Low-grown teas lift October output

Ceylon Tea production rose slightly in October, supported by the gains in the low-grown sector, although the overall output remained below 2023 levels, the data from Forbes & Walker Research showed on Thursday.

Mixed sentiment meets steady continuation

Similar to the previous day, the secondary market depicted mixed sentiment with moderate trading volumes, with the yield curve remaining steady.

Policybazaar expands global footprint with tech-led reinsurance entry into Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, UAE

Policybazaar.com, one of India’s largest insurance platforms, has announced the launch of its reinsurance operations in Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE.

EXCON Construction Fair to be held in Bangalore this December

South Asia’s largest International Construction Equipment and Technology Trade Fair EXCON 2025 is scheduled to be held from 9th - 13th December at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre - BIEC in Bengaluru, India. It is expected to host over 1,250 exhibitors, attracting more than 80,000 business visitors from India and over 20 participating countries, including Sri Lanka.

National Budget 2026 under spotlight at EY’s annual Post-Budget Discussion

Ernst & Young (EY) Sri Lanka successfully hosted its annual Post-Budget Discussion 2026 on November 7, at the Shangri-La Colombo, bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, and business leaders from across the country to analyse the key highlights and implications of the National Budget 2026.

CMA Sri Lanka Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2025 concludes on high note

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA Sri Lanka) together with its Strategic Partner Colombo Stock Exchange hosted the 11th Annual CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2025 on November 17, at the Hotel Cinnamon Life.

UNDP and Hirdaramani Apparel sign MOU to launch next phase of home gardens initiative

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Hirdaramani Apparel have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the second phase of the collaborative Integrated Backyard Poultry and Market Development project, under UNDP’s Private Sector Giving Facility.

SDF sustains strong growth momentum in 1H 2025/26

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF) has sustained its trajectory of robust financial growth and purpose-driven performance during the first six months of the financial year 2025/26, reinforcing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed finance companies.

Health authorities eye phased return of sugar tax as ‘silent killer’ claims 1 in 4 adults

Sri Lankan health authorities are currently in negotiation with the Treasury to reintroduce the sugar tax in a “phased-out manner”, a move pitched as a critical intervention to save the country’s crumbling public health infrastructure from an escalating diabetes epidemic.

Evolution Auto opens flagship multi-brand EV showroom

Evolution Auto announced the grand opening of its multi-brand electric vehicle (EV) showroom in Bambalapitiya. The showroom was designed to provide the customers with a premium, seamless experience while exploring and purchasing EVs.

Rebuilding Trust: Why Discipline and Transparency Must Anchor Sri Lanka’s Financial Future

Predictable, rules-based market engagement is essential for long-term investor confidence because it creates consistent signaling; investors can understand why yields move, which strengthens trust in the system. For a primary dealer, discipline means bidding and trading based on research, macro perspectives and predefined risk limits rather than reacting to market noise or emotion.

Visa and ComBank leading next evolution in digital payments in Sri Lanka

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC is making history as the first bank in the country to collaborate with Google and Visa, a global leader in digital payments, to enable Google Pay for its cardholders as part of the Google Wallet launch.

Pan Asia Bank signs up with Hayleys Mobility to finance new age SUVs

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hayleys Mobility Limited, the mobility arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.

DFCC Bank marks 100th Financial Literacy Programme for migrant employees

DFCC Bank’s 100th Financial Literacy Programme was marked at the bank’s Kurunegala Branch recently. For years, the Bank has been running sessions that teach budgeting, saving, and responsible remittance practices. The idea is simple: help Sri Lankans abroad manage their income with confidence, and help their families back home turn that income into opportunity.

MTI ranked among Top Strategy Consulting Firms in Asia

MTI Consulting has been recognized among the ‘Top Strategy Consulting Firms in Asia 2025’ by Consultancy Asia, the leading platform for industry news, analysis, and rankings across the Asia-Pacific region. Accenture, PwC and Palladium are among the other Gold ranked consultancies

SriLankan bags ‘APEX Best In Food and Beverage’ award

SriLankan Airlines has won the 2026 APEX Best In Food and Beverage Award for Central/Southern Asia, celebrating the vibrant medley of flavours that define its onboard menu, from international culinary delights to home-grown recipes that awaken every sense.

Browns’ Battery & Tyres excels at SLIM NASCO

Browns’ Battery & Tyres raced ahead of the competition at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2025 by securing several wins.

Auditor General exposes Rs. 200mn wastage in livestock breeding and vaccine projects

The Auditor General has issued a stinging critique of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), flagging over Rs. 200 million in public funds tied up in failed breeding projects and questionable equipment procurement, in a detailed report for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Sri Lanka sees spurt in economic activities as shown by PMI for October

Sri Lanka is seeing a spurt in the economic activities across both manufacturing and services sectors in October 2025 on upcoming festive demand backed by solid macro-economic conditions and rising tourist arrivals.

LOLC Finance to issue Rs.15 bn in listed, rated debentures

LOLC Finance PLC said it will proceed with a Rs.15 billion debenture issue, following board approval for the fundraising programme announced in early September.

FACETS 2026 unites gems and real estate on ‘timeless legacies’ philosophy

Sri Lanka’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition, FACETS Sri Lanka, has announced John Keells Properties as its official real estate partner for the 2026 showcase, launching a partnership built on a shared philosophy of “timeless legacies.”

Senkadagala Finance announces Rs. 1 bn rights issue to fund expansion and support capital buffers

Senkadagala Finance PLC has announced a rights issue to raise approximately Rs. 1.03 billion to support its projected business growth and expand its loan portfolio.

Indices continue to close in red

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, Hatton National Bank and Richard Pieris & Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 bn.

Steady yields amid mixed activity

The secondary market continued to exhibit mixed sentiment yesterday with moderate trading activity, while the overall yield curve remained largely stable.

Expert calls for greater digital integration at IRD and Tax Appeals Commission

In line with the government’s robust commitment towards digitalisation, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) can conduct interviews and administrative tax reviews online to save time and be more cost effective, KPMG Sri Lanka Tax and Regulatory Partner Hasitha Radella suggested.

Govt. approves night duty for women in hotels

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an amendment to the Shop and Office Servants (Regulation of Service and Remuneration) Act, allowing women over 18 years of age working as food and beverage servers in commercial hotels and restaurants to be employed during night hours, after 6:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.

Heritance Kandalama awarded Silver at 2025 ICRT Global Responsible Tourism Awards

Heritance Kandalama has once again brought pride to Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry, being recognised on the world stage at the 2025 International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

Trade and investment opportunities for Sri Lanka and Luxembourg

Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium, which is also accredited to Luxembourg, hosted a ‘Country Seminar on Sri Lanka’ in collaboration with the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, on October 30, 2025.

Emirates orders 65 additional Boeing 777X aircraft, worth US $ 38bn at Dubai Airshow 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has announced orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by GE 9X engines, worth US $ 38 billion at list prices, on the opening day of Dubai Airshow 2025.

Sampath Bank Private Banking partners with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka

Sampath Bank Private Banking announced its role as the Official Banking Partner for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka (MBFWSL) 2025, presented by Academy of Design (AOD).