Category: Lead Story
Central Bank increases Overnight Policy Rate to 8.75-pct
The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting held yesterday, decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 100 bps to 8.75%. Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR), which are linked to OPR with predetermined margins of ± 50 bps, are also increased to 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively. The Board […]
CBSL introduces maximum Loan to Value ratio for gold backed lending & tightens LTV ratios for motor vehicles
The Governing Board of the CBSL decided to introduce a maximum LTV ratio for credit facilities secured by gold and tighten the maximum LTV ratios applicable to credit facilities granted in respect of motor vehicles with effect from 25 May 2026. These steps are taken by the CBSL in line with its macroprudential authority, in […]
Prime Melwa Formally Commences Asia’s Global Marina-Front Architectural Masterpiece
Prime Melwa Port City (Pvt) Ltd has formally commenced its highly anticipated world-class marina living experience at Port City Colombo, marking a significant milestone in the development of one of the region’s most prestigious waterfront residential destinations. Positioned as Asia’s Global Marina Front Masterpiece, the landmark project is poised to redefine luxury waterfront living in […]
Energy Minister Dispels Coal Demurrage Rumors: Zero Extra Cost to Consumers
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has strongly refuted widespread social media claims alleging that the government is paying massive delay charges (demurrage) for ongoing coal shipments, assuring the public that the situation will place zero additional financial burden on electricity consumers. Speaking at a special media briefing, Minister Karunathilake clarified that the state-run Lanka Coal Company […]
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to Host Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026
From Risk to Opportunity: Mainstreaming Climate Action into Sri Lanka’s Growth Story. As climate rules tighten globally and investor expectations shift from commitment to compliance, climate action is now directly tied to trade, competitiveness, and access to finance. Against this backdrop, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host the second edition of the Sri Lanka […]
Rs. 8.5 Billion for 1,898 Employees under CEB Voluntary Retirement Scheme
In line with the ongoing restructuring of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Ministry of Power and Energy has launched a major compensation program for employees opting for voluntary retirement. Under this initiative, a total of Rs. 8.5 billion has been allocated to reward 1,898 employees, marking one of the largest retirement compensation packages in […]
Vietjet Air announces Colombo – Ho Chi Minh City route, strengthening Sri Lanka – Vietnam cooperation
Vietjet Air, Vietnamese new-age hybrid airline, has announced its first direct service connecting Colombo to Ho Chi Minh City at the Sri Lanka – Vietnam Trade, Investment and Tourism Cooperation Forum. The announcement took place in the presence of General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Harini Amarasuriya, and […]
Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen Completes Marine Scientific Survey in Sri Lankan Waters
The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has successfully completed a marine scientific survey in Sri Lankan waters and departed Colombo, marking the conclusion of a critical mission to strengthen the country’s ocean knowledge base. As part of the EAF-Nansen Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway, the vessel […]
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 […]