The landscape of international travel for Indian passport holders is undergoing a transformation, courtesy the growing trend of relaxed visa policies across Southeast Asia. This shift is not only breaking down logistical barriers but also encouraging an increase in international travel, particularly to destinations that have recently simplified entry requirements. Data from digital platform Agoda reveals…
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first Artificial Intelligence-powered SME Credit Underwriting Solution, taking a transformative step in reshaping how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access credit and financial solutions. This custom-built AI platform, another breakthrough initiative by the country’s largest private sector bank, was fully developed as a…
The Joint Chambers of Commerce urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling charges…
A total of 1,204,046 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka so far this year, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in 2024, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated. Meanwhile, 36,002 foreign nationals visited Sri Lanka during the first six days of July. According to the SLTDA, a total of 8,053…
President Anura Kumara Disanayake Yesterday (08) emphasised the critical need to strengthen and digitalise the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to achieve Sri Lanka’s strategic digital economy objectives by 2030. The President made these remarks during a discussion held this afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat with representatives from the Inland Revenue Department, the Ministry of Digital…
President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a meeting Yesterday afternoon (08) at the Presidential Secretariat with senior officials of the Sri Lanka Customs Department. The discussion focused extensively on identifying solutions to challenges arising from the complexity of customs procedures. Attention was also drawn to the technological solutions implemented thus far as part of the department’s…
Sri Lanka is among the top three summer destinations for travel in July and August, according to the latest booking data of Emirates, the world’s biggest international airline. Emirates reports that Sri Lanka has seen a 32% increase in flight searches as a clear favourite for its rich cultural tapestry, pristine beaches, ‘tea country’ and…
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Nilupa Perera as the Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), effective 9th July 2025 succeeding Mr. Renuke Wijayawardhane, who retires after an outstanding 31-year career at the CSE. Ms. Perera, previously served as Senior Vice President – Broker Supervision and Listed Entity Compliance among…
A high-level delegation from the Federal Parliament of Nepal visited Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently to explore potential business opportunities and gain first-hand insight into the port’s infrastructure, strategic operations, and investment prospects. The visit was part of a broader initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and promote cross-border commercial partnerships. The delegation consisted of Secretary…
No decision has been made to restrict vehicle imports, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has emphasised. A senior official of the Central Bank stated that, contrary to certain media reports, there has been no exchange of letters or communication between the Central Bank and the Treasury regarding the restriction of vehicle imports. With…
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