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

Nov 9, 2026 3 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,…

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

Nov 9, 2026 3 days ago 2 min read
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 application for the European Union’s…

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

Nov 8, 2026 4 days 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…

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

Nov 8, 2026 4 days 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…

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

Nov 8, 2026 4 days 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…

President Reviews Final 2027 Budget Proposals, Pledges Wider Benefits from Economic Stability

COLOMBO, November 11, 2026 — President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reviewed the final proposals for the 2027 Budget, saying it…

BIZ BREAKING

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

Oct 29, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 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…

BUSINESS

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

Oct 29, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 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…

ECONOMY

Litro Gas Shipment Carrying 3,900 MT of LPG Scheduled to Arrive Today

Oct 18, 2026 4 weeks ago 2 min read
Litro Gas Shipment Carrying 3,900 MT of LPG Scheduled to Arrive Today

COLOMBO, October 18, 2026 — Litro Gas Lanka Limited is expecting a shipment carrying 3,900 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to arrive in…

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

Oct 17, 2026 4 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…

MARKETS

Colombo Bourse Loses Rs. 324 Billion in October as ASPI Falls Below 20,000

Oct 21, 2026 3 weeks ago 2 min read
Colombo Bourse Loses Rs. 324 Billion in October as ASPI Falls Below 20,000

COLOMBO, October 21, 2026 — The Colombo Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation has fallen by nearly Rs. 324 billion since the beginning of October, with…

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 4 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)…

NATION

President Orders Faster Completion of Katunayake Airport Capacity Expansion Projects

Oct 28, 2026 2 weeks 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 weeks 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 2 weeks 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,…

All Three Norochcholai Units Reconnected to National Grid Following October 17 Outage

Oct 24, 2026 3 weeks ago 1 min read
All Three Norochcholai Units Reconnected to National Grid Following October 17 Outage

COLOMBO, October 24, 2026 — All three generating units at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant have been successfully reconnected to Sri Lanka’s national grid after…

world

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

Oct 29, 2026 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 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…