Category: Trade
Ceylon Chamber to Host High-Level Business Delegation from Bangladesh for Trade & Investment Talks
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka – Bangladesh Business Council, will host a visiting business delegation from the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), Bangladesh, on 17 June 2025 at the Hilton Colombo Residence. The delegation comprises 24 representatives from 22 Bangladeshi companies, spanning a wide range of sectors […]
US-China Tariff De-escalation Does Not Signal Trade Normalisation: Fitch Ratings
The Joint Statement on US-China Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva published on 12 May appears to be a significant de-escalation of the trade war between the two countries, Fitch Ratings says. But in the absence of a lasting deal, uncertainty over where tariff rates will settle and the impact of those already implemented will […]
Sri Lanka’s Apparel industry responds to new U.S. tariffs; Engages Government on way forward
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has expressed its concern over the Reciprocal Tariff policy announced by the U.S regime earlier today. The new tariffs proposed could significantly disrupt the country’s largest export sector and put thousands of jobs at risk. Following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, a 10% baseline tariff on […]
‘ Export Potential
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) co-organized a series of factory visits as part of the UK-Sri Lanka Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme. 59 factory visits were held from December 2nd to 6th, the initiative brought buyers from the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce […]
Women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka connect with UK companies through UK – Sri Lanka Trade Mission
The United Kingdom (UK)-Sri Lanka Trade Mission, part of the UK Government-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, is connecting 13 UK companies with 45 Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs on 2 – 6 December 2024. Co-organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the trade mission aims to strengthen bilateral economic […]
Hemas Holdings Boosts Profitability through Efficiency in a Challenging Market
Hemas Holdings PLC reported a cumulative revenue of Rs. 54.4 billion, with operating profits of Rs. 5.0 billion and earnings of Rs. 2.5 billion. The decrease in revenue compared to same period last year was a result of cautious consumer spending accompanied by several strategic downward price adjustments, particularly in the Consumer Brands segment. However, […]
JKH records continued growth momentum in Q2
Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) reported continued growth momentum across almost all businesses in the second quarter, a statement showed. The Group revenue in 2Q was up by 20 percent to Rs.76.96 billion with increases across almost all businesses. JKH said the 687-key ‘Cinnamon Life’ hotel, restaurants and banquet facilities commenced operations on […]
National Single Window: A Game-Changer for Sri Lanka’s Trading Community
What is the National Single Window (NSW)? The National Single Window (NSW) is an integrated digital platform designed to streamline international trade by allowing parties involved in trade and transport to submit standardized information and documents through a single entry point. This concept, supported by international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and […]
President Opens “The Mall” Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Colombo Port City
President Ranil Wickremesinghe officially opened “The Mall,” a newly constructed duty-free shopping complex in the Colombo Port City area yesterday (September 5). This marks the debut of the first urban duty-free shopping mall in the region, featuring a range of stores, restaurants, and various retail outlets. Notable international duty-free retailers, including One World, China Duty […]
‘s DCTS for sustainable growth amidst economic challenges
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, finds itself at a critical juncture. As the sector continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and navigates ongoing economic challenges, the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) has emerged as a potential lifeline. However, this opportunity comes with its own set of hurdles, particularly […]
‘s economy
In the high-stakes world of trade and logistics, corruption at Sri Lanka’s customs, IRD, ports, and airports is not just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis that’s crippling the nation’s export sector. Outdated, manual systems have become breeding grounds for corruption, where bribery and inefficiency rule, bleeding exporters dry and stifling economic growth. The country stands at […]
Minister Sabry highlights SL’s progress on economic stabilization during visit to Singapore
During Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s visit to Singapore recently he had a productive discussion with the Foreign Minister of Singapore on enhancing relations between both countries, recognizing shared opportunities and challenges. At the luncheon hosted by Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Sabry emphasized collaboration in areas of mutual interest including seeking assistance for capacity building for public […]