Columnist

Growth paradox – Numbers vs. benefits: Part I – Reforming public sector

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:26

Labour reform: Key link to Sri Lanka’s next wave of FDI

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:25

Lanka’s renewable energy future: Are we solving real problems or undermining our own success?

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:24

Government must heed cry for fairer taxes and quell storm

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:23

Key income tax deadlines before December ends

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:22

Sri Lanka’s essential oil industry: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions in the global fragrance and flavour value chain

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:20

Besieging Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s ethos, and SJB priorities

Thursday, 15 October 2026 03:49

Beyond the Finish Line

Thursday, 15 October 2026 00:44

From stability to prosperity: Building on President’s agenda

Thursday, 15 October 2026 00:13

Corruption: Promises and Results

Thursday, 15 October 2026 00:08

From remitters to investors: Sri Lanka needs an investment engine

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:24

IMF Seventh Review and moving forward

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:23

Sri Lanka tourism’s billion dollar problem: Record arrivals, shrinking value

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:22

Digital skills development of South Asian women entrepreneurs: Opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:20

When responsible organisations remain silent

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 00:53

Stabilisation must lead to transformation; A sovereign development fund as a way forward?

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 00:45

The accountability gap: Global contrasts and responses to political corruption and crime

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 00:17

Beyond better buses: Future of public transport in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 00:04

Alarming case of financial illiteracy amidst drive for financial inclusiveness and literacy

Monday, 12 October 2026 03:34

Beyond transhipment: How Sri Lanka can monetise geopolitical disruption

Monday, 12 October 2026 03:17

IMF tells Sri Lanka to focus on remainder of EFF program

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday urged Sri Lanka to stay focused on completing the ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which ..

Half of earlier Port City approvals fall away, CoPF finds

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:30

Half of the investors approved in an earlier round at Colombo Port City have withdrawn or are no longer proceeding, Parliament’s Committee on Public ..

CSE green lights Sampath Bank’s Rs. 10 b debenture issue

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:25

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday said it has approved in principle Sampath Bank PLC’s Rs. 10 billion debenture issue and subscriptions wil ..

Manufacturing, services PMI stay in expansion zone in September

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:23

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

Airlines representatives weigh cost pressures, ground handling reforms, airport upgrades

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:21

The Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) Sri Lanka yesterday took up rising operating costs, ground handling procedures, and airport infrastructure ..

President sets deadlines for key SOE, PPP and Customs laws

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:15

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined a February 2027 deadline for presenting key legislation covering State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), publi ..

Port City visa count hits 14,300 as CoPF flags oversight gaps

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:13

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) has issued 14,300 visas thus far for foreign employees of Port City businesses but cannot vouch for ..

Colombo High Court enlarges Jiffry Mohamed on bail in alleged money laundering case

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:05

Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala has enlarged on bail Jiffry Mohamed accused in a money laundering case having considered the submissions m ..

Customs surpasses Rs. 2.2 t annual revenue target

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:02

Sri Lanka Customs has surpassed its original 2026 revenue target of Rs. 2,207 billion, collecting Rs. 2,208 billion by 13 October, nearly a month ahea ..

Delmege Insurance Brokers retains No. 1 position for third consecutive year

Thursday, 15 October 2026 05:33

Delmege Insurance Brokers has reaffirmed its position as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 insurance broker for the third consecutive year, 2023, 2024 and 2025, acc ..

The Kingsbury and Amaya Resorts win Gold, bag seven awards at South Asian Travel Awards 2026

Thursday, 15 October 2026 03:46

The Kingsbury and Amaya Resorts & Spas have won three Gold Awards at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2026, leading a seven-award haul for Hayleys ..

Unilever Sri Lanka appoints first female Head of Sales

Thursday, 15 October 2026 00:41

Unilever Sri Lanka has appointed Nilushi Jayatileke as their Head of Sales, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the company’s history. Nilu ..

PM urges private sector to take risks, invest in skills to stem brain drain

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:26

By Charumini de Silva Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday called on the private sector to take calculated risks, invest in workforce de ..

‘Problem is too few taxpayers, not high taxes’: Dr. Roshan Perera

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:24

Sri Lanka’s fiscal problem is not that it taxes too much but that too few people pay taxes, Centre for Poverty Analysis Consultant Dr. Roshan Perera ..

Cabinet shelves 2024 Public Enterprise Management Bill for fresh draft

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:22

The Government will halt work on the Public Enterprise Management Bill published in 2024 and have a new Bill drafted, Cabinet Spokesperson and Health ..

