JKH big-ticket investments drive strongest quarterly operational performance

John Keells Holdings (JKH) delivered one of its strongest operational quarters in recent years in the March quarter, as the conglomerate’s large-scale investments in its integrated resort, port and electric vehicle businesses began making a materially stronger contribution to earnings.

Ceylon Cold Stores absorbs inflationary shocks and climate disruptions to protect market share

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, the operator of the Elephant House brand, has deliberately absorbed significant inflationary pressures and extreme weather-related disruptions during the financial year 2025/26, sacrificing short-term margin expansions to aggressively defend its consumer market share.

People’s Bank achieves Rs. 16.6bn PBT in 1Q26

People’s Bank delivered a strong and resilient financial performance for the quarter ended 31 March 2026, maintaining stability amidst heightened geopolitical tensions and continued global economic uncertainty.

Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Hayleys and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.9bn.

100bps policy rate hike lifts yields across the curve

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 25th May 2026, decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100bps to 8.75% from 7.75%, following a careful assessment of evolving domestic and global economic conditions and the overall outlook.

Sampath Bank launches PayPal integration to expand global payment access for Sri Lankans

Sampath Bank PLC has become the first bank in Sri Lanka to introduce integrated PayPal withdrawal and account connectivity capabilities through Sampath Vishwa, marking a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s digital banking landscape and expanding access to secure global payments.

Hilton Colombo earns global recognition at 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards

Hilton Colombo has been recognized on the global stage at the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, receiving four distinguished accolades that celebrate the hotel’s excellence in hospitality, culinary experiences, and guest service.

David Pieris Automobiles partners with NTB to enhance vehicle financing solutions for BAIC, GWM range

David Pieris Automobiles (Private) Limited (DPA), the four-wheeler sales arm of the David Pieris Group of Companies, has entered into a strategic partnership with Nations Trust Bank PLC to offer flexible and customer-centric vehicle financing solutions for BAIC and GWM vehicles.

CIPM SL conducts 9th Certified HRD Auditor Programme

The internationally acclaimed Certified HRD Auditor Programme 2026 was conducted for the 9th time at the CIPM Members’ Lounge with the participation of 21 HR professionals representing leading organizations across Sri Lanka.

ComBank enables seamless account opening through enhanced self-onboarding platform

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has further enhanced its Self-Onboarding Platform, enabling new-to-bank customers to open accounts through a more seamless, secure and fully paperless digital experience, eliminating the need to visit a branch.

Evolution Auto and EVO Charge launch fast charging station in Peliyagoda

Reinforcing its commitment to advancing electric mobility in Sri Lanka, Evolution Auto, in collaboration with EVO Charge, has officially launched a 60kW dual-gun DC fast charging station at the Evolution Auto After Sales Complex in Peliyagoda.

BWIO holds International Awards Ceremony at Mount Lavinia Hotel

The Business World International Organization INC-USA hosted the Business World International Awards 2026 on 16 May at Mount Lavinia Hotel, bringing together leading business personalities, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests from Sri Lanka and overseas.

Laugfs Power expands renewable energy portfolio with new mini hydro power project

Laugfs Power PLC, has recently strengthened its clean energy portfolio with the commissioning of the Kehelgamu Oya 2 MW Mini Hydro Power Project in Ginigathhena.

DB Automation wins ‘Zebra Technologies Partner of the Year’ Award

DB Automation, recognised as the largest Zebra Technologies partner in Sri Lanka, has been honoured with the Partner of the Year Award, reaffirming the company’s leadership in enterprise technology, automation, and digital transformation solutions.

Large number of models, designers audition for Sri Lanka’s first Women’s Fashion Week

The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) held its Model & Designer Open Call recently at the City of Dreams CMB, Colombo, in a step toward Sri Lanka’s first-ever fashion week dedicated exclusively to women entrepreneurs.

Dr. Rohitha Silva appointed new FCCISL President

Dr. Rohitha Silva has been appointed President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka.

