March tourist arrivals surpass 150,000 as Middle East crisis threatens 200,000 target

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has crossed the 150,000 mark for March, but the industry is grappling with a sudden contraction that threatens the newly revised monthly target of 200,000 arrivals.

Investors seek clarity as Sri Lanka readies gaming framework

Global gaming operators are unlikely to commit capital to Sri Lanka’s emerging integrated resort sector without clear, enforceable rules, industry experts warned, as the country moves to operationalise its long-delayed regulatory framework.

Equity inflows lift unit trust assets to Rs. 609bn in February

Sri Lanka’s unit trust industry held steady in February, with assets under management (AUM) inching up to Rs. 609 billion.

Hambantota port to invest US$ 108m in cranes lifting capacity to 2mn TEUs

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) will invest US$ 108 million in new container handling equipment, in a move aimed at doubling terminal capacity and positioning the southern port as a stronger alternative logistics hub along the East–West shipping route.

SL draws high-spending guests for landmark destination wedding

Sri Lanka hosted one of its largest international destination weddings this month, bringing more than 800 foreign guests to the Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa in a four-day event seen as a boost to the country’s high-end tourism segment.

CCC delegation completes int’l trade facilitation programme at New Delhi IIFT

A delegation of 30 professionals from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) recently completed a specialised residential training programme on international trade facilitation at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in New Delhi.

Sashiprabha Dharmadasa to steer JITRCS

Leading technology resourcing consultants Just In Time Resourcing & Consultancy Services (JITRCS) announced the appointment of Sashiprabha Dharmadasa as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2026.

Pan Asia Bank partners NCE Export Awards

Pan Asia Bank reinforced its strong commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s export community through its continued partnership with the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE), as a Strategic Partner of the recently concluded prestigious NCE Export Awards.

INSEE Sanstha Cement honoured at SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2026

INSEE Sanstha Cement has once again been crowned the People’s Housing and Construction Brand of the Year at SLIM Kantar People’s Awards 2026, achieving an unprecedented milestone of 15 consecutive wins.

Unilever unveils new Colombo head office

Unilever Sri Lanka has relocated its head office to Mireka Towers, a transformative move after 87 memorable years on the Grandpass premises.

Cap Snap Lanka receives 6 int’l certifications

Cap Snap Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, a member of the CSL group, has received six internationally recognised certifications, including the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), at a ceremony held recently in Colombo.

Union Assurance celebrates multiple recognitions at TAGS Awards 2025

Union Assurance secured three accolades at The Diamond Chapter of the TAGS Awards 2025 ceremony, held at Shangri-La, Colombo.

ComBank, first to enable 3D Secure authentication for LankaPay/JCB cards

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has further strengthened its digital payments leadership by becoming the first bank in Sri Lanka to enable 3D Secure (3DS) authentication for e-commerce transactions on the LankaPay/JCB National Card Scheme, significantly strengthening the security and global usability of the card.

HNB Assurance achieves 256 MDRT qualifiers

HNB Assurance has once again set a new benchmark of excellence, celebrating an unprecedented 256 members of its sales force qualifying for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) in 2025, the highest in the company’s history.

NSB-Charith Silva to promote digital banking

The National Savings Bank (NSB) has partnered with the country’s leading digital personality Charith N. Silva to promote digital banking adoption across the island.

Kusal Jayawardana appointed as Lanka Ventures, LVL Energy Fund Chairman

Bringing over 27 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, corporate advisory and financial services, Kusal Jayawardana has been appointed as Chairman of Lanka Ventures PLC and LVL Energy Fund PLC.

BOC launches Agri Banking Unit

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) officially launched the BOC Agri Banking Unit, first of its kind to drive sustainable growth and innovation in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.

Dialog Surpasses 800+ 5G Sites, Driving Sri Lanka’s Fastest 5G Expansion and Advancing the Nation’s Digital Future

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has announced the expansion of its 5G network to over 800 live sites spanning 24 districts, reinforcing its commitment to accelerating nationwide digital transformation through sustained investment in next-generation connectivity.

JAT Holdings enters Australian cabinetry manufacturing segment following SEAFORM Perth success

Following the successful market validation of its SEAFORM Perth joint venture, JAT Holdings PLC has entered the Australian cabinetry manufacturing segment through securing a manufacturing facility in Perth.

Court of Appeal quashes RTI order against Central Bank’s Monetary Board

The Court of Appeal has set aside a 2018 order issued by the Right to Information Commission against the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, ruling that the commission had exceeded its statutory powers under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

SLT group charts aggressive global expansion with Singapore hub and new submarine cables

The Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) group is embarking on an aggressive overseas expansion strategy to capture a larger share of the global digital economy, anchoring its international operations in Singapore.

Colombo Dockyard delivers Misje Kandy vessel

Colombo Dockyard PLC, on March 26, 2026, successfully delivered the 10th and final vessel in the Misje eco bulker newbuilding series.

Kia Tasman arrives in Sri Lanka

Kia Motors Lanka has ignited a new frontier in Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape with the arrival of the all-new Kia Tasman – a vehicle that does not merely enter the pickup segment but seeks to transform it.

Quality concerns weigh on Sri Lanka tea prices despite increased supply

The auction offerings increased to a 5.6 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs) this week vis-à-vis a 5.1 M/Kgs on offer the previous week.

No price increase on biscuits, ice cream, chocolate until May, industry assures

The Sri Lankan Confectionery Owners’ Association has assured the government that the prices of biscuits, ice cream, chocolate and other confectionery products will not be increased until May, following the discussions with Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe.

ASPI gains 3.6% during the week

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, National Development Bank and Cargills with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.6 Bn.

Mixed activity and moderate volumes see overall yield curve broadly stable

The secondary market saw mixed activity, with moderate volumes, leaving the overall yield curve largely stable.

Sampath Bank champions SME women entrepreneurs through ‘Unstoppable Woman’

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, Sampath Bank hosted its Entrepreneur Development Programme under the theme ‘Unstoppable Woman’, bringing together SME women entrepreneurs for an evening centred on knowledge sharing, inspiration and practical business insights.

ComBank refurbishes De Soysa Hospital Maternity Ward

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has undertaken the renovation of Ward No. 03 at the historic De Soysa Hospital for Women in celebration of International Women’s Day, underscoring its ongoing commitment to women’s empowerment.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates Women’s Day

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March with a full programme of experiences designed to make every woman feel genuinely seen and celebrated.