ComBank partners Payable to introduce ‘Soundbox’ for small business digital payments

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:26

Driven by its commitment to introduce the latest global technologies and continuously elevate the customer experience, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has a ..

Crevaty Co-Founder Dimuthu Ethugala named CA Sri Lanka Outstanding Global Achiever

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:24

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has named Crevaty Co-Founder Dimuthu Ethugala Outstanding Global Achiever of the Ye ..

Arugam Bay voted Asia’s best beach

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:22

Arugam Bay has been ranked Asia’s best beach in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of four Sri Lankan beaches to make the ..

Landmark hotel Galadari to reopen as Radisson Blu

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:20

Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC said it will reopen its landmark Colombo hotel as the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo in the fourth quarter of 2026. ..

Freehold clause, rupee pre-sales and BSI ownership test Port City safeguards

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:14

Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) is seeking the Attorney General’s opinion on whether Colombo Port City apartments can lawfully be ..

Sri Lanka, EU discuss green energy hub at Trincomalee Port

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:12

Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) have explored plans to establish a green energy hub at Trincomalee Port, with both sides highlighting the need f ..

Court upholds travel curbs on Hela Clothing Directors

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:05

The Commercial High Court of Colombo has upheld an interim order barring the five Directors of Hela Clothing Ltd., from travelling overseas. ..

IRD reminds taxpayers of 30 Nov. deadline

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:02

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has reminded taxpayers about the 30 November, 2026 deadline for filing income tax returns for the Year of Assessme ..

Digital Summit Asia 2026 seeks to position Sri Lanka as Asia’s digital epicentre

Thursday, 15 October 2026 04:26

A strong global digital presence can help Sri Lankan businesses enter overseas markets and lift foreign-exchange earnings, Digital Economy Deputy Mini ..

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo secures Gold and Silver at South Asian Travel Awards 2026

Thursday, 15 October 2026 03:43

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo has further strengthened its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality destinations, securing a Gold Award for Le ..

Govt. to raise up to $ 300 m via Domestic Dollar Bonds

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:30

The Government will raise up to $ 300 million through an issue of Domestic Dollar Bonds (DDBs), Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said yes ..

IMF sees Sri Lanka’s growth easing to 3.7% in 2027

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:25

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Sri Lanka’s economic growth to moderate to 3.7% in 2027, according to its latest World Economic Outloo ..

Renewable energy ambitions hinge on bankable projects, investor confidence: IFC

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:23

Sri Lanka’s ability to attract private investment into renewable energy will depend less on its generation potential than on its capacity to deliver ..

Most companies only deliver 60% of their potential; IFS Intelligence to unlock balance 40%

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:21

By Nisthar Cassim in Orlando, Florida Leading provider of Industrial AI software IFS yesterday revealed that most companies operate at only 60% of th ..

Half of earlier Port City approvals fall away, CoPF finds

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:30

Half of the investors approved in an earlier round at Colombo Port City have withdrawn or are no longer proceeding, Parliament’s Committee on Public ..

ComBank partners Payable to introduce ‘Soundbox’ for small business digital payments

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:26

Driven by its commitment to introduce the latest global technologies and continuously elevate the customer experience, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has a ..

CSE green lights Sampath Bank’s Rs. 10 b debenture issue

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:25

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday said it has approved in principle Sampath Bank PLC’s Rs. 10 billion debenture issue and subscriptions wil ..

Crevaty Co-Founder Dimuthu Ethugala named CA Sri Lanka Outstanding Global Achiever

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:24

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has named Crevaty Co-Founder Dimuthu Ethugala Outstanding Global Achiever of the Ye ..

Manufacturing, services PMI stay in expansion zone in September

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:23

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

Arugam Bay voted Asia’s best beach

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:22

Arugam Bay has been ranked Asia’s best beach in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of four Sri Lankan beaches to make the ..

Airlines representatives weigh cost pressures, ground handling reforms, airport upgrades

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:21

The Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) Sri Lanka yesterday took up rising operating costs, ground handling procedures, and airport infrastructure ..

Landmark hotel Galadari to reopen as Radisson Blu

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:20

Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC said it will reopen its landmark Colombo hotel as the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo in the fourth quarter of 2026. ..

President sets deadlines for key SOE, PPP and Customs laws

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:15

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined a February 2027 deadline for presenting key legislation covering State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), publi ..

Freehold clause, rupee pre-sales and BSI ownership test Port City safeguards

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:14

Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) is seeking the Attorney General’s opinion on whether Colombo Port City apartments can lawfully be ..

Port City visa count hits 14,300 as CoPF flags oversight gaps

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:13

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) has issued 14,300 visas thus far for foreign employees of Port City businesses but cannot vouch for ..

