Daily FT - April 28, 2025
Daily FT - April 28, 2025
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In this issue
April 28, 2025
CBSL Governor and Treasury Secretary represent SL at Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable
CENTRAL Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Treasury Secretary K.M. Siriwardana participated in the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR), which was held in Washington, DC, on 23 April on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
1 min
European Union GSP+ Monitoring Mission arrives
AN EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission will be visiting Sri Lanka today (28) until 7 May to take stock of progress on the fulfilment of conditions linked to the granting of GSP+ trade preferences.
1 min
Govt. seeks public input to shape new business models in transport sector
IN a move to revitalise and expand the ancillary services linked to the country's transport industry, the Parliamentary Sub-Committee led by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe has called for public views and suggestions to help shape new business models.
1 min
Apparel industry welcomes Govt. efforts in US trade dialogue
THE Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) on Friday welcomed the Government's proactive engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington D.C., and extended its appreciation to President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the delegation for prioritising discussions that advance equitable and mutually beneficial trade relations between Sri Lanka and the US.
1 min
Govt. begins 2025 with good financials
THE Government appears to have begun 2025 with good financials, with growth in revenue and a reduction in Budget deficit.
1 min
Dipped Products commissions new Rs. 1 b natural rubber glove production plant in Hanwella
DIPPED Products PLC (DPL), a global leader in hand protection and a mem-ber of the Hayleys Group, has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art Natural Rubber Chain Production Plant at its subsidiary, Hanwella Rubber Products Ltd. (HRPL), follow-ing a Rs. 1 billion investment.
2 mins
Palki Sharma makes strong case for South Asian journalism prowess at inaugural Sri Lanka Media Fest
WELL-KNOWN Indian TV journalist and influential First Post Managing Editor Palki Sharma on Saturday urged media professionals across South Asia to embrace collaboration, resist polarisation, and reshape the global narrative about the region. Delivering the keynote
4 mins
Sri Lanka welcomes over 144,000 tourists in first 24 days of April
SRI Lanka's tourism industry continues its momentum with a significant year-on-year (YoY) increase in visitor numbers during 2025, according to the latest official data.
1 min
Outstation students shine at 2024 GCE A/L examination
LESANDA Ransara Kumarage of Bandaranayake College, Gampaha, secured the first place in the Mathematics stream at the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination, the results of which were released over the weekend.
1 min
Justice Samarakoon appointed RTI Commissioner
FORMER Court of Appeal Justice D.M. Samarakoon, nominee of the Sri Lanka Press Institute, has been appointed as Right to Information (RTI) Commissioner to a vacancy pending since January 2025.
1 min
Mahanayakas confirm Siri Dalada Vandana a success
THE Mahanayaka Theros of the Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters have issued a statement confirming that the exposition of the sacred tooth relic has successfully concluded.
1 min
Gammanpila urges caution on energy ties with India amid regional tensions
PIVITHURU Hela Urumaya (PHU) Leader and former Minister Udaya Gammanpila on Saturday called fra carefulreassessment of StiLankaS energy sector agreements with India, drawing attention torecenttensions between India and Pakistan overthe'Indus Waters Treaty.
1 min
President in Vavuniya reaffirms commitment to Election promises
PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people during the last Presidential and General Elections.
1 min
Expert says franchising Sri Lanka's safest bet for achieving swift economic growth
INDIAN Small Business & Franchise Association (ISFA) Additional Director General Sonya Chowdhry yesterday highlighted the potential of franchising as a low-risk and proven approach to stimulate economic recovery, propelling the nation towards its lofty goal of reaching 5% GDP growth in 2025.
2 mins
Global food price index remains stable in March
Rising vegetable oil quotations offset lower prices for wheat, maize, rice and sugar, says FAO
4 mins
HNB and Hayleys Agriculture forge new collaboration
HNB has partnered with Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd., to introduce a series of financial and operational benefits designed to enhance accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in Sri Lanka's agricultural sector.
1 min
Tea industry in 1Q of 2025: An overview
THE Sri Lankan tea industry saw an increase in production and exports but recorded a drop in the National Average price for the period from January to March 2025, compared to the same period in 2024.
3 mins
Roar AdX elevates Sri Lankan beauty brands at Meta's APAC Beauty Summit 2025
ROAR AdX, the Meta advertising powerhouse of Roar Global, amplified Sri Lanka's beauty sector on the regional stage recently by hosting flagship clients Ezthara, Spa Ceylon, Janet and LuvEsence at Meta's inaugural APAC Beauty Summit 2025 in Singapore.
