News & market updates

Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL) marked its Golden Jubilee on 7 July 2026 at BMICH, celebrating 50 years and reaffirming its commitment to advance Sri Lanka's digital future through skills development, AI, cybersecurity, digital governance and stronger government–industry collaboration.

Sri Lanka Insurance Life declared a Rs. 14.68 billion bonus to policyholders for 2025, the largest annual life-insurance bonus in Sri Lanka. The company reported PBT of Rs. 4.3 billion, GWP of Rs. 32.6 billion (+24% y/y), assets of Rs. 275 billion and a Life Fund of Rs. 247 billion.

Smart Media was appointed a Global Training Partner to the IFRS Foundation for ISSB Disclosure Training, enabling it to deliver official IFRS Foundation-developed training globally and serve as the official Jurisdictional Training Partner for Sri Lanka.

Connect to Care Consulting registered as a Voluntary Social Services/NGO and completed a governance and institutional-strengthening programme, including new board appointments. The organisation also implemented Microsoft Dynamics and Asana to upgrade financial management and programme delivery.

The 14th World Construction Symposium and Sustainability Awards Scheme 2026 will be held at the Hilton Colombo on 10–11 July, attracting over 100 research paper submissions and industry participants. The events will showcase innovation and honour achievements across Sri Lanka's construction sector.

Court ruled that Baby Cheramy has exclusive ownership of its brand and intellectual property, finding the similar 'Baby Sherami' imitation violates its rights and affirming protection against unauthorised use.

Smart Quest Ltd. marked its 20th anniversary and launched The Growth Circle, a facilitated team experience, and pre-launched 'Rooted', a leadership book by founder Andrea Jayatilleka aimed at supporting trust and conscious leadership in working teams.

Bank of Ceylon introduced BOC Flex and Lanka QR payment solutions to indigenous entrepreneurs in Dambana, enabling immediate digital payments credited to BOC accounts to boost financial inclusion and market access.

Fintrex Finance PLC appointed Nirodha Kalansooriya as a Director. Kalansooriya is an Attorney‑at‑Law with senior legal experience at Sampath Bank PLC and Nations Trust Bank PLC and is expected to strengthen the board's legal, governance and financial‑sector expertise.

SLID Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody and CEO Anitra Perera met SEC Chairman Prof. Dissa Bandara to discuss enhanced collaboration to strengthen director bench strength, boardroom capabilities and capacity-building, and to promote the Sri Lanka National Corporate Directors Summit 2026 to boost governance and investor confidence.

Pan Asia Banking Corporation (PABC.N0000) launched 'Remit Max' on 3 July 2026 in Kurunegala, introducing a Remit Max Savings Account and a Remit Max Pre-Departure Loan Facility for migrant workers. The suite is designed to encourage formal inward remittances and provide pre-departure financing for prospective overseas workers.

Sri Lanka's ASPI fell 0.49% to 21,720.92 midday; HNB Finance listed 381,667,019 new ordinary voting shares and 80,072,222 non‑voting shares from its rights issue. Malwatte Valley Plantations and Seylan Bank were among gainers while Melstacorp was a top decliner.

SLID will host the Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026 on 22 July at the Cinnamon Grand, headlined by Prof. Sir Nishan Canagarajah and World Bank Global Head of Talent Edith Umole. Keynotes will focus on boards leading through technology, innovation and talent/succession planning.

SANASA Life Insurance has resumed full business operations after the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka lifted its temporary suspension. The company says it continued to honor valid claims during the suspension and will implement nationwide initiatives to reconnect with customers and partners.

Dialog Axiata PLC launched Dialog Pay, an integrated payments and financial-services platform within the MyDialog app enabling Lanka QR payments across 100,000+ merchants. Users can link eZ Cash or bank accounts, access wallets, savings, fixed deposits and loans via Dialog Finance and earn complimentary data rewards.

The Classic Car Club of Ceylon held its 34th AGM on 25 June 2026 at The Kingsbury Hotel, unanimously re-electing Sanjiv Alles as President for a fourth term. The club outlined a calendar of events and plans to continue innovation, education and digital engagement to promote classic motoring.

Wire Communications Consultancy Holdings Group launched Intel Wire, an AI-powered reputation and trust intelligence business unit, and appointed Kavinthan Shamugarajah as Business Unit Head. The unit introduces a proprietary Crisis Intelligence and Reputation Advisory Framework for real-time risk anticipation and sentiment monitoring.

Power World Gyms has partnered with digital platform Fitzky to enable online membership purchases and introduce the Fitzky Fit Pass, offering day-pass access to Power World and partner gyms for more flexible, digital-first fitness access.

Sri Lanka sold all Rs100bn of Treasury bills at Wednesday's auction; 3-month yield 10.21% (-2bp), 6-month 10.30% (unchanged), 12-month 10.20% (+1bp). The 3-month sold Rs58.47bn (Rs50bn offered), 6-month sold Rs35bn, 12-month sold Rs6.53bn.

Sri Lanka rupee closed at 336.00/30 to the US dollar, weaker than 334.75/85 the previous day, while government bond yields rose across several maturities (e.g. 15.02.2028 at 10.45/55%, 15.12.2029 at 11.00/10%).

Developing Asia received $644 billion in FDI in 2025 (about 40% of global FDI and over 70% of flows to developing economies), according to UNCTAD. Investment shifted toward South‑East Asia and India (India +44%), with growing flows into semiconductors, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and energy‑transition technologies.

Arcasia Investment & Trading and ATX Partners will acquire a 50.16% controlling stake (1,880,693,010 shares) in Industrial Asphalts (ASPH.N0000), triggering a mandatory offer for the remaining ordinary voting shares; offer terms await SEC approval.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon's proposed LKR20 billion Basel III-compliant subordinated debentures were assigned a final National Long-Term Rating of 'A(lka)' by Fitch. The bank said proceeds will strengthen Tier 2 capital, reduce maturity mismatches and support loan growth; maturities are 5, 7 and 10 years.

BOI-approved Yesol Lanka in Puttalam converts fish-processing waste into export-ready fishmeal, fish oil and paste, exporting 30,000–35,000 mt annually and earning US$2–2.5m a year. The US$3m plant employs 45 people and has an installed capacity to process 100 mt of waste per day.

Industrial Asphalts sold 1,800,693,010 shares (48.03% control) to Arcasia Investment & Trading and ATX Partners (agreement dated July 7); trading was halted and the stock last traded at 50 cents.

Sri Lanka's cabinet approved seeking parliamentary approval for new import/export regulations making export licenses mandatory for scrap metal and requiring prepayment-imported goods to arrive within 180, 365 or 730 days of payment. The regulations were published in the extraordinary gazette and will be submitted to parliament for approval.