Regulatory void leaves virtual asset sector exposed to financial crimes

Sri Lanka’s financial landscape is facing new challenges, as an unregulated virtual asset market opens potential avenues for financial crimes.

Kerner Haus proposes 70-for-1 share subdivision

Kerner Haus Global Solutions yesterday disclosed its board has resolved to recommend a subdivision of its ordinary voting shares on a 70-for-1 basis.

Asia governments to cap fuel prices as oil costs jump

Some countries across Asia have announced measures to deal with the impact of the soaring global energy costs caused by the US-Israel war with Iran, including capping the petrol prices.

Week begins on a negative note

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.8 Bn.

Geopolitical escalations trigger selling pressure, lifting yields up

Amid the escalating tensions surrounding the US-Iran conflict, the selling pressure emerged in the secondary market as the investors adopted a cautious stance.

Ceylon Planters’ Provident Society marks 100 years of securing Sri Lanka’s planting community

The Ceylon Planters’ Provident Society (CPPS), one of the first private provident funds established in Sri Lanka, marks its centenary on 10 March 2026 – a hundred years since the Society was officially inaugurated in Kandy to provide members of the planting profession with a secure retirement.

Sri Lanka’s agri sector eyes billions in untapped Halal markets

Asia Plantation & Export (Pvt) Ltd formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sri Lanka Sharia Council, a move that will become a turning point in the island’s export sector. As a company that always breaks new ground in the business world, it has made history as the first plantation company in Sri Lanka to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sharia Council on Islamic Finance.

Elephant House Ice Cream launches new flavours and formats with Extrusion technology

Elephant House Ice Cream has unveiled a new generation of products under its Elephant House Wonder and IMORICH brands, powered by advanced Extrusion Technology. This landmark investment by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS) strengthens the company’s manufacturing capabilities while setting a new benchmark for texture, structure, and indulgence in the local ice cream category.

Round Table Sri Lanka launches National Magazine and Official Website

Strengthening its voice in service and fellowship, Round Table Sri Lanka officially launched its national magazine– Table Talk and new official website, marking a significant milestone in its continuing journey. The dual launch reflects a deliberate and strategic effort to strengthen communication, preserve institutional memory, and enhance visibility both nationally and internationally.

New Anthoney’s Farms secures University MoU for Independent Antibiotic-Free Verification

New Anthoney’s Farms (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka’s only producer of 100 percent antibiotic-free chicken, has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Peradeniya to establish independent third-party verification of its zero-antibiotic production claims through rigorous laboratory testing.

Ceylon Money Market Fund emerges as Top Performer in 2025

The Ceylon Money Market Fund (CMMF) managed by Ceylon Asset Management (CAM) is ranked as Sri Lanka’s best performing Money Market Fund reporting a return of 8.92 percent p.a. (Net of Withholding Tax) in 2025, according to the Unit Trust Association data.

ACCA marks 21 years of driving excellence in Sustainability Reporting

The 21st ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards, recently held at Cinnamon Life, marked a significant milestone, uniting Sri Lanka’s leading corporates, sustainability professionals, regulators, and stakeholders to celebrate over two decades of ESG reporting excellence.

First Capital drives women’s financial empowerment with ‘#FinPowerHer’

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a leading investment institution in Sri Lanka, is shifting the conversation from symbolic recognition to meaningful action through the launch of ‘#FinPowerHer’, a dedicated financial learning experience introduced to mark International Women’s Day. The initiative is designed to help women take their first step towards investi

Ogilvy Group clinches six Effie metals for campaigns responding to national priorities

Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka delivered an notable performance at the SLIM Effie Awards 2025, held recently, securing a total of six metals, one Gold, three Silver and two Bronze, along with eight finalist recognitions across its Digital, Creative and Media agencies.

DFCC Bank introduces fingerprint-based life certificate verification for pensioners

DFCC Bank PLC, under its Garusaru proposition for senior citizens and in collaboration with the Department of Pensions, has introduced a simplified biometric process that enables eligible government pensioners to complete their annual Life Certificate verification using fingerprint authentication at 50 selected DFCC Bank branches island wide.

