Colombo Stocks Fall After Budget Presentation; ASPI Drops 133 Points

Nov 14, 2026 2 days ago 1 min read
Colombo Stocks Fall After Budget Presentation; ASPI Drops 133 Points

COLOMBO, November 14, 2026 — Sri Lankan stocks closed lower on November 13, a day after the Government presented its 2027 Budget proposals, with the…

Hayleys Reports US$1 Billion First-Half Revenue Milestone as Pre-Tax Profit Rises 49%

Nov 14, 2026 2 days ago 3 min read
Hayleys Reports US$1 Billion First-Half Revenue Milestone as Pre-Tax Profit Rises 49%

COLOMBO, November 14, 2026 — Hayleys PLC reported consolidated revenue from continuing operations of Rs. 358 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2026,…

Colombo Stocks Close Higher as Turnover Tops Rs. 3 Billion

Nov 13, 2026 2 days ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Close Higher as Turnover Tops Rs. 3 Billion

COLOMBO, November 13, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange closed higher, supported by price gains in Sri Lanka Telecom, Distilleries and Dialog Axiata, with turnover…

SEC Welcomes Budget 2027 Measures to Broaden Capital Market Access for Students and SMEs

Nov 13, 2026 2 days ago 2 min read
SEC Welcomes Budget 2027 Measures to Broaden Capital Market Access for Students and SMEs

COLOMBO, November 13, 2026 — The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has welcomed two Budget 2027 proposals aimed at expanding investor participation…

ComBank Group Nine-Month Income Rises 18.9% to Rs. 318.8 Billion; Profit Reaches Rs. 52.2 Billion

Nov 13, 2026 3 days ago 4 min read
ComBank Group Nine-Month Income Rises 18.9% to Rs. 318.8 Billion; Profit Reaches Rs. 52.2 Billion

COLOMBO, November 13, 2026 — Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group reported gross income of Rs. 318.79 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2026,…

Budget 2027 Targets Rs. 6.18 Trillion in Revenue and Grants, Deficit at 4.5% of GDP

COLOMBO, November 13, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s 2027 Budget estimates total government revenue and grants at Rs. 6,180 billion, with…

BIZ BREAKING

Sri Lanka’s Official Reserves Top US$7 Billion in October, Rising 3.2%

Nov 7, 2026 1 week ago 1 min read
Sri Lanka’s Official Reserves Top US$7 Billion in October, Rising 3.2%

COLOMBO, November 7, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets rose to US$7.086 billion at the end of October 2026, crossing the US$7 billion threshold again, according to the latest Central Bank statistics. Reserves increased by US$219 million from US$6.867…

Port City Colombo FinTech Dialogue Calls for Two-Year Growth Roadmap

Nov 6, 2026 1 week ago 2 min read
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COLOMBO, November 6, 2026 — A high-level dialogue at Port City Colombo has highlighted the need for a two-year actionable roadmap to develop its FinTech sector and attract regional and international businesses seeking a base for expansion. The discussion opened…

Plantation Sector Calls for Longer Leases and Investment Reforms as Costs Rise and Output Falls

Nov 6, 2026 1 week ago 5 min read
Plantation Sector Calls for Longer Leases and Investment Reforms as Costs Rise and Output Falls

COLOMBO, November 6, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s plantation sector faces growing pressure to secure long-term investment as rising production costs, declining output and the approaching expiry of regional plantation company leases weaken the commercial case for replanting and modernisation. With…

ASPI Surges 478 Points as CSE Turnover Tops Rs. 2 Billion in First Hour

Nov 5, 2026 2 weeks ago 1 min read
ASPI Surges 478 Points as CSE Turnover Tops Rs. 2 Billion in First Hour

COLOMBO, November 5, 2026 — Stocks rallied at the Colombo Stock Exchange during the first hour of trading today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) gaining 478 points, or 2.33%, as turnover exceeded Rs. 2 billion. The S&P SL20…

BUSINESS

Dialog Nine-Month Profit Jumps 92% to Rs. 28.5 Billion; Digital Investment Reaches Rs. 27.4 Billion

