Apparel sector upbeat on prospects to achieve US$ 8bn export target

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry is upbeat about future growth and expansion with industry leaders emphasising the need for greater collaboration and policy consistency to sustain the sector’s current growth momentum.

SL must return to int’l capital markets at some point: Dr. Coomaraswamy

Adds cutting exposure to foreign holdings of rupee securities was deliberate to minimise volatility and troubles

Sri Lanka moves to ease SME struggles with new advisory board

Sri Lanka has launched a National Advisory Committee to address challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as the sector struggles with financial constraints and policy uncertainties.

Supreme Court upholds SEC ruling against Vidullanka CEO

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court on Tuesday (11) dismissed an appeal by Riyaz Mohamed Sangani, Managing Director and CEO of Vidullanka PLC, against a Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC).“The decision upholds the lower court’s order, reinforcing the SEC’s position in the case,” the SEC said.

Fitch affirms Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka at ‘AAA(lka)’; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka’s (SCBSL) National Long-Term Rating at ‘AAA(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable.

Oil dips as economic concerns, supply and demand expectations weigh

REUTERS - Oil prices slipped yesterday after surging in the previous session on a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. gasoline stocks, as markets weighed macroeconomic concerns and demand versus supply expectations. Brent futures were down 37 cents, or 0.5 percent, at US$ 70.58 a barrel at 10:25 a.m. EDT (1425 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 39 cents, or 0.6 percent, to US$ 67.29 a barrel.

Union Assurance ‘SuwaMaga’ programme enhances public accessibility to healthcare services

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s premier Life Insurer, unveiled its ‘Suwamaga Mobile Screening Unit’ on 27 November 2024 at Cinnamon Lakeside, with the attendance of the Ministry of Health and the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka.

Creating tangible business outcomes using AI Agent Workflows

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI such as ChatGPT) has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years, evolving from simple prompt systems to sophisticated multi-agent workflows that can autonomously drive business outcomes.There are 3 categories of Gen AI systems we commonly see:

Sampath Bank-Indra Traders to offer exclusive leasing benefits

Sampath Bank PLC entered a strategic partnership with Indra Traders (Pvt.) Ltd to offer attractive leasing facilities together with multiple benefits.

Ceylon Chamber hosts exclusive evening with diplomats

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted a distinguished gathering of diplomats and business leaders at ‘An Evening with Diplomats’ on March 10, at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

UTE delivers SL’s largest Cat D8 track-type tractor to NEM Construction

In a major milestone for Sri Lanka’s construction industry, UTE, the country’s trusted dealer for Caterpillar equipment, has handed over a brand-new Cat D8 track-type tractor to NEM Construction (Pvt.) Ltd.

People’s Bank opens newly refurbished Hasalaka branch

People’s Bank recently opened its newly refurbished Hasalaka branch.

Cube Networks elevates FITIS membership to Corporate Status

Cube Networks, a leading Australian-based IT services provider, has elevated its membership status to Corporate Member of the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) from 2025. This milestone reflects the company’s deepening commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure, fostering innovation and creating opportunities for local IT professionals.

Dialog Axiata Pioneers AI-Powered Network Optimisation with “AI for Networks”

Dialog Axiata Pioneers AI-Powered Network Optimisation with "AI for Networks" Dialog Axiata announced the successful completion of an "AI for Network" trial, in collaboration with Meta, marking a groundbreaking advancement in integrating artificial intelligence to enhance network optimisation and Quality of Experience (QoE) in a responsible manner. Conducted over the past two months, this trial highlights the potential of AI t

SL’s destination wedding potential under spotlight at UAE’s EWPC 2025

In a collaborative effort to position Sri Lanka as a premier wedding and events destination, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau participated in the 14th edition of the prestigious Exotic Wedding Planners Conference (EWPC) 2025, in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

HNB Assurance celebrates record-breaking surge in MDRT qualifiers

HNB Assurance celebrates another milestone, with 222 financial advisors qualifying for the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) in 2024.

Abans Learning Centre obtains TVEC registration

The Abans Learning Centre (ALC), a centre initiated by Abans with state-of-the-art facilities to enable newcomers to learn from industry veterans with years of experience in technology and maintenance of home appliances and electronics, recently renewed its Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) centre registration. At the ALC, the students can gain hands-on experience at modern training labs equipped with the latest technologies, in

PMF Finance secures DFCC Bank’s strategic support to drive growth

PMF Finance PLC has reinforced its financial position through a significant partnership with DFCC Bank. This collaboration reflects DFCC Bank’s confidence in PMF Finance’s operational strength and long-term growth potential.

Merit Effie for Nippon Paint’s Colourful Connections

Nippon Paint won a Merit Effie at Effie Awards 2024, held recently.

SLASSCOM People Summit 2025 concludes successfully

SLASSCOM People Summit 2025, held recently at Cinnamon Grand and themed ‘Engage, Empower, Elevate: The New Playbook’, brought together industry leaders, HR professionals and innovators to discuss the future of work and people-focused strategies, highlighting inclusive leadership, workforce transformation and innovation-driven performance.

Sri Lanka ranked as ‘most family-friendly country’ for 2025 by Conde Nast Traveller

Sri Lanka has been recognised as the ‘most family-friendly country’ for 2025, securing the top spot in a prestigious ranking by Conde Nast Traveller.

Experts stress ILO C190 ratification to combat workplace violence

The renewed calls from experts, urging the government to ratify and implement the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 (C190) on violence and harassment in the workplace, have gained momentum, following the recent sexual assault of a female doctor at a leading government hospital.

LOLC Holdings joins FTSE Frontier 50 Index

LOLC Holdings PLC has achieved a key milestone by securing a place in the FTSE Frontier 50 Index, effective from March 24, 2025.

Sri Lanka’s banking sector thrives in 2024: Softlogic Stockbrokers

Sri Lanka’s banks marked an exceptional year in 2024, primarily driven by the impairment reversals on the Sri Lanka International Sovereign Bonds (SLISBs), despite also incurring the net losses from the restructuring of the SLISBs, according to Softlogic Stockbrokers.

Cartoon of the Day 13-03-2025

Indices bounce back

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 2.4 Bn.

Bond auction notches with yield being steady

Yesterday’s bond auction notched with the weighted average yields being steady as the Central Bank raised Rs.210.0 billion, achieving full acceptance across all the maturities offered.

Smart Threads explores how AI-driven solutions can revolutionize apparel industry

Acentura Inc., in collaboration with RELEX Solutions, hosted “Smart Threads: Transforming Production Planning, Operational Efficiency, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Excellence” discussion on 27 February, at Amari Colombo.

CEMS-Global USA announces 14th edition of textile exhibition series

CEMS-Global USA announced the 14th Sri Lankan edition of its globally renowned Textile Series of Exhibitions, scheduled to take place from 13–15 March at SLECC, Colombo 10.

Hello Builders sets new standards in SL’s construction industry

Hello Builders (Pvt) Ltd., has achieved a significant milestone with the receipt of the ISO 9001 Certification from UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) and Bureau Veritas.