Columnist

Beyond the IMF: Why Sri Lanka needs a national vision, strong institutions and effective economic diplomacy

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:22

Stop producing Master Plans: Sri Lanka needs only a ‘Friction-free ecosystem’ for economic growth

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:20

Solvency is for the State, prosperity is for the people

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:19

Trinity and Zahira; a historic rugby rivalry

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:30

Transformational climate adaptation in Sri Lanka needs better governance

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:25

Decent work for domestic workers can’t wait

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:24

From volume to value: Making the most of South Asia’s food sector

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:10

Dark shadows: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s declaration on PC elections

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:30

Have we lost the ability to draft good laws?

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:26

Prajeeth’s blueprint: The long game

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:22

Viet Nam’s journey to economic and industrial powerhouse in Asia — A strategic reflection for Sri Lanka

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:21

Paucity of demanding home consumers and world-class suppliers stymying SL’s global competitiveness

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:20

Japan’s proposal for an Economic Corridor between India and Sri Lanka

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:05

From fragmented environmental law to One Planet Law

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 07:31

The hands that support a nation: A call to recognise migrant workers and their families

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:29

The AI decision Sri Lankan schools are taking in silence

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:23

Tax by choice, not force: Can Sri Lanka make the shift?

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:14

Way forward for SME borrowers

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:04

Sri Lanka won’t change until YOU change

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 05:58

Will the tobacco ban backfire?

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 05:41

Forced renewable power shutdowns will end next year: NSO

The National System Operator (NSO) expects to end the forced curtailment of renewable energy generation next year as battery energy storage system (BE ..

NSO pledges to settle IPP arrears soon

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:30

National System Operator (NSO) Chairman Dr. Pradeep Perera has told the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) that payments due to independent power prod ..

25-member Thai business delegation arrives as SLTBC marks 25 years of bilateral trade ties

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:26

A 25-member business delegation from Thailand’s Board of Trade will join Sri Lankan corporate leaders, policymakers, and diplomats in Colombo today ..

First-ever India Trade Desk opens

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:23

For many Sri Lankan businesses, India has long represented a market of immense potential. Yet despite its proximity and promise, entering and expandin ..

Harsha questions CPC’s forex planning

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:21

Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva has questioned whether the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was manag ..

Govt. maintains 5% growth target, eyes path to 7% medium-term expansion

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:30

The Government remains confident of achieving its 5% economic growth target this year and is working towards a medium-term objective of 7% inclusive a ..

SEC steps up push for SOE listings as capital market reforms gather pace

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:25

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) intensified efforts in 2025 to bring State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to the capital market, a ..

Nahil donates Rs. 3 b to alma mater Trinity

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:23

Business tycoon turned philanthropist and old boy Nahil Wijesuriya has donated Rs. 3 billion to Trinity College, Kandy. Trinity College Principal Rev ..

CA overturns RTI order on EPF Bond transaction disclosures

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:20

The Court of Appeal (CA) has set aside a Right to Information (RTI) Commission order directing the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to disclose detail ..

Free Lawyers allege $ 2.5 m Treasury cyber fraud funds in US bank account

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:58

The Free Lawyers Association has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the $ 2.5 million Treasury cyber fraud, ..

UK Trade Envoy Lord Hannett in town for high-level trade, investment engagements

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:54

The UK’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, Lord Hannett of Everton, will hold talks with Government ministers, officials and business leaders this week as t ..

Manufacturing, services PMI improves in May

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:47

The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in May have expanded, as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), its compiler the Central Bank ..

NTB Rs. 15 b debenture issue gets CSE nod, opens Friday

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:46

Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB) will open subscriptions on 19 June for a Basel III-compliant Tier 2 debenture issue aimed at raising up to Rs. 15 billion ..

Sri Lanka and India set sights towards Rupee-converted $ 6 b trade

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:10

Sri Lanka and India are exploring the potential to convert the $ 6 billion bilateral trade to Rupee basis on the basis of multiple advantages. ..

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals down 9% in first half of June

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:07

Sri Lanka welcomed 54,465 tourists during the first 14 days of June, marking a 9% decline compared to the 59,787 visitors recorded during the correspo ..

Rupee opens week stronger against US dollar

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:01

The rupee yesterday opened the week stronger against the US dollar in the spot market. The USD/LKR spot rate closed at Rs. 333.00/334.50 compared wit ..

Sri Lanka and Benelux private sectors forge new alliances

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:28

The private sectors of Sri Lanka and Benelux countries Belgium and Luxembourg this week forged new alliances aimed at boosting trade and investments. ..