Nov 11, 2026 4 days ago 3 min read
Dialog Nine-Month Profit Jumps 92% to Rs. 28.5 Billion; Digital Investment Reaches Rs. 27.4 Billion

COLOMBO, November 11, 2026 — Dialog Axiata PLC reported a 92% increase in Group net profit after tax to Rs. 28.5 billion for the nine…

Fitch Upgrades Commercial Bank to ‘AA(lka)’ Following National Rating Scale Recalibration

Nov 9, 2026 7 days ago 3 min read
Fitch Upgrades Commercial Bank to ‘AA(lka)’ Following National Rating Scale Recalibration

COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — Fitch Ratings has upgraded Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘AA(lka)’ from ‘AA-(lka)’, effective October 30, 2026,…

HIPG and Al-Futtaim Logistics Explore Stronger Gulf Vehicle Links and Port Investment Opportunities

Nov 8, 2026 1 week ago 3 min read
HIPG and Al-Futtaim Logistics Explore Stronger Gulf Vehicle Links and Port Investment Opportunities

COLOMBO, November 8, 2026 — Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and Al-Futtaim Logistics have explored expanding their business relationship, including vehicle shipping links to Gulf…

John Keells Forum Explores Property and Equity Investment Strategies for Long-Term Wealth

Nov 7, 2026 1 week ago 3 min read
John Keells Forum Explores Property and Equity Investment Strategies for Long-Term Wealth

COLOMBO, November 7, 2026 — John Keells Properties and John Keells Stock Brokers brought together real estate, capital markets and wealth management professionals at ‘The…

ECONOMY

Higher Wages, Lower Living Standards: Sri Lanka’s Real Take-Home Pay, 2017–2026

Nov 8, 2026 1 week ago 4 min read
Higher Wages, Lower Living Standards: Sri Lanka’s Real Take-Home Pay, 2017–2026

COLOMBO, November 8, 2026 — Formal-sector gross wages, on the EPF-based index, rose 131.8% between January 2017 and March 2026, ahead of the 114.9% rise…

LAUGFS Seeks Temporary Hambantota Terminal Access as Three LPG Shipments Due in November

Nov 4, 2026 2 weeks ago 3 min read
LAUGFS Seeks Temporary Hambantota Terminal Access as Three LPG Shipments Due in November

COLOMBO, November 4, 2026 — LAUGFS Gas PLC has requested three months of temporary permission to supply the domestic LPG market through its Hambantota terminal,…

CPC Raises Petrol and Diesel Prices; Lanka IOC Matches Two Fuel Rates

Nov 2, 2026 2 weeks ago 1 min read
CPC Raises Petrol and Diesel Prices; Lanka IOC Matches Two Fuel Rates

COLOMBO, November 2, 2026 — The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has increased petrol and diesel prices, effective from midnight on November 1, while leaving kerosene…

Apparel Exports Rise 3.47% in September, but Nine-Month Earnings Remain 5.52% Lower

Oct 30, 2026 2 weeks ago 3 min read
Apparel Exports Rise 3.47% in September, but Nine-Month Earnings Remain 5.52% Lower

COLOMBO, October 30, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s apparel exports increased by 3.47% year-on-year to US$416.99 million in September, supported by stronger shipments to the United…

MARKETS

EPF Equity Portfolio Valued at Rs. 204.94 Billion, More Than Double Investment Cost

Nov 6, 2026 1 week ago 1 min read
EPF Equity Portfolio Valued at Rs. 204.94 Billion, More Than Double Investment Cost

COLOMBO, November 6, 2026 — The Employees’ Provident Fund’s (EPF) listed equity portfolio reached a market value of Rs. 204.94 billion as of June 30,…

Colombo Stocks Close Higher as Banking Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 3.9 Billion

Nov 5, 2026 1 week ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Close Higher as Banking Gains Lift Turnover Above Rs. 3.9 Billion

COLOMBO, November 5, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange’s benchmark indices closed higher, supported by gains in Commercial Bank, Dialog Axiata and Hatton National Bank,…

