New HNB-Hayleys Agriculture partnership enhances leasing solutions for agricultural machinery

HNB has partnered with Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd to introduce a series of financial and operational benefits designed to enhance accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. This collaboration will provide farmers and agribusinesses with attractive leasing options and special discounts, ensuring greater financial flexibility and long-term viability for agricultural investments. As part of this initia

Brandix takes top honours at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

Sri Lanka’s premier apparel solutions provider, Brandix, was the winner of the Manufacturing Category at the ACCA’s Sustainability Report Awards 2024. The pioneer of sustainability in the apparel trade, Brandix in its ESG Report detailed its effort to reduce environmental impacts, responsible resource management, ethical and socially responsible practices and governance. Brandix led the field in ACCA’s stringent criterion that included assessme

LOLC Finance becomes first NBFI in Badalkumbura

LOLC Finance has further strengthened its footprint with the opening of a new branch in Badalkumbura and the relocation of its Hakmana branch, expanding its network to over 200 branches across the country. The opening ceremony was attended by Chairman of LOLC Finance, Conrad Dias, Director/ CEO of LOLC Finance, Krishan Thilakaratne, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Finance Montini Warnakula, and Head of Channels of LOLC Finance, Prasanna Karandag

People’s Insurance appoints Dulinda Perera to Board

People’s Insurance announced the appointment of Dulinda Perera as a Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director to its Board, effective 04th March 2025. Perera is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic consultant, bringing with him more than a decade of leadership and operational experience. As the Founder and CEO of IKON Group of Companies, he has earned a reputation for steering businesses towards digital excellence and brand elevation, both locally

Ceylinco Life appoints Samitha Hemachandra to director board

Ceylinco Life has announced the appointment of marketing professional Samitha Hemachandra as an Executive Director on the company’s board of directorsand his concurrent promotion to the position of Chief Operating Officer with effect from 1st April 2025. Hemachandra joined Ceylinco Life as a Brand Manager in 2000 and held many senior management positions in the company prior to his appointment as a Director. He brings to the Board more than 25 ye

Ceylon Chamber partners with Kegalle Chamber to strengthen regional biz

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently met with the leadership of the Kegalle District Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (KDCCIA) to discuss strategies to uplift local enterprises and facilitate new opportunities for the district. The discussions centred on key development sectors for Kegalle, notably tourism and agriculture, and the potential to move industries such as spices from raw material production to higher valued processing

RORO vessel carrying used vehicles arrives at HIP post import restrictions removal

Hambantota International Port (HIP) received a consignment of 1,560 used vehicles last week, marking the first shipment on a Seven Seals vessel to the port since the lifting of the import ban. Among the arrivals were four High and Heavy units, with the rest comprising popular models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Raize, Honda Vezel, Daihatsu, and Suzuki Wagon R from Japan. “This marks a significant milestone i

First Capital’s WhatsApp investment service redefining SL’s future in digital financial transactions

In an era where digital transformation is essential to the reshaping of industries, First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group), has once again stepped into the forefront of innovation with its latest endeavour, Sri Lanka’s first transactional investment banking solution, the Unit Trust and Government Securities Tri-lingual project.

SL must chart its own path in tourism: SLTDA chief

Sri Lanka must forge its own path in global tourism rather than attempting to compete with high-volume travel destinations such as Thailand and Malaysia,

CAL set to cross US$ 1bn asset milestone within this financial year

Capital Alliance Holdings Limited (CALH), a leading fully-fledged investment bank in Sri Lanka, aims to manage US$ 1 billion in assets under its management (AUM) within the current financial year (FY).

SL highlights role of rating agencies in debt restructuring at global sovereign debt roundtable

Central Bank (CB)) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Treasury Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardana represented Sri Lanka at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, advocating for smoother post-default transitions for debt-distressed nations.

Special regulatory reserve somewhat weakens State lenders’ capital: Fitch

The capital ratios of Sri Lanka’s two state lenders are expected to continue to be weaker than their private sector counterparts despite their significantly higher profitability, Fitch Ratings said in a commentary issued last week.

