Columnist

Redefining “Reserves” under Inland Revenue Act: Policy evolution or moving goalposts?

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 03:06

The evolution of Withholding Taxes – a status quo

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 03:01

“When America sneezes, Sri Lanka catches a cold!”

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:03

Powering stability: UK support for Sri Lanka’s electric bus transition

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 01:52

E-entrepreneurship and E-business: Driving sustainability in digital economy

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 01:48

Unlocking women’s economic potential: From intent to infrastructure

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 01:43

The truth about personal branding

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 01:00

From global turbulence to strategic opportunity: Sri Lanka on the brink of a golden era?

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 00:22

Fall of Warnomics: SL economy yet to feel heat of ME war, its choices

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:49

Trembling of tranquility in turbulent times: Woes of a weary war

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:43

Procedural overreach in Inland Revenue 2026 Bill

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:33

Why illegal cyber operations demand a national response

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:29

Lessons in leadership from Elliott Richardson

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:17

Neutrality is not a strategy

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:11

Trump’s un-holy war

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:10

Lost opportunities and cost of mistakes

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Access, not demand will decide Sri Lanka tourism’s future

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:22

Quarter Finals this weekend set to distinguish cream of Schools Rugby

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:20

Energy is national security: Why Sri Lanka’s future depends on a radical power shift

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:20

Extra exposure to external shock; Existential war in the Middle-East

Thursday, 19 March 2026 04:00

Planters call for ‘fair’ electricity tariffs to sustain industry

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has called for the implementation of a more sustainable electricity tariff framework and energy generation ..

Tax expert challenges key clauses of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill before SC

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:33

A significant constitutional challenge has been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) against provisions of the proposed Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill ..

President urges countrywide push to curb peak-hour energy use amid global supply strain

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:31

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed officials to intensify public awareness campaigns on prudent electricity use during peak hours, ..

Iran will offer fuel and essential supplies to Sri Lanka if requested, says Ambassador

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:29

Iran has expressed readiness to supply oil and other essential goods to Sri Lanka if requested, reaffirming its longstanding ties with the country, Ir ..

Oil falls below $ 100 as Trump postpones military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:25

US President Donald Trump yesterday said that he has ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants ‌and energy infrastruc ..

Fossil fuel obsession, flawed advice have pushed energy security to the brink – Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 00:05

Sri Lanka’s energy sector is facing mounting pressure amid rising global fuel prices, a prolonged dry spell, and growing uncertainty in internationa ..

Debt path at risk due to Mideast war impact as reserves target jumps to $ 13.4 b by 2027: Rafi

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:15

Economist Talal Rafi has said the Middle East crisis could complicate Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability path, as the country faces a sharp increase in ..

People’s Bank achieves milestone with Sri Lanka’s largest Rs. 25 b debenture issue

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:12

People’s Bank has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s largest debenture issue, mobilising Rs. 25 billion ..

Govt. losing Rs. 20 b monthly on fuel subsidy: Cabinet Spokesman

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:02

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Government is absorbing Rs. 20 billion a month to cushion the impact of sharpl ..

Container transport charges up 20%

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:00

The Container Transport Owners’ Association (CTOA) has decided to increase container transport charges by 20% from last midnight, citing the recent ..

Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill becomes law

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Parliament Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday endorsed the certificate on the Microfinance and Credit Regulatory Authority Bill, which was rec ..

Oil retreats from $119 peak as Iran conflict rattles markets

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Oil prices eased on Friday after sharp gains driven by the escalating Iran conflict, while Asian equities traded mostly lower following overnight loss ..

Vehicle imports seen cooling off: JB Securities

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Vehicle import momentum is beginning to moderate after a sharp surge following the reopening of the market, with January data already pointing to a sl ..

Indian airline group warns of route withdrawals amid oil price shock

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

An Indian airline group representing IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet warns the Indian Government of route withdrawals and fleet delays as fuel prices r ..

EU mulls energy tax cuts, aid to cushion energy shock from Iran conflict

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

European Union (EU) leaders on Thursday called for temporary measures to ease the impact of rising energy prices triggered by the Iran conflict, inclu ..

CSE declines 4.85% during week

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

The Colombo stock market ended on the up yesterday, but was still lower than the previous week’s close as the economic fallout from the Middle East ..

ADB President begins three-day Sri Lanka visit with focus on recovery and resilience

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:32

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening economic cooperat ..

