Category: Economy and Markets
Pre-Budget Discussions for 2026 Begin
A discussion on the preliminary budget framework and development direction related to the submission of proposals for the 2026 Budget was held yesterday afternoon (16) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and officials of the Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, the President inquired from the Ministry of Finance officials about the current progress […]
Softlogic Life completes 100% acquisition of Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Ltd
Softlogic Life Insurance PLC has successfully completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Allianz Life Insurance Lanka Limited (Life Business), following the receipt of regulatory approval from the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL). The transaction marks a significant milestone, following the initial announcement on 26th March 2025. Softlogic Life recorded Gross […]
Reduction in tariff from 44-pct to 30-pct is a constructive & important first step: Ceylon Chamber
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce views the reduction in the tariff rate from 44% to 30% a constructive and important first step by the Government toward bringing Sri Lanka’s tariff structure for exports to the U.S. closer to that of regional competitors. “We encourage continued engagement with the U.S. administration to secure a further reduction […]
EFutures honoured with dual wins at SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards
EFutures, a leading Sri Lankan software product engineering company, has been recognised with two prestigious honours at the SLASSCOM National Ingenuity Awards 2025, winning Best Innovative Product – Transportation and Logistics at both the Western Provincial and National levels. Presented by SLASSCOM, the national chamber for Sri Lanka’s IT and BPM industry, the annual awards […]
Shah Rukh Khan to grace grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka
Get ready, South Asia! The undisputed King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, is set to make a spectacular visit to Sri Lanka, gracing the highly anticipated grand opening of City of Dreams Sri Lanka on August 2, 2025, as special guest. Popularly regarded as “King Khan”, the presence of the multi-award-winning superstar at the by- […]
Why Sri Lanka needs a smarter approach to tobacco tax policy
Sri Lanka’s tobacco taxation strategy is facing renewed scrutiny as authorities navigate the dual priorities of public health and revenue generation. Central to recent tobacco tax policy discussions is the Tobacco Excise Tax Simulation Model (TETSiM)—a policy planning tool promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and adopted in several countries to project how adjustments […]
‘s EFF, Unlocking USD350 Mn in Support
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has successfully completed the Fourth Review under Sri Lanka’s 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw SDR 254 million (about USD 350 million). This latest disbursement brings the total IMF financial support provided to Sri Lanka so far to SDR 1.27 billion (about USD […]
Dimuthu Abeyesekera takes over as Chairman of the CSE
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces that Mr. Dimuthu Abeyesekera, took over as the Chairman following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the CSE on 19th June 2025, where the incumbent Chairman Mr. Dilshan Wirasekara, stepped down upon completion of his three-year tenure. Mr. Abeyesekera, who has served on the CSE Board for […]
Constituent Change in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2025 Mid-Year rebalance. The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 23rd June 2025 (after the market close of 20th June 2025) are presented below. Exclusion […]
“The Gathering of Giants” returns for 2025 at Cinnamon Habarana
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails and in valued partnership with Seylan Bank, is honoured to announce the return of The Gathering of Giants—a pioneer conservation initiative set to take place from 25 to 27 July 2025 at Cinnamon Habarana Complex. Rooted in a deep respect for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage, […]
Government Focuses on Developing a Unique Food Security Index for Sri Lanka
The government is currently prioritizing the development of a country-specific Food Security Index, with the goal of completing the initiative within the next three months. This tailored index is expected to better reflect Sri Lanka’s unique food security landscape, addressing the limitations of global indices such as the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), which have […]
CSE Clear to Operate as Sri Lanka’s Central Counterparty for Equity Transactions
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is set to launch a Central Counterparty (CCP) framework next month, marking a significant advancement in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s capital market infrastructure. This move is aimed at enhancing the safety, efficiency, and transparency of the market, ensuring the smooth settlement of trades. Since August 2021, the CSE has […]