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.

HNB Assurance launches 24-hour call centre

HNB Assurance PLC has launched a 24-hour call centre, enabling the policyholders to connect with the company on all matters related to customer service at any time, from anywhere, using the short code 1301.

Uber Eats expands to Anuradhapura

Uber Eats is now available in Anuradhapura.

Great Place To Work Sri Lanka unveils Regional Conference 2025

Great Place To Work Sri Lanka unveiled its flagship Regional Conference 2025, set to take place on September 23, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Grand Ballroom, Hilton Colombo.

TIIKM wins Silver at SLIM SME Development Awards

The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), a Sri Lankan-born powerhouse in global knowledge facilitation and academic innovation, secured the Silver award in the Service Category, at the prestigious SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA) 2025, held recently by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM).

Labour Department suspends services for 3 days due to network maintenance

The Labour Department announced that several of its services, including the payment of funds to its members, will be temporarily suspended for three days starting tomorrow (21).

CSE ends lower as investor activity slows ASPI and S&P SL20 decline

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a negative note, reversing its recent upward momentum. The downturn was attributed to low investor activity during the day.

Hayleys ends FY25 with record Rs.492bn revenue

Diversified conglomerate Hayleys PLC posted a 40 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in profit before tax (PBT) to Rs.35.37 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, driven by consistent export earnings and solid performances in its consumer, retail and logistics segments.

Kavinda de Zoysa appointed as Bank of Ceylon (UK) Chairman

Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd announced the appointment of Kavinda de Zoysa as its new Chairman, following the necessary approvals from the relevant financial regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom.

Ceylon Tobacco 1Q25 revenue hit by illicit cigarette trade

Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC reported subdued revenue for the quarter ended March 2025, as the sales continued to be pressured by the widespread availability of smuggled cigarettes sold at significantly lower prices. The company reported a turnover of Rs.45.65 billion in the January-March quarter, the company’s first fiscal quarter, compared to a turnover of Rs.45.85 billion in the same period in 2024.

Singer March sales soar reflecting robust demand for consumer durables

Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC reported some solid top and bottom-line performances for the three months ended March 2025, on the back of strong demand for its durable products as well as at its financial services business, amid the declining interest rates.

Week begins in green

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, John Keells Holdings and Seylan Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.6 Bn.