Category: Business and Economy

A special discussion has been held to expedite the finalisation of the India-Sri Lanka Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) planned for the development of the Kankesanthurai Port (KKS) with the assistance of the Indian Government. The discussion was held yesterday (3) at the Ministry premises under the leadership of Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation,…

While the Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) demonstrated a broad-based recovery in August, with both key indices moving upwards, crossings made up 61.5% of the Rs 68.4 billion monthly turnover indicating thinner liquidity within the market, SenFin Securities’ Monthly Equity Report for August said. “Activity was concentrated, 95 crossings accounted for 61.5%…

Sri Lanka welcomed 191,704 international tourists in August 2026, with India continuing to dominate the tourism market, according to the latest figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). According to the SLTDA, India topped with 47,253 arrivals, representing around 25% of all tourists who visited Sri Lanka during the month, while The…

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation, People’s Bank has launched a pioneering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at minimizing elephant–train collisions in Sri Lanka. The project, fully funded by People’s Bank, is implemented in collaboration with Clean Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Railways, the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of…

The  Government is taking measures to increase Sri Lanka’s annual export revenue from the gem and  jewellery industry to US$ 3 billion and transform Ratnapura into a major global gem trading hub, Deputy Minister of Industry Chathuranga Abeysinghe said. The Deputy Minister made these observations while participating in the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Research Symposium 2026, held at…

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently announced that it is taking forward Creative Sri Lanka 2030, an ambitious national programme designed to turn the country’s craft heritage into globally competitive, commercially viable and recognisable brands. The initiative builds on the foundations established during its earlier pilot phase and is now being expanded through…

Sri Lanka and Italy have explored new avenues to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, with particular emphasis on attracting Italian investment into emerging sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Damiano Francovigh and Deputy Head of Mission Alberto Arcidiacono met Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe on…

Gets uninterrupted electricity, Rs 900 Mn new RO plant and Rs 235 Mn passenger craft The government was now taking several steps to construct  infrastructure, uplift public transport, water supply,  education, health and other important sectors in the Delft Island, P Prabhakaran, Divisional Secretary, Delft Island told the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and media team…

Sampath Bank PLC participated at the Wayamba Motor Show & Kedalla Trade Fair Kurunegala 2026, reinforcing its commitment to enabling vehicle ownership and supporting Sri Lanka’s evolving mobility landscape. The two-day motor exhibition, organised by Elite Ventures Pvt Ltd, was held recently at Udawalpola Ground, Kurunegala and attracted over 100,000 visitors, drawing automobile enthusiasts, prospective…

Seylan Bank recently conducted an SME Scale-Up Programme for farmers in Tissamaharama, equipping participants with the financial management knowledge, business insights and banking solutions needed to strengthen and sustainably expand their agricultural enterprises. Held at Hotel Niwahana, the programme brought together nearly 200 farmers from across the Southern Province, providing a platform for participants to…