Daily FT - May 02, 2025

Daily FT - May 02, 2025

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In this issue
May 02, 2025
CCPI in April signals further easing of deflationary conditions
THE easing of deflationary conditions that commenced in March 2025 continued into April 2025, in line with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's (CBSL) near-term projections.
1 min
CSE marks third successive monthly loss in April
THE Colombo stock market has suffered its third consecutive month of losses though lowest, reinforcing the struggle by the second-best performer in Asia last year:
1 min
Gem and jewellery industry urges Govt. to resolve crisis from Trump's tariff move
THE gem and jewellery industry has urged the Government to resolve the crisis arising from the proposed high reciprocal tariff by US President Donald Trump via dialogue.

2 mins
HNB Investment Bank promotes Hayleys' Rs. 7 b debenture issue as Joint Placement Agent
HAYLEYS PLC, one of Sri Lanka's foremost diversified conglomerates, has announced its plans to raise up to Rs. 7 billion through a debenture issue, marking one of the largest corporate debt offerings scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
1 min
Deputy Minister assures 'no deadline' for WHT declarations on interest income
ECONOMIC Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando on Wednesday (30) strongly dismissed false claims spreading across society about the 10% withholding tax (WHT) on interest income from bank deposits.

2 mins
Sri Lanka unveils renewed tourism vision at ATM
THE Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) outlined the country’s strategic tourism focus on community-based experiences, wellness and nature travel, and premium hospitality at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai.

1 min
AKD signals 2025 May Day as start of new political chapter in SL
PRESIDENT and National People's Power (NPP) party Leader Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday delivered a fiery and heartfelt speech, not just to celebrate workers, but to declare the beginning of a new political chapter in Sri Lanka—pledging rebuild the nation on the principles of justice, unity, and clean governance.
4 mins
Construction sector growth slows in March
THE Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers' Index for Construction (PMI — Construction), as reflected by the Total Activity Index, recorded a value of 54.3 in March 2025. In February, the value was 55.6.
1 min
IUSF demands probe into student's death
THE inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Charith Dilshan, a second-year student of the Department of Engineering Technology at the Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuva University.
1 min
Sabaragamuwa University student commits suicide after alleged ragging
A complaint has been lodged with the Samanalawewa Police Station by a student of the Sabaragamuwa University, suspecting that the reason a fellow student committed suicide by hanging himself was due to ragging.
1 min
Sajith slams NPP Govt. for deception
MAIN Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday launched a scathing critique of the National People’s Power (NPP)-led Government of resorting to deception and propaganda, in a desperate bid to sway public opinion ahead of the upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections on 6 May.

2 mins
Pasan Wanigasekara joins John Keells PLC Board
PASAN Wanigasekara has been appointed to the Board of John Keells PLC as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
1 min
Milinda Hewagama appointed to Hayleys Leisure Board
T. Milinda Hewagama has been appointed to the Board of Hayleys Leisure PLC as a Non-Executive Director.

1 min
Haresh appointed as Executive Director on Lanka Tiles Board
HARESH Somashantha has been appointed as an Executive Director on the Board of Lanka Tiles PLC.

1 min
Keells Food appoints Aroshi, Shanil to Board
KEELLS Food Products PLC has announced the appointment of Aroshi Nanayakkara and Shanil Fernando to its Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors.

1 min
Sri Lanka, Bangladesh explore enhancing of cooperation in ICT
HIGH Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody, accompanied by Counsellor ~ Commerce Srimali Jayarathne, held a productive meeting with the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) Associate Committee Chairman Rafel Kabir and committee members, on 27 April atthe BASIS office in Dhaka.

