Author: LBO
CFA Society Sri Lanka Brings Academia and Industry Together to Shape Future Finance and Investment Talent
CFA Institute, CFA Society Sri Lanka, employers and university partners at the industry–academia dialogue CFA Society Sri Lanka recently hosted a high-level industry academia dialogue on “Developing the Next Generation of Finance and Investment Talent in Sri Lanka,” bringing together representatives from leading employers, partner universities, CFA Institute and CFA Society Sri Lanka. Held in […]
Chasing the next $3Bn: What it will take for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector to get there
For thirty years, Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has quietly powered the country’s export economy accounting for roughly 40% of merchandise export revenue and employing 300,000 to 350,000 people. That scale wasn’t accidental. It was built through deliberate government-industry planning dating back to the early 1990s. The first transformation, anchored by the 200 Garment Factories Programme, […]
“Pulle Madu” to medical school: record intake signals turning point for plantation sector welfare
Many generations ago, an estate child’s first years began in a cloth hammock strung up near the rows of tea bushes, so a mother could keep working within earshot of her infant. Later a corner in a line room was converted to establish Pulle Madu, where infants and toddlers were sheltered to ensure that plucking […]
Beyond Sovereignty Rhetoric: Structural Barriers to Sri Lanka’s Economic Independence
“Political independence and economic independence are inseparable.” — Deng Xiaoping By Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Introduction President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s recent pronouncements on economic independence strike a vital chord for a post-default nation navigating international debt restructuring. However, moving from political rhetoric to genuine economic sovereignty within a three-to-five-year horizon requires more than declarations of intent. Drawing […]
UNDP supports DNA Laboratory of Government Analyst Department in procuring critical equipment
Visit to DNA Laboratory and observing of procured equipment The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka handed over 17 critical equipment to strengthen the DNA laboratory of the Government Analyst Department, including an RT PCR machine, PCR system and Crime Lite Serology Kit, with the aim of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of […]
Sri Lanka records 4.2 percent GDP growth for 2Q 2026
The GDP for the second quarter of 2026 at constant price (2015) has increased to Rs. 3,029,816 million from Rs. 2,908,570 million which was reported in the second quarter of 2025. The GDP growth rate for the second quarter of year 2026 has been reported as 4.2 percent positive growth. The overall Agricultural activities declined […]
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka Becomes BBDO Sri Lanka
MullenLowe Group Sri Lanka has transitioned to BBDO Sri Lanka following Omnicom’s global integration, marking the next chapter for an agency built on strong creative thinking, strategic depth and measurable business impact. Its people, partnerships, capabilities and market understanding will carry forward into BBDO, connecting an established Sri Lankan operation with one of the world’s […]
Sri Lanka’s AI week needs authority budgets before agents get real power
Sri Lanka is preparing to make artificial intelligence more central to business, government, education, and the digital economy. Sri Lanka AI Week 2026, running from September 28 to October 4, is explicitly designed to turn AI ambition into measurable impact through policy discussions, enterprise transformation, an AI Expo, and a national AI engagement platform. That is […]
Sri Lanka’s Reserves: Build Them Wisely, Not at Any Cost
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” — Aristotle By Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Summary The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe, deserves credit for placing the question of foreign-reserve accumulation within its proper broader context: reserves cannot be built sustainably at any cost. At the Reserve Management Conference […]
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to Undertake Official Visit to Thailand
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Vijitha Herath will undertake an official visit to Thailand from 14 to 16 September 2026, at the invitation of the Minister of Labour of Thailand. During the visit, Minister Herath will hold discussions with the Minister of Labour, Minister of Tourism and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs […]
Opinion: How & Why Economic Growth & Development Matter
By Prof. Asoka S. Seneviratne Executive Summary The central question for Sri Lanka is whether economic growth is improving the lives and opportunities of ordinary citizens. Growth is often presented as a headline GDP percentage, but it is morally neutral: it does not automatically guarantee fairness, equitable distribution or improvements in human capability. Sri Lanka’s […]
Sampath Bank Appoints Dilip de S Wijeyeratne as Deputy Chairman
Sampath Bank PLC announced the appointment of Mr. Dilip de S Wijeyeratne as Deputy Chairman, effective 10th September 2026, further strengthening the Bank’s leadership as it advances its strategic priorities and continues to evolve as a purpose-led, technology-enabled financial institution. Mr. Wijeyeratne brings extensive experience across banking, finance, risk management and compliance, investment banking and […]