Sri Lanka, EU discuss green energy hub at Trincomalee Port

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:12

Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) have explored plans to establish a green energy hub at Trincomalee Port, with both sides highlighting the need f ..

Colombo High Court enlarges Jiffry Mohamed on bail in alleged money laundering case

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:05

Colombo High Court Judge Buddhika C. Ragala has enlarged on bail Jiffry Mohamed accused in a money laundering case having considered the submissions m ..

Court upholds travel curbs on Hela Clothing Directors

Thursday, 15 October 2026 06:05

The Commercial High Court of Colombo has upheld an interim order barring the five Directors of Hela Clothing Ltd., from travelling overseas. ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 16.10.2026

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:00

Cartoon 15.10.2026

Thursday, 15 October 2026 04:12

Cartoon 12.10.2026

Monday, 12 October 2026 04:04

Cartoon 09.10.2026

Friday, 9 October 2026 00:00

Cartoon 05.10.2026

Monday, 5 October 2026 03:38

FT TV

UCN Global 2026 Conference opens in Colombo

Thursday, 15 October 2026 16:00

The UCN Global 2026 Conference has commenced in Colombo under the patronage of the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation. ..

Government to add Rs. 7.5 billion to Re-MSME Plus loan scheme

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 20:27

Sri Lanka and Montana explore trade and investment opportunities

Monday, 12 October 2026 21:39

Sri Lanka opens National Business Facilitation Centre

Monday, 12 October 2026 19:00

India donates Anti-TB medicines worth Rs. 52 million to Sri Lanka

Thursday, 8 October 2026 16:16

APPCON 2026 annual sessions held

Thursday, 1 October 2026 11:18

FT Click

The Unlabelled Runway 2026 brings fashion, inclusion and purpose together

Monday, 12 October 2026 02:54

HNB Legacy Open 2026

Friday, 2 October 2026 00:00

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

IFS brings Industrial AI Harness to world’s most critical and complex industries

Thursday, 15 October 2026 05:15

IFS launches IFS Intelligence: New way to apply AI to industrial challenges technology previously could not solve

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:02

SLT-Mobitel launches ‘SMART AI’ South Asia’s first AI token credit based platform

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:00

FT Lite

Universally-acclaimed play ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ comes to Sri Lanka

Saturday, 10 October 2026 00:00

Prepare for a theatrical experience that brings people together and celebrates life. The Peterite Arts Foundation, in proud association with World Vis ..

Yohani closes Ziro Festival stage in India as audience sings along in Sinhala

Saturday, 10 October 2026 00:00

Shehan Karunatilaka urges young writers to find their own voice

Saturday, 10 October 2026 00:00

Opinion and Issues

Growth paradox – Numbers vs. benefits: Part I – Reforming public sector

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:26

Introduction After reading my previous article, “What Produces Economic Growth — and What Does Economic Growth Produce?”, my friend Pali sent m ..

Labour reform: Key link to Sri Lanka’s next wave of FDI

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:25

Lanka’s renewable energy future: Are we solving real problems or undermining our own success?

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:24

FT View - Editorial

Tuition dilemma

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:00

The tuition debate is back on the table once again, this time after remarks by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is also the Minister of Educ ..

Reprieve for Anojan, relief for country

Thursday, 15 October 2026 04:07

Is now the time for growth?

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 00:00

When Britain went to the IMF

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 00:48

Who will step up?

Monday, 12 October 2026 03:11

Thoughts on World Mental Health Day

Saturday, 10 October 2026 00:00

Special Report

Digital economy goals stand despite AI threat to IT services: Dr. Wijayasuriya

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 01:37

The Government will hold to its target of a $ 15 billion digital economy by 2030 despite artificial intelligence (AI) eroding Sri Lanka’s IT service ..

BOI eyes larger Hambantota zone, new incentive scheme for investors

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 01:35

Govt. backs export drive with new plan, pledge of policy consistency: EDB

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 01:33

Business News

Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council to unlock $ 1 b trade ambition

EDB, CBSL hold seminar on Central Bank rules for electronics manufacturers

Stredge Consulting Middle East and SLAEA host an international webinar and panel discussion on Traceability in Practice

FCCISL and New Zealand High Commissioner discuss trade investment and regional business partnerships

Zydus-Sunshine JV to invest over $ 20 m in Horana pharma plant

RDA to take over provincial, local roads as national highways

JXG enters LMD’s Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka 2026 for first time

CII delegation explores expanded industrial and investment cooperation between Sri Lanka and India

