Category: Lead Story
SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub Launches Sinhala and Tamil Export Handbooks to Strengthen Women Entrepreneurs and SME Exports to the UK Market
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the British High Commission in Colombo to launch two sector-specific export handbooks in Sinhala and Tamil. The handbooks aim to strengthen Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) […]
Government Moves to Establish a Fair and Transparent Presidential Pardon System
The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has received a committee report recommending a more systematic, fair and transparent mechanism for granting presidential pardons to sentenced prison inmates, marking a key step in the government’s wider prison reform agenda. The report was formally handed over on Thursday (July 10) by retired Supreme Court Judge S. […]
Hambantota International Port Sets New Monthly Records for RoRo and Container Throughput
June volumes reach 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs as operational preparedness and customer engagement drive record performance Hambantota International Port (HIP) recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput in both RoRo and containers in June 2026, handling 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs. The dual milestone marks a new high for the port’s two fastest-growing business segments. It […]
Sampath Bank Launches Google Pay, Expanding Sri Lanka’s Access to Global Contactless Payments
Sampath Bank PLC has introduced Google Pay for all Mastercard and Visa Credit and Debit Cardholders, marking a significant advancement on how customers in Sri Lanka access digital payment solutions. This initiative brings fast, secure, and globally accepted tap-to-pay functionality to Android devices, catering to the increasing demand for mobile-first solutions. Mobile wallets are reshaping […]
CBSL to Cancel Nation Lanka Finance Licence; Liquidation Process Begins
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has officially cancelled the finance business licence of Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective today, July 3, 2026, moving forward with a formal winding up of the company. Full Statement The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) initiated resolution actions on Nation Lanka Finance PLC (NLFP) effective from […]
World Bank Approves $150 Million to Fuel Sri Lanka’s Economic Growth and Resilience
In a major move to transition Sri Lanka from economic stabilization to long-term development, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved US$150 million in financing to back the country’s comprehensive reform agenda. The funding is part of the Sri Lanka Reforms for Growth, Resilience and Openness Development Policy Operation (REGROW DPO). This initiative […]
Accelerating SOE reforms & maintaining cost-recovery energy pricing are key to minimizing fiscal risks: IMF Staff Mission
Accelerating reforms in state-owned enterprises and ensuring energy prices reflect cost-recovery are essential to reducing fiscal risks, according to the IMF Staff Mission at the conclusion of its visit to Sri Lanka. The mission emphasized that, alongside these measures, authorities should focus on strengthening the targeting and coverage of social safety nets to safeguard vulnerable […]
Law Association for Asia & Pacific Sounds Alarm Over Proposed Changes to Sri Lankan Judicial Retirement Age
LAWASIA, the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific, has officially voiced grave concerns over the Sri Lankan government’s proposed constitutional amendment aimed at extending the retirement age of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges. In a formal statement released on June 26, 2026, the regional legal body warned that the ad hoc initiative […]
Sampath Bank Launches Sri Lanka’s First Real-Time USD Payment Solution for Sri Lanka Ports Authority Users
Sampath Bank PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) have jointly launched Sri Lanka’s first real-time USD payment solution for the maritime industry, eliminating traditional manual payment processes and streamlining foreign currency transactions across the country’s shipping and logistics ecosystem. The initiative marks another industry-first innovation from Sampath Bank and a significant step forward […]
CDS to Limit Activity on Dormant Accounts Until Reactivation as Part of Investor Protection Measures
Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd (CDS), a subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), has announced new measures aimed at protecting dormant CDS accounts that have remained inactive for three years or more. The measure will involve a staggered suspension framework for dormant accounts which can be re-activated at any time quite easily by account […]
Sri Lanka’s Exports exceeds USD 7.3 Bn in First Five Months
Sri Lanka’s export sector has sustained its resilience, with total exports exceeding US$ 7.3 billion in the first five months of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports were estimated at US$ 7,393.39 million between January and May, marking a 7.56% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2025. Merchandise exports contributed US$ 5,758.44 million […]
United States Transfers Ten Texas-Built Helicopters to Sri Lanka to Strengthen Maritime Security and Disaster Readiness
The United States today formally transferred ten American-made TH-57 Sea Ranger (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, delivering a major boost to the country’s helicopter training program, search-and-rescue capabilities, and the security of its air and maritime domains — a milestone that reflects the growing strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka defense partnership. […]