging market equity indices globally, based on its performance over the last year.

Aitken Spence Hotels wins big at Culinary Art Food Expo 2025

Aitken Spence Hotels’ culinary team returned from Culinary Art Food Expo 2025 with an impressive haul of 116 medals, an achievement that solidifies the group’s stature as a benchmark of gastronomic excellence in South Asia’s largest professional cookery competition.