Daily FT - May 03, 2025

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In this issue

May 03, 2025

CSE begins May on a mixed note; turnover hits new high of Rs. 6 b

THE Colombo stock market yesterday ended on a mixed note though turnover hit a new high of Rs. 6 billion.

2 mins

National Credit Guarantee Institution commences commercial operations

THE National Credit Guarantee Institution Limited (NCGIL) which commenced its operations in January, has this week issued the first set of guarantees to three Financial Institutions (FIs) to partly cover the loans approved by them for three Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

1 min

Adani Ports opens Vizhinjam deep-sea port for business

India will reduce dependence on foreign ports like Colombo and Dubai Exporters will benefit from 30-40% lower shipping costs

1 min

Biz confidence nosedives

According to PepperCube Consultants, “the free fall in confidence signals a marked shift in business sentiment, primarily driven by external headwinds such as the imposition of US tariffs and growing domestic dissatisfaction with the Budget 2025.”

1 min

EDB collaborates with ADB to develop National Export Development Plan 2025-2029

■Core strategic goal set to raise Sri Lanka's export revenue to $ 36 b by 2030 ■Need for export diversification, expansion into new international markets, integration of value-added production across industries emerged as key themes during discussions ■Officials highlight importance of aligning all stakeholders; including State agencies, private sector and development partners around a cohesive and shared export vision ■ADB officials emphasises on defining clear and empowered role for EDB in coordinating and monitoring plan's execution

2 mins

President embarks on 3-day State visit to Vietnam today

Set to participate as Chief Guest at the UN Day of Vesak celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City on 6 May and deliver keynote address Scheduled to ink strategic bilateral MoUs to deepen cooperation across trade, industry, agriculture and diplomacy

1 min

Gold and silver recovered from LTTE camps to be returned to civilian owners

A large stock of gold and silver recovered by the Sri Lankan Army from LTTE camps during the final stages of the civil war in 2009 was officially handed over yesterday to Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.

1 min

Prime Minister calls landmine clearance national imperative

EVEN after 16 years after the guns fell silent in Sri Lanka's civil war, the hidden danger of landmines still lingers across the Northern and Eastern provinces.

1 min

Trump ousts Waltz as national security adviser and nominates him for UN post

BBC: US President Donald Trump has removed Mike Waltz from his post as National Security Adviser, and will nominate him as ambassador to the United Nations.

1 min

Speaker endorses Proceeds of Crime Bill

SPEAKER of the House Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on Wednesday endorsed the certificate on the Proceeds of Crime Bill in Parliament.

1 min

Anti-ragging student brutally assaulted at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

A third-year student from the Faculty of Technology at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was hospitalised yesterday, after being violently assaulted by a group of fellow students, allegedly for opposing ragging and rejecting the use of a student alias.

1 min

EC urges public and private sector employers to grant leave for employees to vote in LG polls

News

1 min

Clogard Natural Salt Toothpaste returns with renewed focus on gum health and strong teeth

CLOGARD, one of the most trusted oral care brands in Sri Lanka from Hemas Consumer Brands, has announced the recent relaunch of its renowned Clogard Natural Salt Toothpaste, which is formulated to encourage strong teeth and healthy gums.

2 mins

Peradeniya Veterinary Teaching Hospital goes digital with Dr. Paw

PERADENIYA Veterinary Teaching Hospital (PVTH) has formally engaged Dr. Paw, a ground-breaking digital pet and animal healthcare management platform, as its official digital veterinary hospital management system.

1 min

SOLO expands digital payment solutions with The Kingsbury partnership

HATTON National Bank PLC (HNB), has partnered with The Kingsbury Hotel to introduce seamless digital payment solutions across all its restaurants.

1 min

Ceylon Energy shines on global stage at Middle East Energy Exhibition in Dubai

DH Ceylon Energy Dubai, a key player in the Ceylon Energy group, made a powerful impression at the prestigious Middle East Energy Exhibition 2025, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 7 to 10 April. As the largest energy exhibition in the Middle Eastern region, the event brought together global leaders in energy innovation, and Ceylon Energy proudly stood among them, not only as a participant but as a beacon of vision, resilience, and transformation.

1 min

DFCC Bank and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs partner to accelerate national SME growth

DFCC Bank has announced a strategic partnership with The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Centre for SMEs, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka's small and medium enterprise (SME) sector.