SEC steps up enforcements

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:25

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has in 2025 stepped up enforcements under powers granted by the SEC Act, No. 19 of 2021, inc ..

Softlogic Life to acquire 60% stake in Bangladesh insurer for $ 1.9 m

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:22

Softlogic Life Insurance PLC has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 60% stake in Bangladesh-based Diamond Life Insurance Company Ltd., for ..

US and Iran end war

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:20

The US and Iran have signed an agreement aimed at ending more than three months of hostilities and creating a framework for a broader settlement, mark ..

Govt. to review fuel relief after three months: Deputy Minister

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:28

Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday said the Government will decide whether to extend its fuel subsidy and relie ..

Govt. secures ammonium nitrate imports from India amid ban

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:24

Sri Lanka has secured the resumption of ammonium nitrate imports from India after the neighbouring country approved a monthly export quota of 220 metr ..

Customs gazettes comprehensive fee framework from July

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:21

Sri Lanka Customs will implement a comprehensive fee and operational framework from 1 July under new regulations issued by Finance, Planning and Econo ..

Former Industrial Finance depositors seek redress over share conversion losses

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:00

A group of former depositors of Industrial Finance Ltd., now operating as Lanka Credit and Business Finance PLC (LCBF), has renewed calls for regulato ..

Prime and Melwa secure 3rd Marina District land parcel

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:56

Prime-Melwa has become the largest property investor in Port City Colombo, following the acquisition of their third and one of the most coveted land p ..

World’s #1 Culture/Colour Brain Thinker Arthur arrives in SL

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:49

The world’s #1 Culture/Colour Brain Thinker Arthur Carmazzi, arrived in Sri Lanka Monday night ahead of his highly anticipated workshop on 19 Jun ..

Tourism Task Force advance Southern Mist and Maritime Tourism Corridors

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:47

Sri Lanka’s tourism development strategy is moving towards a more structured, investment-focused model, with the Presidential Task Force for the imp ..

DFCC to finalise Standard Chartered retail banking deal by end-July

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:46

DFCC Bank said that its proposed acquisition of the wealth and retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka is expected to be complete ..

Budget surplus hits Rs. 105 b as vehicle-related taxes drive revenue surge

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:08

Sri Lanka’s fiscal position strengthened sharply in the first four months of 2026, with the Government posting a Budget surplus of Rs. 105 billion c ..

Banking leaders call for stronger governance, trust and resilience to future-proof sector

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:02

Sri Lanka’s banking sector must strengthen governance, internal controls, and institutional resilience to navigate an increasingly complex operating ..

CBSL Chief defends rupee depreciation, says flexible exchange rate vital shock absorber

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 04:01

After weeks of criticism from MPs over the recent depreciation of the rupee, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe last w ..

NSO pledges to settle IPP arrears soon

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:30

National System Operator (NSO) Chairman Dr. Pradeep Perera has told the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) that payments due to independent power prod ..

Sri Lanka and Benelux private sectors forge new alliances

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:28

The private sectors of Sri Lanka and Benelux countries Belgium and Luxembourg this week forged new alliances aimed at boosting trade and investments. ..

25-member Thai business delegation arrives as SLTBC marks 25 years of bilateral trade ties

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:26

A 25-member business delegation from Thailand’s Board of Trade will join Sri Lankan corporate leaders, policymakers, and diplomats in Colombo today ..

SEC steps up enforcements

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:25

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has in 2025 stepped up enforcements under powers granted by the SEC Act, No. 19 of 2021, inc ..

First-ever India Trade Desk opens

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:23

For many Sri Lankan businesses, India has long represented a market of immense potential. Yet despite its proximity and promise, entering and expandin ..

Softlogic Life to acquire 60% stake in Bangladesh insurer for $ 1.9 m

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:22

Softlogic Life Insurance PLC has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 60% stake in Bangladesh-based Diamond Life Insurance Company Ltd., for ..

Harsha questions CPC’s forex planning

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:21

Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva has questioned whether the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was manag ..

US and Iran end war

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:20

The US and Iran have signed an agreement aimed at ending more than three months of hostilities and creating a framework for a broader settlement, mark ..

Govt. maintains 5% growth target, eyes path to 7% medium-term expansion

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:30

The Government remains confident of achieving its 5% economic growth target this year and is working towards a medium-term objective of 7% inclusive a ..

Govt. to review fuel relief after three months: Deputy Minister

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:28

Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday said the Government will decide whether to extend its fuel subsidy and relie ..

