Author: LBO Admin
Stakeholders validate apparel curriculum for persons with disabilities
A diverse group of stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, vocational training institutes, the Department of Social Services, Vocational Training Authority, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, EFC’s disability resource centre, organizations for persons with disabilities and international development agencies convened recently at the NH CollectionColombo for a national workshop focused on validating an inclusive apparel […]
ComBank and MD/CEO Sanath Manatunge clinch top honours as ‘Sri Lanka’s Best’ from The Asian Banker
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon and its Managing Director/CEO Mr Sanath Manatunge have been named the ‘Best Managed Bank’ and the ‘Best Bank CEO’ in Sri Lanka respectively by The Asian Banker (TAB) magazine, bestowing on them two prestigious accolades that are presented once in every three years. These awards, in respect of the 2022-2024 […]
Hambantota International Port Group Enhances Vehicle Clearance Efficiency
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has responded decisively to recent complaints regarding delays in vehicle clearance. Since February 2025, more than 9,151 vehicles, both used and brand new, have entered the country through the HIP, placing increased demand on port operations. In light of this, the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has implemented a series […]
Sri Lankan Delegation to Engage in Tariff Talks in Washington
A Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This is the second in-person meeting aimed at ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two nations. This initiative builds on several […]
‘s Electricity Reforms, Financing Assurances Review for Next Tranche
The much-anticipated approval of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board is expected “in the coming weeks,” but its precise timing hinges on two key contingencies, according to Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF’s Communications Department. During a press briefing on May 22, 2025, Kozack addressed questions […]
Central Bank further reduces Overnight Policy Rate by 0.25-pct
The Monetary Policy Board decided to reduce the OPR by 25 bps to 7.75% at its meeting held yesterday, thereby easing monetary policy further. The Board arrived at this decision after carefully considering the developments both domestically and globally. The Board is of the view that this measured easing of monetary policy stance will support […]
Going Beyond the US Reciprocal Tariffs: Sri Lanka’s Exposure to the Tariffs and Exemptions
By Dr Asanka Wijesinghe The United States’ (US) proclamation of “reciprocal tariffs” dealt a blow to the global trade system based on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) principles. With the individualised tariff rates, the US has discarded non-discrimination in the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff structure. The “reciprocal tariff” rate does not show any reciprocity but rather […]
Hemas Holdings PLC Appoints Ashish Chandra as Group Chief Executive Officer
Hemas Holdings PLC, announced the appointment of Ashish Chandra as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st July 2025. This appointment marks a strategic inflection point for Hemas as the Group sharpens its focus on accelerating growth across larger emerging markets, expansion into adjacencies, and driving technology-led transformation to position the business for sustained success. A seasoned […]
U.S. Embassy Transfers USD 1 Mn in Advanced Nuclear Detection Equipment to Strengthen SL’s Maritime Security
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has provided state-of-the-art radiation and chemical detection equipment valued at $1 million (299 million LKR) to the Sri Lanka Navy, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to detect and respond to nuclear, radiological, and chemical threats in its maritime domain. This advanced equipment, supplied through the Department of Energy’s National […]
”; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the National Long-Term Ratings of Sri Lanka-based conglomerate Melstacorp PLC and its subsidiary, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DIST), at ‘AAA(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable. The ratings on Melstacorp and its stronger subsidiary DIST are based on the consolidated credit profile of Melstacorp, in line with Fitch’s Parent and Subsidiary Linkage […]
Sri Lanka’s Land Market Shows Strong Momentum Amid Growing Demand, Reports LankaPropertyWeb
The Sri Lankan land market is gaining renewed strength, with Colombo and the broader Western Province leading the way in price growth, according to the latest Land Price Index (LPI) published by LankaPropertyWeb (LPW). The 2025 index reveals that land prices in Colombo city (Colombo 1-15) have risen by 7% year-on-year, while the overall Western […]
ComBank ends Q1 as first private sector banking group on cusp of Rs 3 Tn. assets milestone
Loan book grows by Rs 116.75 Bn. in 3 months to Rs 1.642 Tn. Net interest income up 23.53% to Rs 34.21 Bn. Improves provision cover and interest margin alongside balance sheet growth Reports 3-month PBT of Rs 22.56 Bn. and PAT of Rs 14.97 Bn., with taxes amounting to Rs. 11.61 Bn. The […]