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

Nov 6, 2026 4 days 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…

Port City Colombo Holds First India Investor Forum to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Ties

Nov 6, 2026 4 days ago 3 min read
Port City Colombo Holds First India Investor Forum to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Ties

COLOMBO, November 6, 2026 — More than 200 business leaders, investors, policymakers and industry representatives gathered in Chennai for Port City Colombo’s inaugural investor forum…

Hemas H1 Revenue Rises 9.5% to Rs. 66.6 Billion as Strong Q2 Restores EBITDA Growth

Nov 6, 2026 4 days ago 3 min read
Hemas H1 Revenue Rises 9.5% to Rs. 66.6 Billion as Strong Q2 Restores EBITDA Growth

COLOMBO, November 6, 2026 — Hemas Holdings PLC recorded revenue of Rs. 66.6 billion for the first half of FY2026/27, up 9.5% year-on-year, as a…

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

Nov 6, 2026 4 days 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…

JAT Holdings’ Revenue Rises 36% to Rs. 7.01 Billion as Foreign Operations More Than Double

Nov 5, 2026 5 days ago 4 min read
JAT Holdings’ Revenue Rises 36% to Rs. 7.01 Billion as Foreign Operations More Than Double

COLOMBO, November 5, 2026 — JAT Holdings PLC reported a 36% increase in Group revenue to Rs. 7.01 billion for the six months ended September…

JAAF Backs Fresh GSP+ Application to Protect Sri Lanka’s EU Market Access

COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to submit a fresh…

BIZ BREAKING

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

Oct 27, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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…

Brent Crude Hits Five-Month High of US$113.17 as Houthi Attacks Raise Supply Fears

Oct 23, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Brent Crude Hits Five-Month High of US$113.17 as Houthi Attacks Raise Supply Fears

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Global oil prices rose sharply on Thursday, with Brent crude reaching a five-month closing high as Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia heightened concerns over further disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. Brent crude futures gained…

ADB Approves US$100 Million to Expand Livelihood Support and Social Protection in Sri Lanka

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
ADB Approves US$100 Million to Expand Livelihood Support and Social Protection in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, October 22, 2026 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved US$100 million in financing to strengthen Sri Lanka’s social protection system, expand economic opportunities for low-income households and improve care services for the elderly. The financing comprises a…

BUSINESS

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

Oct 27, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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…

Sri Lankan Firms Explore Maldives Hospitality Market at Hotel Asia 2026

Oct 24, 2026 2 weeks ago 2 min read
Sri Lankan Firms Explore Maldives Hospitality Market at Hotel Asia 2026

COLOMBO, October 24, 2026 — Sri Lankan companies showcased hospitality products and services at Hotel Asia 2026 in the Maldives, seeking new buyers, business partnerships…

Hayleys Solar Launches 24/7 Operations Centre to Monitor Renewable Energy Assets

Oct 23, 2026 3 weeks ago 3 min read
Hayleys Solar Launches 24/7 Operations Centre to Monitor Renewable Energy Assets

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Hayleys Solar has introduced a dedicated 24-hour Renewable Energy Operations Centre (ROC), bringing renewable energy assets onto a centralised digital…

ECONOMY

Colombo Port Handles US$30 Billion in U.S.-Related Cargo Annually

Oct 17, 2026 3 weeks ago 4 min read
Colombo Port Handles US$30 Billion in U.S.-Related Cargo Annually

COLOMBO, October 17, 2026 — The Port of Colombo handles an estimated US$30 billion worth of U.S.-related cargo annually, highlighting its strategic importance to international…

Hambantota Port Handles Over 167,000 Vehicle Deliveries Amid Import Demand

Oct 16, 2026 4 weeks ago 3 min read
Hambantota Port Handles Over 167,000 Vehicle Deliveries Amid Import Demand

HAMBANTOTA, October 16, 2026 — Hambantota International Port (HIP) handled 167,569 vehicle deliveries between March 2025 and September 2026, highlighting its role in Sri Lanka’s…

IRD Sets November 30 Deadline for 2025/2026 Income Tax Returns

Oct 15, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
IRD Sets November 30 Deadline for 2025/2026 Income Tax Returns

