Daily FT - May 16, 2025
Daily FT - May 16, 2025
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In this issue
May 16, 2025
Chef Charith Silva makes Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list
CHEF and YouTube content creator Charith N. Silva, best known for his widely popular channel.
1 min
Entrepreneur Yanika Amarasekera-Siyaguna among Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list
YANIKA AmarasekeraSiyaguna, the trailblazing founder of Silver Aisle, has been named to the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025 under the Retail and E-Commerce category.
1 min
Cabinet approves temporary relaxation of salt import restrictions amidst market shortage
THE Cabinet of Ministers yesterday approved temporary relaxation on salt imports, allowing both iodised and noniodised salt to be imported till 10 June, in response to a sharp rise in retail prices and mounting consumer complaints over shortages.
1 min
BOC's Rs. 15 b debenture issue snapped up on opening day
THE Bank of Ceylon (BOC) closed its Debenture Issue 2025 in a few hours of opening yesterday due to oversubscription, after receiving applications in excess of Rs. 15 billion.
1 min
BOC records Rs. 30 b pre-tax profit in 1Q
Continues as largest SME and development banking lending institution Futuristic and client-focused Business Revival and Rehabilitation Unit with industry leading practices Total assets reaches milestone of Rs. 5.3t PAT of Rs. 17.1 b Total deposit base of Rs. 4.5 t. Gross loans and advances at Rs. 2.4t Rs. 20.8 b contributed to Govt. as taxes
5 mins
Hemas Holdings appoints Ashish Chandra as Group CEO
HEMAS Holdings PLC yesterday announced the appointment of Ashish Chandra as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.
1 min
British Guild of Travel Writers Association makes historic first visit to Sri Lanka
IN a landmark moment for Sri Lanka's tourism sector, a delegation of veteran travel media journalists from the most renowned British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) Association in the UK has arrived in Sri Lanka, making a historic first visit to the country.
1 min
Sampath Bank sustains growth momentum in 1Q
Designation of Sampath Bank as a Domestic Systemically Important Bank
6 mins
Sri Lanka and EXIM Bank India sign key debt restructuring agreements worth $ 930.8 m
THE Government yesterday announced that it has signed Bilateral Amendatory Agreements with the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) of India, marking a significant milestone of the external debt restructuring process of Sri Lanka.
1 min
A Milestone Celebration: FG Wilson Visits Sri Lanka for Browns' 150th Anniversary
Sri Lanka is set to host a landmark celebration as a top team from FG Wilson, a global leader in power solutions, arrives to mark the 150th anniversary of Browns. This highlights Browns' historical journey as one of the country's leading and most diversified conglomerates, showcasing its impact on the corporate landscape.
1 min
Police launch probe into Rs. 300 m ransom allegation by 'Harak Kata'
SRI Lanka Police yesterday confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated following the serious allegations made by underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickremeratne, alias Harak Kata, who claimed that he was asked to pay a Rs. 300 million ransom by former Public Security Minister Tiran Alles and suspended IGP Deshabandu Thennakoon.
1 min
Govt. rakes in over Rs. 200 m at second phase of Presidential Secretariat vehicle auction: PMD
THE second phase of the auction to sell luxury and decommissioned vehicles owned by the Presidential Secretariat was successfully concluded yesterday generating over Rs. 200 million in revenue.
1 min
Bally's Colombo triumphs at Asia Gaming Awards 2025
IN a ground-breaking achievement for Sri Lanka, Bally’s Colombo was awarded the Best Gaming Property of the Year at the 2025 Asia Gaming Awards in Manila, marking a historic milestone for the country’s gaming and hospitality sectors.
3 mins
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce announces Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025
THE Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday announced the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2025, taking place on 2-3 December at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.
1 min
Sampath Bank first in SL to launch weekend and holiday POS settlements for CEYPETCO fuel stations
REAFFIRMING its position as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka's banking sector, Sampath Bank has become the first local bank to launch a next-day POS settlement feature that functions seamlessly across weekends and public holidays.
1 min
GovPay extends services to Supreme Court
Supreme Court launches online payments via GovPay in partnership with LankaPay SC Registrar Aravinda Gunaratne says digitising court fee payments and other legal transactions will enhance remote accessibility and transactional security Chief Justice Murdu Fernando stresses excessive paperwork and cash handling can be significantly reduced via this step Opines GovPay will aid the Govt. in its anti-corruption efforts LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva calls for more components of Govt. to consider GovPay as a means of supporting the Govt.'s digital economy ambitions
2 mins
GRI and Perera Tyre Services drive construction tyre innovation at "Construct the Future"
GRI, a global leader in Specialty Tyre manufacturing, in collaboration with Perera Tyre Services Ltd., hosted the “Construct the Future” event, at the Cinnamon Life Hotel in Colombo recently.