Food importers warn 10-20% price rise ahead of festive season, assure no shortages

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:29

Essential food importers have sought to calm fears of shortages ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, while cautioning that consumers should expect ..

Janashakthi’s Rs. 5 b IPO gets CSE nod

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:28

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has granted in-principle approval for Janashakthi Ltd., (JXG) to proceed with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 500 ..

WindForce secures 13th grid-scale Rs. 1.7 b BESS project

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:10

WindForce PLC has secured its 13th grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, with the award of a 10 MW/40 MWh facility in Panadura unde ..

Fuel prices rise across CPC, Sinopec and LIOC

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:17

Fuel prices were increased across suppliers following the latest revision by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), which came into effect from midni ..

Primary surplus surges 170% as Budget deficit narrows sharply in 2025: CBSL

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:14

Sri Lanka’s fiscal position strengthened in 2025, with a sharp rise in the primary surplus and a significant narrowing of the overall budget deficit ..

Shehara De Silva selected for EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:03

McLarens Group of Companies Managing Director Shehara De Silva has been named to the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EWW) Class of 2026 an ..

Govt. probes phone numbers over fuel QR code abuse

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:01

The Government yesterday said fuel quotas under the QR-based allocation system have been increased, even as authorities tighten enforcement amid conce ..

Port City Colombo: Positioning South Asia for the Asian Century

Monday, 23 March 2026 00:27

The centre of gravity in the global economy has shifted before—and it is shifting again. The 19th century was shaped by the industrial and financial ..

IMF flags Middle East risks; to assess impact, support for Sri Lanka

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has flagged Sri Lanka’s significant exposure to the Middle East conflict and said it will assess the potential ..

Cabinet committee on public service continuity meets amid energy constraints

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said the Cabinet Committee appointed to ensure the systematic functioning of the public service held its first ..

Court of Appeal rejects Navy ‘security’ claim on GR voyage; upholds RTI supremacy

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Right to Information (RTI) Act prevails over the Official Secrets Act, while holding that national security can ..

Economist warns debt strain, stagflation risks rising

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Former Central Bank Deputy Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena has warned that Sri Lanka is entering a more vulnerable phase where Government debt sustainab ..

US weighs easing curbs on Iranian oil in transit to ease price surge

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington is considering easing sanctions on Iranian oil already in transit as energy prices rise sharply am ..

SriLankan Bond restructuring secures investor backing with 16% haircut

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:28

SriLankan Airlines and the Government have effectively concluded the restructuring of the airline’s $ 175 million International Sovereign Bond (ISB) ..

Tax expert challenges key clauses of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill before SC

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:33

A significant constitutional challenge has been filed before the Supreme Court (SC) against provisions of the proposed Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill ..

ADB President begins three-day Sri Lanka visit with focus on recovery and resilience

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:32

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening economic cooperat ..

President urges countrywide push to curb peak-hour energy use amid global supply strain

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:31

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday directed officials to intensify public awareness campaigns on prudent electricity use during peak hours, ..

Food importers warn 10-20% price rise ahead of festive season, assure no shortages

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:29

Essential food importers have sought to calm fears of shortages ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, while cautioning that consumers should expect ..

Iran will offer fuel and essential supplies to Sri Lanka if requested, says Ambassador

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:29

Iran has expressed readiness to supply oil and other essential goods to Sri Lanka if requested, reaffirming its longstanding ties with the country, Ir ..

Janashakthi’s Rs. 5 b IPO gets CSE nod

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:28

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has granted in-principle approval for Janashakthi Ltd., (JXG) to proceed with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 500 ..

Oil falls below $ 100 as Trump postpones military strikes on Iranian power plants for five days

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:25

US President Donald Trump yesterday said that he has ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants ‌and energy infrastruc ..

WindForce secures 13th grid-scale Rs. 1.7 b BESS project

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:10

WindForce PLC has secured its 13th grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, with the award of a 10 MW/40 MWh facility in Panadura unde ..

Fossil fuel obsession, flawed advice have pushed energy security to the brink – Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 00:05

Sri Lanka’s energy sector is facing mounting pressure amid rising global fuel prices, a prolonged dry spell, and growing uncertainty in internationa ..

Fuel prices rise across CPC, Sinopec and LIOC

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:17

Fuel prices were increased across suppliers following the latest revision by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), which came into effect from midni ..