1 min
Abans and Fintrex Finance launch easy smartphone payment plans
ABANS, Sri Lanka’s leading provider of easy payment plans, has now introduced Snap Pay through a partnership with Fintrex Finance, a progressive financial services provider in the country.
2 mins
Hutch expands digital onboarding for customers via Singer branch network
IN a move to accelerate digital transformation and enhance customer convenience, Hutch has expanded its ongoing partnership with Singer, Sri Lanka's foremost consumer durables retailer, to enable wider access to eSIM technology and offer a digitally streamlined onboarding for mobile users across the country.
1 min
"SANKARAA Connect" showcases NetSuite innovation and customer success in Sri Lanka
SANKARAA Tech successfully hosted SANKARAA Connect, the first Oracle NetSuite event in Sri Lanka in over five years-marking a significant return to in-person industry engagement since the pandemic.
2 mins
How a homegrown tech powerhouse is redefining Sri Lanka's digital destiny
IN an era where digital sovereignty has become synonymous with national resilience, OREL IT stands as a compelling case study.

3 mins
Financing the future: Sri Lanka embraces sustainable finance through GSS+ products
BY SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OF Sri LANKA

8 mins
DFCC Bank joins Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
DFCC Bank has announced its official membership in the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), reaffirming the Bank’s enduring commitment to sustainable finance, transparency, and climate accountability.
1 min
Union Bank posts Rs. 285 m PBT in 1Q
UNION Bank of Colombo PLC has announced its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025, highlighting strong loan growth and balance sheet expansion.
1 min
AIA delivers strong growth in value of new business in 1Q
AIA Group Ltd., has announced 13% growth in value of new business (VONB) on constant exchange rates (CER) for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025.
2 mins
Bank of Bhutan selects MTI for corporate strategy
Thrust on Al integration and digital transformation

1 min
Secondary Bond market yields edge up marginally
Money market liquidity increases considerably Rupee appreciates

1 min
Pan Asia Bank ups PAT by 180% to over Rs. 1 b in 1Q
PAN Asia Banking Corporation PLC has reported an impressive financial performance for the first quarter of 2025 amidst diverse challenges emerging from the gradually reviving but challenging macro-economic environment.

4 mins
LIBA to launch first ever online business advisory service
LANKA India Business Association (LIBA) announced that it will launch the first-ever online business advisory service that will connect business advisors in India directly to businesses in Sri Lanka (members of LIBA).

2 mins
Gaurav Marya calls for cultivating entrepreneurship to drive franchising
Gaurav Marya is a pioneering entrepreneur, author, and business strategist renowned for his transformative impact on the franchising landscape across Asia. As the Chairman of Franchise India Group, he has been instrumental in guiding over 5,000 brands to establish expansive distribution networks, collectively valued at over $ 100 billion

6 mins
Sri Lanka supercharges future with solar revolution
Scientific evidence and surging growth drive major expansion

3 mins
Phosphate rocks and future superpowers
GENETIC characteristics are transferred from one generation to the other though nucleic acid in reproductive cells of male and female counterparts.

6 mins
Trump-influenced victory of Canada’s Liberal Party
THE Canadian Federal Election, which was held early this week, resulted in the fourth successive victory of the Canadian Liberal Party.
3 mins
NPP and Muslim voters
Will Muslim voters back this mission by supporting NPP candidates?

4 mins
Future-proofing Sri Lanka against “Trump’s America Only Policy”
THE resurgence of Donald Trump in US politics has reignited global anxieties over economic unilateralism.

3 mins
TIN turns into empty tin with few holes
AS per Section 102 of Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 1917, with effect from 1 January 2024, any individual who is at the age of 18 years or more or who attains the age of 18 years on or after 1 January 2024, it is mandatory to register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number which is popularly known as TIN.

8 mins
Dubai Airport welcomes 23.4 million guests in Q1
DUBAI International (DXB) welcomed 23.4 million guests in Q1 2025, solidifying its position as the world's top international airport, reported WAM.

1 min
Saudi Tourism, Accor launch major collaboration
THE Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate across marketing, guest experiences, and global campaigns.

