Roar Global supports inclusive growth through platform knowledge initiatives

Roar Global reinforced its commitment to expanding access to practical digital growth knowledge through its recent partnership with two women-centred initiatives in Sri Lanka - namely, SLASSCOM Women in

AHK Sri Lanka-Fairway Holdings to host Oktoberfest

In a landmark move to strengthen cultural ties between Sri Lanka and Germany, F Entertainment, a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Delegation of German

Cargills conducts 10th Regional Sarubima Scholarship Award Ceremony

Cargills recently conducted the 10th Regional Sarubima Scholarship Award Ceremony in Thamuttegama for the financial year, with the first event held in September 2025.

ASPI gains 7.0% during the month

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.4 bn.

Market slides on oil Shock as global risk sentiment turns negative

The Colombo Stock Exchange closed in negative territory today, with both indices declining sharply amid a broad-based sell-off triggered by deteriorating global sentiment. Brent crude oil prices surged above the $120 mark following escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, reinforcing a risk-off environment across global markets.

Hela Apparel completes US $ 8mn divestment of UK-based Focus Brands

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC has completed the sale of its UK-based Focus Brands Limited, marking a full exit from the business, as part of a strategic divestment approved by the shareholders earlier this month. In a stock exchange filing, the company said that its wholly-owned subsidiary Hela Brands Limited (Mauritius) sold its entire shareholding in Focus Brands to two investors, Mohamed Salim Suhurdeen and Mohamed Salihu Fazeldeen, for a total co

Seylan Bank March profit up on new loans, fee incomes

As the banking sector earnings got underway, Seylan Bank PLC reported modestly increased profits on the back of the growth in new loans, higher fee incomes and lower impairments.

JAECOO shakes up UK auto market with record-breaking growth

Since its UK debut in January 2025, JAECOO has recorded 28,232 new vehicle registrations within its first year, validated by the SMMT, making it the fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand Britain has seen in over a decade. Its flagship model, the JAECOO J7 PHEV, ranked among the most popular retail cars in the UK within its first year and emerged as the best-selling new car in Britain in March 2026.

NCE pays tribute to founding president and past leaders

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) marked its 40th anniversary by honouring its past presidents, with special recognition extended to its Founder President and President Emeritus, the late Patrick Amarasinghe, whose initiative in establishing the Chamber in 1986 laid the groundwork for four decades of organised representation for Sri Lanka’s export community.

E. B. Creasy & Co wins Gold at National Green Productivity Awards

E. B. Creasy & Co., PLC – BIC & DENTA Factory was honoured with the Gold Award at the 2024 National Green Productivity Awards Ceremony, held recently at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Browns Hotels & Resorts raises bar with Quintessential Bartender 2026

Browns Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Periceyl, turned up the energy and artistry with the successful conclusion of Quintessential Bartender 2026 — an inter-hotel bartending competition created to spotlight, sharpen, and celebrate the group’s finest talent.

SITREK Cyber & Tech Summit highlights SL’s growing focus on digital security

Sri Lanka’s growing focus on strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities took center stage at the SITREK Cyber & Tech Summit 2026, held on 4-5 March at Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams Colombo.

IFC and WindForce partner on Sri Lanka’s first large-scale solar project

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a partnership with WindForce PLC to develop Sri Lanka’s first utility-scale 100 megawatt (MW) solar power facility, a landmark project that will accelerate the country’s energy transition, strengthen energy security, lower electricity costs and create thousands of jobs.

Commercial Bank transforming SME growth through fast, intelligent, and customer-centric AI-powered lending

At a time when the Sri Lankan economy is navigating a crucial phase of recovery, empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has become more important than ever. As the backbone of the economy, SMEs continue to play a vital role in driving growth, employment, and innovation. Today, the sector is gaining increasing momentum in embracing digital transformation and modern business practices, positioning itself within a more progressive, technolog

Tea Industry Overview of 2026 First Quarter

During the first quarter of 2026, Sri Lanka’s tea industry recorded declines across Production, Export volumes, and National Tea Sale Average Price compared to the same period in 2025. Total tea production dropped by 2.55 million kilograms, falling from 62.16 million kilograms in 2025 to 59.61 million kilograms in 2026. Total exports also declined by 2.85 million kilograms, decreasing from 63.21 million kilograms to 60.36 million kilograms. Meanw

Market activity remains muted, keeping yields stable

The secondary market recorded subdued trading activity yesterday, leaving the overall yield curve largely unchanged.

