All Blogs
Pre-Budget Discussions for 2026 Begin
A discussion on the preliminary budget framework and development direction related to the submission of proposals for the 2026 Budget was held yesterday afternoon (16) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, the President inquired from the Ministry of Finance officials about the current progress […]
MoU to establish a laboratory with international accreditation facilities with a USD15 mn investment
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this morning (15) at the Presidential Secretariat between STEMedical of the USA and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) to establish a laboratory with internationally recognised accreditation. The MoU for this $15 million investment project, conducted under the guidance of the National Initiative for Research and Development […]
SLPMA unveils compelling ‘National Call to Produce Medicine in Sri Lanka’ as strategic priority
The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (SLPMA), in a historic step, has issued a powerful national call to action urging all stakeholders to come together in a bold, unified effort to shape a future where Sri Lanka emerges as a trusted, high-quality, and export-driven pharmaceutical manufacturing hub. In a decisive move to transform Sri Lanka’s […]
Applications Invited for the 27th Presidential Export Awards
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is now calling for applications for the 27th Presidential Export Awards, which will be held under the patronage of His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in December 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). This year too, exporters are provided with the opportunity to submit their […]
GovPay Crosses 50 Organisations & Announces Plans for Future of Government Digital Payments
At a media conference held today, the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), in collaboration with LankaPay and under the guidance of the Ministry of Digital Economy, showcased the growing success of GovPay, Sri Lanka’s official Government Digital Payment Platform. The briefing also highlighted the pilot rollout of the online traffic fine payment system and marked […]
Softlogic Life completes 100% acquisition of Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd
Softlogic Life Insurance PLC has successfully completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Limited (Life Business), following the receipt of regulatory approval from the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL). The transaction marks a significant milestone, following the initial announcement on 26th March 2025. Softlogic Life recorded Gross […]
Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector as the UK launches new trade measures under DCTS
The UK government yesterday unveiled a package of reforms aimed at simplifying imports from developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Under the upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), businesses will face fewer procedural hurdles when exporting to the UK. British High Commission said in a statement that the changes are designed to boost trade flows […]
Exporters warn against backdoor charges, urge Government to uphold transparent trade practices
The Joint Chambers of Commerce today urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling […]
Special discussion on the new tariff policy imposed by the United States
A special discussion on the new tariff policy imposed by the United States was held this morning (10) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and a delegation representing Sri Lanka. Participating in the discussion were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry […]
Reduction in tariff from 44-pct to 30-pct is a constructive & important first step: Ceylon Chamber
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce views the reduction in the tariff rate from 44% to 30% a constructive and important first step by the Government toward bringing Sri Lanka’s tariff structure for exports to the U.S. closer to that of regional competitors. “We encourage continued engagement with the U.S. administration to secure a further reduction […]