HNB Assurance Group reports exceptional financial performance for 2Q with 30% growth

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and its subsidiary HNB General Insurance Ltd (HNBGI) have delivered exceptional financial results for 2Q 2025, reinforcing their strong market position while showing robust growth across key metrics and reinforcing its solid position in the market.

COYLE-JETRO launch Sri Lankan Corporate Health and Productivity Awards 2025

The Chamber of Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), officially launched Sri Lankan Corporate Health and Productivity Awards (SLCHPA) 2025, at a press event held at Shangri-La Colombo on August 13

Evolution Auto introduces Avatr, XPeng, IM Motors and Riddara EVs

Evolution Auto (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading electric vehicle company with the largest range of EVs, has officially launched a fleet of globally acclaimed premium smart electric vehicle (EV) brands—Avatr, IM Motors, XPeng and Riddara—marking a bold new chapter in the country’s luxury automotive landscape.

Amana Bank 2Q PAT up 37%

Amana Bank continued its strong growth momentum in 1H 2025, delivering a solid performance with profit before tax (PBT) surpassing the Rs.1.5 billion mark, reflecting a 14 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase.

US envoy meets with Ceylon Chamber leadership

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) was honoured to welcome the Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka Julie Chung for a courtesy visit with the CCC’s leadership. Chung met with Chairman Krishan Balendra, Vice Chairman Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Deputy Vice Chairman Vinod Hirdaramani, Secretary General and CEO Buwanekabahu Perera and other representatives of the CCC to discuss trade, investment and economic opportunities between Sri Lanka

Siyapatha Finance opens 55th branch

Siyapatha Finance PLC recently opened its 55th branch, strategically located at No. 29, Galle Road, Ambalangoda, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to bringing accessible, customer-centric financial solutions to more communities across the island.

Pulsar N160 dominates sports motorcycle segment in Sri Lanka

Bajaj Pulsar N160, marketed and distributed by David Pieris Motor Company (Private) Limited (DPMC), is now dominating Sri Lankan roads with two models, Pulsar N160 Premium and Pulsar N160 Normal, available at all DPMC showrooms and over 220 dealers islandwide.

Dialog Introduces Unlimited Speed-Based Fibre Plans for Seamless Internet Access

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, introduces truly unlimited, speed-based broadband packages with no Fair Usage Policy (FUP) restrictions, underscoring its commitment to delivering seamless digital experiences and empowering customers with unrestricted internet access through its advanced Dialog Fibre network.

JAT launches ‘Pintharu Abhiman’ 3rd edition

JAT Holdings PLC launched the third edition of its flagship painter empowerment initiative JAT Pintharu Abhiman.

JAAF gives thumbs up to liberalised apparel trade rules

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) welcomed the UK government’s announcement of liberalised rules of origin under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

UK reforms open door for more Sri Lankan apparel to enter tariff-free

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is set to gain wider duty-free access to the United Kingdom after the latter announced sweeping reforms to its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), allowing manufacturers to source up to 100 percent of garment inputs from any country for final manufacture on the island.

Govt. to launch concessionary loan scheme for young agri and industry entrepreneurs

The government has decided to introduce a concessionary loan scheme for young entrepreneurs in the agriculture and industry sectors, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

Browns Group’s Agstar exits export arm with Rs. 35.3 mn deal

Agstar PLC, a subsidiary of the Browns Group under LOLC Holdings, announced that it has divested its entire shareholding in Agstar Exports (Pvt) Ltd.

Sri Lanka economy to grow 4.5% in 2025

Sri Lanka’s consumer prices are expected to rise in the third quarter and gradually return to entral bank’s 5.0 percent target by mid-2026, while the economy is projected to expand 4.5 percent in 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said in its latest Monetary Policy Report.

Cabinet appoints new DG for Export Agriculture

The Cabinet of Ministers approved this week the appointment of M. K. S. R. D. Samarasinghe as the new Director General of the Department of Export Agriculture, effective immediately.

Cement sector optimism lifts Tokyo Cement’s outlook despite seasonal slowdown

Tokyo Cement Group has kicked off the 2025/26 financial year on a cautiously optimistic note, projecting steady demand for cement supported by improving macroeconomic conditions and continued private sector investment.

Turnover hits Rs. 10 bn after five weeks

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Carson Cumberbatch with the turnover crossing Rs. 10.8 bn.

Activity remains limited, yield curve stays put

The secondary market yesterday withstood yet another day of measured caution amid limited investor activity, which in turn prompted the yield curve to remain largely static.

EDB engages with Palestinian envoy to strengthen bilateral trade opportunities

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka Ihab I.M. Khalil for a courtesy call that aimed at fostering stronger trade ties and exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

DFCC Bank unveils SL’s first-ever 20-year fixed-rate home loan

In a landmark move that redefines home financing in Sri Lanka, DFCC Bank has introduced the country’s first 20-year fixed interest rate home loan—an unprecedented product designed to offer long-term financial stability, faster access and deeply human-centred support to Sri Lankan homebuyers.

Bank of Ceylon UK celebrates 75th anniversary in London

Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltd (BOC UK) marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 75th anniversary recently, at the Milton Suite, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s.

SL-Indonesia Business Council holds 2nd AGM

The Sri Lanka-Indonesia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently.

SamsonLines appoints Rushdi Zackariya as Director

Samson Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd (SamsonLines), a subsidiary of DSI Samson Group, in a strategic move to transform into a fully-integrated third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has appointed Rushdi Zackariya to its board of directors, effective immediately.

Colombo Port City Economic Commission reaffirms commitment to compliance and business

This release is following recent developments reported in the media, including Ada Derana’s release on August 13, 2025, regarding the detention and deportation of foreign nationals employed by entities operating as Authorised Persons (APs) licensed by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC).

People’s Leasing & Finance achieves highest-ever lease and loan disbursement

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), one of Sri Lanka’s leading non-banking financial institutions, offering a comprehensive range of leasing, loans and other financial services, announced a historic milestone, achieving its highest-ever lease and loan disbursement.

Softlogic Life powers through 1H 2025 with Rs.18.7bn GWP, grows 29%

Softlogic Life reported another robust half-year performance, posting a gross written premium (GWP) of Rs.18.7bn for the six months ended June 30, 2025, marking a 29% year-on-year increase and securing the highest absolute GWP growth in the industry of Rs.4.2bn.

Sampath Bank achieves 11th win as SL’s Best Retail and Best Commercial Bank

Sampath Bank has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Retail Bank and Best Commercial Bank by the UK-based World Finance magazine at World Finance Banking Awards 2025.

Lanka Rating Agency appoints new board

Lanka Rating Agency Ltd (LRA), Sri Lanka’s pioneering national credit rating institution, in line with its mission, has appointed two new directors to its board, bringing in distinguished leaders with strong backgrounds in finance, governance and business, along with international expertise from the South Asian region.

Laugfs celebrates 30 years of purpose, progress and innovation

Laugfs Holdings Limited celebrates a momentous milestone, 30 years of visionary leadership, strategic growth and impactful transformation across Sri Lanka and beyond.

KIST-GIZ boost sustainable aloe vera cultivation in Kilinochchi

On August 14 2025, renowned Sri Lankan food brand KIST, marketed by Cargills Food and Beverage Limited, marked a significant milestone in sustainable agriculture and rural empowerment in Sri Lanka by entering into a grant agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to launch a high-tech aloe vera cultivation project in Kilinochchi.