Export sector to benefit from lower input costs- World Bank
The ongoing and planned trade reforms, including the gradual removal of para-tariffs, could improve competitiveness and increase household consumption by around 3.1%, with stronger gains for lower-income households, the World Bankโs April 2026 South Asia Economic Update release on Friday(8) said. The planned import duty cuts would be steepest among the emerging export industries of…
Proposal to establish โGem Bankโ to make Lanka richest country in world
A special proposal has been submitted to make Sri Lanka the richest country in the world, based on the gem resources it possesses. The Chairman of the All Ceylon Gem Miners and Dealers Association, Dr. Thilakasiri Vitarana, has submitted this proposal to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently. The main point of this proposal is to…
ASPI declines by 52 points
Renewed tensions in the Middle East weighed negatively on the Colombo Bourse alongside rising global oil prices. The ASPI declined by 52 points during yesterdayโs session, reversing the early gains recorded at the opening and ultimately closing at 23,012, while the S&P SL20 fell by 19 points to settle at 6,300. CINS, JKH, COMB, DFCC…
Nemantha Abeysinghe joins WEBXPAY Board as Non-Executive Director
Sri Lankaโs fast-growing fintech sector received another boost after WEBXPAY Ltd appointed corporate leader Nemantha Nilhan Abeysinghe as an Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board. Abeysinghe brings more than 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, finance, strategy and business development, having served in senior positions in both local and international organisations. His appointment is…
RTS Holdingsโ Hidellana and Avissawella tea factories get Zero Carbon Manufacturing Certification
RTS Holdings has reached a significant milestone in Sri Lankaโs tea industry with its Hidellana and Avissawella Tea Factories being awarded the prestigious Zero Carbon Manufacturing Certification by The Sustainable Future Group, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable tea production. The certification, granted to Avissawella Tea Factory (Private) Limited, and recognizes the factoryโs successful transition to…
Importance of inclusive economic growth and trade-driven development stressed
Executive Director of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, stressed the importance of inclusive economic growth and trade-driven development while addressing the International Conference on โPoverty and Development in times of crisisโ in Colombo yesterday (08). Addressing the conference, Prof. Abeyratne emphasized that sustainable development depends not only on economic expansion but…
A full-power authority to straighten out failing businesses
Several ministries and institutions are to jointly establish a full-power authority to carry out regulatory work related to the revival of failing businesses. One representative each from the Ministries of Finance, Justice and Trade, a representative from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka, a representative each from the Registrar of Companies, the Commissioner…
โMaldives open, ambitious and ready to partnerโ
The Maldives currently runs a trade deficit with Sri Lanka of over $166 million. While this reflects the strong presence of Sri Lankan goods in the Maldivian market, it also signals an opportunity to deepen and rebalance the partnership through greater two-way trade, targeted investments and high-impact joint ventures, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Economic Development…
Peopleโs Bank supports National QR Payment Adoption Programme
Marking a significant milestone in Sri Lankaโs digital transformation journey, the National QR Payment Adoption Programme was recently launched with the objective of accelerating the countryโs transition towards a cash-lite economy. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on physical currency by promoting the widespread use of QR-based digital payments, enabling individuals and businesses to conduct…
Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives expo to be held in Sept.
Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 will take place from 7th to 9th September 2026 at the Manhattan Grand Hotel, bringing together global brands, regional suppliers, and key decision-makers from across the hospitality and tourism sectors. Recognized as the Maldivesโ largest and most influential international hospitality exhibition, FHAM continues to serve as a key platform…