1 min
Iconic Business Awards returns after 18 years as 'CIMA - JXG Pinnacle Awards 2025'
ORIGINALLY initiated by Janashakthi Insurance, the event now returns under the leadership of JXG (Janashakthi Group) — Sri Lanka’s emerging financial conglomerate.
2 mins
Architecture with impact: Turner Walker Robinson's vision to inspire and future-proof Sri Lankan design
With a deep-rooted architectural legacy and a growing presence on the global stage, Sri Lanka is carving out a bold new identity in design. One of the firms leading this shift is Turner Walker Robinson (TWR), a homegrown group of architects and designers with teams based in Sri Lanka, the UAE and Melbourne.
4 mins
SDB bank strengthens dairy sector development with value chain financing initiative
SDB bank has embarked on value chain financing (VCF) as another value driven business vertical in line with the core ethos of the bank to empower communities by enabling sustainable financing for both raw material suppliers and the intended buyers.
1 min
DFCC Bank congratulates Anton Arumugam on appointment as APB Sri Lanka President
DFCC Bank PLC has extended its congratulations to Senior Vice President of Offshore Banking, Remittances and Business Development Anton Arumugam, on his appointment as the 36th President of the Association of Professional Bankers (APB) Sri Lanka for the 2025/26 term.
1 min
DFCC Bank wins four accolades at LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025
DFCC Bank PLC has reaffirmed its position as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s digital banking landscape by securing two Gold awards and two Merit awards at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2025, held recently in Colombo.
1 min
Islamic finance sector resilient amid upcoming headwinds: S&P
STRONG banking and sukuk industry performance led to 10.6% growth for the global Islamic finance industry in 2024, with total sukuk outstanding surpassing $ 1 trillion for the first time, according to S&P Global Ratings.
2 mins
Secondary Bond market yields close down on renewed buying interest
Upcoming Rs. 115 b T-bond auction in focus ■T-bill auction rates record mixed results ■Foreign holdings in Rupee treasuries records net inflow ■Rupee depreciates
3 mins
Colombo Stock Exchange introduces GSS+ Bonds
IN line with a broader, more inclusive approach and in alignment with evolving global standards, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has announced the launch of the GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework.
2 mins
NSB appoints Ajith Akmeemana as Chief Financial Officer
NATIONAL Savings Bank (NSB) has announced the appointment of Ajith Akmeemana as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately.
1 min
SLIC Life only life insurer with 'A+' National IFS Rating with Stable Outlook from Fitch
SRI Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) has been assigned an 'A+(lka)' National Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating by Fitch Ratings, with a Stable Outlook.
1 min
Capital Alliance Holdings announces Rs. 1.575 b IPO
CAPITAL Alliance Holdings Ltd.’s (CAL) Rs. 1.575 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO), one of the landmark initiatives of the company, is set to officially open on 8 May, marking the first IPO on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) this year.
2 mins
Networking event to promote Sri Lanka's IT industry held in Singapore
A networking event was held on 24 April at the Sri Lanka High Commission in Singapore to connect Sri Lankan IT companies with Sri Lankan-origin IT professionals based in Singapore.
1 min
Calcey achieves ISO 27001:2013 certification
CALCEY, a leading software services provider with a global presence, has announced its achievement of ISO 27001:2013 certification, the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS).
1 min
MiHCM achieves Microsoft Data and AI Solutions Partner status
MIHCM has achieved Microsoft Data and AI Solutions Partner status in mid-April, further cementing its position as a leader in Data and AI solutions.
2 mins
Sri Lanka ICT Networking Session, B2B Forum in Tokyo
IN an effort to strengthen trade and technology ties between Sri Lanka and Japan, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan hosted two events during Japan IT Week Spring 2025, one of Asia’s leading tech trade fairs.
1 min
First Seven Seals RORO vessel carrying used vehicles arrives at HIP
HAMBANTOTA International Port (HIP) received a consignment of 1,560 used vehicles last week, marking the first shipment on a Seven Seals vessel to the port since the lifting of the import ban.
1 min
SAGT wins Bronze at Hapag-Lloyd Supplier Recognition Awards 2024
SOUTH Asia Gateway Terminals Ltd., (SAGT), has been awarded the Bronze Award for 'Outstanding Partnership and Excellence in Service' at the Hapag-Lloyd Supplier Recognition Awards 2024.