Indices continue to close in green

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Janashakthi Limited, Ceylon Beverage Holdings and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.1 Bn. Meanwhile, the S&P SL20 closed in green.

Right of Reply SriLankan Airlines statement on Daily Mirror article ‘SriLankan Airlines whistleblower exposes massive financial leakages’

SriLankan Airlines wishes to clarify the misleading claims made in the Daily Mirror article titled ‘SriLankan Airlines whistleblower exposes massive financial leakages’, published on April 23, 2026.

Union Bank records strong start to 2026 with Rs.465mn PBT

Building on its 2025 performance, during which the bank doubled its bottom-line Union Bank has commenced 2026 with a strong momentum, reinforcing its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing commercial banks in the country. The 1Q 2026 results reflect a sharp acceleration in core earnings, driven by solid gains in profitability and revenue. Profit before tax (PBT) rose by 260 percent to Rs.465 million, while profit after tax (PAT) surged by 570

SA lifestyle brand Otherland Hotels enters SL market with new 66-room oceanfront property in Galle

South Asian lifestyle brand Otherland Hotels has officially entered the Sri Lankan market, with the announcement of a new 66-room oceanfront property in Galle.

JXG rings opening bell at CSE celebrating successful IPO and market debut

The senior leadership of JXG (Janashakthi Group) ceremonially rang the opening bell of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on April 29, 2026, marking the successful conclusion of its initial public offering (IPO) and subsequent listing.

Seylan Bank reports Rs.2.91bn PAT in 1Q26

Seylan Bank recorded a profit before income tax (PBT) of Rs.4,548 million in 1Q 2026, against Rs.4,199 million, reflecting a growth of 8.31 percent.

Government on verge of lifting palm oil ban

The government is on the verge of lifting the existing ban on oil palm cultivation, pending the final Cabinet approval, setting the stage for a major agricultural revival.

Middle East crisis, a wakeup call for structural reforms: Aryasinha

The ongoing Middle East crisis should serve as a critical wakeup call for Sri Lanka to implement long-overdue fundamental structural economic reforms, according to Regional Centre for Strategic Studies Executive Director Ravinatha Aryasinha.

CTC appoints Sarmad Abbasi as MD/ED

Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) announced a leadership transition with Managing Director and Executive Director Fariyha Subhani set to step down with effect from 30 April, the company said in a disclosure.

ADB backs Sri Lanka’s export plan rollout as implementation phase nears

Sri Lanka’s push to recalibrate its export strategy gathered pace this week, with an Asian Development Bank (ADB) mission engaging the Export Development Board (EDB) on the rollout of the country’s National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2026–2030.

SL’s tax strategy risks backfiring as illicit cigarette trade gains ground

Sri Lanka’s reliance on tobacco taxes is facing a growing policy contradiction, with Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) warning that repeated excise hikes are accelerating a shift toward illicit cigarettes, potentially undermining Government revenue even as the sector remains a major fiscal pillar.

LB Finance secures US$ 15mn from Enabling Qapital

LB Finance PLC has secured a US$ 15 million senior debt facility from Enabling Qapital Ltd. (EQ), a Switzerland-based impact asset manager, marking another significant step in the company’s strategic funding journey and reinforcing its commitment to advancing inclusive finance in Sri Lanka.

NDB’s Shanil Fernando steps down from board

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) yesterday announced the resignation of Independent Non-Executive Director Shanil Fernando, in the first board-level exit following the bank’s Rs.13.2 billion fraud scandal.

Indices continue to close in green

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, John Keells Holdings and ACL Cables with the turnover crossing Rs.3.0bn.