Columnist

The Rare Earths trap: How debt and geopolitics are consuming Sri Lanka

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:26

Historical legacy and the roots of strategic caution

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:15

Unprecedented ascendency of US: World operates on Washington’s time

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:05

China’s military modernisation in focus as PLA celebrates 99th anniversary

Saturday, 18 July 2026 04:59

Intermittence or contretemps: Once again on peasants’ agitation

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:26

Sri Lanka’s greatest strategic asset is its civilisational heritage

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:25

From ICU to Stock Exchange: Why an AI-tech bubble could decide Sri Lanka’s next crisis

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:24

The price of promotion: Why Sri Lanka’s reclassified wealth is a macroeconomic mirage

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:23

Sri Lanka’s real recovery begins at household, not the headline

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:22

Driving economic growth is not the Central Bank’s mandate: Whose mandate is it?

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:20

The art of storytelling: Leveraging mythical narratives for modern tourism

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:16

American socialism, US-Iran conflict, Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral, and NATO-Russia-China

Thursday, 16 July 2026 03:30

Why men’s mental health deserves our attention

Thursday, 16 July 2026 03:27

NGO Bill: Slouching toward totalitarianism?

Thursday, 16 July 2026 01:16

Road drains driving dengue: Study reveals 70% of risk

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:28

Beyond handouts: Why Sri Lanka needs more economic leadership

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:25

Sri Lanka’s EV market in 2026: Beyond excitement, real test is affordability and ecosystem readiness

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:24

Leading in the tension: The quiet strength of purposeful leaders

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:23

Sri Lanka has educated women, now it must make work possible

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:22

Rise of the “Playpen Man”: The missing half of gender equity

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:20

Sri Lanka needs to look beyond financial stability and inflation

The resilience of Sri Lanka’s financial system can no longer be measured by capital, liquidity and profitability alone, with policymakers and financ ..

Exporters urge risk-based enforcement of forced labour import rules

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:38

The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has called on the Government to adopt a transparent, risk-based approach in enforcing new regulations ba ..

Govt. plans Rs. 382 b capital expenditure for education

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:29

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed officials to give greater priority to vocational education in the 2027 Budg ..

CSE down 1.66% during week, turnover down to 65-week low

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:19

The Colombo stock market failed to sustain an early trading rally and ended the week in red with turnover hitting a 65-week low. ..

Asian stocks end lower

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:16

A major selloff in semiconductor and AI-related stocks dragged Asian markets lower on Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunging more than 5% to lead ..

India’s NASSCOM launches Disha Mentorship Program in Sri Lanka to strengthen tech SME growth

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:28

By Charumini De Silva India’s apex technology industry body, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) yesterday launche ..

Nahil Wijesuriya donates Rs. 100 m for Nalanda Sports Arena

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:24

Business tycoon-turned-philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya has donated Rs. 100 million towards the Nalanda Sports Arena, the second phase of the school’ ..

Govt. advances energy pipeline with grid, storage projects

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:21

The Government has stepped up plans to accelerate strategic energy infrastructure projects ahead of the Budget 2027, with President Anura Kumara Dissa ..

Sampath Jayasundara assumes office as new Chairman of SLASSCOM

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:52

The Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) yesterday elected Sampath Jayasundara as the new Chairman for the 2026/27 term, u ..

Public confidence: Anura enjoys 75% approval while Sajith trails at 29%

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:46

Public confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake remains significantly stronger than that of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, even as a majo ..

Customs collects 65% of July target in first 14 days

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:44

Sri Lanka Customs has collected more than 65% of its July revenue target within the first 14 days of the month, putting the agency on course to exceed ..

BIA handles 4.75 m passenger movements in 1H

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:43

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) handled nearly 4.75 million passenger movements during the first six months of 2026, reflecting continued gro ..

Outgoing Swedish Envoy sees brighter investment outlook for Sri Lanka, stronger bilateral trade ties

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:26

By Charumini de Silva Outgoing Swedish Ambassador to Sri Lanka Jan Thesleff said Sri Lanka is steadily rebuilding the confidence of international i ..