2 mins
Marine Transport Services celebrates 30 years with bold new look; renewed vision
MARINE Transport Services Ltd., a trusted name in Sri Lanka's logistics and freight forwarding sector, recently celebrated a major milestone — 30 years of service excellence.
1 min
Exposition puts Govt. planning to the test
THE 10-day exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic ended yesterday with thousands of devotees flocking to Kandy for the rare opportunity of paying homage to the sacred relic. While the exposition was welcomed by all, there are many lessons to be learnt from the poor management of the exposition process which drew criticism both from residents of the city as well as the devotees.
2 mins
Budget 2025: Expectations galore with 76 years of waiting
The maiden Budget of the NPP Government was tabled in the Parliament on 17 February. The third Reading of it was concluded on 21 March with the President's speech.
7 mins
Trump(dis)order: Worst is not attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell but weakening strength of US institutions
Central bankers are always at the receiving end when it comes to dealing with political authorities.
2 mins
China: A more trustworthy partner
ACCORDING to the World Bank's latest report, Sri Lanka's economic growth rate is expected to reach 3.5% this year, consistent with the October forecast, but challenges from high US tariffs and high poverty rates cannot be ignored. President Disanayake stated that measures have been taken to minimise the impact of US tariffs on the domestic economy.
5 mins
Hurray for hierarchy
ON Easter Sunday, I was so touched by the brief yet beautiful blessing of Pope Francis. He appeared in his wheelchair and declared “Buona Pasqua!” (Happy Easter!). I did not expect to write this column so early as I was so pleased to see his miraculous recovery. Once again, it showed us the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. Today’s column is not to repeat what was already mentioned about the blessed life of Pope Francis but to pay my meagre tribute to him through the column of “humane results”.
6 mins
Kaya finishes runner-up, Reshan ends fourth
SRI Lankan junior golfers Kaya Daluwatte and Reshan Algama once again proved their high-class talent on the international stage, turning in brilliant performances at the 16th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, which ended at the spectacular Laguna Golf Lang Co in Vietnam last week.
1 min
Benedictines revel at Ritzbury Relay Carnival
ATHLETES of St. Benedict's College came up with a sterling performance at the glamour event of the Schools Athletics Calendar, the Ritzbury Schools Athletics Relay Championship held at the Diyagama Stadium from 9 to 11 April. They performed brilliantly in all age groups, emerging Champions in Under-12, Under-14 and Under-20 segments, Runners Up in Under-18 and 2nd Runners up in Under-16.
1 min
CDB empowered Olcott Sports Foundation win Bandula Warnapura Annual T20 Cricket Encounter
THE Colonel Henry Steel Olcott Memorial Sports Foundation (CHSOMSF) emerged triumphant at the Bandula Warnapura Memorial Annual T20 Cricket Encounter 2025, winning back the trophy from the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) Legends team.
1 min
Hemamali's Chathuri, Army's Herath Best Novice boxers
HEMAMALI College, Kandy, schoolgirl Chathuri Siriwardena and a 27-year-old Army Lance Corporal Nissanka Herath carried away the Best Boxer awards at the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) Novices Boxing meet for men and women held at the Royal MAS Arena.
1 min
NEGC Life Members Cup 2025 concludes in grand style
THE Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) Life Members Cup 2025 concluded in grand style, bringing together some of the finest golfers from the Hill Country Club at their club course in Nuwara Eliya last weekend.
1 min
Dambulla make late surge in final session
Galle lose their way 140-1 to 210-5
1 min
HNB enter MCA 'F' Division 25-Over League final
HNB'B,' led by batsman/wicket-keeper Ashen Fernando, and Dialog Axiata, led by all-rounder Damith Weerasinghe, will meet each other in the seventh Fairfirst Insurance-sponsored MCA 'F' Division 25-Over League Tournament 2025 final on Saturday, 3 May, at the MCA Grounds, commencing 10 a.m.
1 min
Trinity run riot at Longdon Place against Antonians
TRINITY kicked off their President's Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament with a massive 62/5 win over Katugastota Antonians at Longdon Place last weekend.
1 min
Charitha Karunarathna elected President at Colombo Hockey Association 70th AGM
THE Colombo Hockey Association (CHA) marked a significant milestone with the successful convening of its 70th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held recently at the Burgher Recreation Club.
1 min
Daily FT Newspaper Description:
Publisher: Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Daily FT:National English Daily:authoritative market and financial news for business www.ft.lk
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