SEC steps up push for SOE listings as capital market reforms gather pace

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:25

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) intensified efforts in 2025 to bring State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to the capital market, a ..

Govt. secures ammonium nitrate imports from India amid ban

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:24

Sri Lanka has secured the resumption of ammonium nitrate imports from India after the neighbouring country approved a monthly export quota of 220 metr ..

Nahil donates Rs. 3 b to alma mater Trinity

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:23

Business tycoon turned philanthropist and old boy Nahil Wijesuriya has donated Rs. 3 billion to Trinity College, Kandy. Trinity College Principal Rev ..

Customs gazettes comprehensive fee framework from July

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:21

Sri Lanka Customs will implement a comprehensive fee and operational framework from 1 July under new regulations issued by Finance, Planning and Econo ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 17.06.2026

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:22

Cartoon 15.06.2026

Monday, 15 June 2026 03:43

Cartoon 13.06.2026

Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:55

Cartoon 11.06.2026

Thursday, 11 June 2026 00:00

Cartoon 05.06.2026

Friday, 5 June 2026 03:04

FT TV

Sri Lanka eyes value-added mineral sands industry

Thursday, 18 June 2026 07:25

Colombo hosted the Mineral Sands Technical Conference 2026 yesterday, bringing together international experts, investors, industry leaders, and public ..

SLITA awards diplomas to 596 graduates

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 13:08

Neurology Institute upgraded at National Hospital

Sunday, 7 June 2026 21:00

NCPC Sri Lanka launches major sustainability initiatives for 2026

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 12:55

Army Commander opens Medical Clinic Centre at Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 11:20

Sri Lanka, UN partners strengthen water and sanitation efforts

Monday, 1 June 2026 12:42

FT Click

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

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 05:12

“Glitz and Glam” in down under

Friday, 5 June 2026 02:14

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

AI Catalyst Symposium Sri Lanka 2026 highlights practical pathways to realising ROI from AI

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 17:03

HNB, Nucleus Software celebrate 5 years of partnership

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 07:29

NEGETE and InfraBeat to advance SAP-led digital transformation

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 07:25

FT Lite

LYNEAR Wealth and Saskia Fernando Gallery partner to boost Sri Lanka’s art ecosystem

Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:24

LYNEAR Wealth Management and Saskia Fernando Gallery have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at supporting the continued growth and internatio ..

“Spectrum” art exhibition at Lionel Wendt on 20-21 June

Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:19

Charith Wijesundara features in 7th Artist Spotlight by COD Sri Lanka, John Keells Foundation

Saturday, 13 June 2026 06:08

Opinion and Issues

Beyond the IMF: Why Sri Lanka needs a national vision, strong institutions and effective economic diplomacy

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:22

Sri Lanka has made commendable progress since the economic crisis that brought the nation to its knees in 2022. Inflation has stabilised, foreign rese ..

Stop producing Master Plans: Sri Lanka needs only a ‘Friction-free ecosystem’ for economic growth

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:20

Solvency is for the State, prosperity is for the people

Friday, 19 June 2026 01:19

FT View - Editorial

Latest restructuring committee for SriLankan Airlines

Friday, 19 June 2026 00:00

In the wake of continuing operational and financial shortcomings, the Government has decided to appoint a high-level committee to review the beleaguer ..

Peace between US-Iran a welcome move

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:00

The hands that support a nation: A call to recognise migrant workers and their families

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:29

No systemic change in SOEs yet under NPP Government

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 06:12

Preparing for El Niño

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 00:23

The price is wrong, twice: Sri Lanka’s fuel is both overpriced and underpriced

Monday, 15 June 2026 03:37

Special Report

Global Biz Connect 2026 highlights private sector confidence

Tuesday, 17 March 2026 07:14

Global Biz Connect 2026, cross-industry networking platform, recently brought together business executives, entrepreneurs, and diaspora representative ..

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

Wednesday, 18 February 2026 00:00

IMF Chief backs Sri Lanka recovery; says open to flexible program post-Ditwah

Monday, 16 February 2026 02:44

Business News

Govt. targets $ 1 b gem industry as Sri Lanka pushes global hub ambitions

UK Trade Envoy discusses exports growth, investment climate with Industry Minister

Diplomats get briefing on Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Concentric AI joins forces as Strategic Partner for 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit

Dialog advances enterprise risk governance to global ISO 31000 standards

Digital veterinary health monitoring supports “Aloka” during historic peace walk across Sri Lanka

Print Expo 2026 starts today; to spotlight innovation, sustainability and MSME sector growth