CSE closes week on positive note with modest gains in main indices

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) concluded last week on a positive note following the end of the long New Year holidays.

Hayleys PLC secures CSE approval for Rs. 7 bn debenture issue

Hayleys PLC, a leading diversified conglomerate, has received in-principle approval from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to list its rated unsecured senior redeemable five-year (2025/2030) debentures,

Tea industry overview – First quarter 2025

The Sri Lankan tea industry saw an increase in production and exports but recorded a drop in the national average price for the period from January to March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

HNB’s Gami Pubuduwa strengthens microfinance entrepreneurs

HNB successfully concluded Gami Pubuduwa Avurudu Pola 2025, held recently at the BMICH for the sixth time, drawing a large number of visitors and generating strong sales for over 150 microfinance entrepreneurs from across the island.

Gehan Seneviratne new Baurs Board Director Alternate

A. Baur & Co. (Pvt.) Ltd announced the appointment of Gehan Seneviratne as its new Board Director Alternate, marking a significant milestone in Seneviratne’s illustrious career.

Canon’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras No. 1 for 22nd year

Metropolitan Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd, the sole authorised distributor for Canon in Sri Lanka, celebrates Canon Inc.’s remarkable achievement in the world of imaging as Canon’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras, both DSLR and mirrorless, have maintained the No. 1 global market share for an unprecedented 22 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2024.

SDB bank strengthens dairy sector development

SDB bank embarks on value chain financing (VCF) as another value-driven business vertical, in line with the core ethos of the bank to empower communities by enabling sustainable financing for both the raw material suppliers and intended buyers.

Allianz conducts Avurudu Nagam campaign

Allianz Lanka marked this Avurudu season by supporting a tradition that holds deep meaning for many Sri Lankans, the journey home.

Dipped Products commissions Rs.1bn natural rubber glove production plant

Dipped Products PLC (DPL) unveiled its latest state-of-the-art natural rubber chain production plant at its subsidiary, Hanwella Rubber Products Ltd (HRPL), following a Rs.1 billion investment.

Calcey receives ISO 27001:2013 certification

Calcey, a leading software services provider with a global presence, announced its achievement of ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international standard for information security management systems.

Hero MotoCorp unveils new products in Sri Lanka

Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, announced the launch of four new products – HF Deluxe, Xtreme 125R and Hunk 160R 4V motorcycles and Xoom 110 scooter in partnership with its long-standing distributor Abans Auto in Sri Lanka.

Ceyline-Lion Brewery forge a sustainable future

Ceyline Total Solutions has built Lion Brewery’s first sustainability-focused warehousing and distribution centre in just 100 days.

MiHCM achieves Microsoft Data, AI Solutions Partner status

MiHCM achieved the Microsoft Data and AI Solutions Partner status in mid-April, further cementing its position as a leader in data and AI solutions.

KPMG-SLID hold Audit Committee Forum

The 30th session of the Audit Committee Forum (ACF), titled ‘A View from the Board: Managing Emerging Risks in Audit Committees’, organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) with KPMG Sri Lanka as the Knowledge Partner, was held recently at Port City Colombo.

FWC Regional Competition held at Port City Colombo

The Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL), in strategic partnership with Port City Colombo, recently hosted the Regional Competition of the FinTech World Cup (FWC) at Port City Colombo.

S-lon powers forward with innovation and sustainability

Since its founding in 1957, S-lon has been a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s thermoplastic plumbing industry, evolving into a trusted household name.

Port City Colombo uniquely positioned to become fintech capital of South Asia

Bolstered by strong leadership, global collaborations and investor-friendly frameworks, Port City Colombo is uniquely positioned to ascend as the fintech capital of South Asia, according to the Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL).

JAAF welcomes govt.’s efforts in US trade dialogue

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday issuing a statement welcomed the government of Sri Lanka’s proactive engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington D.C. and extended its appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the delegation for prioritising discussions that advance equitable and mutually beneficial trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.