2027 Budget to cap primary spending at Rs. 5.1 t as deficit narrows from 2026 peak

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:24

The Government has set a primary expenditure ceiling of Rs. 5.064 trillion, or 12.9% of GDP, for the 2027 Budget while projecting the overall Budget d ..

Toyota Lanka breaks ground for flagship showroom in Bambalapitiya

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:22

Toyota Lanka’s growing footprint across Sri Lanka reached another milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for Toyota’s flagship showroom in Bam ..

Failure to meet WHO cigarette tax benchmark costs Govt. Rs. 25 b, says Verité

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:20

The Government of Sri Lanka lost over Rs. 25 billion in potential tax revenue since 2025 due to cigarettes being taxed lower than the World Health Org ..

Credit rebound enters rate reality check

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:32

Sri Lanka’s credit recovery is facing its first major test as higher interest rates begin to filter through the economy, with KPMG warning that futu ..

FACETS 2027 to drive inclusive growth across gem and jewellery value chain

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:25

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is gearing up to host the first international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year as FACETS S ..

Sri Lanka draws over 90,000 tourists in first half of July

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:17

Sri Lanka has welcomed 9,122 tourists in the first15 days of July, a 3.04% decline from the 92,951 visitors recorded during the corresponding period i ..

Govt. targets B- sovereign rating by early 2027 ahead of global market return

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:50

The National People’s Power (NPP) Government is targeting its first sovereign credit rating upgrade since the debt crisis, with Treasury officials y ..

Vera Wickramasinghe appointed President of globally recognised logistics network FFN

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:25

Worldlink Shipping Colombo Managing Director Vera Wickramasinghe has been elected President of the Freight Forwarder Network (FFN) – Netherlands at ..

WP cuts taxes for entertainment, events

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:22

The Western Province (WP) Provincial Council has reduced entertainment tax rates applicable to cinemas, sporting events, and concerts held within the ..

Commercial Bank Rs. 20 b debenture issue oversubscribed on opening day

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:20

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s Rs. 20 billion Basel III-compliant Tier 2 debenture issue was oversubscribed on its opening day yesterday, prompting ..

June tea crop rises but 1H output hit by weather, high fertiliser costs

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:50

Sri Lanka’s tea production rebounded in June with a 4% year-on-year (YoY) increase, although output for the first half of 2026 remained under pressu ..

Treasury unlocks contract repricing for Govt. suppliers

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:44

The Treasury has authorised Government institutions to revise prices and extend procurement contracts affected by the Middle East conflict and Cyclone ..

Economic activity expands in June

Thursday, 16 July 2026 02:43

The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in June have expanded, though at a slower rate compared to the previous month, as per the Purchasin ..

Three overseas banks flagged Treasury payment before $ 2.5 m phishing fraud succeeded

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:28

Three correspondent banks in the US, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Vietnam rejected a fraudulent $ 1.3 million Government debt payment after det ..

Govt. launches global tender for 250 MW battery storage

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:25

The National System Operator Ltd., (NSO), operating under the Energy Ministry, has launched an International Competitive Bidding (ICB) process for the ..

Maga Engineering gets Rs. 5 b road contract and Rs. 2.4 b BIA terminal expansion project

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:23

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the award of a Rs. 4.99 billion contract (excluding Value Added Tax) to M/s Maga Engineering Ltd., for the const ..

Two major banks in combined Rs. 30 b capital issues this week

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:21

Commercial Bank opens up to Rs. 20 b subordinated debenture issue tomorrow Sampath Bank follows with up to Rs. 10 b Tier 2 Green Bond issue on Thur ..

Yashoravi Bakmiwewa creates history in South Asia

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 07:07

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), Sri Lanka’s premier employers’ organisation, has appointed Yashoravi Bakmiwewa as its 14th Director G ..

