Motor show in Colombo
The Ceylon Motor Show 2025 hosted by the Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association in partnership with the Classic Car Club of Ceylon opened at the BMICH, Colombo on Friday evening. To run till today, seen here is a media preview of the vehicles on Friday morning before the official opening. Pic by Akila Jayawardena
Regional plantations bow to Presidential diktat
Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have agreed to go ahead with the wage increase for estate workers as proposed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake subject to certain considerations as the industry faces a declining demand for tea. On October 12 at an estate workers’ rally in Bandarawela, the President promised to increase the daily wage to [...]
US flags bureaucratic failures in investment framework
Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) fails to act as a true “one-stop shop” for investors due to scrappy authority, lengthy approval processes, and poor communication, which undermines investor confidence, the US State Department’s 2025 Investment Climate Statement revealed. The report notes that despite the BOI’s role of investment promotion, its efforts are hampered by [...]
Billionaire Dammika Perera’s bold moves shake up CSE
Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera has been making waves in the Colombo stock market, actively collecting stakes in diversified, manufacturing, real estate, and finance sectors, while announcing ambitious plans to step into modern trade. Never before has the Colombo Stock Exchange seen such a blitzkrieg of acquisitions by a high-net-worth investor in a span of six [...]
5 SOEs to raise capital from CSE
Around five state-owned enterprises are gearing to raise capital through the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Treasury Officials told The Sunday Times Business that these entities are now in the process of cleaning the balance sheets and transferring their non-performing assets to a common entity. These entities have discussed a securitisation model with the relevant agencies. [...]
New board for IT, start-ups
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has plans to set up a dedicated board for the IT and start-up sectors. SEC Chairman Prof. Harendra Dissabandara stated that the regulator has broad plans to set up a dedicated board for the IT sector and start-ups. The SEC, along with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), launched the [...]
Complexity of budget-making
The margosa tree conversations have become an integral part of this column. Adding some spice and flavour has been Aldoris, the choon-paan karaya, whose music-blaring tuk-tuk of breakfast food wakes up the neighbourhood, with the young man getting involved in a lively conversation with the trio. Very often a topic, subject or view by the [...]
Global gold grab
Some people around the world are feeling happier today than they were just a few months ago. Why? Because their wealth—if held in gold—has grown faster than ever. You might be one of them too, especially if you owned gold or at least gold jewellery. I have written about gold price in this column a [...]
Government targets hidden wealth in anti-corruption drive
In a significant and bold move to end deep rooted corruption and recover plundered funds, the Sri Lankan government has launched an extensive operation in accordance with the newly enacted Proceeds of Crime Act No. 05 of 2025. The legislation is a landmark in the country’s ongoing battle against illegal enrichment by conferring the powers [...]
500-plus CDS accounts remain unopened for two months
More than 500 Central Depository Systems (CDS) accounts have not been opened by stockbrokers over the past two months, and the non-functioning Lanka Government Cloud has also aggravated this situation, adding to the backlog, top officials in the industry said. “This has happened for the past two months. When the account holders are not of [...]
Empowering Sri Lanka’s next generation of entrepreneurs
Across Asia, a quiet revolution is reshaping the global business map. From Seoul’s digital start-ups to Shenzhen’s smart manufacturing, and from Bengaluru’s tech corridors to Singapore’s innovation labs, entrepreneurship has become more than a career path – it is a national movement. These countries have proven that innovation, when strategically nurtured, can transform societies, create [...]
Top start-ups secure $160,000 in funding at First Capital Start-up event
The highly anticipated First Capital Start-up Nation by Hatch Demo Day lit up Colombo on October 1 as Sri Lanka’s brightest founders, investors, and ecosystem partners came together for a powerful evening of innovation, vision, and opportunity. Hosted at Hatch’s flagship space, the event marked a defining milestone in the country’s start-up journey, showcasing the [...]
“Licence Plate Delays Affect Over 165,000 New Vehicles”
With reference to the above article appearing in the Sunday Times Business on October 19, Access International has sent a response clarifying certain aspects of the article: In keeping with principles of fair reporting and the public’s right to know, we publish below their key claims and our detailed responses. 1. Reported backlog of number [...]