1 min
University of Vavuniya and LIIN partner to nurture women entrepreneurs in Northern Province
THERE is a growing need to develop and empower women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka's Northern Province.
3 mins
HNB Assurance launches 24-hour call centre to enhance customer experience
IN an effort to demonstrate its continued commitment to exceptional service and customer convenience, HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has launched a 24-hour call centre, enabling policyholders to connect with the company on all matters related to customer service at any time, from anywhere using the short code 1301.
1 min
Mastercard's "Access Unlocked" summit explores low-cost digital payment solutions for SMEs
Industry leaders and policymakers collaborate to discuss ways to enhance digital payment acceptance among small businesses in Sri Lanka and Maldives
1 min
Standard Chartered appoints Clement Isack as Director, Head of Markets and Sales
STANDARD Chartered Sri Lanka has appointed Clement Isack as Director, Head of Markets and Sales, effective 9 May.
1 min
Secondary Bond market rallies; yields drop
■Monetary Policy Review No.3 announcement date advanced to 22 May ■Rupee appreciates
1 min
Cargills Bank ups 1Q Profit after Tax by Rs. 116 m to Rs. 162 m
CARGILLS Bank said yesterday its results for the quarter ended 31 March reflected an increase of Rs. 116 million in profitability when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2024 posting a profit after tax of Rs. 162 million for Q1 2025. Net interest income of Rs. 865 million was an increase of Rs. 51 million in Q1 2025 compared with Q1 2024. Market interest rates have witnessed a gradual reduction in line with the CBSL policy directions and the bank's portfolio was repriced to reflect these changes. Whilst the bank continues to focus on maintaining the NIM, a reduction from 4.86% to 4.31% was witnessed reflecting the market interest environment.
2 mins
Dialog Enterprise expands cyber security partnership with Check Point
DIALOG Enterprise, the corporate solutions arm of Dialog Axiata PLC, has strengthened its partnership with Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, a global leader in cybersecurity, through South Asian Technologies Group, to offer advanced security solutions that protect Sri Lankan businesses from emerging cyber threats.
2 mins
Trident Corporation named The Pinnacle Distributor at ASUS Awards 2025
Launches revolutionary AI and gaming laptops in Sri Lanka
1 min
MillenniumIT ESP strengthens regional collaboration
Becomes Strategic Partner at APICTA EXCO 2025
2 mins
Al-assisted engineering in era of GenAl
IN today’s fast-paced, highly competitive tech environment, building exceptional products has become increasingly challenging.
5 mins
How US tariffs and fragile rupee are exposing Sri Lanka's export vulnerabilities
AS Sri Lanka navigates the delicate path of economic recovery, two mounting challenges have converged to expose deep-rooted vulnerabilities in its export economy: the appreciation of the rupee over the past two years and a fresh wave of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States. For a country where nearly a quarter of exports are US-bound, these developments carry serious implications-not just for revenue, but for investment, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
3 mins
Exclusion challenging Sri Lanka tourism's values
SRI Lanka is once again drawing global attention as an emerging travel destination, with many travel writers exploring its hidden gems.
3 mins
Priority trade and competitiveness reforms for Sri Lanka – Part 1
A recent Policy Note published by the Centre for a Smart Future (CSF) outlined eight priority trade and competitiveness reforms for Sri Lanka, in responding to global economic challenges. In a three-part series of articles to this newspaper, we will recap key messages contained in the Policy Note. In this first article, we cover two of the eight priority areas ‘Priority Area 1: Doubling down on tariff and para-tariff liberalisation’ and ‘Priority Area 2: Designing credible trade adjustment support’.
4 mins
Challenges facing transition towards digital economy in Sri Lanka
PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance placed a special emphasis on the digital economy during the 2025 Budget speech.
2 mins
Sri Lanka's trillion-dollar opportunity: Unlocking energy independence through green hydrogen
BUILDING upon the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, as previously explored, a profound unease hangs in the global energy sector.
5 mins
Media freedom, institutional access, and danger of unchecked citizen media
A lively and sometimes heated debate that had been simmering for some time in Sri Lanka's media community is now unfolding in public: Should a journalist carry an official ID card to carry out their work? My short and clear answer is no. Journalism, by definition, is not a licensed profession.
5 mins
Rajiv Gandhi, Indo-Lanka Accord, and Sriperumbhudur assassination
FORMER Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated 34 years ago by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on 21 May 1991. The date of Rajiv Gandhi's death has poignant significance for me personally. 21 May is the date of my birth. Rajiv’s death occurred 37 years after I was born. My birth and his death are intertwined in my consciousness. Rajiv’s memory looms large as each birthday approaches. It is against this backdrop that I re-visit Rajiv Gandhi's assassination with the aid of my earlier writings.
10 mins
WNPS lecture on 22 May to put spotlight on saving Sri Lanka's vanishing wild
\"TIME is Running Out: Saving Sri Lanka's vanishing wild\" will be the call at the Nations Trust WNPS Monthly Lecture on 22 May at 6 p.m. at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH.