1 min
Embassy hosts event spotlighting Indonesian visitors' experiences in Sri Lanka
THE Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jakarta, in collaboration with the SriLankan Airlines Office in Jakarta, hosted a Sri Lanka promotional event at the Embassy premises on 26 April.

1 min
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle debuts premier luxury bungalow
SET overlooking the sweeping southern coastline, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort recently unveiled the Peace Haven Bungalow, its most exclusive and luxurious event venue to date.

2 mins
Mega Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshow in Saudi Arabia
SRI Lanka Embassy in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) organised a mega Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshow on 22 April at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh.

2 mins
Hello from the Other Side: Sri Lankan film making waves on international stage
A brilliant creation exploring morality in the face of mortality, Hello from the Other Side, an international award-winning film from Sri Lanka, has been making its mark on a global scale, spotlighting the talent and creative culture of Sri Lanka.

3 mins
Gratiaen Prize 2025 announces shortlist for 32nd edition
THE Gratiaen Trust this week announced the shortlist for the 32nd Gratiaen Prize at the British Council, Colombo continuing its long-standing tradition of honouring excellence in English creative writing in Sri Lanka.

3 mins
Sri Lanka's new constitution: What it must contain - Part 1
SRI Lanka's recently elected President, Anura Kumara Disanayake's political coalition—the National People’s Power (NPP), won an overwhelming amount of support from the majority Sinhalese community as well as the minority Tamil community, receiving a historic supermajority in the November 2024 Parliamentary elections. This broad mandate across ethnic lines presents a historic opportunity to address the constitutional deficiencies that have plagued the nation since independence, particularly the challenges of ethnic conflict and democratic governance. As the country seeks to rebuild after its devastating economic crisis, the lessons from the past attempts at constitutional reform offer crucial insights for crafting meaningful solutions.

7 mins
Damaging integrity of Sri Lanka Rugby
THE Sri Lankan Courts have officially taken note of a Contempt of Court matter involving the Director General of Sports, stemming from his failure to conduct the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in accordance with the Court-sanctioned settlement reached on 5 December 2024 between the Attorney General's Department and the Provincial Unions.

1 min
Inaugural ‘Battle of the Crowns’ Carey vs Christ King kicks off today
A historic chapter in school cricket unfolds today as Carey College and Christ King College, Tudella, Ja-Ela face off in their inaugural 'Big Match', marking the beginning of a spirited rivalry between two proud institutions.

1 min
FitCon 2025 tomorrow to bring wellness under one roof
A high-performance celebration for everybody - from athletes to absolute beginners

3 mins
President's Trophy ignites into Quarter Finals
Trinity vs S. Thomas' at Havelock Park on 3 May:

2 mins
Sri Lanka 'A' smell victory after run spree at Abu Dhabi
ONE-OFF 4-DAY TEST AGAINST AFGHANISTAN 'A'
1 min
St. Peter's withdraw from Under-19 Knockout Rugby Tournament
ST. Peter’s College has officially withdrawn from the Sri Lanka Schools Dialog Under 19 Knockout Rugby Tournament 2025, President’s Trophy, following allegations involving certain players that are currently circulating in the media.
1 min
Dialog Television to broadcast historic Women's Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025
SRI Lanka's leading pay-tv provider, Dialog Television, is proud to be broadcasting the historic, first-ever Women's Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025.

1 min
ComBank supports first Sri Lanka-New Zealand Rugby series in 70 years
THE Commercial Bank of Ceylon has pledged its support for New Zealand’s Under-85KG Rugby Team Tour of Sri Lanka in May 2025, as the Co-sponsor of the Sri Lanka Men’s team.

1 min
Dialog, HNB meet in MCA "F" Division 25-Over League Final tomorrow
IN a repeat final of 2024, Dialog Axiata PLC will seek sweet revenge over HNB “B”, when they meet each other once again, in the 7th Fairfirst Insurance sponsored, MCA “F” Division 25-Over League Tournament Final 2025, on Saturday, 3 May at the MCA Grounds, commencing 9.45 a.m.
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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