ACCA Sri Lanka holds 49th AGM

Ushers in new leadership amid strong year of progress

Suspected Copreus-Gladius operators resurface as Evolute: SEC warns investors

Capital market regulator the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised fresh concerns over what it believes is the re-emergence of individuals linked to previously flagged foreign investment schemes, warning investors to exercise extreme caution after receiving complaints against a newly launched entity operating under the name ‘Evolute’.

NTB to raise up to Rs.15bn via Basel III Tier 2 debenture issue

Nations Trust Bank PLC said it will raise up to Rs.15 billion through a listed Basel III-compliant Tier 2 debenture issue.

DFCC set to complete StanChart retail banking takeover by 31 July

DFCC Bank said the proposed acquisition of the wealth and retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka Branch is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026, providing an updated timeline on a transaction that would strengthen its position in the country’s affluent and consumer banking segments.

Early rally fades as profit-taking leaves market mixed

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended Tuesday’s session on a mixed note, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) closing marginally lower while the S&P SL20 Index managed to post a slight gain. The market began the day on a strong footing, with the ASPI surging more than 180 points during the first half hour of trading as buying interest supported broad market momentum.

Economic recovery gathers pace as construction, finance drive 5.1% GDP growth

The economy expanded by 5.1 percent in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), extending its recovery streak, as a surge in construction activity, rising imports of production-related goods and stronger performance across financial and technology services helped offset the lingering external and domestic challenges.

New gold-loan rules strengthen safeguards; limited rating impact seen: Fitch

Sri Lanka’s tighter capital requirements for gold-backed lending would have a largely manageable impact on the banks and finance companies while strengthening the prudential safeguards, Fitch Ratings said, although several finance firms could face increased pressure on the already weak capital positions.

Week begins in green

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.0 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Amana Takaful, Asiri Surgical Hospital and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Prime Lands Residencies, Commercial Bank and Access Engineering whilst retail interest was noted in Hela Apparel Holding

Sea Street gold prices surge

The gold prices climbed sharply yesterday, with the local bullion dealers reporting a steep increase in the sovereign prices after the international gold rates rose above US $ 4,300 an ounce, amid the heightened investor demand for safe-haven assets.

Buying momentum persists as global tensions ease

The secondary market commenced the week on a positive note, extending the buying momentum observed at the close of the previous week, as the investor sentiment improved following the encouraging developments surrounding the tensions in the Middle East.

Shehara De Silva headlines SL’s presence at EY annual conference

EY hosted the 2026 ‘EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women’ Asia-Pacific annual conference in Seoul from 18 to 20 May, marking the first time the regional conference took place in South Korea.

Sierra Cables FY2025/26 revenue surpasses Rs.16bn and profit climbs 194%

Sierra Cables PLC has delivered a record financial performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, posting significant growth in both revenue and profitability while further strengthening its position in international markets and expanding its domestic distribution footprint.

Amana Bank expands to Balangoda with first SBC in Ratnapura District

Amana Bank recently opened its 46th Self Banking Centre in Balangoda, marking the Bank’s first Self Banking Centre in the Ratnapura District.

Deepal Sri Lanka unveils S05 REEV; announces Changan’s NEVO Brand arrival

Prime EV Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd, a member of the Senok Group and the authorized distributor of Deepal vehicles in Sri Lanka, unveiled the all-new Deepal S05 REEV at its flagship 3S showroom in Colombo recently.

Port City Colombo Forum in Dubai positions Sri Lanka as South Asia’s gateway for UAE business expansion

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, in collaboration with Colombo Port City Economic Commission and CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt. Ltd., hosted ‘Globalisation and the Sri Lankan Opportunity - From Recovery to Relevance: Sri Lanka’s Moment in the Evolving Global and Regional Economy’, an invitation-only diplomatic and investment engagement at The Ritz-Carlton,

Market stages strong recovery as ASPI surges over 740 points on renewed buying interest

The Colombo Stock Exchange recorded a powerful rebound on 15th June 2026, with both benchmark indices posting substantial gains as improving global sentiment and a more favorable regional outlook restored investor confidence.

Sri Lanka to kick off global promotion drive from end-July

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is gearing up to launch a comprehensive global promotion campaign starting from the end of July.

June arrivals begin on sluggish note despite Indian influx

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has encountered a surprisingly sluggish start to June, with arrivals in the first ten days contracting by 14.8 percent year-on-year to 37,459 visitors.

JVP-affiliated union hits out at SriLankan Airlines chairman’s appointment

The Inter-Company Employees Union of SriLankan Airlines, a trade union affiliated with the ruling Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has publicly condemned the permanent appointment of Dimal Arandara as the Chairman of the national carrier.

Corporate debt issuances signal slowdown as Alliance Finance retreats

Sri Lanka’s corporate debt market is showing clear signs of a slowdown as rising interest rates and domestic market volatility prompt companies to rethink their capital-raising strategies.

Central Bank probes Kasagala Green Plantation over false regulatory claims

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has launched a formal investigation into Kasagala Green Plantation (Private) Limited, following false assertions by a company director on national television that the agricultural venture is regulated by the country’s top financial authority.

Payable to accelerate SL’s digital payments landscape following Short Circuit’s acquisition

Sri Lanka’s leading digital payment acceptance platform Payable has announced its acquisition by regional tech powerhouse Short Circuit, marking a significant milestone in Payable’s journey to scale digital payments across the country.

Australia-SL strengthen maritime security partnership

The Australian Border Force and Sri Lanka Coast Guard have launched Disi Rela 2026, marking the third consecutive year of the joint maritime security initiative aimed at strengthening maritime surveillance, operational capability and public awareness across Sri Lanka’s coastal regions.

Adamjee Lukmanjee holds Legacy of Trust – Customer Forum 2026

Adamjee Lukmanjee Group of Companies, a trusted name in Sri Lanka’s agricultural and industrial supply sector, with a proud legacy of 160 years, successfully hosted Legacy of Trust - Customer Forum 2026 recently at Cinnamon Life, Colombo.

DMC-WFP launch National Anticipatory Action Roadmap

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), with technical leadership from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sri Lanka and generous funding from the government of the United States of America, launched Sri Lanka’s Anticipatory Action (AA) Roadmap for 2026-2030, bringing together government, UN and humanitarian partners.

Sri Lankan HR leaders participate in SHRM Tech26

A delegation of eight HR professionals from Sri Lanka participated in SHRM Tech26, held recently at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, gaining exposure to regional conversations on artificial intelligence, workforce capability, leadership and the future of work.

People’s Bank provides financial literacy to Weboda entrepreneurs

People’s Bank recently organised a special programme for entrepreneurs in Weboda Village, situated within the Mahara Divisional Secretariat area, under its Entrepreneurial Villages initiative.

Microfinance sector forms inclusive network

Lanka Microfinance Network (LMFN), Sri Lanka’s dedicated national platform for the microfinance sector, formally inaugurated its governance structure recently, at a landmark meeting attended by over 100 participants representing the microfinance sector, practitioners and stakeholders from across the island.

ComBank GIG+ to power Sri Lanka’s growing digital workforce

Recognising the rapid emergence of the gig economy in Sri Lanka, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has introduced ComBank GIG+ – a specialised banking solution designed for freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, social media influencers and individuals and businesses earning in foreign currency through overseas engagements to receive their foreign earnings, including PayPal-linked withdrawals, through a structured banking account.

HNB General Insurance appoints Dilshan Perera as COO

HNB General Insurance announced the appointment of Dilshan Perera as Chief Operating Officer (COO).