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‘s &’s National Ratings on Rating Watch Positive on Proposed Acquisition
Fitch Ratings has placed Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka’s (HDFC) National Rating of ‘BB+(lka)’ and State Mortgage & Investment Bank’s (SMIB) National Rating of ‘BB(lka)’ on Rating Watch Positive (RWP). HDFC’s rating was previously on a Negative Outlook. Key Rating Drivers Acquisition on the Cards: The rating action follows the announcement by the […]
TikTok launches time and well-being features for users
TikTok announced today the launch of its new Time and Well-being space for its users. This new update introduces a range of features designed to help TikTok users build mindful digital habits. This initiative underscores the platform’s commitment to fostering a positive and balanced online experience. While emphasizing safety and Community Guidelines, TikTok has been […]
“Oops” is not a foreign policy: Why I demanded a radical shift in our foreign policy
By Dr. Harsha de Silva, MP Today in Parliament, during the Committee Stage debate on the Foreign Ministry’s expenditure head, I felt compelled to challenge the traditional view of how Sri Lanka engages with the world. I listened to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, hoping for an articulation of a modern policy stance that justifies […]
Launch of UPI One World for Sri Lankan Buddhist Pilgrims
The Sri Lanka High Commission in India, in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), today launched a pilot initiative introducing UPI One World for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims visiting India. This pioneering digital payment facility enables Sri Lankan travellers to make secure, real-time payments across India without the requirement of an Indian […]
New Container Inspection Yard at Hambantota International Port with Rs. 1 Bn Investment
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) is proceeding with the development of a new, purpose-built Container Inspection Yard within the Hambantota International Port (HIP) premises. The Rs. 1 billion project represents a significant private-sector investment and to be developed by Rank Container Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (RCT). This new facility is designed to serve as a centralised […]
‘s 47-pct y-o-y increase in Group PAT, reaching Rs.34.7Bn
Sustaining its upward momentum, HNB delivered strong results in the first nine months of Group PAT reached Rs 34.7 Bn, marking a 47% YoY increase, while the Bank’s PAT grew by 42% YoY to Rs 31.5 Bn. Commenting on the performance, Mr. Nihal Jayawardena, Chairman of HNB PLC stated, “The period under review has been […]
Strategic report to CTC – South Asia’s first “quit like Sweden” anti-tobacco roundtable
On 11 November 2025, Colombo hosted a major roundtable on tobacco harm reduction, organized by Quit Like Sweden, a UK-based international non-profit platform. The event brought together experts from around the world to examine Sweden’s successful tobacco harm reduction model and discuss how elements of this approach could be adapted in South Asia, including Sri […]
Montana National Guard Signs MOU with SL Armed Forces Under State Partnership Program
Today, at the Ministry of Defense, the United States and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the defense partnership between the Montana National Guard, the U.S. Coast Guard District 13, and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces under the Department of War’s State Partnership Program (SPP). U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung, Adjutant General of […]
Renewed diaspora optimism as RIUNIT showcases real estate investment opportunities in London
The Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) together with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London held the Sri Lanka Real Estate Investment Forum: London 2025 on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London. Despite having organised many dozens of investor events at high diaspora density locations around the globe during […]
Hayleys sustains growth momentum, reports PBT of Rs.13.33Bn in first half of 2025/26
Achieves Revenue and PBT growth of 13% and 7% during the 2nd quarter of the year supported by both domestic and export-oriented businesses Ranked as Sri Lanka’s leading listed corporate in the 32nd edition of the LMD 100 Accelerates growth through strategic expansion in new verticals The Hayleys Group sustained its strong growth trajectory during […]