British Council offers English courses in Gampaha

Continuing a long-standing legacy of excellence in English language education, the British Council recently announced the opening of its newest English Centre in Gampaha on 28 January 2026. The English Centre will cater to students from ages six and above, bringing internationally recognised English language learning closer to the heart of Gampaha.

40% of Fortune 1000 works to be elevated by AI by 2029: Salesforce

Forty percent of work at Fortune 1000 companies will be elevated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2029, Salesforce Senior Director Sridhar Hariharan stated at a media meet held in Colombo recently.

Aitken Spence reimagines Negombo nightlife with Iguana Cantina

On a stretch of Lewis Place historically dominated by colonial churches and traditional seafood taverns, a sombrero-wearing green iguana now stands guard under a vibrant floral arch.

Indices edge up

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as ACME Printing & Packaging, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.0 bn.

Secondary market records higher volumes amid sustained buying interest

The secondary market continued to experience broad-based buying interest yesterday, with trading volumes remaining elevated.

Cartoon of the Day 07-02-2026

Banks’ revival units failed to deliver: Ceylon Federation of MSME

The Ceylon Federation of MSME (CFMSME) has alleged that “Revival Units” mandated by the Central Bank to rescue struggling businesses have been a spectacular failure, restructuring only 0.03 percent of the sector’s distressed loans.

FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 returns to Cinnamon Life

FACETS Sri Lanka, the country’s premier international gem and jewellery exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), will return from 4th to 6th January 2027 at the iconic Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking the 34th edition of this flagship industry showcase.

World Bank ED holds talks in Colombo

World Bank Group Executive Director Parameswaran Iyer visited Sri Lanka this week as the island nation seeks to deepen development cooperation and attract investment into priority sectors to support job creation and long-term growth.

Samudika Jayaratne takes office as Sri Lanka’s first female Auditor General

Samudika Jayaratne assumed duties yesterday as the 42nd Auditor General of Sri Lanka, becoming the first woman to hold the country’s top auditing post.

Softlogic Finance proposes capital reduction to clear Rs.7.6bn in accumulated losses

Softlogic Finance PLC has announced a proposal to reduce its stated capital by approximately Rs.7.6 billion to set off the carried-forward retained losses, a strategic move aimed at restructuring its balance sheet to reflect a more accurate financial position.

Secondary market sees moderate volumes alongside consistent buying

The secondary market yesterday saw buying interest, while the trading volumes stood at moderate levels.

Crossings boost turnover

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Sampath Bank and Dialog Axiata with the turnover crossing Rs. 11.1 bn.

Apparel Exporters Association reappoints Rajitha Jayasuriya as Chair

The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at Cinnamon Life Hotel, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and the diplomatic community to review sector priorities and reinforce Sri Lanka’s position in global apparel supply chains.

Sri Lanka Packaging Institute celebrates 50th AGM

The Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging (SLIP) marked a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

HNB among Top 10 Best Employers

HNB PLC has been recognised among the Top 10 Best Employers of 2025 at the inaugural EFC National Best Employer Awards.

Aitken Spence among Top 10 Companies

Aitken Spence PLC was honoured among the Top 10 Companies at the inaugural EFC National Best Employer Awards 2025, held recently at Galle Face Hotel.

ComBank-GAIA Greenenergy accelerate adoption of Green Loans And Leases

Reinforcing its long-term commitment to sustainability, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has entered into a strategic partnership with GAIA Greenenergy Holdings to expand access to the bank’s Green Loans and Green Leases, offering employed and self-employed customers more affordable pathways to adopt solar power.

Bairaha commissions new 500-tonne cold storage facility

Sri Lanka’s leading integrated poultry brand Bairaha Farms PLC has commissioned a new cold storage facility with a capacity of 500 tonnes, marking an important step in strengthening product quality, stock management and operational efficiency across its supply chain.

DIMO lights up SSC for int’l day-night cricket

DIMO has successfully completed the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a state-of-the-art floodlighting system at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC), positioning it as Colombo’s second and the country’s fifth cricket venue capable of hosting international day-night matches.

Zone24x7 enters 2026 with strong momentum

Zone24x7 concluded 2025 with significant industry recognition, securing seven awards across three leading technology competitions—marking one of the strongest years in the company’s 22-year journey.

Unique Industrial Solutions awarded for national supply chain excellence

Unique Industrial Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd was honoured with the National Award of Excellence for Best Supply Chain Practising Organisation at the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2025, organised by the Institute of Supply and Materials Management in collaboration with the Industries Ministry.

JXG earns 2025 Great Place To Work certification

JXG (Janashakthi Group) announced that it is certified by Great Place To Work.

Scybers’ new SOC to deliver next-gen agentic AI security operations for global enterprises

Scybers announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art Cyber Defense Centre in Chennai, expanding its global security operations and strengthening its ability to deliver 24x7 managed detection and response for clients across the US, Europe, Australia, India and APAC.

Labour shortages, weak SME base threaten SL’s 2026 export targets: Exporters

Sri Lanka’s export community is warning that the labour shortages and limited participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could become binding constraints on the country’s export ambitions in 2026, even as the earnings continued to grow and authorities prepare a fresh multi-year push to expand global market reach. Sri Lanka’s export earnings rose 5.6 percent year-on-year in 2025 to US $ 17.25 billion, reflecting what the officials descri

Tea sales weaken in January as all elevations post declines

The national tea auction prices eased in January 2026, extending a softer trend at the start of the year, as all three elevation categories posted month-on-month declines, according to the industry data compiled by Forbes & Walker Research.

Senthilverl Holdings raises Colombo Dockyard shareholding to 12.2%

Senthilverl Holdings (Private) Limited has raised its stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC above the 10 percent threshold, according to a stock exchange disclosure filed under Sri Lanka’s Takeovers and Mergers Code.

CIC Holdings’ 9MFY26 revenue reaches Rs.70bn despite cyclone-related agricultural disruption

Agriculture-rich diversified conglomerate CIC Holdings PLC recorded a consolidated revenue of Rs.70.28 billion for the nine months ended December 31, 2025 (9MFY26), reflecting an increase of 8.69 percent year-on-year (YoY) compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Hemas Holdings reports mixed 3Q results as healthcare gains offset consumer softness

Hemas Holdings PLC posted a mixed performance in the third quarter ended December 2025, with the earnings rebounding sequentially but declining year-on-year (YoY), due to the temporary disruptions from Cyclone Ditwah and seasonal shifts in demand.

From volume to value: Digital embellishment as new competitive edge for Sri Lankan brands

In the high-stakes arena of global commerce, the silent salesman is often the packaging. Whether it is a box of premium Ceylon Tea on a shelf in London, a garment tag on a dress in a New York boutique or a corporate annual report on a boardroom table in Colombo, the physical touchpoint dictates the perceived value of the product. For decades, the Sri Lankan printing industry operated on a simple, industrial-age axiom: success is volume. The goal