Slim Pharmaceuticals appoints Riza Cassim as CEO
Slim Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, part of Sri Lanka’s healthcare industry, has announced the appointment of Riza Cassim as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over three decades of experience across multinational pharmaceutical giants, Mr. Cassim brings a wealth of expertise, a proven track record of leadership, and a clear vision for the future of Slim [...]
Sri Lanka’s financial system stability strengthens, says CB Governor
Sri Lanka’s financial system has regained significant stability, marking a sharp turnaround from the crisis years, with improved fiscal discipline, stronger revenues, and steady economic growth driving confidence across markets, Central Bank (CB) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Thursday. Speaking in Colombo at the launch of the Financial Stability Review 2025, Dr. Weerasinghe said [...]
Emirates’ global recruitment drive for aircraft technicians in Colombo
Emirates, the world’s largest and most profitable international airline, is scouting for top-tier aircraft engineering and technical talent worldwide. The airline’s next official stop is Sri Lanka, where it is hosting information sessions in Colombo on November 4 and 5. The role aircraft technicians is based at the airline’s hub – the vibrant and dynamic [...]
First Capital joins partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF)
First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and a pioneering full-service investment institution, announced its official membership in the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), becoming the first capital markets institution in Sri Lanka to join this global initiative. This marks a significant step in First Capital’s sustainability journey, further deepening its [...]
LOLC Finance is Sri Lanka’s No. 1 NBFI Brand
LOLC Finance PLC has been ranked 14th overall, in the prestigious ‘Top 100 Most Valuable Brands of Sri Lanka’ and number one in the Non-Banking Financial Services (NBFI) sector list by Brand Finance. The brand valuation assessment revealed LOLC Finance achieved a brand rating of AA+, with a strong brand value of Rs. 11,528 million. [...]
Thermo Plastics enhances carbon sequestration
BAM Holdings Ltd, in remembrance of entrepreneur, philanthropist and its founder, late B. A. Mahipala’s on his 78th birth anniversary, planted 1,078 plants under the group motto of “Mother Earth is Our Sustenance”, recently. This included 1,000 Mee plants, 50 Ehela plants and 28 fruit plants which were planted in the premises of Sri Lanka [...]
Sri Lanka to host World Marketing Forum 2025
Hosting the World Marketing Forum )WMF) for the first time in Sri Lanka is “a testament to the nation’s capabilities, infrastructure, and expertise in the field”, said Prof. Jayantha Dewasiri, President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) last week, announcing the arrival next month of one of the world’s most influential gatherings of [...]
SEC’s strategic plan sees 24% completion
More than 24 per cent has been completed in the strategic plan launched by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) to transform its capital market, which includes major reforms like the demutualisation of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and the development of new products and markets such as corporate debt, collective investment [...]
Science of Calm Authority: Lessons on Leadership from the Field
When the Quietest Voice Leads the Loudest RoomIn every arena of leadership—from boardrooms to barracks, classrooms to corrals—the quietest voice often commands the greatest respect. This is no coincidence. It is the science of calm authority: a discipline rooted in behavioural understanding rather than dominance, in trust rather than tension. It is what separates leaders [...]
Sri Lanka needs to implement express tax legislation for Cryptocurrency
As Sri Lanka prepares for its Budget 2026, policymakers face a critical opportunity to address a growing gap in the country’s tax system: the absence of clear and enforceable tax laws for cryptocurrency transactions. Despite repeated warnings from the Central Bank (CB) about the risks associated with cryptocurrency, it remains neither illegal nor regulated just [...]
HUTCH partners with University of Sri Jayewardenepura
HUTCH has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Faculty of Computing (FoC), University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ), to provide undergraduates with hands-on exposure to real-world ICT operations, complementing their academic foundation with industry readiness. Under this partnership, undergraduates specialising in IT will have access to practical training across critical domains such [...]
