Author: LBO
World Bank mobilizes record USD112 Bn in private capital, with lessons for economies like Sri Lanka
The World Bank Group has pulled in more private capital this year than at any point in its history, a shift that carries real relevance for import-reliant, foreign-exchange-constrained economies like Sri Lanka looking to attract investment beyond traditional aid channels. Private capital mobilized by the Group more than tripled over the past four years, climbing […]
HIP Hosts National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop led by MEPA
Hambantota International Port (HIP) recently hosted the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan Workshop, bringing together nearly 100 representatives from key public and private sector organizations to strengthen the district’s preparedness for marine oil spill incidents. Conducted by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in line with Sri Lanka’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the programme […]
VIDEO: Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Law, Paving Way For 100% US Tariffs On Buyers Of Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump has signed a new Russia sanctions law that authorises Washington to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil and gas, with duties to be levied within 30 days on the top five importers and on new buyers after the law kicks in. The bill targets Russia’s energy […]
Foreign Minister’s Visit to Thailand opens up 10,000 employment opportunities for Sri Lankans
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath concluded his official visit to Thailand from 14 to 16 September 2026, following an invitation from the Thai Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat. During the two-day visit, Minister Herath and Thai Minister of Labour Amornvivat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Labour Cooperation and […]
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 […]