MasterChef Singapore winner in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s food lovers are in for a rare treat as MasterChef Singapore 2023 winner Inderpal Singh makes his debut appearance in the country for a one-night-only dining experience at Plated & Stirred: Singapore Edition. Presented by On The Rocks, in collaboration with Shangri-La Colombo, the event will take place on May 22 and 23, at Capital Bar & Grill.

Softlogic Stockbrokers expands to Bandarawela

Softlogic Stockbrokers continues its islandwide expansion with a new branch in Bandarawela, bringing the total branch network of the company to eight, covering Galle, Panadura, Negombo, Kandy, Colombo, Bandarawela and Jaffna.

Pan Asia Bank-IBM collaborate to modernise technology landscape

IBM announced its collaboration with Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC of Sri Lanka to modernise the bank’s digital infrastructure and deliver faster, more secure banking services across Sri Lanka.

John Keells Properties-Seylan Bank offer loans for Viman Ja-Ela buyers

John Keells Properties announced its latest partnership with Seylan Bank PLC to provide specially curated home loan packages for buyers of Viman Ja-Ela apartments.

Cargills Food City concludes Avurudu Wasana promo

Cargills Food City once again played a central role in Sri Lanka’s Avurudu celebrations, continuing its commitment to easing the festive shopping burden for families.

GPS Health announces partnership with Co-Operative Insurance

GPS Health announced a strategic partnership with Co-Operative Insurance and the launch of its new digital platform GPS Health, the very first Sri Lankan software exclusively for medical insurance claims. This marks a significant milestone in the Sri Lankan insurance and software industry.

Impact of US credit rating downgrade on Sri Lanka

This analysis is in response to Moody’s Ratings downgrade of the United States’ sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 on May 16, 2025, which is a one notch downgrade.

Future of HR as a profession and its business impact

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, the role of human resources (HR) is undergoing a seismic shift. Dinesh Weerakkody engaged with Prof. Dave Ulrich—renowned as the Father of Modern HR and a celebrated professor—to explore how HR can evolve from a support function to a strategic powerhouse driving value for all stakeholders.

PRASL-SCoRe workshop to unlock power of AI

Communications professionals to benefit

Cartoon of the Day 22-05-2025

CSE closes higher amid cautious trading ahead of policy decision

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a mixed outlook today. Market activity remained subdued, with dull momentum prevailing throughout the day, as investors largely adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the monetary policy announcement scheduled for tomorrow by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Govt. announces Rs. 27,000 minimum monthly wage in gazette from April 1

While issuing a gazette notification, the government announced the national minimum monthly wage for all workers in any industry or service as Rs. 27,000, and the national minimum daily wage as Rs. 1,800.

Guangzhou, Galle partner to boost heritage tourism

China and Sri Lanka have stepped up bilateral cooperation in heritage-led tourism and cultural economy development, leveraging their historic trade links along the Maritime Silk Road to unlock new economic and diplomatic opportunities.

Labour Dept. resumes services following temporary suspension

The Labour Department has resumed its public services, including the payment of funds to its members, after a temporary suspension for essential computer network maintenance work.

IBM gives thumbs up for Sri Lanka’s digital push

Global technology giant IBM yesterday gave thumbs up for Sri Lanka’s efforts in digital transformation while implying the country has the right foundation to achieve its ambitions under the Digital Economy Strategy 2030.

Tea production on recovery path with April output up by nearly 5 mn kgs

The tea industry showed renewed momentum in April 2025, with monthly production reaching 26.39 million kilograms, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.93 million kgs from 21.46 million kgs recorded in April 2024, official data showed.

Low-income earners’ tax burden to be eased

In an effort to cushion low-income earners from the unintended impact of recent tax amendments, Sri Lanka is set to introduce a self-declaration system that will allow individuals earning below the tax-free threshold to be exempted from the revised 10 percent retention tax on interest income.

Labour Department closes for maintenance

The Labour Department has announced that several of its services, including the payment of funds to its members, will be temporarily suspended for three days starting today.

Guangzhou, Galle partner to boost heritage tourism

China and Sri Lanka have stepped up bilateral cooperation in heritage-led tourism and cultural economy development, leveraging their historic trade links along the Maritime Silk Road to unlock new economic and diplomatic opportunities.

Teejay Lanka 4Q profits propelled by stable yarn prices and favourable product mix

Teejay Lanka PLC, the knit fabric maker for the global apparel makers reported some solid top and bottom-line performance for the three months ended in March 2025 while the broadly stable yarn prices, the company’s key raw material, helped the company to report higher profits.

Foreign buying for 3rd consecutive day

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Sampath Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.5 bn.

Yield curve remains stable amidst measured activity

The secondary market continued to reflect a mixed sentiment among participants during yesterday’s trading session, echoing the mixed sentiment observed the day before.

Sysco LABS recognised as a Company with Great Agile Leaders

Sysco LABS has been recognised as a Company with Agile Leaders at the inaugural Great Agile Leaders Awards 2025, organised by the Colombo Leadership Academy.

ISB pricing volatile on Trump tariffs but SL debt reform boosts outlook: CAM

Sri Lanka’s international sovereign bond (ISB) prices were sensitive to global market volatility sparked by US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, according to market participants, adding pressure to an otherwise improving credit outlook.

HNB powers strategic automotive leasing partnership with United Motors

HNB announced a strategic partnership with United Motors Lanka PLC (UML) to enhance leasing facilities for Mitsubishi and FUSO vehicles, further expanding access to reliable transportation for individual and business customers.

Emirates-Dilmah celebrate 33 years together and 33mn cups of tea served

Celebrating the International Tea Day today (May 21), Emirates and Dilmah Tea will be presenting a complimentary pack of luxury leaf artisan teas to customers on all flights, commemorating a successful 33-year partnership and more than 33 million cups of tea served every year.

ESOFT’s ESU set to boost SL’s higher education quality

In an effort to uplift Sri Lanka’s higher education landscape, ESOFT announced that it is stepping up efforts in making the island nation a hub for future-ready professionals trained to lead within an interconnected global workforce.

Vanithabhimana 2025 opens applications for corporate sector competition

NDB Bank announced the commencement of applications for the corporate sector competition of Sri Lanka Vanithabhimana 2025, the nation’s most distinguished platform dedicated to honouring and empowering exceptional women.

EDB meets SL’s newly appointed heads of missions

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted an orientation programme for the newly appointed heads of Sri Lanka missions at the EDB.

Spa Ceylon clinches coveted global win in UK

Spa Ceylon, the world’s largest luxury ayurveda chain, continued its success streak for global recognition by winning the Best New Personal Care Product at the prestigious Natural and Organic Beauty Innovations Awards 2025, held recently in the UK.