Category: Lead Story
Nations Trust Bank completes the transfer of HSBC Sri Lanka’s Retail Banking Business to its portfolio
Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) has announced that the transfer of Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation’s (HSBC) Retail Banking business in Sri Lanka to NTB has officially been completed, with the acquired portfolio transitioning to NTB effective 1st May 2026. NTB has integrated HSBC Sri Lanka’s retail banking customers into its operations, ensuring continuity of […]
CCPI based headline inflation accelerated in April 2026 amidst tensions in the Middle East
The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100) based headline inflation (year-on-year, Y-o-Y) accelerated in April 2026 reflecting the spillovers from the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly the significant upward adjustments in domestic energy prices. Accordingly, headline inflation (Y-o-Y) was recorded at 5.4% in April 2026 compared to 2.2% in March 2026. Food […]
IFC and WindForce PLC Partner on Sri Lanka’s First Large‑Scale Solar Project to Lower Power Costs, Strengthen Energy Security
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced a partnership with WindForce PLC to develop Sri Lanka’s first utility‑scale 100‑megawatt (MW) solar power facility, a landmark project that will accelerate the country’s energy transition, strengthen energy security, lower electricity costs and create thousands of jobs. The project will generate around […]
ADB Fact-Finding Mission Visits EDB to Review Progress of National Export Development Plan
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is making significant progress in the formulation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the period 2026–2030. This strategic initiative is designed to position Sri Lanka on a path of sustained export-led economic growth, aligned with the Government’s national […]
HIP Sets New Container Throughput Record with MSC Vessel
Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully handled container vessel MSC Marie Leslie, marking one of its highest-volume vessel calls to date. The achievement further strengthens the port’s position as an emerging hub for containerised cargo in the region. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was berthed at HIP from 11 to 15 April 2026. […]
Sri Lanka Receives 2.6 mn USD from Japan for Two New projects to Strengthen Climate Resilience & Gender Equality
The Government of Japan through its Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s development journey by announcing two new projects, aimed at fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities and advancing gender equality. These initiatives, together with the Government of Sri Lanka and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development […]
Energy Minister and Secretary Resign Amid Coal Supply Investigation
In a significant development for the energy sector, Minister of Energy, Engineer Kumara Jayakody, has tendered his resignation from his ministerial post. Simultaneously, Professor K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, has also stepped down. Minister Jayakody stated that his decision was driven by the need to ensure independence and impartiality in upcoming […]
Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka
The Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 19 to 20 April 2026. During this visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan will hold bilateral discussions with President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya in a continuation of the recent high-level diplomatic engagements which reinforce the longstanding ties […]
PUCSL Excludes Coal Quality Costs from Tariff Revisions
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that additional costs arising from coal quality will not be factored into future electricity tariff revisions. In its latest decision, the Commission emphasized that only reasonable costs directly related to the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity will be considered when revising tariffs. PUCSL clarified […]
NDB continues to operate with capital & liquidity levels well above minimum regulatory requirements: CBSL
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) says it has been closely monitoring developments at National Development Bank PLC (NDB) following the recent disclosure of an internal fraud. According to CBSL, assessments carried out so far show that NDB continues to operate with capital and liquidity levels well above the minimum regulatory requirements. The incident […]
IMF Staff Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews under Sri Lanka’s EFF Arrangement
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team led by Mr. Evan Papageorgiou visited Sri Lanka from March 26 to April 9, 2026, to discuss recent macroeconomic developments and progress in implementing economic and financial policies under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. At the end of the mission, Mr. Papageorgiou issued the following statement: “IMF […]
HIP Expands Capacity as Middle East Crisis Drives Surge in Shipping Volumes
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has significantly expanded its operational capacity in response to a sharp surge in global shipping volumes triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, reinforcing its position as a key alternative hub along the East–West shipping corridor. The port has doubled its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard capacity and increased its container […]