Lanka IOC reports subdued performance

Lanka IOC PLC kicked off the March earnings season by reporting some subdued top and bottom-line performance for the 4Q25 period.

1Q tea output expands 6.2% YoY on broad elevation gains

Sri Lanka’s tea production rose 6.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, supported by gains across key growing elevations, official data showed.

UAE, Sri Lanka move to boost trade ties with new Business Council

The Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the UAE-Sri Lanka Joint Business Council to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties.

SL moves to regulate gambling sports with new draft legislation

Cabinet has granted approval this week to publish a draft bill aimed at establishing a new independent regulatory body for the gambling sports industry, signalling a major move towards formalising and supervising a growing and largely unregulated sector.

Cabinet nod to undertake feasibility study for water-based tourism

In a bid to leverage water resources, the Cabinet of Ministers has green lit a proposal to explore the development of water-based tourism and passenger transport services through a public-private partnership (PPP). The decision, approved during a Cabinet meeting, aims to boost the island nation’s tourism sector while addressing urban mobility challenges.

Fitch assigns Siyapatha Finance’s proposed senior debt ‘A(EXP)(lka)’ rating

Fitch Ratings has assigned Siyapatha Finance PLC’s (A(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lankan rupee-denominated senior unsecured debentures of up to Rs. 5 billion an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(EXP)(lka)’.

Indices close in red

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Hayleys with the turnover crossing Rs. 991 mn.

Mixed sentiment keeps market in neutral territory

The secondary market exhibited a mixed tone yesterday, culminating in a broadly neutral performance amid moderate trading volumes.

ComBank among Global Finance’s Best Banks again

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again been recognised as the Best Bank in Sri Lanka by the US-based Global Finance magazine, conferring this coveted accolade on the bank for an unprecedented 23rd year.

ITC Ratnadipa completes one year

ITC Ratnadipa marks its first anniversary in Sri Lanka on April 25, 2025, following its debut in Colombo last year.

Seylan Bank honoured at LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025

Seylan Bank recently secured three prestigious awards, including the award for the Acquiring Bank for the Best Mobile Application for Retail Payments via JustPay, which was awarded to Helapay of Bhasha Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, at the seventh edition of LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025.

AMF delivers strong 9-month performance

Associated Motor Finance Company PLC (AMF) has delivered a strong performance for the nine months ended December 31, 2024.

Dialog Enterprise with NCE empowers exporters

Dialog Enterprise has partnered with the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) as the official Digital Technology Partner to empower Sri Lankan exporters with cutting-edge digital solutions and technology expertise.

People’s Bank facilitates over 14.5mn transactions in Avurudu season

People’s Bank announced that during the Avurudu season between April 01 and 15, the bank had facilitated over 14.5 million transactions valued at more than Rs.205 billion, highlighting its pivotal role in the daily financial activities of the country.

Presents 2024 annual report to Labour Minister

People’s Bank Chairman Prof. Narada Fernando presented People’s Bank’s annual report for the year 2024 to Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando at the Finance Ministry, Colombo 1, recently.

NCE expands regional outreach programme to empower suppliers

In a landmark initiative to empower regional producers and strengthen Sri Lanka’s export value chain, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has launched a comprehensive outreach programme aimed at connecting local suppliers and entrepreneurs with established exporters.

Radisson Hotels holds Markdown Mania 2025

Radisson Hotel Colombo, Radisson Hotel Kandy and Radisson Blu Resort Galle announce the triumphant conclusion of Markdown Mania 2025, held at the World Trade Centre recently.

Fudge marks 5 years

Fudge celebrates five years as Sri Lanka’s first and currently only behavioural science communications agency, known for turning creativity into hard numbers both at home and overseas.

Daraz launches Future Leaders Programme 2025

Daraz announced the launch of the 2025 edition of its Daraz Future Leaders Programme (DFLP), a group-wide management trainee initiative aimed at nurturing high-potential talent across Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

New Anthoney’s-PickMe to deliver SL’s first antibiotic-free chicken range

In a move set to bring ease and convenience for consumers to enjoy the finest, high-quality, ethically sourced meats, Meatlery, New Anthoney’s premier meat supermarket, has partnered with PickMe.

Browns’ IoT ideation wins Sri Lanka Technology Excellence Award

Brown & Company was recently awarded the Sri Lanka Technology Excellence Award for IoT – Energy for iGen G500, an applied internet of things (IoT)-based generator monitoring device and solution, in recognition for its latest innovation in digitalisation, at Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2024.

National prices continue to ease at 1.9% in March

The national consumer prices continued to fall, albeit at a lesser pace in March, on the back of the decline in food prices as well as the slippage in non-food prices, ahead of the traditional new year.

Tourist arrivals reach 846,221 by April 20, nearly 15% rise

Sri Lanka welcomed 846,221 tourists as of April 20 this year, translating to a 14.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth, up from 739,171 tourist arrivals recorded during the same period last year.

NCE advocates proactive strategies to combat US tariffs on Sri Lankan exports

While US President Donald Trump’s chaotic pronouncement of tariffs brought much uncertainty to global trade, Sri Lanka’s export fraternity asserted that it is imperative for the island nation to sustain strong engagement with the relevant authorities.

Sri Lanka among few APAC markets with improving bank outlook

Sri Lanka’s banking sector outlook for 2025 is said to be improving, according to Fitch Ratings, which also anticipated broadly stable operating conditions across most Asia-Pacific (APAC) banking system for this year. However, it noted that a surge in US tariffs could threaten this assumption in some markets.

Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI edged down as a result of price losses in counters such as Hayleys, Lion Brewery and John Keells Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in DFCC Bank, Lanka IOC and Hatton National Bank. Mixed interest was observed in Sampath Bank, Commercial Credit & Finance and Sunshine Holdings whilst retail interest was noted i

Festive fizz fades, market stays quiet

The secondary market remained subdued in the aftermath of the holiday season, with limited activities observed across the yield curve.

Sri Lanka unveils ADB-funded Marine Tourism Roadmap

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), launched a comprehensive Marine Tourism Roadmap which could transform the island nation into a year-round marine tourism destination while balancing economic development with ecological conservation.

HNB supports Suwaseriya Foundation with two ambulances

HNB PLC has reinforced its commitment to community welfare by supporting the 1990 Suwaseriya Foundation’s ‘Adopt an Ambulance’ project through the adoption of two ambulances.

NDB introduces smart banking solution for both teens and parents

‘NDB Pixel,’ is an innovative digital banking solution crafted specifically for Sri Lankan teenagers aged 13 to 17 marking a significant stride towards fostering a cashless society, aligning with the nation’s digital transformation goals, and equipping the younger generation with the tools for secure and convenient financial management.