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Ministry of Finance data confirms Bank’s dominant contribution to national SME credit in 2024, accounting for more than 30% of total loan value The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again emerged as the country’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retaining its position for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Ministry…
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HNB Joins Hayleys Fentons to Boost EV Adoption Through Flexible Leasing Solutions HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s most trusted private bank, has joined Hayleys Fentons to power Sri Lanka’s EV transition with attractive and accessible financial solutions. The partnership, announced on 29 October 2025 in Colombo, to deliver tailored financing, insurance benefits, and life…
Nihon Kohden Singapore, a leading global medical device manufacturer from Japan, together with its local partner Hemas Surgicals and Diagnostics Limited, introduced the Cereb Air, a next-generation EEG monitoring solution, at the Annual Scientific Conference of the Sri Lanka College of Emergency Physicians (SLCEP). The event, held recently in Colombo, brought together leading emergency medicine…
The Malta High Commission in New Delhi and VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, have announced the launch of the Malta Visa Application Centre in Colombo. Inaugurated on 3 December 2025 by H.E. Mr Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and…
The International Conference on Advancements in Computing, ICAC 2025, successfully concluded on the ninth and tenth of December at Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Held under the theme The Future of Computing AI, Quantum and Beyond, the event brought together leading academics, industry experts, and early career researchers for two days of rich dialogue…
Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC (Lion) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community partnerships through its flood response efforts and ongoing work to build long-term flood resilience and community support in Biyagama, home to the Company’s core operations. During the recent floods along the Kelani River, Lion supported the Biyagama community throughout the emergency response and recovery…
JAT Holdings PLC marked another important milestone in its long-term commitment to uplifting Sri Lanka’s painter community, as the 3rd edition of its flagship development initiative, JAT Pintharu Abhiman concluded with the eighth and final workshop held in Colombo, reinforcing JAT’s sustained investment in professionalising and empowering the painter ecosystem. This year alone, the programme…
Recognised as ‘ICT Exporter of the Year’ for the fourth consecutive year alongside ‘Innovative Export Service of the Year’ for SAGE Sysco LABS has been honoured with the award for Exporter of the Year in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) category for the fourth consecutive year, strengthening its position as a leader in Sri…
The 40th edition of Colombo Shopping Festival was successfully inaugurated by Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, the Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels with the participation of event partners and exhibitors. Organized by Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions, the Christmas Edition is now taking place at the BMICH, Colombo, and will continue for 10 days from 12th…
Charles Sturt University is expanding its international presence with a new campus in Sri Lanka, opening doors for students to access globally recognised Australian qualifications closer to home. The campus will be delivered in partnership with Prospects Education. Students will initially be offered courses in business and early childhood education, with disciplines such as information technology, psychology, engineering and health earmarked for future expansion. The…
ITC Ratnadipa announces the launch of Shifu’s Apprentice, an exclusive à la carte dining experience led by Chef Liang and his apprentice, Chef Prithvi, taking place at Yi Jing from 10th to 21st December 2025, from 6.30 PM onwards. Shifu’s Apprentice draws its inspiration from the traditional master–student relationship at the heart of classical Chinese…
Top News
Working with organisations under Dubai Humanitarian, over 100 tonnes of relief aid will be deployed across Emirates’ daily flights to Sri Lanka First flight departed this week, carrying high-energy food items for WFP Emirates and Dubai Humanitarian have established an airbridge to Sri Lanka, transporting urgent relief aid to support those affected by the devastating…
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), together with the International Trade Centre (ITC), Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), recently launched the second phase of the Global Textile and Clothing Programme (GTEX2) in Sri Lanka. The initiative, implemented from 2024 to 2027, aims to enhance…
Aitken Spence Travels marked a significant milestone with the handling of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s first call to the ports of Colombo & Galle, on the 14th & 15th of December 2025. This inaugural visit reflects Aitken Spence’s ongoing efforts to introduce world renowned, ultra-luxury cruise brands to Sri Lanka, elevating the country’s profile within…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has upgraded its economic growth forecasts for Sri Lanka in its December 2025 Asian Development Outlook (ADO), highlighting a robust recovery driven by strong private sector credit expansion, buoyant consumption, and improved investor confidence. However, the report cautions that Sri Lanka’s growth prospects may be dampened by the impact of…
The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development has initiated discussions on the Industry Recovery Foster Program (IRFP) and the Industry Development Foster Program (IDFP) to expedite the revival of large scale manufacturing industries affected by Cyclone “Ditwah”. The discussion, held recently at the Ministry, brought together leading Sri Lankan corporates under a public-private partnership framework,…
Sri Lanka recorded USD 673.4 million in workers’ remittances in November 2025, according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Cumulative inflows from January to November 2025 reached USD 7.19 billion, marking a 20.7% increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024.
L B Finance PLC has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in the Philippines, marking the company’s latest step in expanding its regional footprint. In a corporate disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange, the company said the Director of the Department of Supervision of Non-Bank…
Colombo West International Terminal (Private) Limited (CWIT) has made a financial contribution of Rs. 100 million to the government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The cheque was handed over this afternoon (12) at the Presidential Secretariat to Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, by…
Analysis
By Dr Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) The Ditwah Cyclone ranks second only to the December 2004 Tsunami in terms of damage to housing in Sri Lanka’s recent history. According to the government’s Disaster Management Centre, as of 9th December 2025, 86,488 houses were partially or fully…
Human civilization is at the dawn of a multi polar world rising with new leaders. Among them China is paramount & its Belt & Road Initiative (BRI – 21st Century Silk Road) is networking others such as Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Germany & India etc. Some were shocked & critical after seeing Chinese armed forces…
By Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa and Chandula Idirisinghe Cyclone Ditwah destroyed early-stage Maha season paddy, vegetables, and perennial crops, disrupting both current and upcoming harvests. Together, rising prices, lower production, and declining purchasing power are likely to intensify food insecurity and further undermine nutrition. Restoring transport links, supporting farmers to replant, protecting vulnerable households and strengthening…
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