Category: Business and Economy

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…

Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe yesterday (21) called on BIMSTEC member states to strengthen regional tourism cooperation through improved connectivity, integrated tourism products and sustainable development, saying no country could fully realise its tourism potential in isolation. Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 4th Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of…

Amãna Bank continued its strong profitability momentum by nearly doubling its profits in Q3 to reach a YTD PBT of LKR 2.7 billion (39% YoY) and PAT of LKR 1.6 billion (44% YoY), setting a new record by achieving the Bank’s 2024 full-year PBT in 9 months. During Q3,PBTsoaredby 91% YoY to LKR 1.2 billion…

Reaffirming its commitment to empowering future generations through education, Seylan Bank recently opened its 293rd Pahasara Library at Ranpokunugama Maha Vidyalaya, Ranpokunugama, marking another significant milestone in the Bank’s journey towards establishing 300 Pahasara Libraries across Sri Lanka. The library was opened in the presence of Ajith Wijesundara Deputy Zonal Director Western Province; Chamila Withana Area Manager West Region…

The People’s Bank Okanda Dansel Committee – Ampara conducted its 25th Annual Dansel Programme on July 17, at the entrance to Kumana National Park in support of devotees undertaking the sacred Kataragama Pada Yatra. The programme was graced by the participation of Prof. Narada Fernando, Chairman of People’s Bank. Among those in attendance were K.M.P.P. Kulathunga (Regional Manager…

The Sri Lanka Excise Department has recorded a significant 32.2% increase in revenue within just nine months following the implementation of a new digital security sticker system for locally manufactured liquor. Total revenue during this period reached Rs. 124.6 billion, a surge attributed to the digital system’s ability to recover taxes that previously went unpaid.…

Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, VietJet, launched its inaugural direct flight service between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh Cityon Saturday (18), strengthening air connectivity between Sri Lanka and Vietnam while opening new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. The new service, which commenced on July 18, is expected to facilitate greater travel between the two countries…

Sampath Bank PLC was recognised at the Sumathi Awards 2026, with the digital commercial created for its flagship CSR initiative, Wewata Jeewayak, earning Runner-Up honours in the Digital Commercial Awards category. The commercial highlighted the resilience of Sri Lanka’s farming communities while drawing attention to the importance of preserving the nation’s agricultural heritage and sustaining…