Category: Industry
A road map to net zero for Sri Lanka’s plantation sector
With the heighted consensus on the need for climate change mitigation and adaption, the SriLankan plantation industry is now faced with one of the most consequential transformations inits 172 year history as a growing segment of the industry plots a course for Net Zero emissions.With global buyers, financiers and regulators push for low-carbon supply chains, […]
AI-Related Risks Rising for Software, Media, and Services Corporates: Fitch Ratings
Elevated AI-driven credit risks are concentrated in three technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sectors, with software, media and services facing rising disruption risk while overinvestment risk remains largely confined to hyperscalers and select cloud providers, according to a new Fitch Ratings report. Asset-light businesses where value is driven by intangibles such as software, IP, brands […]
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 […]
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 […]
AIDAdiva Makes Maiden Call at Hambantota International Port
Hambantota International Port (HIP) welcomed the cruise vessel AIDAdiva on 12 February 2026, marking the ship’s first call at the southern port and the second visit by AIDA Cruises to Hambantota. The 251.89-metre, Italian-flagged vessel, built in 2007 and registered in Genoa, arrived from Thailand carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and 620 crew. The majority of […]
OPINION – Northern Investment Summit, Jaffna January 2026
By Jekhan Aruliah When the topic of the Northern economy comes up, Jaffna is often criticized for living on remittances. Small transfers, perhaps a hundred US dollars a month, sent by hard working people overseas to their families in Jaffna and the Northern Province. These gifts are said to be ruining Jaffna youth and the […]
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 […]
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank keeps the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged
At its meeting held yesterday, the Monetary Policy Board decided to keep the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) unchanged at 7.75%, citing an assessment of recent domestic economic developments, the outlook ahead, and continuing global uncertainty. The Board is of the view that the current monetary policy stance will support steering inflation towards the target of […]
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 […]