Dilmah named to SIAL Innovation Selection and Top 5 SIAL for Change finalist

OQ Trading wins Litro’s 2027 LPG deal at Aramco CP plus $ 133.93/MT

Sri Lankan-invented PACCP-X secures UK intellectual property rights and goes global

Chaaminda Kumarasiri wins CA Business Leader of the Year Award 2026

Sri Lanka EXPO 2027 promoted in Thailand

Embassy in Rome promotes export and investment opportunities at Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Dialog and IESL National Startup Challenge to empower entrepreneurs

Dipped Products opens Rs. 4.2 b glove plant in Katunayake EPZ

Sri Lanka must shift from consumption to productivity for durable growth: IPS

Hall, Woodford win 2026 Economics Nobel for stabilisation policy models

North takes centre stage in tourism development drive

Yala Zones 1, 1A reopen Friday after drought closure

Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council meet Thai Ambassador

CMA Sri Lanka and SAFA seminar to conclude with Valedictory Session on cost accounting for energy sector modernisation today

Columnist

Growth paradox – Numbers vs. benefits: Part I – Reforming public sector

Labour reform: Key link to Sri Lanka’s next wave of FDI

Lanka’s renewable energy future: Are we solving real problems or undermining our own success?

Government must heed cry for fairer taxes and quell storm

Key income tax deadlines before December ends

Sri Lanka’s essential oil industry: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions in the global fragrance and flavour value chain

Besieging Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka’s ethos, and SJB priorities

Beyond the Finish Line

From stability to prosperity: Building on President’s agenda

Corruption: Promises and Results

From remitters to investors: Sri Lanka needs an investment engine

IMF Seventh Review and moving forward

Sri Lanka tourism’s billion dollar problem: Record arrivals, shrinking value

Digital skills development of South Asian women entrepreneurs: Opportunities and challenges for Sri Lanka

When responsible organisations remain silent

Stabilisation must lead to transformation; A sovereign development fund as a way forward?

The accountability gap: Global contrasts and responses to political corruption and crime

Beyond better buses: Future of public transport in Sri Lanka

Alarming case of financial illiteracy amidst drive for financial inclusiveness and literacy

Beyond transhipment: How Sri Lanka can monetise geopolitical disruption

Trending

Alarming case of financial illiteracy amidst drive for financial inclusiveness and literacy

Vehicle, gold loans swell to a quarter of bank, finance company credit: CBSL

President pledges investment protection, opens major projects to private sector

Budget 2027: Treasury says expect reforms push, not tax cuts

‘Problem is too few taxpayers, not high taxes’: Dr. Roshan Perera

Yaden Laboratories makes history as first Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturer to exhibit at CPHI Europe 2026

‘Govt. revenue from legal cigarette trade is six times CTC profit’

President sets deadlines for key SOE, PPP and Customs laws

Dipped Products opens Rs. 4.2 b glove plant in Katunayake EPZ

Chaaminda Kumarasiri wins CA Business Leader of the Year Award 2026

Business News

Sri Lanka–Vietnam Business Council to unlock $ 1 b trade ambition

EDB, CBSL hold seminar on Central Bank rules for electronics manufacturers

Stredge Consulting Middle East and SLAEA host an international webinar and panel discussion on Traceability in Practice

FCCISL and New Zealand High Commissioner discuss trade investment and regional business partnerships

Zydus-Sunshine JV to invest over $ 20 m in Horana pharma plant

RDA to take over provincial, local roads as national highways

JXG enters LMD’s Most Respected Entities in Sri Lanka 2026 for first time

CII delegation explores expanded industrial and investment cooperation between Sri Lanka and India

Dilmah named to SIAL Innovation Selection and Top 5 SIAL for Change finalist

OQ Trading wins Litro’s 2027 LPG deal at Aramco CP plus $ 133.93/MT

Sri Lankan-invented PACCP-X secures UK intellectual property rights and goes global

Chaaminda Kumarasiri wins CA Business Leader of the Year Award 2026

Sri Lanka EXPO 2027 promoted in Thailand

Embassy in Rome promotes export and investment opportunities at Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Dialog and IESL National Startup Challenge to empower entrepreneurs

Dipped Products opens Rs. 4.2 b glove plant in Katunayake EPZ

Sri Lanka must shift from consumption to productivity for durable growth: IPS

Hall, Woodford win 2026 Economics Nobel for stabilisation policy models

North takes centre stage in tourism development drive

Yala Zones 1, 1A reopen Friday after drought closure

Sri Lanka–Thailand Business Council meet Thai Ambassador

CMA Sri Lanka and SAFA seminar to conclude with Valedictory Session on cost accounting for energy sector modernisation today

FT NEWS

TISL calls for withdrawal of new anti-terror Bill