Aitken Spence concludes FY26 on strong note recording 18% PBT growth to Rs.12.8bn

Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate with a diverse regional presence, recorded a strong profit before tax (PBT) of Rs.12.8 billion for the year ended March 31, 2026.

Structural reforms, care insurance systems crucial to reverse Sri Lanka’s declining female labour force anomaly

Addressing Sri Lanka’s persistently low female labour force participation requires an aggressive shift towards structural macroeconomic transformation and comprehensive institutional care systems, according to development experts.

Tea prices edge higher in May

The average national tea sale edged higher in May, supported by stronger Low Grown tea prices. However, the earnings in US dollar terms continued to weaken, amid the currency movements and softer international market conditions.

Morison eyes export drive as local pharma manufacturing reaches critical mass

Morison Limited, the pharmaceutical manufacturing arm of Hemas Holdings PLC, is aggressively laying the groundwork for a major export drive after reaching a critical mass in the domestic healthcare sector.

CBSL launches anti-scam drive as fraud risks grow

The Central Bank yesterday warned that financial scams are emerging as a broader threat to confidence in Sri Lanka’s formal financial system.

South Korea overtakes India as world’s sixth-largest stock market on AI-fuelled chip rally

South Korea has overtaken India to become the world’s sixth-largest stock market, as a powerful rally in semiconductor stocks tied to the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom lifted the country’s market capitalisation to US$ 5 trillion.

Kerner Haus seeks Rs. 420mn via rights for real estate acquisitions

Kerner Haus Global Solutions PLC disclosed it plans to raise up to Rs. 420.1 million through a rights issue as the listed company seeks fresh capital to strengthen its balance sheet, improve liquidity and expand its real estate portfolio.

SEC cautions public against depositing funds with Samagi Capital

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) yesterday warned investors against dealing with Samagi Capital (Private) Limited, stating that the company is not licensed to operate as a stockbroker or stock dealer and that a purported broker-dealer licence being circulated on social media is fraudulent.

Indices close in red, with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Melstacorp, LOLC Holdings and Colombo Dockyard with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.0bn.

Yield curve holds firm amid mixed investor sentiment

The secondary market withstood a quiet day yesterday amid thin trading volumes and limited investor activity. Contrary to yesterday’s modest selling pressure, investors showcased a mixed stance prompting the yield curve to remain largely anchored.

Garment Exporters Chamber presents SLCGE Design Hub proposal to Industry Ministry

A high-level delegation from the Sri Lanka Chamber of Garment Exporters (SLCGE) met with Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, at his office, to formally present a strategic proposal for the establishment of the SLCGE Design Hub.

Janashakthi Finance delivers strong 4Q growth

Janashakthi Finance PLC delivered a strong performance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, reflecting disciplined execution, continued business expansion and sustained momentum across its core lending and deposit businesses.

CSE-Sampath Bank strengthen capital market access

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and Sampath Bank PLC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) late last month to jointly promote financial literacy, broaden awareness of capital market opportunities and support businesses in accessing sustainable growth avenues.

SDF appoints Saliya Ranasinghe to board

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has announced the appointment of Saliya J. Ranasinghe as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the company, with effect from June 1, 2026.

DFCC Bank among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Mom-Inclusive Workplaces

DFCC Bank PLC has been recognised among Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Mom-Inclusive Workplaces at Mom Leaders Conference 2026, organised by Parenthood Global, highlighting the bank’s continued focus on creating a workplace where working mothers are supported to grow, lead and succeed.

BOC installs Digital Tills on Kiri Vehera, Kataragama Devalaya premises

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has installed Digital Tills (digital pin kata) on the sacred Kiri Vehera and historic Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya premises, enabling the devotees to make donations conveniently and securely through QR-based digital payments.

Lanka Hospitals celebrates 2025 milestones

Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC successfully hosted its exclusive Pulse of Excellence awards ceremony recently. The event was organised to recognise and celebrate the institution’s remarkable milestone achievements and outstanding overall performance in 2025.

Meridian Talent counters AI-led hiring with human-first recruitment model

Meridian Talent, the specialist recruitment division of Meridian Creative Solutions, led by Az Da Rosa, argues that hiring accuracy should be treated as a commercial priority, not just a recruitment target.

NCPC launches National Cleaner Production Awards 2026

The National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) Sri Lanka officially launched two of the country’s most significant sustainability initiatives, National Cleaner Production Awards 2026 (NCPA 2026) and Fourth International Conference on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy, at a special ceremony held in Colombo recently.

Stability, reliability and transparency non-negotiable to unlock European investments

Sri Lanka must establish absolute policy predictability and regulatory transparency to successfully unlock large-scale European capital for its maritime infrastructure pipeline.

Vella inks US $ 5.1mn BOI pact to elevate 98 Acres Resort into global luxury benchmark

Uva Greenlands Estate (Pvt.) Ltd officially signed a landmark agreement with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) on May 29, 2026, setting the stage for a major evolution of 98 Acres Resort & Spa in the breathtaking highlands of Ella.

Late May surge highlights arrival recovery as Sri Lanka crosses 1mn tourist mark

A powerful late-month surge in tourist arrivals during May propelled Sri Lanka’s cumulative visitor count pass the one-million mark for the year, achieving this feat within the first 28 days of the month.

CIC Holdings delivers over 24% net profit growth in FY26 amid sectoral resilience

Diversified conglomerate CIC Holdings PLC recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs.91.75 billion for the year ended March 31, 2026 (FY26), reflecting a 10.16 percent year-on-year growth.

Hayleys surpasses half-trillion revenue milestone in FY 2025/26

The Hayleys group recorded the highest revenue in its history during the financial year ended March 31, 2026, with a 19 percent year-on-year increase to Rs.585.02 billion.

Indices close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Richard Pieris & Company and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.6 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Aitken Spence, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in RIL Property, HNB Finance and Royal Ceramics whilst retail interest w

Selling pressure moves yields higher in secondary market

The secondary market witnessed some selling pressure amidst moderate volumes and limited market activity during yesterday’s session.

People’s Leasing & Finance celebrates 30 years of empowering SL’s entrepreneurs and communities

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), celebrated its 30th anniversary on May 31, 2026, marking three decades of empowering individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses across the island with innovative financial solutions.

CSE with EU-funded Green Recovery Facility drives SL’s GSS+ bond market

Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance market continues to gain momentum as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) collaborated with the European Union (EU)-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France, to advance the country’s growing pipeline of green, social, sustainable and sustainability-linked (GSS+) bonds through a series of targeted market-building programmes earlier last month.

Your money can do more for you: Understanding investments, savings, and the road to financial freedom

In the following Q&A, Kavin Karunamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer & Non-Independent Executive Director - First Capital Asset Management Limited, offers insights into the fundamental concepts of investing for potential investors, simplifying core principles to unravel prevailing misconceptions as the first step to financial freedom.

Sampath Bank signs landmark agreement for Port City Colombo Branch

Sampath Bank PLC has officially received approval from the Governing Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to establish a dedicated branch within Port City Colombo, marking a significant move that reinforces Sri Lanka’s ambition to emerge as a globally connected financial and investment hub.