Ceylon Chamber Urges Review of Draft Laws to Protect Investor Confidence and GSP+ Access

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Ceylon Chamber Urges Review of Draft Laws to Protect Investor Confidence and GSP+ Access

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has called for a careful review of proposed national security and organised crime legislation, highlighting…

Japan Grants Rs. 4.56 Billion for Kelani River Pumping Project to Protect Businesses and Communities

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Japan Grants Rs. 4.56 Billion for Kelani River Pumping Project to Protect Businesses and Communities

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Japan has agreed to provide JPY 2.179 billion, approximately Rs. 4.56 billion, in grant assistance for a Kelani River pumping…

World Bank Forecasts 23% Rise in Commodity Prices as Energy and Food Costs Climb

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 4 min read
World Bank Forecasts 23% Rise in Commodity Prices as Energy and Food Costs Climb

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Global commodity prices are projected to increase by 23% in 2026, with rising energy costs, disrupted trade and threats to…

Colombo Stocks Rise as Banking and Telecom Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 2.2 Billion

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Rise as Banking and Telecom Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 2.2 Billion

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Colombo stock market indices closed higher, supported by price gains in Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Hatton National Bank, while…

Central Bank Names 27 Prohibited Scheme Entries, Warns Public Over Companies and Apps

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Central Bank Names 27 Prohibited Scheme Entries, Warns Public Over Companies and Apps

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has listed 27 entries covering companies, mobile applications and related entities determined to…

BIZ BREAKING

Ceylon Chamber Urges Review of Draft Laws to Protect Investor Confidence and GSP+ Access

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Ceylon Chamber Urges Review of Draft Laws to Protect Investor Confidence and GSP+ Access

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has called for a careful review of proposed national security and organised crime legislation, highlighting the need to safeguard investor confidence, business competitiveness and Sri Lanka’s continued access to European…

Sri Lanka Begins APG Review of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Framework

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 3 min read
Sri Lanka Begins APG Review of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Framework

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s third mutual evaluation by the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) has commenced, with assessors examining the country’s safeguards against financial crime, legal reforms and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for protecting the…

Asian Stocks Rally as Anthropic IPO Filing Revives AI Optimism Ahead of Major Earnings

Oct 27, 2026 2 days ago 2 min read
Asian Stocks Rally as Anthropic IPO Filing Revives AI Optimism Ahead of Major Earnings

COLOMBO, October 27, 2026 — Asian equity markets rallied on Tuesday as Anthropic’s US initial public offering filing renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence investments, ahead of major technology earnings and interest rate decisions from leading central banks. South Korea’s technology-heavy…

Lanka IOC and Sinopec Raise Octane 95 Petrol Prices by Rs. 20 to Rs. 495

Oct 26, 2026 3 days ago 1 min read
Lanka IOC and Sinopec Raise Octane 95 Petrol Prices by Rs. 20 to Rs. 495

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — Lanka IOC and Sinopec have increased their Octane 95 petrol prices by Rs. 20 per litre, bringing the revised selling price at both operators’ filling stations to Rs. 495. Lanka IOC’s increase took effect at…

BUSINESS

Japan Grants Rs. 4.56 Billion for Kelani River Pumping Project to Protect Businesses and Communities

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Japan Grants Rs. 4.56 Billion for Kelani River Pumping Project to Protect Businesses and Communities

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Japan has agreed to provide JPY 2.179 billion, approximately Rs. 4.56 billion, in grant assistance for a Kelani River pumping…

IMF Technology Chief Urges Strong Governance and Public Trust in AI-Driven Central Banking

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 2 min read
IMF Technology Chief Urges Strong Governance and Public Trust in AI-Driven Central Banking

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — Central banks adopting artificial intelligence must prioritise public trust, strong governance and human oversight, IMF Chief Information Officer Shirin Hamid…

LAUGFS Gas Explores Investment and Potential Stake Sale in Hambantota LPG Terminal

Oct 27, 2026 2 days ago 1 min read
LAUGFS Gas Explores Investment and Potential Stake Sale in Hambantota LPG Terminal

COLOMBO, October 27, 2026 — LAUGFS Gas PLC is exploring strategic options for its wholly owned subsidiary, LAUGFS Terminals Limited, including commercial partnerships, external investment…

Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Firms Explore Export and Technology Partnerships at CPHI Milan

Oct 26, 2026 3 days ago 3 min read
Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Firms Explore Export and Technology Partnerships at CPHI Milan

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — Five Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers participated in an exposure visit to CPHI Worldwide 2026 in Milan, seeking export opportunities, technology…

ECONOMY

World Bank Forecasts 23% Rise in Commodity Prices as Energy and Food Costs Climb

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 4 min read
World Bank Forecasts 23% Rise in Commodity Prices as Energy and Food Costs Climb

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Global commodity prices are projected to increase by 23% in 2026, with rising energy costs, disrupted trade and threats to…

Cabinet Clears US$100 Million ADB Loan Agreement for Economic Recovery Programme

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 2 min read
Cabinet Clears US$100 Million ADB Loan Agreement for Economic Recovery Programme