Thai Sumeda wins ‘Business of the Year 2026’ Award for Manufacturing Excellence

Thai Sumeda Enterprises Pvt Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering manufacturers and distributors of incense sticks and related products, has once again earned international recognition by winning the ‘Business of the Year 2026’ Award in the Large Category for manufacturing incense products. The award was presented by the BWIO (USA–Sri Lanka) Council in recognition of the company’s outstanding contribution to the manufacturing sector and export indus

BAN Group signals Sri Lanka’s next big leap in advertising innovation

Boutique Agency Network Group (BAN Group), one of Sri Lanka’s award winning integrated advertising companies, has upgraded its Boutique Marketing AI Ecosystem with the latest capabilities in Agentic AI, introducing a new level of speed, intelligence, and precision to creative and media deployment.

APFASL explores implications of new Electricity Acts and CEB restructuring

The Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL), the public sector wing of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), recently conducted a highly informative seminar on “Electricity/Energy Sector Reforms in Sri Lanka via the CEB Restructuring Exercise”, focusing on the implications of the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024 and the subsequent Electricity (Amendment) Act of 2025.

An 18% penalty for being Sri Lankan

Picture a Sri Lankan manufacturer trying to supply some raw materials to a BOI industry. Yet every time he quotes, he loses the order to a supplier abroad. Not because the foreign product is better. Not because it is cheaper to make. But because the Sri Lankan government adds eighteen percent to his price as VAT the moment he quotes, while the same item arrives from abroad at zero VAT.

Rooso Ramachandran appointed Global CEO of EFL Global

EFL Global, a member of the SG Holdings Group, a leading Japanese comprehensive global logistics group, announced the appointment of Rooso Ramachandran as the new Global Chief Executive Officer of EFL Global, marking an important leadership transition as part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at strengthening global integration and improving execution across markets.

ICC unveils architectural scale model of Bay One Residences Colombo

International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd marked a major milestone with the unveiling of the 3D architectural scale model of its newest luxury residential project at the Bay One Residences Colombo sales gallery in Port City.

KTM Peliyagoda brings premium motorcycles closer to riders

Further strengthening the presence of KTM motorcycles in Sri Lanka following their reintroduction by David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited (DPMC), the latest showroom, KTM Peliyagoda, was recently opened at No. 389, Negombo Road.

hSenidBiz delivers major FY2026 turnaround with US$ 5.5mn ARR

hSenid Business Solutions PLC (hSenidBiz) announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended 31 March 2026, delivering a significant turnaround in operational profitability, materially improving earnings quality, and achieving a key strategic milestone.

Rajitha Cooke honoured with Global CEO Award

The pest management industry professional, Rajitha Cooke has been recognised with the Global CEO ‘45 Under 45 – Leadership Excellence Platinum Award 2025’ presented by the Global CEO Forum.

Kandy Myst by Cinnamon partners with Kapruka to bring its signature cakes across the Kandy region

Kandy’s evolving hospitality and lifestyle landscape is set to become even more convenient and connected as Kandy Myst by Cinnamon officially partners with Kapruka to offer signature cake varieties from Terra Lounge through Kapruka’s e-commerce platform across the Kandy region.

Home Lands unveils ‘Central Park Boulevard Port City’ twin tower high-rise

Market leader Home Lands revealed the name of its latest most iconic twin tower high-rise development project in the Central Park district of Port City Colombo, “Central Park Boulevard Port City” offering unmatched value for investors and home buyers, with the announcement of its attractive pre-launch prices based on a special per square foot rate ranging from USD$ 300 to US$ 400 per square foot.

Secondary market rallies on buying interest ahead of policy decision

The secondary market witnessed a revival in buying interest, leading to a downward adjustment in yields amid improved investor sentiment ahead of today’s monetary policy announcement.

Week begins in green

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Commercial Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Ceylon Cold Stores, Dialog Axiata and LB Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Commercial Bank,

Hemas profit hits record high as healthcare, maritime businesses drive growth

Hemas Holdings posted its strongest annual earnings on record in fiscal 2026, driven by a resilient healthcare growth, improving consumer demand and stronger maritime operations, even as the conglomerate deliberately sacrificed the margins to accelerate investments in digital infrastructure and expansion.