Business
Rs. 45 billion allocated to finish stalled hospital construction projects
Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa says suspended hospital projects will be completed within two years, alongside 16 new cath labs worth Rs. 3.15 billion.
Business
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Business
Revised VAT invoice format becomes mandatory from October 1
The Inland Revenue Department says the revised VAT invoice format takes effect on October 1, deferred from the original July 1 date.
Business
Economist says mafia influence behind vehicle price rises cannot be ruled out
A Wayamba University professor says mafia influence behind arbitrary imported vehicle price increases cannot be rejected, as importers warn of steep rises.
Business
Alcohol-related costs outstripped liquor tax revenue by Rs. 81 billion in 2025
Health and economic costs of alcohol use reached Rs. 335 billion in 2025 against Rs. 254 billion in alcohol tax revenue, ADIC data shows.
Business
Foreign investors extend rupee bond buying to nine straight weeks
Foreign investors bought a net Rs 1.35bn of Sri Lanka rupee bonds in the week to August 14, lifting holdings to a data-series high of Rs 194.2bn.
Business
Sri Lanka to invite international bids for Mannar Basin oil and gas blocks
Bids for oil and gas exploration in four Mannar Basin blocks will be called this month after legal obstacles cleared, the Daily Mirror reports.
Business
Japan confirms BIA second terminal construction to start before November
JICA delegation tells Ports Minister Anura Karunathilaka that work on the long-stalled Terminal 2 at Katunayake will begin before November.
Business
Central Bank warns inflation will stay above target in the near term
CBSL's August Monetary Policy Report says headline inflation has accelerated sharply on energy costs and will remain above the 5% target before moderating.
Business
Commercial Bank June quarter profit rises 8% to Rs17.49bn as deposits pass Rs3 trillion
Commercial Bank of Ceylon posted Rs17.49bn for the June quarter and became the first private banking group in Sri Lanka to cross Rs3 trillion in deposits.
Business
Colombo bourse ends week higher; ASPI adds 105 points to 21,644
The All Share Price Index rose 0.49% on Friday, lifted by Melstacorp, Sampath Bank, Dialog Axiata and Ceylon Tobacco. Turnover reached Rs2.24bn.
Business
Pan Asia Bank tops Rs 350bn in assets as first-half profit rises 16%
Pan Asia Bank crosses Rs 350bn in assets, posts Rs 2.5bn H1 profit. Tax reversal drove much of quarterly gains; 16% increase.
Business
President says market competition alone cannot regulate prices
President Dissanayake calls for stronger price controls via Lanka Sathosa and cooperatives, saying market competition alone cannot regulate prices effectively.
Business
Rs 2.5 billion revenue-generating development projects launched island-wide
More than 100 projects begin under the 'Punarudaya Purawara' programme, starting in Madurankuliya, Puttalam and Agunukolapelessa.
Business
Rupee closes stronger at 332.75/95 as bond yields fall across the curve
The rupee firmed from 333.50/65 a day earlier, while yields on government bonds maturing between 2028 and 2037 closed lower, dealers said.
Business
Sampath Bank posts Rs 16.6bn half-year profit as recoveries lift second quarter
The bank's H1 profit after tax rose 13% to Rs 16.6bn, with second-quarter earnings up 69% on the previous quarter on loan recoveries and lower impairment.
Business
50% surcharge on vehicle import duties extended to December 31
Finance Ministry extends 50% vehicle import surcharge through December 31; exempts letters of credit opened before May 15.
Business
Coal Tender Completed as Sri Lanka Rules Out Power Cuts This Year
Energy Minister says coal procurement for 2026/27 is settled with shipments due in September, while hydropower now meets 48% of electricity demand.
Business
Digital security stamps yet to lift tax revenue significantly, officials tell CoPF
Officials told Parliament's public finance committee that digital security stamps on alcoholic beverages have not significantly raised tax revenue.
Business
CPC to Call for Investors After Mannar Basin Gas Confirmed
The state fuel entity opens a proposal process this month to find an investor to develop Mannar Basin natural gas, with bidders given about five months.
Business
EU-backed consultation moves to harmonise Sri Lanka's national eco-label
More than 50 public and private sector representatives met to strengthen Sri Lanka's National Eco-Labelling Framework under an EU-funded programme.
Business
EU sets out GSP+ conditions, calls for PTA repeal and death penalty moratorium
EU urges Sri Lanka to repeal PTA, Online Safety Act, decriminalise same-sex relations and adopt execution moratorium.
Business
HNB June quarter profit flat at Rs 11.77bn as year-ago reversal flatters base
HNB Q2 profit up 0.3% to Rs 11.77bn on 30% jump in net interest income, boosted by last year impairment reversal.
Business
IRD sets August 20 deadline for July VAT payments
The Inland Revenue Department warns of penalties for late payment, and says cheques and bank drafts received after the due date will also count as late.
Business
Janashakthi to buy Continental Insurance from Melstacorp for Rs 5.14bn
Janashakthi to acquire 100% of Continental Insurance Lanka in phased tranches, starting with 81% controlling stake.