Author: LBO
Negombo Prison Temporarily Closed Following Emergency; Mahamodara and Old Bogambara Re-opened
Following an emergency incident on July 5 and 6, 2026, that left Negombo Prison severely damaged, the Ministry of Justice and National Integration has declared the site a crime scene and ordered its temporary closure. To facilitate ongoing investigations and subsequent renovations, inmates have been transferred to other facilities. To manage the resulting population shift […]
We will help countries build greater energy, food, trade & economic resilience: Joint Statement by IEA, IMF, WB Group & WTO
The Heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), and World Trade Organization (WTO) met on July 7 as part of the high-level coordination group established in April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy, trade, and economic impact of the war in the Middle East. Following […]
Hambantota International Port Sets New Monthly Records for RoRo and Container Throughput
June volumes reach 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs as operational preparedness and customer engagement drive record performance Hambantota International Port (HIP) recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput in both RoRo and containers in June 2026, handling 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs. The dual milestone marks a new high for the port’s two fastest-growing business segments. It […]
VIDEO: Are Sri Lankans now richer than Indians? Here’s what the World Bank says
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. So why is it still a lower-middle-income country while Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Philippines have moved up? In this video, we explain how the World Bank classifies countries, why per capita income matters more than the size of the economy, and what India needs to […]
Emirates to double its A350 operations in Colombo from August
Emirates will introduce a second daily A350 service between Dubai and Colombo from 8 August, further elevating the travel experience for customers with more options to experience the airline’s latest-generation aircraft and its highly sought-after Premium Economy cabin. The A350 aircraft will replace the current Boeing 777 aircraft operating the flight. The deployment of the […]
BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum Explores Economic Partnerships with Belgium and Luxembourg, at Port City Colombo
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium, in collaboration with the BELGOLUX–Sri Lanka Business Council (BLSBC) with the support of Port City Colombo, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Sri Lanka-BENELUX Business Council, successfully organized the BELGOLUX-Sri Lanka Economic Forum on 19 June 2026 at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery, marking a significant milestone […]
Sampath Bank Launches Google Pay, Expanding Sri Lanka’s Access to Global Contactless Payments
Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Google Pay for all Mastercard and Visa Credit and Debit Cardholders, marking a significant advancement on how customers in Sri Lanka access digital payment solutions. This initiative brings fast, secure, and globally accepted tap-to-pay functionality to Android devices, catering to the increasing demand for mobile-first solutions. Mobile wallets are reshaping […]
CFA Society Sri Lanka Celebrates New Charterholders at the Charter Awards Ceremony & Oration 2026
New CFA Charterholders with the Chief Guest and officials of CFA Society Sri Lanka CFA Society Sri Lanka (CFASSL) hosted its annual Charter Awards Ceremony & Oration 2026 recently at the Union Ballroom, Hilton Colombo Residences. The event celebrated the achievements of 27 new CFA charterholders, along with candidates who successfully completed all three levels […]
Ceylon Chamber discussion puts energy security at the centre of Sri Lanka’s growth agenda
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce brought together policymakers, industry players, academics and other stakeholders last week for a discussion on Sri Lanka’s energy transition, framing the shift to cleaner power as much a matter of economic strategy as environmental necessity. The event, titled “Energy Transition in Sri Lanka: Strategic Insights from Global Markets,” comes as […]
GovTech Sri Lanka appoints Shevan Goonetilleke as CEO
GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd has announced the appointment of Shevan Goonetilleke as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 19 August 2026. His appointment marks the next phase of execution in delivering Sri Lanka’s national digital transformation agenda. GovTech Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is the Government of Sri Lanka’s lead implementation agency for national digital transformation. […]
EDB and Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Germany Sign MoU to Strengthen Export Cooperation for Sri Lankan Exporters
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Germany, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their long-standing partnership to strengthen export development and enhance market access for Sri Lankan Export Oriented SMEs. The MoU was signed in the presence of Dr. Julia Bellinghausen, Head of IPD, together with Mr. […]
Central Bank releases names of 25 pyramid schemes
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued an official warning to the general public, identifying 25 companies and mobile applications that have been found operating as prohibited pyramid schemes. Following investigations conducted under Section 83 (C) of the Banking Act, No. 30 of 1988, the CBSL determined that “Infinity Rover (Pvt) Ltd” and […]