Exporters urge risk-based enforcement of forced labour import rules

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:38

The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) has called on the Government to adopt a transparent, risk-based approach in enforcing new regulations ba ..

Credit rebound enters rate reality check

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:32

Sri Lanka’s credit recovery is facing its first major test as higher interest rates begin to filter through the economy, with KPMG warning that futu ..

Govt. plans Rs. 382 b capital expenditure for education

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:29

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed officials to give greater priority to vocational education in the 2027 Budg ..

FACETS 2027 to drive inclusive growth across gem and jewellery value chain

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:25

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is gearing up to host the first international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year as FACETS S ..

CSE down 1.66% during week, turnover down to 65-week low

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:19

The Colombo stock market failed to sustain an early trading rally and ended the week in red with turnover hitting a 65-week low. ..

Sri Lanka draws over 90,000 tourists in first half of July

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:17

Sri Lanka has welcomed 9,122 tourists in the first15 days of July, a 3.04% decline from the 92,951 visitors recorded during the corresponding period i ..

Asian stocks end lower

Saturday, 18 July 2026 03:16

A major selloff in semiconductor and AI-related stocks dragged Asian markets lower on Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunging more than 5% to lead ..

Govt. targets B- sovereign rating by early 2027 ahead of global market return

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:50

The National People’s Power (NPP) Government is targeting its first sovereign credit rating upgrade since the debt crisis, with Treasury officials y ..

India’s NASSCOM launches Disha Mentorship Program in Sri Lanka to strengthen tech SME growth

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:28

By Charumini De Silva India’s apex technology industry body, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) yesterday launche ..

Vera Wickramasinghe appointed President of globally recognised logistics network FFN

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:25

Worldlink Shipping Colombo Managing Director Vera Wickramasinghe has been elected President of the Freight Forwarder Network (FFN) – Netherlands at ..

Nahil Wijesuriya donates Rs. 100 m for Nalanda Sports Arena

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:24

Business tycoon-turned-philanthropist Nahil Wijesuriya has donated Rs. 100 million towards the Nalanda Sports Arena, the second phase of the school’ ..

WP cuts taxes for entertainment, events

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:22

The Western Province (WP) Provincial Council has reduced entertainment tax rates applicable to cinemas, sporting events, and concerts held within the ..

Govt. advances energy pipeline with grid, storage projects

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:21

The Government has stepped up plans to accelerate strategic energy infrastructure projects ahead of the Budget 2027, with President Anura Kumara Dissa ..

Commercial Bank Rs. 20 b debenture issue oversubscribed on opening day

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:20

Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s Rs. 20 billion Basel III-compliant Tier 2 debenture issue was oversubscribed on its opening day yesterday, prompting ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 11.07.2026

Saturday, 11 July 2026 09:26

Cartoon 08.07.2026

Wednesday, 8 July 2026 00:00

Cartoon 06.07.2026

Monday, 6 July 2026 03:24

Cartoon 04.07.2026

Saturday, 4 July 2026 00:52

Cartoon 01.07.2026

Wednesday, 1 July 2026 00:00

FT TV

German grant approved for energy-efficient buildings

Friday, 17 July 2026 20:21

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of a German-funded program worth €924,063 (around Rs. 314 million) to promote energy-effici ..

SLIMFA Media Conference 2026 strengthens Sri Lanka–India media ties

Friday, 17 July 2026 12:52

President reviews energy projects ahead of 2027 Budget

Thursday, 16 July 2026 11:37

Government plans ‘Silicone City’ industrial park in Nattandiya

Thursday, 9 July 2026 10:13

Kalubowila hospital opens new cardiac and imaging units

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 22:51

Disability ID card to be introduced for priority government services

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 22:15

FT Click

HNB Sarusara: Journey towards building 30,000 agripreneurs

Friday, 26 June 2026 04:03

Sampath Bank marks third year of musical excellence with SOSL Pops Trilingual Extravaganza