1 min

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Roadshow successfully concludes in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

SRI Lanka Tourism Promotion Roadshow with the participation of a large number of Destination Management Companies (DMCs), successfully concluded on 24 April after a 10-year hiatus in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia at Hotel Grand Hyatt in Al Khobar.

2 mins

Varun Beverages Lanka continues to advance commitment to key ESG initiatives

VARUN Beverages Lanka Ltd, leading carbonated soft drink manufacturer and the exclusive botter for Pepsi in Sri Lanka, continues to deepen its commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ES6) principles, which focus on the creation ofa lasting impact on communities and the environment.

1 min

Pan Asia Bank reaffirms commitment to community with 'Bring a Smile 2025'

PAN Asia Bank, in partnership with Marketing Alumni Association of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, has proceeded with an inspiring initiative — 'Bring a Smile 2025', which focuses on supporting school children from rural communities.

1 min

Siyapatha Finance kicks off new project to conserve Sri Pada

SIYAPATHA Finance PLC has embarked on a new project for the year 2025 under’Siyapathen Mihikathata,, the finance company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy focusing on environmental conservation through collaborative action and education. Initiated under the theme of ‘Nemadumen Pasu Amaduma, the project centred on the conservation of Sri Pada, one of the most sacred and acclaimed historical sites in Sri Lanka.

1 min

Sinopec supports devotees with fresh water at 'Sri Dalada Vandanawa' in Kandy

SINOPEC Energy Lanka Ltd. recently extended its support to thousands of devotees attending the public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Understanding the needs of the pilgrims, Sinopec Energy Lanka, with the support of its staff, provided much-needed relief.

1 min

LB Finance powers cultural unity in Jaffna at 'Aadhavanin Chithirai Kuthookalam – April Yarl Fiesta 2025'

DEMONSTRATING its deep commitment to cultural preservation and meaningful community engagement, LB Finance PLC served as the Title Sponsor of the “Aadhavanin Chithirai Kuthookalam – April Yarl Fiesta 2025,” held on 5 April at the Ariyalai Saraswathy Community Centre Grounds in Jaffna. Organised by Athavan Radio and Athavan TV, the event brought together thousands of residents to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with vibrant traditional games, performances, and heartfelt moments of unity.

1 min

30th anniversary celebration of AIA Higher Education Scholarship awards a grand success

AIA Insurance recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 30 years of its Higher Education Scholarship Awards at a prestigious ceremony held at Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo.

2 mins

Brief reflection of life and death

Can a deep reflection of death help us to understand life?

4 mins

Declare May as national month commemorating peace and trust

The right to celebrate a wholesome life, the right to mourn battlefield death

7 mins

Invitation to re-date protohistory of South Asia

RECEIVED truth with regard to the Brahmi Script is that it originated in the northern part of the landmass that is now known as India sometime in the 3rd Century BCE and that thanks to Emperor Asoka’s evangelical efforts, writing spread across South and Southeast Asia.

4 mins

Pedro Trueba's “The Intangible and the Invisible” opens at Lionel Wendt

Celebrating 65 years of Mexico-Sri Lanka ties

2 mins

American superhero film “Thunderbolts” now showing in 21 Lankan cinemas

AMERICAN superhero film Thunderbolts is being now shown in 21 cinemas in Sri Lanka.

1 min

Workers' rights are hard won and must be safeguarded

THE ruling NPP put on an impressive display at Galle Face Green during May Day (International Workers Day) celebrations with President Anura Kumara Disanayake leading the party faithfully to mark the day.

2 mins

One-horse race in a one-horse town?

AS city, town and village prepare to go to the polls again, a sense of vague unease seems to lie like a pall over the land (in my mind's-eye at least).

4 mins

Sri Lanka's new constitution: What it must contain – Part 2

PRESIDENT Disanayake must establish robust constitutional safeguards to protect regional autonomy from central encroachment.

9 mins

Three quarterfinals set to thrill while Peters pull out

THE 2025 Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts have reached the high-stakes quarter-final stage, promising rugby fans across the island an electrifying weekend of schoolboy rugby. With eight of the nation’s top rugby-playing schools entering the final stretch, the stage is set for some fierce battles on the field.

2 mins

Clements to ref SL vs Nz encounter in Kandy

J.P. Celements will officiate as the on Field Referee at the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Under-85 kg encounter which will take place at Nittawela Rugby Stadium on 4 May.