By Prof. Samitha Hettige The Chola Empire in South India was at its peak by 2nd century BC & Elara rule in northern Sri Lanka indicated its strength (200 – 161 BC). Abhaya Gamani I (Dutu Gemunu) after defeating Elara united the island for the 1st time & ruled till 137 BC. The ‘Dutu Gemunu…
Sri Lanka’s stock market has suffered a significant setback, with over Rs. 1 trillion wiped off its value amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, triggering a wider regional crisis. The situation has not only destabilised the Middle…
By Felix Fernando, Chairman, Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has earned its place in the global market through consistency, trust, and a strong reputation for ethical manufacturing. Over many years, we have shown that Sri Lanka can deliver quality, compliance, and reliability at a level that global brands value. That foundation…
Sri Lanka’s economy recorded a 5.0% growth in 2025, with all key sectors contributing positively, according to the Department of Census and Statistics Sri Lanka. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices increased to Rs. 13,128,577 million in 2025, up from Rs. 12,508,954 million in 2024. At current prices, GDP rose by 8.8%…
Macrofinancial Conditions Domestic macrofinancial conditions strengthened further in 2025, supporting continued credit expansion, although external vulnerabilities remained a concern. Credit growth accelerated markedly, with total credit extended by banks and Finance Companies (FCs) rising by end‑2025. The financial sector’s exposure shifted further toward the private sector, driven by strong private sector credit growth, while exposure…
Sri Lanka recorded the highest number of tourist arrivals in history during the first two months of 2026, although tourism earnings declined during the same period, according to official data. Figures show that 277,327 tourists arrived in January 2026 while 279,328 visitors arrived in February, making them the two months with the highest tourist arrivals…
The Financial Intelligence Unit of Sri Lanka Releases the Executive Summary of the National Risk Assessment on Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation Financing – 2024/25 Sri Lanka has successfully completed the National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2024/25 on Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and Proliferation Financing (PF), in collaboration with a total of 86…
TTW Picks Best 50 Heritage Travel Destinations in the World for 2026 Travel and Tour World (TTW) has unveiled its new research, “50 heritage sites in the world for 2026,” highlighting the landmarks shaping the future of heritage tourism. Based on editorial research, historical significance, and the choices of 23 million readers, the list reflects the…
By Rachel Conlan, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Binance For decades, financial inclusion was measured in small wins: a bank account opened, a microloan disbursed, a woman added to the ledger. Those wins mattered. But in 2026, the question has fundamentally changed. We are no longer asking whether women can access the financial system. We…
The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has adversely impacted on the Sri Lankan tea industry as the exporters are unable to supply tea to the region. The exporters estimate the revenue loss at about $ 10-15 million per week. The exporters have orders in hand for supply of tea and it is the…
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