First Capital Colombo Investor Symposium on January 17

First Capital, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected investment institutions, is set to host the 11th Edition of its renowned First Capital Colombo Investor Symposium on January 17, 2025, at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. As one of the largest and most significant investor events in the country, this year’s symposium will offer a detailed analysis of Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook for 2025. The event will focus on critical topics such as market forecasts, s

New pathways to agricultural productivity in focus at SLES

With urgent agricultural reforms becoming increasingly imperative, the session on ‘Transforming Productivity in Agriculture’ at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit (SLES), organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will examine strategies to boost agricultural productivity and the reforms necessary to support the key targets. Conducted under the theme ‘Shaping Sri Lanka’s Future: Transformational Growth Rooted in Sound Economic Policies’, the SLES wi

Embracing change: Charting a brighter future for Sri Lanka’s plantation industry

For 170 years, Sri Lanka’s plantation industry has stood the test of time. Despite the continuous upheavals, it has managed to adapt and endure. Over this period, the ownership structure of the industry underwent significant changes—from 124 years of British colonial ownership to the post-independence era (1948-1975, 27 years), where the growing nationalist sentiments led to changes in land ownership policies and then to nationalisation (1975-199

SYNERGEN Health drives global healthcare innovation through empowered employees

Founded in 2011 in Dallas, Texas, with its Global Operations Centre in Sri Lanka, SYNERGEN Health has today grown into a global leader in innovative healthcare solutions.

CB to anchor inflation at 5% for sustained growth

With normalcy and stability being somewhat restored after years of pain, the Central Bank’s focus going forward will be on stabilising inflation around the target of 5 percent, consistent with the FIT framework.

Central Bank to lower interest rates for MSMEs

The Central Bank yesterday announced plans to reduce the high interest rates on the credit facilities extended to the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), in close collaboration with the financial institutions.

Stress tests for finance companies coming up this year

The Central Bank plans to introduce stress testing frameworks for the finance companies this year, along with identifying systemically important finance companies in the near future, to strengthen the financial sector resilience and oversight.

Confectionery industry questions feasibility of new nutritional labelling rules ahead of July deadline

The confectionary industry recently sought clarification from the government on how the businesses, particularly the small and medium-scale confectionary enterprises (SMEs), are expected to realistically comply with the new nutritional labelling requirements set to take effect from July 1, 2025.

Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon appointed as new People’s Leasing & Finance Chairman

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a leader in non-banking financial services, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon as its new Chairman of the board, with effect from December 31, 2024, subsequent to receiving approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Cartoon of the Day 09-01-2025

Indices recover after 3 consecutive sessions

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Sampath Bank, Melstacorp and Hatton National Bank nonvoting with the turnover crossing Rs. 5.2 Bn.

T-bill auction yields tumble for 5th consecutive week

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka successfully conducted the second weekly T-bill auction for 2025, raising Rs.102.0 billion, with the total offered amount being fully accepted across all maturities.

Brandix discusses journey of transformation; looks at a digital future

One of Sri Lanka’s leading proponents of technology solutions in manufacturing, Brandix, took stock of its transformative journey and discussed new innovative solutions to propel the business forward at the ‘Digital Horizon 2024’, the second edition of Brandix’s own digital keynote session held at Trace Expert City in Colombo.

Cargills Bank wins Silver at CA Sri Lanka TAGS Awards 2024

Cargills Bank PLC was recently presented with the Silver Award in the ‘Newly Listed Companies’ Category at the TAGS Awards 2024, conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka).

Hayleys Animal Health achieves milestone with new manufacturing facility

Marking a milestone for Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, Hayleys Animal Health, has achieved significant milestones in quality and safety with its newly established Veterinary Pharmaceutical and Feed Supplement manufacturing facility.

Hutch Sri Lanka selects Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud

Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, announced that Hutch Sri Lanka has collaborated with Snowflake, to modernize its network operations.

Cable Solutions awarded ‘Certificate of Ethical Trading’ by NCE

Cable Solutions PLC, a prominent player in the cable manufacturing industry, specializing in a wide array of engineering solutions such as standard cables, customized cables and cable harnesses, announced that it has been awarded the Certificate of Ethical Trading by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE).

Crewstone International and Plus94 Fund launch new initiative for tech sector growth

A US$ 75 million private equity fund has been launched by leading investment firms Crewstone International and Plus94 Fund.

Abans redefines viewing experience through LG Nanocell TVs

Prepare to be captivated by a world of colour so vibrant and lifelike, it will redefine your viewing experience.

eChannelling wins ‘Online Brand of the Year’ at SLIM Brand Excellence Awards

eChannelling PLC, Sri Lanka’s pioneering digital healthcare platform and a subsidiary of SLT-Mobitel, secured the ‘Online Brand of the Year - Bronze’ at the 23rd SLIM Brand Excellence Awards, held on 9 December 2024, at Monarch Imperial.

Great Place to Work to host ‘Harmony’ promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity

Great Place to Work Sri Lanka in collaboration with Shiranee Joseph de Saram Foundation and Women Empowered Global will be hosting ‘Harmony’ - an event on Workplace Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging, on 22 January at Ramada Colombo.

Laklo Paint Products and Titanium honoured at Entrepreneurial Excellency Awards

Laklo Paint Products and Titanium has been recognised as the ‘Most Trending Soil-Based Floor and Wall Tile Alternative Solutions Provider in Sri Lanka’ for 2023/24 at the Entrepreneurial Excellency Awards, organised by the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Community Development (CECD).

CA Sri Lanka launches commemorative stamp cover for anniversary

Marking a historic milestone, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) celebrated its 65th anniversary with the launch of a Commemorative First Day Stamp Cover on 2 January.

International Distillers shines at SLIM National Sales Awards 2024

International Distillers Limited (IDL) celebrated remarkable achievements at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2024 held recently.

SLPA terminals achieve historic 2.4mn TEUs milestone

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) terminals have reached a historic milestone as of 31 December 2024, handling over 2.4 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), which is a 23 percent growth compared to the 1.9 million TEUs handled in 2023.

Ports Authority to obtain tug vessels on rental basis

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has received approval to complete the procurement of two 80-ton bollard pull tug vessels on a rental basis for Colombo Port operations, while also initiating a new procurement process for two 70-ton bollard pull twin azimuth stern drive harbour tugs required for a new terminal set to open in mid-2025. The decision comes after SLPA halted an earlier procurement of the 80-ton tug vessels due to cost concerns ste

WCIC urges govt. and corporate leaders for increased procurement from women-owned businesses

The Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) yesterday appealed to government officials and corporate leaders to increase procurement from women-owned businesses, so that greater economic inclusion and support for female entrepreneurs is promoted within the country.

SLT-Mobitel completes historic SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable landing in Matara

Sri Lanka has achieved a breakthrough in its telecommunications infrastructure with SLT-Mobitel successfully landing the Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6 (SEA-ME-WE 6) submarine cable in Matara on 29 December.

AIA Sri Lanka appoints Biswa Prakash Misra as new chairman

AIA Sri Lanka has appointed Biswa Prakash Misra as chairman of its board of directors, effective January 2025, subject to regulatory approval, the company said.

Colombo-Badulla train journey ranked 7th best scenic ride for 2025

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has come into fresh spotlight in the new year with the Colombo-Badulla train journey being ranked among the world’s top 10 train rides to experience in 2025.