Author: LBO
VIDEO: Petrodollar Under Threat? Iran’s Petro-Yuan Oil Plan Via Hormuz | Explained
Iran may be considering a dramatic economic counterstrike in the escalating US-Iran conflict — targeting the very foundation of Washington’s global financial power: the petrodollar system. Reports suggest Tehran could allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz only if transactions are settled in Chinese yuan, a move that could challenge decades of […]
EDB Chairman Announces Fast-Track Fuel Supply for Exporters Amid Fuel Shortage
In a critical response to Sri Lanka’s escalating fuel shortages driven by Middle East tensions and QR rationing, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe has highlighted a priority program to ensure exporters receive their essential fuel stocks without delay. Treating the export sector as the nation’s top priority, this government-backed initiative aims to shield […]
Ceylon Chamber Urges Measures to Safeguard Economic Stability Amid Global Uncertainty
The evolving global situation and the escalating conflict in the Middle East requires coordinated measures to safeguard economic stability. The Ceylon Chamber remains ready to work with the Government in addressing potential economic risks and has outlined detailed policy recommendations. The Chamber, in its submission of 11 March 2026, recommended a number of policy measures […]
Sri Lanka advocates for immediate de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East and West Asia, and calls for global peace
Sri Lanka is deeply concerned by the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and West Asia, which poses a direct threat to the civilian population. We are saddened by the tragic loss of civilian life and condemn any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Sri Lanka underscores that the protection of civilians on all […]
Sri Lanka and Indonesia Further Strengthen Defence Cooperation
On 12 March 2026, Ambassador-designate of Sri Lanka to Indonesia Sashikala Premawardhane paid a courtesy call on Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, Lieutenant General Tri Budi Utomo, and discussed avenues to further strengthen defence and security cooperation between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The discussion focused on the early […]
Caltex Abimani strengthens the next generation of women in STEM
Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC, in collaboration with the Ceylon German Technical Training Institute, proudly launched Caltex Abimani Women in STEM, a corporate social responsibility initiative designed to empower young Sri Lankan women pursuing education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The initiative highlights Chevron’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program supports deserving students […]
Protecting Public Interest: Why Mid Month Revisions & Targeted Welfare are Vital to Defeating Fuel Hoarding
Advocata’s opinion on recent fuel price hike We commend the Government’s decisive move to revise fuel prices mid-month without prior notice. This action protected consumers from artificial scarcity and market manipulation. By breaking the traditional end of month cycle, the Government removed incentives for hoarding by both consumers and retailers. Had the Government waited until […]
World Growth to Continue at Steady Pace if Oil Price Shock Short-Lived
Global economic growth should be steady this year provided the current oil price shock is not prolonged, Fitch Ratings says in its latest March 2026 Global Economic Outlook (GEO). The world economy has held up well despite a succession of geopolitical and US policy shocks. World growth was 2.7% last year, close to its long-run […]
Sri Lanka Among First Countries Globally to Advance Large-scale Biodiversity Action with Kunming Biodiversity Fund Project
Sri Lanka has been endorsed for a project under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), positioning the country among the first globally to move into large-scale implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The milestone marks a significant step in translating global biodiversity commitments into coordinated national action. The KBF project proposal was formally signed by […]
A road map to net zero for Sri Lanka’s plantation sector
With the heighted consensus on the need for climate change mitigation and adaption, the SriLankan plantation industry is now faced with one of the most consequential transformations inits 172 year history as a growing segment of the industry plots a course for Net Zero emissions.With global buyers, financiers and regulators push for low-carbon supply chains, […]
AI-Related Risks Rising for Software, Media, and Services Corporates: Fitch Ratings
Elevated AI-driven credit risks are concentrated in three technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, with software, media and services facing rising disruption risk while overinvestment risk remains largely confined to hyperscalers and select cloud providers, according to a new Fitch Ratings report. Asset-light businesses where value is driven by intangibles such as software, IP, brands […]
CSE Provides Capital Market Access to Kegalle with New Branch
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) officially opened its Kegalle Branch to the public, further strengthening its countrywide presence. The branch was inaugurated by Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Senior Professor D.B.P.H Dissabandara, Director of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Mr. Kosala Gamage and Chief Executive Officer of CSE Mr. […]