Author: LBO
World Bank is making up to USD120 mn in emergency support available by repurposing funds
In response to the Government’s request, the World Bank is making up to US$120 million in emergency support available by repurposing funds from ongoing projects, the World Bank said in a statement. This will support recovery and help restore essential services and infrastructure—including health care, water, education, agriculture, and connectivity—in the areas hit hardest by […]
City of Dreams Sri Lanka marks first christmas in Colombo
City of Dreams Sri Lanka is marking an important milestone this December as it celebrates its first Christmas in Colombo, closing out the year with a thoughtful and community-centred festive program. In a season where many Sri Lankans are seeking moments of connection, hope, and togetherness, City of Dreams Sri Lanka has curated experiences across […]
Rebuilding Housing Post-Ditwah: Lessons from Sri Lanka’s Tsunami Experience
By Dr Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) The Ditwah Cyclone ranks second only to the December 2004 Tsunami in terms of damage to housing in Sri Lanka’s recent history. According to the government’s Disaster Management Centre, as of 9th December 2025, 86,488 houses were partially or fully […]
SEC Alert: Gladius South Asia is not licensed by SEC or registered with Financial Conduct Authority in UK
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) wishes to inform the public that Gladius South Asia is unauthorized to act as a Market Participant in Sri Lanka. The SEC confirms that this entity is not licensed by them. Furthermore, the SEC has received official confirmation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) that Gladius […]
Opinion: Will the Response to Ditwah be Worse than the Disaster?
By M. Rizwan Muzzammil The Parable of the Broken Window In 1850, the French economist Frederic Bastiat penned “The Parable of the Broken Window.” A boy breaks a shop window, and a glazier is paid six francs to repair it. Onlookers muse that such accidents are good for trade, as they keep windowmakers in business. […]
EDB Launches Fast-Track Relief to Support Exporters Affected by Adverse Weather
The Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a rapid relief and recovery program following the severe impact of adverse weather conditions on Sri Lanka’s export sector. A discussion meeting was held recently at the EDB premises, with the participation of Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Mrs. Tilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and […]
Hambantota International Port Remains Fully Operational Despite Extreme Weather
As Sri Lanka experiences one of the worst flood situations recorded in its history, which has crippled national infrastructure and forced operations to suspend at the Port of Colombo, Hambantota International Port (HIP) has remained fully operational, reinforcing its strategic importance as the country’s second major commercial hub. Although Hambantota also faced heavy rains, it […]
Relief Measures to Assist Businesses affected by Recent Disasters by Banks
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in view of the adverse effects of the recent cyclonic and flood disasters, having considered the proposals of the Sri Lanka Banks’ Association (Guarantee) Ltd. (SLBA) and the need to grant effective relief to those affected without unduly compromising financial system stability, issued the Circular No. 04 of […]
Banks Association pledges strong support for economic revival
The Sri Lanka Banks Association (SLBA) in a meeting with the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today pledged its fullest support to revive the country’s economy following the damage inflicted by Cyclone Ditwah. The banks represented by the Association stated that a detailed impact assessment has already been initiated across banks […]
Management committee of ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ fund appointed with reps from public and pvt sectors
Cabinet approval has been granted to establish the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, aimed at rebuilding the country following the severe devastation caused by Cyclone ‘Ditwah’, one of the worst natural disasters in Sri Lanka’s recent history. The Fund is to be established as a statutory fund under the Presidential Secretariat and its Management Committee will […]
Sri Lanka introduces duty-free mechanism for overseas disaster relief donations
Due to the current disaster situation in the country, various inquiries have been made by foreign countries, organizations, individuals, as well as Sri Lankans living abroad, regarding donating essential goods to the people affected. Accordingly, the Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a more convenient procedure to expedite the clearance and distribution of all material […]
Ceylon Chamber affirms support for National recovery efforts following cyclone Ditwah
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, and our thoughts are with all individuals, families, and communities affected by this tragedy. We mourn the loss of lives and acknowledge the immense hardship endured by thousands who have been displaced and whose livelihoods have been severely disrupted. In […]