Debt path at risk due to Mideast war impact as reserves target jumps to $ 13.4 b by 2027: Rafi

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:15

Economist Talal Rafi has said the Middle East crisis could complicate Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability path, as the country faces a sharp increase in ..

Primary surplus surges 170% as Budget deficit narrows sharply in 2025: CBSL

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:14

Sri Lanka’s fiscal position strengthened in 2025, with a sharp rise in the primary surplus and a significant narrowing of the overall budget deficit ..

People’s Bank achieves milestone with Sri Lanka’s largest Rs. 25 b debenture issue

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:12

People’s Bank has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s largest debenture issue, mobilising Rs. 25 billion ..

Shehara De Silva selected for EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women

Monday, 23 March 2026 04:03

McLarens Group of Companies Managing Director Shehara De Silva has been named to the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurial Winning Women (EWW) Class of 2026 an ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 23.03.2026

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:19

Cartoon 20.03.2026

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:00

Cartoon 18.03.2026

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:00

Cartoon 16.03.2026

Monday, 16 March 2026 02:54

Cartoon 13.03.2026

Saturday, 14 March 2026 00:00

FT TV

Rs. 520 m SLITA facility opens to boost Sri Lanka’s garment skills sector

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 10:27

A new three-storey multi-purpose building at the Sri Lanka Institute of Textile & Apparel (SLITA) was inaugurated yesterday, with Industry and Entrepr ..

ADB President arrives in Sri Lanka for key economic and damage assessment visit

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 09:37

Power crisis looms as Sri Lanka weighs tariff decision amid fuel shortage fears

Monday, 23 March 2026 12:22

Navy seizes large cocaine and heroin hauls in separate operations

Friday, 20 March 2026 11:21

Govt. reviews essential services amid middle east war concerns

Monday, 16 March 2026 12:24

Priority bus service for persons with disabilities to launch next month

Monday, 16 March 2026 00:45

FT Click

HNB Luxury Living – Negombo Edition 2026: Bringing prestige living closer to you

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:00

‘Salam Ramadan 2026’ lights up Green Path with culture, cuisine and community spirit

Saturday, 28 February 2026 00:24

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

Canada’s Predictiv AI sets up Asia Regional Office to support expansion across Asia, Africa, and Middle East

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:08

Hutch Pinnacle Awards spotlights on the people powering company’s rapid growth

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:04

Dialog Awards 2025 celebrates excellence and innovation in partnership with MTI

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:02

FT Lite

Yazu set to make international debut in Sri Lanka at Radisson Blu Resort Galle

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:10

Radisson Blu Resort Galle is set to unveil its newest culinary venture in March 2026 with the opening of Yazu by the Beach, a Pan-Asian restaurant tha ..

Weekend of colour and celebration at City of Dreams Sri Lanka

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Art of dim sum at Shangri-La Colombo

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Opinion and Issues

Redefining “Reserves” under Inland Revenue Act: Policy evolution or moving goalposts?

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 03:06

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill published recently in February 2026 proposes several revisions to the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017. Among th ..

The evolution of Withholding Taxes – a status quo

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 03:01

“When America sneezes, Sri Lanka catches a cold!”

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 02:03

FT View - Editorial

Getting the Airbus case right

Tuesday, 24 March 2026 00:20

The renewed push to confront corruption is both necessary and long overdue. After years of public frustration, economic collapse, and a crisis of gove ..

When restraint is wisdom

Monday, 23 March 2026 02:10

Environmental cost of wars

Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00

Heading for hard times

Friday, 20 March 2026 00:00

Tough days ahead for Govt. and the public

Thursday, 19 March 2026 03:11

Coal fiasco undermines Government’s credibility

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:00

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

CA Sri Lanka launches Faculty of Business Law and Regulatory Compliance to build legally proficient Chartered Accountants

Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu appointed Director General of Data Protection Authority

Cenmetrix achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification

Prym Intimates expands global footprint with new manufacturing facility in Vietnam

Lee Hedges to acquire full stake in Lanka Realty Developments for Rs. 3.16 b

Sri Lanka, Australia to strengthen longstanding bilateral ties

LAUGFS Gas announces new Board appointments

Rs. 520 m textile training complex opens in Ratmalana

Sri Lanka establishes first dedicated Fire Safety Engineering Centre at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Postponement of Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2026