2 mins
CCC in another global first with Environmental Product Declaration for safety gloves
THE Climate and Conservation Consortium (CCC) has announced its role in a historic sustainability milestone with the publication of the first-ever Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for a safety glove on the International EPD System (IES) global platform.
2 mins
Dipped Products unveils EcoPulse Nature Reserve at Hanwella
Living sanctuary for Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity
2 mins
Guarding the guardians of sea: The Pearl Protectors celebrates Turtle Patrol 2025
IN a heartwarming gathering held on 25 April at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, a movement rooted in resilience, hope, and science found its moment of celebration.
2 mins
Corporate Sri Lanka urged to support HelpAge Sri Lanka fundraiser to prevent elderly blindness
HELPAGE Sri Lanka, a leading national non-profit organisation with a 38-year legacy of serving vulnerable senior citizens, is calling on the corporate sector to support its urgent fundraising concert Symphony of Hope, scheduled for Friday 23 May at 7:30 p.m. at the Musaeus College Auditorium.
1 min
An-Nur by Muslim Choral Ensemble on 1 June
A soulful celebration of Islamic spiritual traditions
1 min
Supernatural horror film "Final Destination Bloodlines" in 15 cinemas in SL from today
AMERICAN supernatural horror film \"Final Destination Bloodlines\" will be screened in 15 cinemas in Sri Lanka from today.
1 min
Cinnamon Signature Selection presents 'Signature Weekend' with Deepa Mehta
A cinematic tribute that reimagines Sri Lanka as a destination for global storytelling
1 min
Turyaa Chennai marks decade of hospitality
TURYAA Chennai, a premier five-star deluxe classified hotel under the Aitken Spence Hotels portfolio, is celebrating a decade of redefining hospitality in one of South India’s most dynamic urban corridors.
2 mins
Direct Kitchens opens flagship Colombo showroom blending Australian luxury design with local elegance
DIRECT Kitchens, Melbourne's premier designer and manufacturer of high-end custom kitchens, marked a significant milestone with the launch of its first international showroom in Colombo, bringing over 40 years of world-class kitchen design expertise to sophisticated Sri Lankan homeowners. Located at No. 314, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, the new Experience Centre reflects the brand's commitment to luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation.
1 min
The London Grill marks 50 years with celebrity Chef Phillip Davenport
AS Cinnamon Grand Colombo celebrates the golden jubilee of its iconic The London Grill, the hotel is also set to host internationally acclaimed chef and TV personality Phillip Davenport for two weeks of exclusive one-of-a-kind culinary experiences.
2 mins
Old Thomians to celebrate 70 years of rugby with beach carnival at Port City
THE Old Thomians Rugby Football Union (OTRFU) will celebrate 70 years of rugby heritage with a grand beach rugby carnival under lights at Port City Colombo on 24 May.
1 min
Nestlé Milo empowers athletes at National Games of People with Disabilities 2025
NESTLÉ Milo believes that sport is a powerful force for good.
1 min
SLC conducts fast-bowling talent search in Polonnaruwa
SRI Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently carried out a Fast-Bowling Talent Search program in the Polonnaruwa District as part of its ongoing efforts to identify and nurture emerging cricketing talent across the country.
1 min
People's Bank Soccer Team qualifies for NSSA Soccer Final
PEOPLE'S Bank Soccer Team has qualified for the League Tournament 2024 B Division Final, organised by the Nationalized Services Soccer Association of Sri Lanka (NSSA).
1 min
HNB supports future champions as Title Partner of National Age Group Aquatic Championships
HNB PLC, has partnered with the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) as the Title Partner of the 2025 National Age Group Aquatic Championships held from 7 to 11 May at the Sugathadasa Indoor Swimming Pool Complex, Colombo.
1 min
Ritzbury Mawbimata Weerayek celebrates athletes, coaches for outstanding achievements at Asian Youth Athletics Championship
RITZBURY, a devoted supporter of nurturing Sri Lankan sports, recognised five outstanding athletes who excelled at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025 which concluded in April in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
1 min
Kusal Mendis switches allegiance from PSL to IPL
SRI Lanka's wicket-keeper/ batsman Kusal Mendis who has been representing Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has switched allegiance and will appear for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the play-offs.
1 min
SLC Major Club T20 commences sans several national players
WITH Sri Lanka due to commence a three-match T201 series with Bangladesh in July the SLC Major Club T20 tournament that commences today will not only be closely followed but give opportunities to many players to catch the eye of the selectors as Sri Lanka look to plug in the loopholes of their team combination ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.
1 min
Gunawardena new President of Sri Lanka Badminton
SRI Lanka Badminton (SLB) entered a new chapter when Roshan Gunawardena was declared president for the 2025-2027 term, succeeding outgoing Chief Rohan de Silva.
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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