Category: Business and Economy

Cumulative export earnings from several key sectors recorded strong growth during the first half of 2026, with coconut-based products, rubber-based products, processed food & beverages, electrical & electronic components, and seafood recording year-on-year increases of 14.59%, 5.24%, 24.45%, 123.48%, and 17.61%, respectively, compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The broad-based growth across these sectors…

Sri Lanka must increasingly focus on value addition, premium branding, innovation, and product diversification to maximise the value of every kilogram of tea produced and strengthening branded Ceylon Tea would generate higher export earnings, improve the livelihoods of producers and smallholders, and further enhance Sri Lanka’s reputation as the global benchmark for premium-quality tea,  Colombo…

HNB PLC has partnered with Lanka Commercial Trading (Pvt) Ltd to offer exclusive leasing solutions for Yanmar and Solis tractors and Samurai Naca harvesters. The partnership, brings together one of Sri Lanka’s leading private sector banks and a trusted supplier of world renowned agricultural machinery to provide farmers with greater access to advanced equipment, attractive…

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again underscored its standing as one of Sri Lanka’s most formidable financial institutions, winning six awards – the highest number won by a Sri Lankan bank at the 2026 Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards in Singapore – across three key segments. Presented at the Marina Bay Sands…

People’s Bank relocated its Vaharai Service Centre, further strengthening its commitment to providing convenient, accessible, and modern banking services to the people of Vaharai. The newly relocated Service Centre, operating under the People’s Bank Valaichenai Branch, offers improved facilities together with a wide range of banking services, including digital banking solutions, Business Loans, SME Loans…

Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India and Sri Lanka), in partnership with the High Commission of Malaysia in Colombo, organised the ‘Wonders of Malaysia Showcase 2026’, at Hotel Kingsbury, Colombo. The event, held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026), brought together more than 60 leading travel agents, airline representatives and media partners from Sri Lanka…

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), together with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has launched ‘A Share for Everyone, A Unit for Everyone’ (Samata Kotasak, Samata Ekakayak) initiative at investor forums in Monaragala and Batticaloa last week as part of an ongoing island-wide initiative to broaden investor participation. The forums attracted over…

by strong growth in both merchandise and services exports, according to the latest figures released by the Export Development Board (EDB). Combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$ 9.01 billion during January-June 2026, recording an 8% year-on-year increase compared with the corresponding period last year. Merchandise exports grew by 8.95% to US$ 7.07…

National Development Bank PLC (NDB/ the Bank) announced its financial results for the six-months ended June 30, 2026 (1H 2026/ period under review), as released to the Colombo Stock Exchange on July 22, 2026. Despite the challenges arising from the fraud uncovered in April 2026, the Bank delivered healthy results, driven by strong core banking…

Toastmasters District 82, Division I commenced its programme calendar for the year with the Club Officer Training Programme (COTP) and COOL. (Club Officer Outbound Learning), held on 18 July 2026 at MAS Athena, Thulhiriya Designed to equip club officers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to lead effectively, the programme brought together Toastmasters from…