Lakarcade appointed as National Entity Member of World Crafts Council AISBL

C.W. Mackie promotes Mangala Perera as CEO

Minor Hotel Group’s Wayne Williams joins Serendib Hotels Board

NCE raises concerns over absence of industry consultation on forex regulation

Kapruka delivers full-year profit as AI-powered platform strategy accelerates

CSE loses steam after Monday rally

Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council maps members’ priorities

Pavithran Thurairatnam wins Honorary Mention at Global AYDA Awards 2025/2026

Delmege Consumer partners Daraz to bring its goods to your doorstep

Foreign Ministry hosts networking reception to strengthen economic diplomacy partnerships

SLID launches Public Sector Forum to advance governance excellence in State-Owned Enterprises

Shehara De Silva headlines Sri Lanka’s presence at EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2026

National virtual internship platform launches

Alumex Expands Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities to Produce Best Global Brands of Aluminium Proprietary Systems with AI

Port City Colombo courts Gulf capital as South Asia gateway

Columnist

Beyond the IMF: Why Sri Lanka needs a national vision, strong institutions and effective economic diplomacy

Stop producing Master Plans: Sri Lanka needs only a ‘Friction-free ecosystem’ for economic growth

Solvency is for the State, prosperity is for the people

Trinity and Zahira; a historic rugby rivalry

Transformational climate adaptation in Sri Lanka needs better governance

Decent work for domestic workers can’t wait

From volume to value: Making the most of South Asia’s food sector

Dark shadows: Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s declaration on PC elections

Have we lost the ability to draft good laws?

Prajeeth’s blueprint: The long game

Viet Nam’s journey to economic and industrial powerhouse in Asia — A strategic reflection for Sri Lanka

Paucity of demanding home consumers and world-class suppliers stymying SL’s global competitiveness

Japan’s proposal for an Economic Corridor between India and Sri Lanka

From fragmented environmental law to One Planet Law

The hands that support a nation: A call to recognise migrant workers and their families

The AI decision Sri Lankan schools are taking in silence

Tax by choice, not force: Can Sri Lanka make the shift?

Way forward for SME borrowers

Sri Lanka won’t change until YOU change

Will the tobacco ban backfire?

Trending

ABC of errors and omissions: Compilation governance issues, yes, but no loss in CB

Nahil donates Rs. 3 b to alma mater Trinity

Budget surplus hits Rs. 105 b as vehicle-related taxes drive revenue surge

Port City Colombo courts Gulf capital as South Asia gateway

Shehara De Silva headlines Sri Lanka’s presence at EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2026

Prime and Melwa secure 3rd Marina District land parcel

Sri Lanka and India set sights towards Rupee-converted $ 6 b trade

Global experts map path to unlock Sri Lanka’s mineral wealth

Banking leaders call for stronger governance, trust and resilience to future-proof sector

The price is wrong, twice: Sri Lanka’s fuel is both overpriced and underpriced

Business News

Govt. targets $ 1 b gem industry as Sri Lanka pushes global hub ambitions

UK Trade Envoy discusses exports growth, investment climate with Industry Minister

Diplomats get briefing on Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Concentric AI joins forces as Strategic Partner for 2nd Data Privacy and Protection Summit

Dialog advances enterprise risk governance to global ISO 31000 standards

Digital veterinary health monitoring supports “Aloka” during historic peace walk across Sri Lanka

Print Expo 2026 starts today; to spotlight innovation, sustainability and MSME sector growth

Lakarcade appointed as National Entity Member of World Crafts Council AISBL

C.W. Mackie promotes Mangala Perera as CEO

Minor Hotel Group’s Wayne Williams joins Serendib Hotels Board

NCE raises concerns over absence of industry consultation on forex regulation

Kapruka delivers full-year profit as AI-powered platform strategy accelerates

CSE loses steam after Monday rally

Sweden-Sri Lanka Business Council maps members’ priorities

Pavithran Thurairatnam wins Honorary Mention at Global AYDA Awards 2025/2026

Delmege Consumer partners Daraz to bring its goods to your doorstep

Foreign Ministry hosts networking reception to strengthen economic diplomacy partnerships

SLID launches Public Sector Forum to advance governance excellence in State-Owned Enterprises

Shehara De Silva headlines Sri Lanka’s presence at EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2026

National virtual internship platform launches

Alumex Expands Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities to Produce Best Global Brands of Aluminium Proprietary Systems with AI

Port City Colombo courts Gulf capital as South Asia gateway

FT NEWS

Court postpones hearing of Gotabaya Rajapaksa petition over Easter attacks probe