Author: LBO
Emirates Scales Back Operations Amid Partial Airspace Reopening
Dubai-based carrier Emirates has confirmed it is running a reduced flight schedule until further notice, following the partial reopening of regional airspace. The airline emphasized that safety remains its top priority as it gradually rebuilds operations. On March 5 and 6, more than 100 flights are scheduled to depart from and return to Dubai. These […]
Opinion: The Unlocked Potential of Ageing and Silver Economy in Sri Lanka
By Dr Bilesha Weeraratne With over 18% already aged 60 and above—and one in four projected to be 60 or older by 2041—the Sri Lankan population is rapidly ageing. IF harnessed effectively, the elderly population and the related Silver Economy have great potential to contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy. This blog analyses the challenges and […]
CFA Society Sri Lanka and Frontier Research Announce “Economics in Practice” Learning Programme
CFA Society Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Frontier Research Pvt Ltd, has announced a half-day executive learning programme titled “Economics in Practice.” The programme will be held on Thursday, 12 March 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo City Centre. The programme aims to help professionals understand economic developments […]
Sri Lanka ranks 20th globally for web-based cyber threats in 2025: Kaspersky
Sri Lanka continues to face significant cybersecurity challenges, with 30.4% of internet users experiencing web-borne cyberattacks in 2025, according to the latest Kaspersky Security Bulletin. The report places Sri Lanka in the 20th position globally when it comes to dangers associated with surfing the web. During the January-December 2025 period, Kaspersky products detected 9,153,362 different […]
HIP Expands RoRo Capacity with New Yard, Strengthening Position on East–West Trade Lane
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has commissioned a new six-hectare Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard as part of Stage I of Phase II of its RoRo yard expansion programme, marking a significant step in the port’s long-term automotive transhipment strategy. The newly completed yard increases vehicle parking capacity to 4,500 units per terminal space, easing pressure on existing […]
Fitch Publishes ‘AAA(lka)’ Rating on Hayleys’ Proposed Debentures
Fitch Ratings has published the National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA(lka)’ assigned to Hayleys PLC’s proposed unsecured senior redeemable debentures of up to LKR7 billion. The debentures are rated in line with Hayleys’ National Long-Term Rating and existing unsecured notes. This is because subordination risk to debenture holders from debt at subsidiaries is limited, provided the […]
Sri Lanka apparel exports ease in January while UK market remains stable
Sri Lanka’s apparel exports declined by 2.66% year-on-year in January 2026, falling to US$ 425.44 million from US$ 437.07 million in January 2025, reflecting continued pressure across key export markets. Exports to the US fell by 2.73% to US$ 165.11 million, while exports to the EU (excluding the UK) declined by 1.93% to US$ 126.99 […]
US ETR Falls to 9.4% as Blanket 10% Tariff Replaces IEEPA Levies: Fitch Ratings
The 10% blanket reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. on most trading partners lowers the U.S. effective tariff rate (ETR) to 9.4% from 12.7%, Fitch Ratings says. If the Trump administration imposes a 15% levy, the U.S. ETR would rise to 11.3%. President Trump acted swiftly to reinstate tariffs following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s FDI dilemma as profit repatriations surge
By Indika Hettiarachchi indika.h@jupitercapitalpartners.com Recently the head of the Board of Investment (BOI), the apex body in charge of promoting FDI in the country reportedly resigned. It was also reported the outgoing head of BOI saying “Without concessions, Sri Lanka needs hard reforms to attract FDI”. These developments suggest emerging challenges in attracting FDI as […]
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s SSB Regulations: Addressing the Rise of Non-Sugar Sweeteners
By Priyanka Jayawardena, Research Economist, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounting for nearly 75% of all deaths, have emerged as a major health challenge in Sri Lanka over the past few decades. Unhealthy dietary patterns – including excessive intake of sugar, salt, and fats – continue to play a […]
Pine Labs expands its footprint by deploying an API-first Card Issuing & Processing Platform for PABC
One of Sri Lanka’s largest listed entities, the Pan Asia Banking Corporation (PABC) and global fintech platform Pine Labs have today announced a partnership that will see the fintech major implementing an end-to-end card management platform for the bank. Under this partnership, Pine Labs will deploy a full-stack Credit Card Management System for Pan Asia […]
ComBank to boost WSME, Agri SME financing with IFC’s USD 60 Mn Risk Sharing Facility
Reinforcing its position as Sri Lanka’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to significantly expand the Bank’s capacity to lend SMEs nationwide. Under this partnership, IFC will provide risk cover for a US$60 […]