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 05:12

FT Click Digital

Celebrity and entertainment spotlight at FT-Interbrand IWD gala

Tuesday, 11 April 2023 16:59

Daily FT-Interbrand International Women’s Day gala

Monday, 10 April 2023 15:57

IT / Telecom / Tech

CSSL celebrates 50 years of leadership in shaping Sri Lanka’s digital future

Thursday, 16 July 2026 01:25

Visa Sri Lanka holds Cybersecurity Conclave 2026

Thursday, 16 July 2026 01:22

SLASSCOM reflects on a year of creating opportunities, strengthening Sri Lanka’s knowledge and innovation industry

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:00

FT Lite

George Keyt Foundation and British High Commission to present rare exhibition of 19th-century Ceylon art

Saturday, 18 July 2026 06:48

The George Keyt Foundation in partnership with the British High Commission in Colombo will present “19th Century Views of Ceylon,” a landmark exhi ..

Ye Couture: A visionary journey in fashion

Saturday, 18 July 2026 06:40

23rd Annual Geoffrey Bawa Memorial Lecture next week

Saturday, 18 July 2026 06:32

Opinion and Issues

The Asian century is here: Sri Lanka must decide and define its course – Ranil

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:35

When this program was first planned several months ago, none of us could have imagined how dramatically the world would change in such a short period. ..

Historical legacy and the roots of strategic caution

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:15

Unprecedented ascendency of US: World operates on Washington’s time

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:05

FT View - Editorial

SJB needs better strategy for future electoral success

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:25

A recent poll that gauged public confidence, satisfaction and trust in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake found that public satisfaction with the Pres ..

Recurring grievances of paddy farmers

Friday, 17 July 2026 00:00

Govt. should take cue from countries that have restricted social media for under 16s

Thursday, 16 July 2026 01:16

Return to upper-middle-income status and the way forward

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 00:00

Will quotas to increase women representation in politics be helpful?

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 05:33

Next on IMF agenda: Fixing tax administration?

Monday, 13 July 2026 02:05

Special Report

Rewiring organisational culture for a changing workforce

Thursday, 25 June 2026 05:10

In an era where organisations are grappling with employee disengagement, generational shifts, and evolving workplace expectations, traditional managem ..

Global Biz Connect 2026 highlights private sector confidence

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 07:14

LIIN hosts Sri Lanka’s first-ever Impact Investing Summit 2026 with multilateral partners

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 00:00

Business News

Textile expo Intex and InMac Sri Lanka 2026 from 5-7 August

SL-Myanmar strengthen collaboration in gem and tourism industries

Federation of Malaysian Sri Lankan Organisations to enhance tourism, investment links

David Pieris Group to launch ‘Social Empowerment Drive’ in Batticaloa

Global banking, governance and regulatory to headline Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026

Arcasia and ATX announce 40 cents per share voluntary offer for Industrial Asphalts

SheTrades Hub launches Sinhala, Tamil export guides to help women-led SMEs tap UK market

Govt. launches ‘Ceylon Tea Village’ program to drive $ 2.5 b export target by 2030

Sri Lanka must pivot to high-value experiential tourism amid global headwinds: THASL

CAASL, Vietjet Air hold high-level talks ahead of Sri Lanka launch

Ceylon Chamber to host BCCS 2026 launch seminar on strengthening ESG reporting and strategy

Future-ready Boards must put talent and culture at centre of governance

Outgoing Swedish envoy bullish on Sri Lanka’s resilience, investment climate and future ties

Global Boardroom leaders headline Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026

From global Boardrooms to Sri Lanka: International leaders shaping the future of Boards

DSL strengthens Board with key appointments as company marks 40 years of excellence

Asoka Piyadigama appointed to C.W. Mackie Board

Seminar on Beneficial Ownership Compliance under the Companies Act, No. 12 of 2025

