SMEs under fresh focus at national forum tomorrow

Over 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across Sri Lanka are set to gather tomorrow for National SME Forum 2025, aimed at boosting export growth for local businesses.

Market adjusts to a more measured pace

The week began with a pullback in buying sentiment, as market participants engaged in some profit-taking. This transition ushered in a more measured tone, while the trading volumes remained relatively moderate. Among the traded maturities, 15.02.2028, 15.03.2028 and 01.07.2028 traded within 9.60 percent to 9.75 percent. In terms of the 2029 maturities, 15.06.2029, 15.09.2029 and 15.12.2029 all traded within the 10.10 percent to 10.18 percent rang

Data Fusion Corp. CEO highlights AI’s transformative impact across industries

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the domain of science fiction — it has become the defining force of the digital age. Shehan Ahamed, Founder and CEO of Data Fusion Corp. Pvt Limited, underscores the profound and accelerating influence of AI.

Sri Lanka’s ambassadors-designate engage in CCC’s networking session

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an engaging interactive session with Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Heads of Mission to key global destinations, offering the local business community a valuable opportunity to connect directly with the country’s outgoing ambassadors and high commissioners.

ComBank’s second AgriModernisation Village programme in Vavunathivu

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has chosen Vavunathivu in the Batticaloa District as its second ‘AgriModernisation Village’ in Sri Lanka, following the success of the bank’s pilot AgriModernisation Village programme in Mahilankadu in Kilinochchi.

‘Seylan Harasara’ to empower senior citizens with exclusive benefits

Seylan Bank’s financial solution for senior citizens, Seylan Harasara, offers a range of discounts for medical needs and leisure through its debit card partnerships with Asiri Hospitals, Vision Care, and Vijitha Yapa Bookshops. Standing as one of the most comprehensivefinancial products available for senior citizens, Seylan Harasara aims to provide relevant financial solutions by identifying the essential needs of its elders.

SLAF meets Maldivian Agriculture Minister to explore cross-border investments

The Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum (SLAF) recently had a high-level meeting with Dr. Maryam Mariya, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Welfare of the Republic of Maldives, during her official visit to Sri Lanka.

AIDAstella makes maiden call at HIP

Hambantota International Port (HIP) marked a significant milestone in its cruise operations, welcoming the Sphinx class AIDAstella, the first vessel from AIDA Cruises to call at the port. The luxury liner, which called at the port during the Vesak weekend, is the seventh in a series of Sphinx class ships owned by the Cruise Line.

USSEC conference highlights U.S. Soy’s role in building sustainable food systems

Progressive leaders from across South Asia and U.S. Soy farmers gathered in Colombo for the SUSTAIN A SUMMIT conference this week, hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

Kushan Samararatne takes the helm at Colombo Coffee Company

Colombo Coffee Company, the largest total coffee solutions provider in Sri Lanka’s and a fully-owned subsidiary of the world’s largest Ceylon Tea exporter Akbar Brothers, has appointed Kushan Samararatne as the Chief Executive Officer.

EU funded SEDR project supports access to mediation services for over 500,000 people

The Supporting Effective Dispute Resolution (SEDR) project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the British Council in partnership with The Asia Foundation, concluded its five-year journey with the SEDR End-of-Project Symposium on 29-30 April at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

Radisson Blu Resort, Radisson Hotels announce key Sales appointments

Radisson Blu Resort Galle, Radisson Hotel Kandy, and Radisson Hotel Colombo announced the appointments of William Fernando as Cluster Director of Sales and Isuri Perera as Cluster Assistant Director of Sales.

India, Sri Lanka push for ‘Early Harvest’ investment pact

Top economists are strongly advocating for Sri Lanka and India to conclude an ‘early harvest’ investment agreement within this year, viewing it as a critical first step towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Spotlight on proposed PLI scheme for solar manufacturing

A key ancillary recommendation within the Gateway House report is the piloting of a regional Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in Sri Lanka, with a specific focus on solar panel manufacturing.

April manufacturing PMI retreats on fizzling festive demand

The traditional New Year-driven break took a toll on manufacturing activities, as usual, and less on services, as reflected by the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for April 2025.

US credit downgrade sparks concern for Sri Lanka’s reserves

Moody’s recent downgrade of the United States’ long-term credit ratings is sending ripples across global financial markets, prompting Colombo-based Lanka Rating Agency (LRA), to closely monitor the potential impact on the island nation’s substantial holdings of U.S. Treasuries.

CEB turns red in March quarter as tariff cuts hit revenues

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) reported a sharp decline in its top-line and recorded a gross loss for the quarter ended March 2025.

Chevron gets tailwind from growing economy in 1Q25

Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC reported 5.0 percent higher revenues for the three months ended March 2025, reaching Rs.7.39 billion.

Four-lane motorway from Devata to Galle to boost tourism and businesses

In a bid to clear and widen the entrance to the heritage city of Galle, accessed via the Southern Expressway, the Road Development Authority (RDA) has forwarded a special development plan to create a four-lane motorway.

BRJW Enterprises introduces complete Bentley line-up to Sri Lanka

BRJW Enterprises, a family-owned automotive business with a 45-year legacy, announced the successful importation of the full range of Bentley motor vehicles to Sri Lanka.

Singer-Hutch expand connectivity and customer convenience

Singer Sri Lanka partnered with Hutch to expand mobile connectivity access via Singer’s extensive retail network.

CASS holds 39th Int’l CA Students’ Conference

The 39th International CA Students’ Conference, organised by the Chartered Accountants Students’ Society of Sri Lanka (CASS), was successfully held recently at Monarch Imperial Hotel, Colombo, under the theme ‘Transform Mindset, Transcend Boundaries’.

Hayleys Solar-Mercantile Investments enhance solar energy accessibility

Hayleys Solar and Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on making solar power more accessible and affordable to customers nationwide in Sri Lanka.

EDB-NOCU conduct islandwide awareness campaign

As part of its strategic islandwide campaign, the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), the country’s official authority for organic agriculture coming under the purview of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), successfully conducted its second awareness programme for 2025, at Hotel Swissdale, Matale, drawing close to 100 participants representing diverse sectors of the agriculture industry.

Fortude-Ettos to enhance sustainability across fashion supply chains

Fortude has announced a strategic partnership with Ettos, a leading supply chain traceability platform, aimed at enabling fashion businesses to maintain more transparent processes and allowing customers to understand how their products are made.

ComBank wins Visa Best Cross Border Salience LMM award

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been honoured with the award for Best Cross Border Salience – Large and Mid-Market (LMM), at Visa Commercial Solutions Excellence Awards 2025, presented during the recent Visa Leadership Conclave in Colombo.

MullenLowe Group SL appoints Sarah Nasry as Director and CFO

MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka (MLG) announced the appointment of Sarah Nasry as Director and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Quality and Productivity National Convention to commence on May 21

The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Quality and Productivity (SLAAQP) announced the highly anticipated National Convention on Quality and Productivity (NCQP) 2025 during a media conference held at the BMICH, Colombo.

Exide India’s top brass to join Browns’ 150th anniversary celebrations

Top delegates from Exide Industries, India will visit Sri Lanka today to mark Browns’ 150th anniversary.

Cinnamon Hotels presents Signature Weekend with Deepa Mehta

This May, Sri Lanka sets the stage for a remarkable cinematic celebration as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, under its Signature Selection brand, hosts the Oscar-nominated filmmaker and producer Deepa Mehta for a special Signature Weekend, taking place on May 31 and June 01, 2025.