Union Assurance expands regional presence in Embilipitiya and Chilaw

Union Assurance has expanded its regional footprint with two key milestones: the opening of a new branch at No. 126, New Town Road, Embilipitiya, and the strategic relocation of its Chilaw branch to a newly upgraded facility at No. 120, Puttalam Road, Chilaw. These advancements underscore the Company’s commitment to strengthening customer access and elevating service delivery across significant regions of the country.

Women powering South Asia’s first integrated resort

As South Asia’s first fully integrated resort, City of Dreams Sri Lanka represents a new chapter in the nation’s tourism story — one defined by scale, sophistication and global standards. Bringing together luxury hospitality, gaming, retail, entertainment and corporate spaces within one ecosystem, the integrated resort model demands complex operations, technical precision and high-level leadership.

Sri Lanka better equipped than before to absorb oil shocks: CB Governor

Sri Lanka is better equipped than during its 2022 financial crisis to absorb shocks from rising oil prices, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said, citing a strong US$ 7 billion foreign reserve buffer and low inflation as critical safeguards.

Private sector credit grows 26.3% in January despite seasonal slowdown

​Credit to the private sector by licensed commercial banks continued unabated through January 2026 at a faster pace from a year earlier, although the amount of loans granted fell sharply from the levels seen in December 2025 due to seasonal effects.

Early March tourist arrivals dip 25% as Middle East conflict disrupts vital transit hubs

​Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is navigating a complex landscape in early March 2026, grappling with a slowdown in arrivals following two consecutive record-breaking months.

Shippers’ Council warns of supply chain hits from Middle Eastern shipping disruptions

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council has raised concerns over the mounting disruptions to global shipping and supply chains driven by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Banking sector faces elevated money laundering risks amid rising fraud and tax evasion

Sri Lanka’s banking sector is currently confronting a medium-high money laundering risk, compounded by emerging threats from financial fraud and tax evasion.

Official reserves climb to 6-year peak at US$ 7.2 bn; Gold in reserves doubles

​Sri Lanka’s foreign reserve assets have risen to their highest levels since April 2020, supported by continuous record-high inflows from worker remittances, tourism, and exports.

February worker remittances robust at US$ 729mn

​Sri Lankan remittances remained robust in February 2026, totalling US$ 729.0 million, up from US$ 548.1 million a year earlier, though slightly below January’s US$ 751.1 million.

Navigating global volatility: How Sri Lanka can turn geopolitical turbulence into an economic advantage

The global economic landscape is currently navigating a period of profound volatility, characterised by shifting geopolitical alliances, rising protectionism and unpredictable regional conflicts.

CSE-IFC-global partners ring opening bell to advance women’s leadership in SL biz

Reaffirming the commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and leadership in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a World Bank Group member – and global partners including UN Women and the United Nations Global Compact, came together for a ceremonial opening bell ringing.

Sri Lanka serves up free meals for tourists stranded by Middle East flight chaos

Sri Lanka Tourism has organised a special luncheon and breakfast programme for foreign tourists who are currently staying in the country, due to the disruptions caused by the Middle East crisis.

HNB Assurance elevates ‘Liya Harasara’ 2026

HNB Assurance PLC launched the 2026 edition of ‘Liya Harasara’, its flagship annual initiative dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in line with the International Women’s Day.

ComBank opens Kaluwanchikudy branch

Committed to delivering convenient banking solutions for all, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has expanded its footprint to Kaluwanchikudy, with the opening of its newest branch in this scenic coastal town southeast of Batticaloa in the Eastern province.

War risk disrupts Sri Lanka’s tea shipping routes

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is beginning to disrupt one of the global tea trade’s most critical corridors, with the exporters in Sri Lanka, India and Kenya warning of mounting logistical and financial pressures as the shipping routes through the region become increasingly risky.