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — The Cabinet of Ministers has approved entering into a US$100 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to…

Sri Lanka’s Exports Reach US$13.6 Billion in Nine Months as September Sets Monthly Record

Oct 27, 2026 2 days ago 2 min read
Sri Lanka’s Exports Reach US$13.6 Billion in Nine Months as September Sets Monthly Record

COLOMBO, October 27, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s total export earnings reached US$13.612 billion during the first nine months of 2026, supported by a record monthly…

Vegetable Prices Rise Amid Rainy Weather; Tomatoes Reach Rs. 650 a Kilogram Wholesale

Oct 26, 2026 3 days ago 1 min read
Vegetable Prices Rise Amid Rainy Weather; Tomatoes Reach Rs. 650 a Kilogram Wholesale

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — Wholesale prices of several upcountry and low-country vegetables have risen sharply amid prevailing rainy weather, with tomatoes, capsicum and cabbage…

MARKETS

Colombo Stocks Rise as Banking and Telecom Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 2.2 Billion

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Rise as Banking and Telecom Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 2.2 Billion

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — Colombo stock market indices closed higher, supported by price gains in Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Hatton National Bank, while…

CSE Targets Record Rs. 200 Billion in Capital Raising as New Investment Products Take Shape

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 4 min read
CSE Targets Record Rs. 200 Billion in Capital Raising as New Investment Products Take Shape

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — Capital raised through the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) could reach a record Rs. 200 billion this year, Chief Executive Officer…

Colombo Stocks End Week Lower as ASPI Loses 2.5%; Daily Turnover Averages Rs. 972 Million

Oct 24, 2026 5 days ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks End Week Lower as ASPI Loses 2.5%; Daily Turnover Averages Rs. 972 Million

COLOMBO, October 24, 2026 — Colombo stocks ended the week in negative territory, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining by 2.5% and the…

Colombo Stocks End Lower as Crossings Account for 77.6% of Turnover

Oct 23, 2026 6 days ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks End Lower as Crossings Account for 77.6% of Turnover

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Colombo stock market indices closed lower as price declines in Distilleries, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata weighed on the…

NATION

Central Bank Names 27 Prohibited Scheme Entries, Warns Public Over Companies and Apps

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 2 min read
Central Bank Names 27 Prohibited Scheme Entries, Warns Public Over Companies and Apps

COLOMBO, October 29, 2026 — The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has listed 27 entries covering companies, mobile applications and related entities determined to…

President Orders Faster Completion of Katunayake Airport Capacity Expansion Projects

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 2 min read
President Orders Faster Completion of Katunayake Airport Capacity Expansion Projects

COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed officials to accelerate projects aimed at increasing passenger capacity and improving facilities at Katunayake…

Sri Lanka Navy Officer Honoured for Near-Perfect GPA and Awards at US Naval Postgraduate School

Oct 27, 2026 2 days ago 2 min read
Sri Lanka Navy Officer Honoured for Near-Perfect GPA and Awards at US Naval Postgraduate School

COLOMBO, October 27, 2026 — Sri Lanka Navy Lieutenant Commander Piyumi Kathriarachchi has been recognised for graduating with honours from the US Naval Postgraduate School,…

Norochcholai’s Second Generating Unit Shut for Maintenance; No Power Disruptions Expected

Oct 26, 2026 3 days ago 1 min read
Norochcholai’s Second Generating Unit Shut for Maintenance; No Power Disruptions Expected

COLOMBO, October 26, 2026 — The second generating unit at the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai has been taken offline for maintenance and repairs,…

world

Jio Surges 27% on Market Debut, Reaches US$137 Billion Valuation

Oct 29, 2026 6 hours ago 3 min read
Jio Surges 27% on Market Debut, Reaches US$137 Billion Valuation

MUMBAI, October 29, 2026 — Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio Platforms climbed approximately 27% on its Mumbai stock market debut on Wednesday, reaching a valuation of…

Luxury World Cruise Suspended in Cambodia as Soaring Fuel Costs Strand Passengers

Oct 28, 2026 1 day ago 2 min read
Luxury World Cruise Suspended in Cambodia as Soaring Fuel Costs Strand Passengers

PHNOM PENH, October 28, 2026 — Passengers aboard the luxury residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey have been left stranded in Cambodia after its US-based…

Bolsonaro’s Party Recognises Lula Victory as Trump Questions Brazil Election Without Evidence

Oct 27, 2026 2 days ago 3 min read
Bolsonaro’s Party Recognises Lula Victory as Trump Questions Brazil Election Without Evidence

BRASÍLIA, October 27, 2026 — The Liberal Party of defeated Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has recognised Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s runoff victory, even…

Lula Wins Brazil’s Presidential Runoff to Secure Fourth Term

Oct 26, 2026 3 days ago 1 min read
Lula Wins Brazil’s Presidential Runoff to Secure Fourth Term

BRASÍLIA, October 26, 2026 — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won reelection, defeating right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro in a presidential runoff, according…