By Dilani Hirimuthugodage Geographical Indications (GI) can unlock higher export earnings by leveraging origin‑based values in tea, spices, and other agricultural products. GIs enhance global recognition, secure premium prices, and access niche markets through branding and value addition. Targeted GI reforms are essential to build a more resilient, value‑driven export economy. With Sri Lanka’s export…
Sri Lanka’s headline inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), saw a significant acceleration in April 2026, reaching 5.4% on a year-on-year basis. This follows a recorded inflation rate of 2.2% in March 2026, marking a sharp upward trend as the second quarter begins. According to the latest data from the Department…
Sri Lanka reaffirmed its position as a premier destination for boutique and luxury tourism at the B2B Luxury Connect Sri Lanka 2026, held at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenepura. Organized for the seventh consecutive year by Boutiques in Sri Lanka, the event brought together more than 300 boutique hotel properties, alongside international travel agents, hoteliers,…
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, announced that its 5G network has surpassed 1,000 live sites, marking a major milestone in the rapid expansion of next-generation mobile connectivity across the island. The milestone reflects Dialog’s continued progress in line with rollout commitments set by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), with…
Ambassador of Sri Lanka engages in discussions with the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce to enhance trade and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Egypt Ambassador Sisira Senavirathne held discussions with Chairman and Board of Directors of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Ahmed El-Wakeel, on 05 April 2026 at the…
Profit before Income Tax – LKR 4.5 Bn up by 8.31% Profit after Tax – LKR 2.9 Bn up by 5.25% Total Assets reach LKR 943 Bn Return on Equity (ROE) of 14.39% Impaired Loans (Stage 3) Ratio at 1.01% The Bank recorded a Profit Before Income Tax (PBT) of LKR 4,548 Mn in Q1…
Building on its 2025 performance, during which the Bank doubled its bottom-line Union Bank has commenced 2026 with strong momentum, reinforcing its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing commercial banks in the country. The 1Q 2026 results reflect a sharp acceleration in core earnings, driven by solid gains in profitability and revenue. Profit Before Tax…
BBC – Oil prices have climbed sharply following reports that the US is preparing for an ‘extended’ blockade of Iran. Brent crude rose to around $115 (£85) a barrel on Wednesday, having closed at just over $110 (£81) on Tuesday evening. The price had fallen slightly to $114.37 (£84.68) just before midday BST. It follows…
Sampath Bank PLC continues to transform Sri Lanka’s banking landscape through the introduction of a fully integrated, AI-driven lending ecosystem, reinforcing its leadership in intelligent, data-led financial solutions. This marks one of the first comprehensive AI-driven lending frameworks in Sri Lanka, enabling seamless, paper-light loan approvals within seconds while setting a new benchmark for speed,…
In a move to significantly bolster its domestic production capabilities, Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC has officially entered into a Sale Purchase Agreement to acquire the factory premises of ACME Printing and Packaging PLC. The agreement, executed on April 28, 2026, involves the purchase of the premises located at Assessment No. 345, Gonamadiththa Road, Piliyandala. The…
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