Serendib University rewards top academic achievers from tea plantation community

Ten outstanding students from Sri Lanka’s tea plantation communities have received scholarships through Serendib Flour Mills (SFML) ‘Adhi Shakthi University Scholarship Program’, in recognition of outstanding academic achievements and highest Z-scores in the 2022/2023/2024 A/L examinations.

Hilton Hotels in Sri Lanka to honour fathers with thoughtful experiences

This Father’s Day, Hilton Sri Lanka invites guests to celebrate the strength of the family with thoughtfully curated experiences.

Christell Acne Lab by Christell Luxury Wellness hosts skincare empowering event

Christell Luxury Wellness brought together clients, experts, and community voices recently, for a knowledge-packed evening titled “From Breakouts to Breakthroughs”, hosted exclusively for clients of the Christell Acne Lab.

Sanasa Life Insurance becomes official insurance sponsor for ‘Future Minds 2025’

Sanasa Life Insurance is to continue its support as the official insurance sponsor at the Future Minds Exhibition for the fourth consecutive year.

People’s Bank and Sarvodaya Fusion hold tech skill development program graduation

People’s Bank, in partnership with Sarvodaya Fusion, hosted the graduation ceremony of the ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators’ Youth Tech Skill Development Program at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

CSE proposes relaxed public holding rule to revive equity listings via Introduction

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has proposed easing its Minimum Public Holding (MPH) requirement at the point of listing to reverse a sharp decline in equity listings via Introduction, a method that has seen

IRD’s new risk-based VAT system promises refunds in 15 days

Eligible exporters with low and medium-risk profiles will be able to receive their VAT refunds within an expedited 15-day period under a new risk-based refund system, which is set to replace the current Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system from 1 October 2025.

LOLC Finance to buy back over 3.5bn shares

The board of LOLC Finance PLC will repurchase up to 3.52 billion shares at Rs.6.00 each, aiming to enhance shareholder value while ensuring financial stability.

Central Bank extends SME loan relief deadline

The Central Bank yesterday extended the deadline for banks to finalise loan rescheduling agreements with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), urging lenders to offer additional relief to businesses still recovering

PROI Worldwide announces Adfactors PR Lanka as ‘APAC Agency of the Year’

PROI Worldwide has named Adfactors PR Lanka as its Agency of the Year (AOY) winner for the APAC region.

PickMe eyes Island-wide expansion with AI-powered push

Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC (DMSL), the company behind the popular PickMe app, is setting its sights on an AI-driven expansion into untapped, high-impact opportunities across digital mobility and

Yield curve holds steady amid pre-auction buying

The secondary market yield curve saw moderate trading volumes and heightened activity yesterdau, while remaining broadly stable.

Indices close on a mix note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as Cargills, LB Finance and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 3.6 bn.

Overseas Realty unveils Mireka Seascape

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC officially launched its newest luxury real estate venture, Mireka Seascape.

Medical Devices Chamber introduces new team

The Chamber of Medical Devices introduced its newly elected leadership team for 2025.

Pelwatte Dairy farmers to benefit first-ever pension scheme

Pelwatte Dairy Industries announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first pension scheme for dairy farmers, reinforcing its commitment to both national self-sufficiency and the welfare of the farming community.

HNB Finance appoints Ramanika Unamboowe to board

HNB Finance PLC announced the appointment of Ramanika Unamboowe as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective June 4, 2025.

ComBank voted as SL’s Most Loved Bank brand again

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been voted as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Bank brand and the second Most Loved Service brand in the country overall, while ComBank Digital has been named as Sri Lanka’s Most

DFCC Bank relaunches iConnect 2.0 digital corporate banking platform

DFCC Bank PLC has officially relaunched its flagship digital corporate banking platform, DFCC iConnect 2.0, reinforcing its commitment to delivering digitally advanced, client-centric solutions.

Nations Trust Bank strengthens regional business ties

Nations Trust Bank PLC recently hosted an exclusive forum for customers in the Northern region, offering in-depth insights into developing local businesses through digital innovations.

HNB Assurance launches FamilyGuard for Sri Lankans working overseas

HNB Assurance PLC launched HNB Assurance FamilyGuard, a comprehensive insurance product specifically designed for Sri Lankans employed overseas.

Power pricing reform advances with net relief for industry

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday approved a 15 percent increase in electricity tariffs, moderating the previously proposed hike.

Sri Lanka’s growth trails regional neighbours as recovery diverges: World Bank

South Asia’s major economies show uneven post-crisis trajectories

Global economy set for weakest run since 2008 outside of recessions

Heightened trade tensions and policy uncertainty are expected to drive global growth down this year to its slowest pace since 2008 outside of outright global recessions, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.

Colombo Dockyard nears deal with new investor to steer turnaround

Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) is in the final stages of formalising an agreement with a new strategic investor, a pivotal move that is considered to be essential to navigate out of a “vulnerable” financial position and secure a “bright future”.

Hela Apparel sells two subsidiaries to Q Collection for Rs.2.7bn

Hela Apparel Holdings PLC said this week it divested two of its sub-subsidiaries for Rs.2.7 billion to Singapore-based Q Collection Pte Ltd, in a bid to simplify its structure and improve performance under a wider group restructuring.

Turnover hits LKR 5.7 Bn

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Hatton National Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.6 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Royal Ceramics, Lanka Tiles and John Keells Hotels. Mixed interest was observed in Vallibel One, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in LVL Energy Fund, HVA Foods

Market in slumber, yields barely budge

The secondary market withstood another dormant day of limited activity and thin volumes, in turn prompting the yield curve to hold steady.

APBSL and SLBA-UAE forge strategic partnership to fortify local banking professionals’ global reach

In a landmark move to enhance cooperation between Sri Lankan financial professionals and their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates, the Association of Professional Bankers – Sri Lanka (APBSL) and the Sri Lanka Bankers Association in the UAE (SLBA-UAE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 20 at the Consulate General of Sri Lanka for Dubai & the Northern Emirates.

Visa bolsters SL’s tourism revival with Asia Pacific Leadership Summit in Colombo

In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism ambitions, global payments giant Visa announced it will host the Asia Pacific Leadership Summit in Colombo.