News & market updates

DFCC Bank PLC's LKR 3 billion Blue Bond has been dually listed on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City. The dual listing, facilitated under an MoU between NSE IX and the Colombo Stock Exchange, is intended to broaden the bond's international visibility and investor access.

Portugal's Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel called for a 'new era' of structured economic partnership with Sri Lanka, highlighting cooperation in renewable energy (solar and wind), tourism, infrastructure/public works and digital development. Both countries agreed to reactivate their Joint Cultural Commission, and Portugal said it will advocate constructive engagement on Sri Lanka's GSP+ review in 2027.

A Montana State-linked US delegation led by Mooney Group expressed strong interest to invest in and develop Sri Lanka's graphite industry, offering technology transfer, safety/environmental standards and links to US and global markets.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka welcomes investors and tourists as it moves towards sustainable growth, noting India’s USD 454 million long-term relief package and cooperation across energy, connectivity, trade, digital transformation, health and tourism.

Bank of Ceylon reported Profit Before Tax of Rs. 120.8 billion and Profit After Tax of Rs. 76.0 billion for the year ended 31 Dec 2025. Total assets were Rs. 5.5 trillion, deposits Rs. 4.4 trillion, gross loans Rs. 2.6 trillion, and it issued a Rs. 20 billion Basel III Tier II Sustainability Bond while expanding digital and green initiatives.

Bank of Ceylon reported PAT of Rs.76.0 billion and PBT of Rs.120.8 billion for the year ended 31 Dec 2025. The bank issued a Rs.20 billion Basel III–compliant Tier II Sustainability Bond and closed the year with assets of Rs.5.5 trillion and deposits of Rs.4.4 trillion.

Hayleys PLC's Advantis unit has formed a joint venture with Sarens to supply and operate heavy-lift cranes and engineered lifting services in Sri Lanka, with the JV's first contract the 50MW Haywind wind farm in Mannar. The partnership will invest in crane and transport assets and provide end-to-end turbine installation and logistics.

Global debt hit a record $348 trillion at end-2025, rising by nearly $29 trillion over the year as governments added more than $10 trillion, the IIF said. The shift toward sovereign borrowing raised government debt to about $106.7tn, left emerging markets with large 2026 rollover needs, and heightens interest-rate and funding risks.

DFCC Bank PLC launched Sri Lanka’s first Basel III–compliant GSS+ Bond, which was oversubscribed on its opening day and was marked with a CSE opening-bell ceremony. The issuance strengthens DFCC’s regulatory capital while channeling funds to green, social and sustainability projects.

Hayleys PLC's logistics arm Hayleys Advantis has signed a strategic joint venture with Belgium-based Sarens to provide heavy-lift crane and engineered transport services for the 50MW Haywind wind power project in Mannar, including transport and installation of turbines.

DFCC Bank PLC launched and listed Sri Lanka’s first Basel III–compliant GSS+ bond, which was oversubscribed on its opening day. The issuance strengthens DFCC’s regulatory capital position while directing funds toward measurable green and social projects.

Economist Talal Rafi urged a disciplined shift from stabilisation to growth, calling for trade and productivity-driven reforms alongside fiscal discipline and reserve accumulation. He noted debt-to-GDP has fallen to near 100%, IMF growth at ~2.9% (this year)/3.1% (next) and reserves projected to rise to ~$8.8bn by year-end.

NDB Bank led a Negombo Lagoon clean-up under its “Adopt a Lagoon” programme, removing more than 3,000 kg of non-biodegradable waste. About 50–60% of mixed waste will go to the Kerawalapitiya Waste-to-Energy plant and PET bottles will be recycled.

Hayleys Solar (Hayleys PLC) completed a 4,036 kW solar PV installation across six Pussalla Meat Producers farm locations. The multi-site project is expected to supply a substantial portion of the farms' energy needs and reduce annual carbon emissions by about 3,392,247 tonnes.

Vidullanka PLC commissioned the 6MW Madampe solar plant on 21 February, adding about 9.9 GWh/year and bringing its solar segment to 36MW. The company has nearly 80MW of projects in its pipeline — including a 10MW BESS tender win and wind ventures — potentially raising capacity to ~150MW.

Sri Lankan engineer Duleeka Sandamali Gunarathne was one of five Global South winners of the 2026 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Award for Sustainable Energy; each recipient receives USD 5,000 and a travel grant to a leading international conference.

George Steuart Solutions deployed off-grid solar-plus-battery systems to restore electricity to hospitals, schools and community halls in remote areas hit by Cyclone Ditwah from Dec 4, using Sri Lanka Air Force airlifts for locations cut off by landslides.

DENZA, BYD’s premium NEV brand, brings its B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid SUVs to Sri Lanka featuring DiSus-P hydraulic suspension and integrated torque/terrain systems, offering off-road intelligence and 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds for mixed urban and rough terrain driving.

John Keells CG Auto (John Keells group) opened the Altair Showroom in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s first showroom to house BYD and DENZA vehicles together. The outlet showcases models including the BYD SEALION 6, BYD SHARK 6 and DENZA B5/B8 and forms part of BYD's ninth and DENZA's second openings in under a year.

OMICRON launched the CPX 200 ecosystem in Colombo with local partner Olex Projects Ltd, introducing a compact multifunctional test set for commissioning, maintenance and condition assessment of medium- and high-voltage assets to Sri Lanka's power sector.

Hayleys Solar (part of Hayleys PLC) completed a 4,036 kW solar PV installation across six farm locations for Pussalla Meat Producers. The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 3,392,247 tonnes annually.

WindForce PLC received Letters of Award for twelve standalone BESS projects totalling 120 MW / 480 MWh — Sri Lanka's largest grid-scale standalone BESS programme; eleven projects will be fully owned by WindForce and the Vavunathivu project will be a consortium with Vidullanka PLC.

Hatton National Bank (HNB) signed an MOU with David Pieris Renewable Energy to offer solar financing, with domestic loans of LKR 500,000–7,000,000 and C&I project financing, tenors up to seven years and competitive rates to support household and business solar adoption.

AmCham Sri Lanka will host its CEO Forum 2026 on 25 February 2026 in Colombo, with Hatton National Bank PLC as Title Partner. The forum will gather 250+ C-level leaders, policymakers and development partners to discuss economic recovery, reform, climate risks, SMEs, global growth and public–private partnerships.

WindForce PLC received Letters of Award (16 Feb 2026) for twelve standalone BESS projects totalling 120 MW/480 MWh, Sri Lanka's largest grid-scale BESS programme. Eleven projects will be fully owned by WindForce and the Vavunathivu project will be developed in consortium with Vidullanka PLC.

Tess Agro PLC commissioned a 380 kWp rooftop Solar PV project at its Kerawalapitiya warehouse, connected to the national grid on 15 Jan 2026 after a Rs. 60 million investment. The installation raises the company's total Solar PV capacity to 460 kWp and aims to cut energy costs and emissions.

Hayleys Fentons won the Gold Award in the Electronic & Electrical Products (Medium Category) at the National Chamber of Exporters 2025 Export Awards, driven by export performance of Hayleys Solar's internationally certified renewable energy systems.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC says it was the largest lender to Sri Lanka's SME sector for the fifth consecutive year, disbursing Rs. 330.95 billion in 2024 (30.4% of industry disbursements). The bank highlights digital initiatives (LEAP GlobalLinker, AI credit underwriting), green loans and expanded rural outreach to support SMEs.