Uber and PickMe urge Govt. to allocate higher fuel quotas

Strategic imperatives for Sri Lanka amid Gulf conflict

New Anthoney’s Farms marks third year at Healthy Living Expo

NTB partners NCE to strengthen support for Sri Lankan exporters

CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership

Capacity-building program for 25 officials from CBSL at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai

Lankadeepa FT–Lanka Business TV ‘Wiyawasayakaya’ business and investment summit in Galle draws 250+

Home Lands delivers 3,500 resort apartments and villas

Deloitte Tax Leader Charmaine Tillekeratne recognised as Highly Regarded Women in Tax Leader – Asia Pacific for 2026

Britol and GP Certified introduce certified recycled plastics in FMCG packaging

Hayleys oversubscribed debenture issue raises Rs. 5.82 b in applications

Fuel QR system gets override option to fix registration hassles

Columnist

Redefining “Reserves” under Inland Revenue Act: Policy evolution or moving goalposts?

The evolution of Withholding Taxes – a status quo

“When America sneezes, Sri Lanka catches a cold!”

Powering stability: UK support for Sri Lanka’s electric bus transition

E-entrepreneurship and E-business: Driving sustainability in digital economy

Unlocking women’s economic potential: From intent to infrastructure

The truth about personal branding

From global turbulence to strategic opportunity: Sri Lanka on the brink of a golden era?

Fall of Warnomics: SL economy yet to feel heat of ME war, its choices

Trembling of tranquility in turbulent times: Woes of a weary war

Procedural overreach in Inland Revenue 2026 Bill

Why illegal cyber operations demand a national response

Lessons in leadership from Elliott Richardson

Neutrality is not a strategy

Trump’s un-holy war

Lost opportunities and cost of mistakes

Access, not demand will decide Sri Lanka tourism’s future

Quarter Finals this weekend set to distinguish cream of Schools Rugby

Energy is national security: Why Sri Lanka’s future depends on a radical power shift

Extra exposure to external shock; Existential war in the Middle-East

Trending

Shehara De Silva selected for EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women

Fall of Warnomics: SL economy yet to feel heat of ME war, its choices

LAUGFS Gas announces new Board appointments

Top 30% income cohort consumes 70% of fuel: Advocata CEO

Cabinet clears Rs. 646 m JICA-backed project to strengthen Kelani River monitoring

Home Lands delivers 3,500 resort apartments and villas

Private sector counts early losses, wider risks from ME war

Vehicle imports seen cooling off: JB Securities

Economist warns debt strain, stagflation risks rising

Tax expert challenges key clauses of Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill before SC

Business News

CA Sri Lanka launches Faculty of Business Law and Regulatory Compliance to build legally proficient Chartered Accountants

Dimuth Bhashitha Atapattu appointed Director General of Data Protection Authority

Cenmetrix achieves ISO 9001:2015 certification

Prym Intimates expands global footprint with new manufacturing facility in Vietnam

Lee Hedges to acquire full stake in Lanka Realty Developments for Rs. 3.16 b

Sri Lanka, Australia to strengthen longstanding bilateral ties

LAUGFS Gas announces new Board appointments

Rs. 520 m textile training complex opens in Ratmalana

Sri Lanka establishes first dedicated Fire Safety Engineering Centre at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Postponement of Sri Lanka Investment Forum 2026

Uber and PickMe urge Govt. to allocate higher fuel quotas

Strategic imperatives for Sri Lanka amid Gulf conflict

New Anthoney’s Farms marks third year at Healthy Living Expo

NTB partners NCE to strengthen support for Sri Lankan exporters

CDB champions women entrepreneurs through CAN Market partnership

Capacity-building program for 25 officials from CBSL at Reserve Bank Staff College, Chennai

Lankadeepa FT–Lanka Business TV ‘Wiyawasayakaya’ business and investment summit in Galle draws 250+

Home Lands delivers 3,500 resort apartments and villas

Deloitte Tax Leader Charmaine Tillekeratne recognised as Highly Regarded Women in Tax Leader – Asia Pacific for 2026

Britol and GP Certified introduce certified recycled plastics in FMCG packaging

Hayleys oversubscribed debenture issue raises Rs. 5.82 b in applications

Fuel QR system gets override option to fix registration hassles

FT NEWS

India’s Lok Sabha Speaker hosts Sri Lankan delegation, stresses parliamentary cooperation