Banking veteran Janakan Selvaratnam joins Serendib Hotels Board

BPPL to acquire Ravi Industries customer base in Rs. 300 m deal

Govt. bans forced labour imports to strengthen US trade compliance

Cabinet approves € 924,063 German grant for energy-efficient buildings program

Columnist

The Rare Earths trap: How debt and geopolitics are consuming Sri Lanka

Historical legacy and the roots of strategic caution

Unprecedented ascendency of US: World operates on Washington’s time

China’s military modernisation in focus as PLA celebrates 99th anniversary

Intermittence or contretemps: Once again on peasants’ agitation

Sri Lanka’s greatest strategic asset is its civilisational heritage

From ICU to Stock Exchange: Why an AI-tech bubble could decide Sri Lanka’s next crisis

The price of promotion: Why Sri Lanka’s reclassified wealth is a macroeconomic mirage

Sri Lanka’s real recovery begins at household, not the headline

Driving economic growth is not the Central Bank’s mandate: Whose mandate is it?

The art of storytelling: Leveraging mythical narratives for modern tourism

American socialism, US-Iran conflict, Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral, and NATO-Russia-China

Why men’s mental health deserves our attention

NGO Bill: Slouching toward totalitarianism?

Road drains driving dengue: Study reveals 70% of risk

Beyond handouts: Why Sri Lanka needs more economic leadership

Sri Lanka’s EV market in 2026: Beyond excitement, real test is affordability and ecosystem readiness

Leading in the tension: The quiet strength of purposeful leaders

Sri Lanka has educated women, now it must make work possible

Rise of the “Playpen Man”: The missing half of gender equity

Trending

DSL strengthens Board with key appointments as company marks 40 years of excellence

AI is now recommending Sri Lankan brands by name

Toyota Lanka breaks ground for flagship showroom in Bambalapitiya

Sri Lankan academic receives international distinction for promoting ethical leadership in higher education

Court red flags Customs’ CoPF remarks on vehicles case

Vera Wickramasinghe appointed President of globally recognised logistics network FFN

Banks channelled 70% of credit to productive sectors: HNB CEO

Three overseas banks flagged Treasury payment before $ 2.5 m phishing fraud succeeded

From global Boardrooms to Sri Lanka: International leaders shaping the future of Boards

Public confidence: Anura enjoys 75% approval while Sajith trails at 29%

Business News

Textile expo Intex and InMac Sri Lanka 2026 from 5-7 August

SL-Myanmar strengthen collaboration in gem and tourism industries

Federation of Malaysian Sri Lankan Organisations to enhance tourism, investment links

David Pieris Group to launch ‘Social Empowerment Drive’ in Batticaloa

Global banking, governance and regulatory to headline Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026

Arcasia and ATX announce 40 cents per share voluntary offer for Industrial Asphalts

SheTrades Hub launches Sinhala, Tamil export guides to help women-led SMEs tap UK market

Govt. launches ‘Ceylon Tea Village’ program to drive $ 2.5 b export target by 2030

Sri Lanka must pivot to high-value experiential tourism amid global headwinds: THASL

CAASL, Vietjet Air hold high-level talks ahead of Sri Lanka launch

Ceylon Chamber to host BCCS 2026 launch seminar on strengthening ESG reporting and strategy

Future-ready Boards must put talent and culture at centre of governance

Outgoing Swedish envoy bullish on Sri Lanka’s resilience, investment climate and future ties

Global Boardroom leaders headline Sri Lanka Corporate Director Summit 2026

From global Boardrooms to Sri Lanka: International leaders shaping the future of Boards

DSL strengthens Board with key appointments as company marks 40 years of excellence

Asoka Piyadigama appointed to C.W. Mackie Board

Seminar on Beneficial Ownership Compliance under the Companies Act, No. 12 of 2025

Banking veteran Janakan Selvaratnam joins Serendib Hotels Board

BPPL to acquire Ravi Industries customer base in Rs. 300 m deal

Govt. bans forced labour imports to strengthen US trade compliance

Cabinet approves € 924,063 German grant for energy-efficient buildings program

FT NEWS

Former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne dies from gunshot injuries