Ogilvy’s ‘Cloud Coffee’ campaign featured on TikTok
Geometry Global, subsidiary of Ogilvy Sri Lanka in collaboration with Ogilvy Digital recently celebrated a milestone achievement as the first-ever case study from Sri Lanka to appear on the TikTok for Business website. The study spotlights Ogilvy Digital’s success in conceptualising Nescafé Sri Lanka’s ‘Cloud Coffee’ campaign—validating Sri Lanka’s advertising potential as a global benchmark, [...]
ComBank receives ‘Best Bank’ award in Washington
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon was formally presented the Global Finance ‘Best Bank in Sri Lanka’ award recently, at the magazine’s annual awards ceremony held, as customary, during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington DC. This was the 23rd year that Commercial Bank received this prestigious international accolade from Global Finance, the bank said [...]
Hayleys to compete with supermarket giants
Joining supermarket giants like Cargills (pioneers in this trade), Keells, Arpico, Laugfs and Glomark, Hayleys PLC is pursuing a strategic entry into the large-scale supermarket sector. In a statement this week, the group said it intends to commence operations with 100 outlets strategically located across key urban and suburban areas. The group’s entry into this [...]
Sri Lanka’s economic potential attracts investments
A Sri Lankan domiciled in Germany wants to invest in the country’s future economy as he eyes potential in the tourism, education and cuisine sectors by creating more jobs and strengthening ties between the two countries. Thushaan Kunabalasingam who is the Lead of the Ocean Cruise Line in North America of Livecookintable has been in [...]
NDB Bank excels at NBQSA 2025
National Development Bank PLC (NDB Bank) has earned two recognitions at the National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA) 2025, hosted by the BCS The Chartered Institute for IT (Sri Lanka Section). NDB’s Secure360 secured the Silver Award in the In-house Non-ICT Category for an innovative solution leveraging AI and ML to strengthen banks’ defence against [...]
SLI General reports strong 9mth performance for 2025
Sri Lanka Insurance General Ltd (SLICGL), the nation’s premier state-owned general insurer, has announced its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting solid growth and sustained profitability supported by improving market conditions and renewed consumer confidence. For the 9-month period, SLICGL recorded a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 21,853 million, [...]
Cement dust cloud threatens Hambantota communities
Severe dust pollution caused by transportation and handling of cement raw materials near the Hambantota Port has caused a public uproar, with locals accusing several companies of causing widespread environmental degradation and health risks. According to residents, raw materials such as clinker, gypsum, and cement-producing slag are being loaded, unloaded, and transported without confinement, releasing [...]
Sri Lanka must foster business growth and attract reputable investors
As Sri Lanka is committed to continuing its economic growth trajectory by leveraging foreign investments, collaboration between the government and the private sector is key to implement reforms and ensure growth. The current economic stabilisation and decrease in inflation are results of recent financial disciplines while the goal must be to foster business growth and [...]
EY on why accrual accounting matters for Sri Lanka?
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), has unveiled the 2025 Status Report of the International Public Sector Financial Accountability Index. This comprehensive report highlights significant advancements in public sector financial reporting, particularly focusing on [...]
Veteran insurer Nihal Senaratne honoured by CII UK
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) of London has honoured Nihal Senaratne, Chairman of Senaratne Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd, for his extraordinary contribution to the global insurance profession. The accolade, believed to be the first of its kind issued by the CII, was presented in Colombo by senior CII officials, Ms. Holly Porter, Executive Director (Market [...]
Sri Lanka Insurance Life maintains growth trajectory
Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) has recorded an impressive performance for the nine months ending September 30, 2025, reflecting the company’s exceptional business strength and resilience. The company posted a profit before taxation of Rs. 23.9 billion, marking an 11 per cent growth, while achieving a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 23.6 billion, [...]
Kedella launches new website
Kedella Enterprises, a company in the housing construction sector, recently unveiled its official website to make the homebuilding process more convenient and accessible for customers. The launch took place on October 15 in Colombo marking a key milestone for the ISO 9001:2015–certified company, which was also recognised with the Iconic Award for excellence in quality [...]