Sri Lanka launches export roadmap targeting US$ 36bn by 2030

Sri Lanka yesterday unveiled an ambitious five-year export roadmap targeting annual export earnings of US$36 billion by 2030, as the government seeks to deepen the country’s post-crisis recovery by diversifying exports, expanding market access and addressing long-standing constraints that have limited competitiveness.

Build stronger export engine for lasting recovery: CBSL Governor

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery will struggle to gain lasting momentum unless the country significantly expands its export base and improves access to trade finance, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said yesterday, positioning export-led growth as the next critical phase of the country’s post-crisis rebuilding effort.

Manufacturing, services return to growth path in May

Private sector activity regained momentum in May, with both manufacturing and services expanding after a softer April, although businesses remained wary of risks linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Hayleys drives Colombo into the future

Hayleys Mobility Limited, the mobility arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, expanded Sri Lanka’s premium hybrid SUV segment on Thursday, June 4, with the official press launch and unveiling of the all-new JAECOO J5 Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the OMODA & JAECOO Flagship Store at the Altair premises in Colombo 2.

HNB-Nucleus Software celebrate 5 years of partnership

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) and Nucleus Software, a global provider of lending and transaction banking solutions, celebrated five years of partnership at a gala evening held at ITC Ratnadipa, Colombo.

People’s Bank relocates Rajina Junction Service Centre

The People’s Bank Rajina Junction Service Centre was ceremoniously opened at its new and upgraded premises recently.

Union Assurance hosts Sampath Bank Life Leads Annual Awards

Union Assurance hosted Sampath Bank Life Leads Annual Awards 2025 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, bringing together the senior management from both Union Assurance and Sampath Bank, alongside the employees representing the bank’s islandwide branch network.

Seylan Bank strategically relocates Boralesgamuwa branch

Seylan Bank recently opened the doors of its newly relocated Boralesgamuwa branch at No. 49/1, Colombo Road, Boralesgamuwa.

Assetline Finance-Hayleys Mobility expand accessible mobility financing

Assetline Finance PLC has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hayleys Mobility Limited to unlock access to flexible vehicle financing solutions throughout Sri Lanka.

First Capital Fixed Income Fund delivers highest 5-year CAGR

First Capital Wealth Management Limited, the wealth management arm of First Capital Holdings PLC, has enhanced its unit trust offering through the First Capital Fixed Income Fund (FCFIF), further widening access to investment opportunities and making professionally managed unit trusts more accessible to investors with diverse financial and investment goals.

ComBank’s Max Loyalty Rewards offers airline miles option

Reinforcing its commitment to delivering premium lifestyle value and rewarding experiences to its customers, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has unveiled a significant enhancement to its Max Loyalty Rewards platform, enabling its cardholders to convert reward points into airline miles through a strategic integration with the national carrier’s FlySmiLes programme and the frequent flyer programmes of other airlines.

Vallibel Finance expands footprint across Northern province

Vallibel Finance further strengthened its nationwide presence with the inauguration of three new branches in Nelliady, Puthukkudiyiruppu and Kilinochchi, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enhancing financial accessibility and promoting inclusive economic development across Sri Lanka.

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.

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,

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.