Industry Expo in full swing
More than 475 exhibitors showcased their products at the Industry Expo 2025 organised from September 18 to 21 at the BMICH, Colombo. It is organised by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the Industrial Development Board. Pic by Priyanka Samaraweera shows a machine used by the apparel industry.
Colombo bourse, top players in big game to create wealth
Colombo’s stock market, after nearly 14 years, is seeing the kind of vibrancy it has not had since 2011, with many companies’ stakes changing hands and immense wealth being created. Stock market analysts noted that many high-net-worth individuals are looking at the market positively, making purchases of company stakes with upside potential. Businessman Dhammika Perera, [...]
Controversial tender clause forces Litro bidders toward rival terminal
The latest international tender floated by Litro Gas Lanka Ltd, Sri Lanka’s state-owned LPG distributor, to procure 380,000 metric tonnes (±20%) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for 2026 has been overshadowed by a sudden and unprecedented amendment. The tender, published on August 27 closed in mid-September 2025. But just before the deadline, Litro inserted a [...]
Indian apparel firms stitching from Colombo
Sri Lanka is currently witnessing an influx of Indian companies moving their manufacturing of garments to Colombo to gain advantage from the US tariff concessions. Around 20 companies including some large scale producers of apparels marketing to the US have arrived in Colombo, sources said, adding that three and five year-leases have been worked out [...]
Some BOI-approved firms divert output, harming economy
Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange is silently bleeding as several BOI-approved companies across sectors from apparel and processed foods to plastics and palm oil exploit loopholes to sell the bulk of their production domestically instead of exporting it. By using BOI concessions to import machinery, accessories, and raw materials duty free, these firms evade taxes, gain [...]
Past coal tender shadows linger over fresh bidding round
Ten coal bidders have submitted proposals, marking one of the most closely watched tenders in recent years due to the controversies that surrounded earlier awards to supply coal for the 900MW Lakvijaya power plant. The Lanka Coal Company (LCC) opened Term Tender No. LCC/25/TT/1 recently to procure 1.5 million metric tonnes (±10 per cent) of [...]
Melting pot of cultures
Just earlier this week, a rally was held in Geneva, Switzerland, where Tamil groups, openly displaying LTTE flags, demanded social justice and accountability for Sri Lankan Tamils at a time when the UN Human Rights sessions were in progress there. In some other countries Sri Lankans have organised street marches, at various times, displaying the [...]
Imported poverty
Sri Lanka has reported an alarmingly high percentage of children with low weight-for height (wasting), making it one of the worst-performing countries in the world. According to Global Nutrition Report 2023-2024, children under 5 years of age with low weight is 15.1 per cent in Sri Lanka, compared with Asia’s regional average of 8.9 percent. [...]
Telcos seek fair electricity tariffs to sustain network operations
Sri Lanka’s telcos have written to the Ministry of Digital Economy to include them in the industrial electricity tariff rather than the general tariff, owing to the impact of electricity costs on network operations and profitability, officials said. “The operators had requested this from the last budget and also from the previous government, and both [...]
Sri Lanka–Singapore Council’s new leadership team
The 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka–Singapore Business Council (SLSBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce was held recently, with the participation of Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Singapore in Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest. Delivering his address, Shiluka Goonawardena, the outgoing President of the Council, [...]
Umair Wolid among Asia’s 40 Under 40 Marketing Leaders
Roar Global’s Marketing Officer, Umair Wolid, has been named to Campaign Asia’s 40 Under 40 list 2025, a highly respected recognition of the region’s most influential leaders shaping the future of marketing. This honour is especially significant for Sri Lanka, as it marks one of the rare occasions in recent years that a Sri Lankan [...]
DFCC Bank’s new Remittance Partnership in Japan
DFCC Bank has partnered with Ceylon Remittances to launch a new remittance service in Japan, strengthening financial links for Sri Lankans living and working there. The launch was attended by the Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Japan, Prof. Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, the President of the Sri Lanka Business Council in Japan, Jagath Ramanayake, and several [...]
SLIIT Codefest 2025 ends on successful note
The Faculty of Computing at SLIIT successfully concluded Codefest 2025, the 14th consecutive edition of its flagship national and international ICT competition, under the theme “Digital Evolution: Where Ideas Meet Innovation,” on September 4 at the campus premises. Held in line with the institute’s 25th Anniversary, Codefest 2025 brought together the nation’s brightest young innovators. [...]
Govt urged to invest in coconut
Sri Lanka’s coconut growers’ industry has requested the authorities to consider supporting the sectors’ smallholders with investment support – as a loan – to increase yields for the long term. This investment is recoverable and will help to improve the export income from the coconut industry, the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) President Jayantha [...]
Migration Debate in Australia
The recent anti-immigrant protests in Australia and the UK have sparked intense debate about migration policies and their impact on society. In Australia, thousands rallied in major cities, calling for stricter immigration controls, while some group often linked to far-right ideologies used the protests to voice more extreme views. Similarly, in the UK, over 150,000 [...]
The First AI Government Minister
FLORENCE – When Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently announced his new cabinet, it was not his choice of finance minister or foreign minister that gained the most attention. The biggest news was Rama’s appointment of an AI-powered bot as the new minister of public procurement. “Diella” will oversee and allocate all public tenders that [...]