COLOMBO, October 15, 2026 — The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reminded individuals registered for income tax to submit their income tax returns for the…

Sri Lanka Courts Investors With Renewable Energy, Port Expansion and Rs. 2 Trillion Capital Spending Plan

Oct 14, 2026 4 weeks ago 7 min read
Sri Lanka Courts Investors With Renewable Energy, Port Expansion and Rs. 2 Trillion Capital Spending Plan

COLOMBO, October 14, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined an investment-led economic strategy centred on renewable energy, port infrastructure, rural enterprise development and…

MARKETS

Colombo Stocks Close Lower as Key Shares Decline; Turnover Tops Rs. 680 Million

Oct 20, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Colombo Stocks Close Lower as Key Shares Decline; Turnover Tops Rs. 680 Million

COLOMBO, October 20, 2026 — Colombo stock market indices closed lower as price declines in Dialog Axiata, Hatton National Bank and Hemas Holdings weighed on…

CSE Closes Higher as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Lead Gains; Weekly Indices Remain Lower

Oct 17, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
CSE Closes Higher as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries Lead Gains; Weekly Indices Remain Lower

COLOMBO, October 17, 2026 — Sri Lanka’s stock market ended the week on a positive note, with gains in counters such as Dialog Axiata, Distilleries…

CSE Indices Close Higher as Turnover Exceeds Rs. 1.5 Billion

Oct 16, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
CSE Indices Close Higher as Turnover Exceeds Rs. 1.5 Billion

COLOMBO, October 16, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the session on a positive note, with both the All Share Price Index (ASPI)…

CSE Closes in Red as Dialog Axiata and Key Counters Weigh on Indices

Oct 15, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
CSE Closes in Red as Dialog Axiata and Key Counters Weigh on Indices

COLOMBO, October 15, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) ended the trading session in negative territory, with declines in Dialog Axiata, Carson Cumberbatch and…

NATION

Hambantota Port Targets Two Million TEU Capacity as Suez Return Opens New Opportunities

Oct 23, 2026 3 weeks ago 4 min read
Hambantota Port Targets Two Million TEU Capacity as Suez Return Opens New Opportunities

COLOMBO, October 23, 2026 — Hambantota International Port is preparing to increase its annual container handling capacity to two million TEUs in the first quarter…

Rain to Continue Across Sri Lanka on October 23; Southwest Wet Weather Expected Until October 27

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Rain to Continue Across Sri Lanka on October 23; Southwest Wet Weather Expected Until October 27

COLOMBO, October 22, 2026 — Rain is expected across Sri Lanka throughout October 23, while wet weather in the southwestern parts of the country is…

PUCSL Approves Power Cuts Across Four Groups for October 21

Oct 21, 2026 3 weeks ago 1 min read
PUCSL Approves Power Cuts Across Four Groups for October 21

COLOMBO, October 21, 2026 — Scheduled power interruptions will affect four electricity supply groups in Sri Lanka today as part of measures to manage electricity…

China Merchants’ Exit from US$392 Million Colombo Logistics Project Raises Investment Concerns

Oct 20, 2026 3 weeks ago 4 min read
China Merchants’ Exit from US$392 Million Colombo Logistics Project Raises Investment Concerns

COLOMBO, October 20, 2026 — China Merchants Port Holdings’ withdrawal from a US$392 million logistics development at the Port of Colombo has raised concerns over…

world

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

Oct 27, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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…

Trump Says US Is Not Negotiating with Iran, Signals Developments ‘Fairly Soon’

Oct 22, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Trump Says US Is Not Negotiating with Iran, Signals Developments ‘Fairly Soon’

WASHINGTON, October 22, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said Washington is not negotiating with Iran and indicated that developments could come soon, as uncertainty…

China’s Third-Quarter Growth Reaches 4.5%, Narrowly Beating Forecasts

Oct 20, 2026 3 weeks ago 4 min read
China’s Third-Quarter Growth Reaches 4.5%, Narrowly Beating Forecasts

BEIJING, October 20, 2026 — China’s economy expanded by 4.5% in the third quarter, slightly exceeding market expectations as strong exports helped offset weak domestic…