Colombo Stocks Rise as Dialog, Overseas Realty and Hayleys Lead Gains; Turnover Tops Rs. 1.5 Billion

Nov 4, 2026 2 weeks ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Rise as Dialog, Overseas Realty and Hayleys Lead Gains; Turnover Tops Rs. 1.5 Billion

COLOMBO, November 4, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange’s benchmark indices closed higher, supported by price gains in Dialog Axiata, Overseas Realty and Hayleys, with…

ASPI Falls 10.97% in Ten Months as October Wipes Rs. 441 Billion Off Market Value

Nov 2, 2026 2 weeks ago 1 min read
ASPI Falls 10.97% in Ten Months as October Wipes Rs. 441 Billion Off Market Value

COLOMBO, November 2, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) declined by 10.97% during the first ten months of 2026, while the…

NATION

CBSL Clarifies EY Remains Eligible to Audit Licensed Banks

Nov 11, 2026 5 days ago 1 min read
CBSL Clarifies EY Remains Eligible to Audit Licensed Banks

COLOMBO, November 11, 2026 — The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has clarified that Ernst & Young, Sri Lanka (EY) remains eligible to audit…

Industry Minister raises performance-based reward scheme with President as productivity competition returns after five-year gap

Nov 11, 2026 5 days ago 2 min read
Industry Minister raises performance-based reward scheme with President as productivity competition returns after five-year gap

COLOMBO, November 11, 2026 — Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti has called for a KPI-based incentive scheme to reward measurable gains in…

EDB Recognises Sri Lanka Expo 2027 Partners Ahead of Major International Trade Exhibition

Nov 9, 2026 6 days ago 2 min read
EDB Recognises Sri Lanka Expo 2027 Partners Ahead of Major International Trade Exhibition

COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recognised local and international organisations supporting Sri Lanka Expo 2027 at a ceremony…

Passenger Drone Test Flights Begin at Colombo Port City Ahead of November 11 Demonstration

Nov 8, 2026 1 week ago 2 min read
Passenger Drone Test Flights Begin at Colombo Port City Ahead of November 11 Demonstration

COLOMBO, November 8, 2026 — Passenger drones are undergoing test flights at Colombo Port City ahead of an official demonstration on November 11, as Sri…

world

IMF Chief Warns AI Slowdown Could Complicate Central Banks’ Inflation Fight

Nov 8, 2026 1 week ago 2 min read
IMF Chief Warns AI Slowdown Could Complicate Central Banks’ Inflation Fight

WASHINGTON, November 8, 2026 — Central banks must account for any slowdown in growth driven by artificial intelligence investment when assessing how to tackle persistent…

Nasdaq 100 Loses US$2.5 Trillion as Democrat Election Gains Deepen AI Investment Fears

Nov 6, 2026 1 week ago 3 min read
Nasdaq 100 Loses US$2.5 Trillion as Democrat Election Gains Deepen AI Investment Fears

NEW YORK, November 6, 2026 — A sharp selloff in technology stocks erased US$2.5 trillion from the Nasdaq 100 on Thursday as investors feared the…

‘Next Barack Obama’ Emerges as Clear Frontrunner for 2028 US Presidential Race

Nov 5, 2026 2 weeks ago 2 min read
‘Next Barack Obama’ Emerges as Clear Frontrunner for 2028 US Presidential Race

WASHINGTON, November 5, 2026 — Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff has emerged as the leading prospect for the 2028 US presidency on prediction platform Polymarket following…

Laurini Officine Meccaniche Unveils 150-Ton Demolition Giant with 50-Meter Reach at World Demolition Summit in Madrid

Nov 4, 2026 2 weeks ago 2 min read
Laurini Officine Meccaniche Unveils 150-Ton Demolition Giant with 50-Meter Reach at World Demolition Summit in Madrid

MADRID, November 4, 2026 —One year after receiving the World Demolition Award for Innovation in Nashville, Tennessee Laurini Officine Meccaniche has again taken the spotlight…