Supreme Court launches e-Courts Project
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, in a historic step towards building a modern, transparent, and citizen-focused judiciary in collaboration with the Judicial Service Commission and the Ministry of Justice, recently officially launched the “e-Courts” Project, featuring a state-of-the-art Web Portal and an integrated e-Case Management System for all Court Houses. The ceremonial launch took place at [...]
NCE exporters call for urgent reforms
The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has submitted a comprehensive package of proposals for the upcoming National Budget, calling for bold reforms to strengthen the export sector, attract investment, and enhance Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness. The recommendations are the outcome of extensive consultations with NCE members and the chamber’s sectoral heads, ensuring [...]
New Rs.2000 note to be released to the public
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CB), which issued a Rs. 2000 circulated commemorative currency note on August 29 to mark its 75th Anniversary, is planning to release this currency to the public, the banking regulator said on Monday.. In order to facilitate the smooth acceptance and dispensation of the new note, Licensed Commercial Banks [...]
Capital Bar and Grill’s Steak and Wine Celebration
This September, the city’s dining scene reaches a new crescendo as Shangri-La Colombo unveils an indulgent celebration at its celebrated grill room. From September 19 to 28, Capital Bar and Grill hosts the Steak and Wine Affair — a decadent ode to timeless cuts, exquisite pairings, and evenings bathed in style, the hotel said in [...]
SEC mulling strategic changes for VC and UT listings
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering new rules to facilitate venture capital business, while amending the Unit Trust Code in the existing Act, to enable Unit Trust (UT) listings. SEC Chairman Harendra Dissabandara told The Sunday Times Business on Friday that the regulator is very positive in enabling start-ups and venture capital funds [...]
BOI reviewing its dispute resolution methods
The Board of Investment (BOI) is reviewing its dispute resolution clauses to adopt a three-tier ADR mechanism covering negotiation, mediation and arbitration, its chairman Arjuna Herath said recently. He was speaking at the third Regional ADR Symposium in Colombo hosted by the CCC–ICLP International ADR Centre (IADRC), in collaboration with the Commercial Law Development Programme [...]
Sampath Bank leads discourse on Sri Lanka’s recovery
Sri Lanka’s fragile yet recovering economy was placed under the spotlight at the Sampath Bank Economic Forum 2025, held recently at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. Themed “Sri Lanka at the Crossroads: Navigating Trade Turbulence, Currency Risk & the Global Reset”, organised exclusively for the bank’s trade, treasury and corporate customers. The event reinforced Sampath Bank’s commitment [...]
NDB’s Refinance Loan Scheme
NDB Bank, strengthening its commitment to sustainability and economic progress, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries, has introduced a special facility under the “E-Friends II” Refinance Loan Scheme dedicated to promoting solar adoption among Sri Lankan entrepreneurs. This initiative is designed to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable, enabling businesses to transition to [...]
Cinnamon Life’s generous rates for corporate events
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is redefining the way businesses meet and connect, with an exclusive weekday corporate package starting at just Rs. 9,000++ per person. Designed for companies looking to make the most of their Monday–Thursday schedules, this special MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) offer combines premium facilities, customisable experiences, and exceptional [...]
LOLC’s livestock insurance promotes Human-Leopard coexistence
The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), endemic to the island and with fewer than 1,000 mature individuals remaining in the wild, faces a precarious future as it struggles against habitat loss, prey depletion, snares, and retaliation killings. As a keystone species and a vital contributor to Sri Lanka’s ecosystems, eco-tourism, and national economy, its [...]
Disrupt Asia 2025 attracts global VCs
Sri Lanka’s start-up ecosystem is rapidly evolving, attracting significant regional and global interest, positioning the country as a burgeoning innovation hub in Asia. The participation of over 35 global investors and speakers at the Venture Engine Finale and the Disrupt Asia conference this week in Colombo was a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan start-ups to [...]
PA raises concerns over decision to import spices
Sri Lanka’s globally renowned spice industry, long celebrated for its authenticity, quality and heritage, is now confronting one of its most pressing challenges. The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has voiced grave concerns following the Government’s decision to permit the importation of spices under a new regulatory framework that grants “approved enterprise” status to selected [...]
EDB, Germany to expand cooperation
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and Germany’s Import Promotion Desk (IPD) will formalise their longstanding collaboration through a Cooperation Agreement, expanding support to Sri Lanka’s digital products and services sector alongside natural ingredients and processed foods. Since 2019, EDB and IPD have partnered to strengthen Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness, particularly in natural ingredients. [...]
AFC and WNPS PLANT in Conservation Partnership
A new chapter in Sri Lanka’s forest restoration journey begins with a landmark partnership between Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC) and Preserving Land and Nature (Guarantee) Ltd (PLANT). Formalised through a recent MoU, this multi-year collaboration integrates sustainability into AFC’s core products, supports the planting of 100,000 trees across PLANT sites, and initiates community programs [...]
AHRP, Sentiva, and Altrium signal new era of HR innovation
The Association of HR Professionals (AHRP), Sri Lanka’s leading HR body, has announced the signing of a three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sentiva, an AI-native HR platform covering every stage of the employee journey, and Altrium, a New York-headquartered software consultancy specialising in Generative AI solutions with its engineering center in Sri Lanka, the [...]
Leading brands partner CA Sri Lanka
A total of 28 leading brands, including Sri Lanka’s top corporates, have joined forces with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) to power the 46th National Conference of Chartered Accountants, the country’s largest annual business summit. Together, they champion innovation and professional excellence, united by a shared vision to advance [...]