Columnist

Budget 2027: Beyond promises to real progress

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:40

Budget 2027: Will Sri Lanka remain a tea plantation economy or become global capital of tea?

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:10

Beyond Budget surpluses: Making public expenditure work for Sri Lanka’s external sector

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

Sri Lankan University Rankings: The free fall (Part 2)

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

State and your hard-earned money: Moral contract AKD cannot afford to ignore

Monday, 9 November 2026 04:13

Rooftop solar: A national asset or a burden on national electricity grid?

Monday, 9 November 2026 03:55

Sri Lankan University Rankings: The free fall (Part 1)

Monday, 9 November 2026 03:45

One voice, million hearts: Myriad reflections of a maestro

Monday, 9 November 2026 03:37

David C. Sanders: Master educator, visionary leader, and true friend of Sri Lanka

Monday, 9 November 2026 03:29

Unlocking the Indian Ocean: Why Sri Lanka must pivot from a “parking lot” to global commodity hub

Monday, 9 November 2026 00:30

Is AKD running faster than the winds that buffet him?

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:10

Taxation, fairness and the public purse

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The Monk, UNP and Eightfold Path

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The new age of ecologically empathetic design

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The anti-establishment paradox: What America’s midterm revolt reveals about Sri Lanka’s NPP

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:26

Audits, research, and economic progress – Our audited nemesis

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:24

Why should people have to adapt to technology?

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:23

2027 Budget should strengthen external sector capacity

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:22

The capital order and the political economy of PSTA and POCA

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:21

2027 Budget: From economic recovery to prosperity – what the nation should expect

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:20

CoPF Chair lauds Govt. reforms as CBSL Chief holds Parliament responsible for growth

Sri Lanka’s ability to move beyond its current growth potential will depend less on monetary policy and more on Parliament’s willingness to drive ..

No electricity tariff revision for fourth quarter of 2026: PUCSL

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:21

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday announced that it has decided to maintain existing electricity tariffs for the final qu ..

Budget reaches Rs. 22.3 b surplus in 9M supported by vehicle import revenue

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:53

The Government’s Budget recorded a surplus of Rs. 22.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a deficit of Rs. 441.4 billion a year ear ..

Govt. to cut detention period to 48 hours, withdraw key clauses in Organised Crimes Bill

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:51

The Government has agreed to reduce the maximum detention period under the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill from 72 to 48 hours and withdr ..

CoPF calls for independent fuel pricing regulator

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:50

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has called for an independent regulatory mechanism to ensure transparency in fuel pricing and fai ..

Banking sector credit-to-deposit ratio tops 70% for first time in three years

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:49

Sri Lanka’s banking sector Credit-to-Deposit Ratio (CDR) has exceeded 70% for the first time in three years, reaching 74.0% by end June 2026 and sur ..

President sends expectations sky-high ahead of Thursday’s Budget

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:44

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has raised expectations of fresh tax relief in Thursday’s Budget, saying the Government expects to lift the Pay A ..

Lanka Realty Investments bolsters future growth with two top British experts on Board

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:40

Lanka Realty Investments PLC (LRI) has announced the appointment of two top British personalities to its Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors ..

Official reserves top $ 7 b in Oct., CBSL ups dollar buying with $ 191 m

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:39

Official reserve assets topped the $ 7 billion mark at end-October, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data showed, as the monetary authority increased ..

Record workers’ remittances in Oct., first 10 months

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:38

Workers’ remittances surged to a record high in October, driving one of the strongest 10-month performances in the country’s history, despite heig ..

Govt. to reapply for GSP+ under EU’s new 10-year framework

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Finance Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando told Parliament that the Government will reapply for trade concessions under the European Union’s ..

Export-oriented manufacturers eligible for TIEP tax concessions: Govt.

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Export-oriented manufacturers can obtain tax concessions on imported raw materials and machinery under the Temporary Importation for Export Processing ..

ADB extends $ 100 m Budget support for water reforms

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The Government yesterday signed a $ 100 million policy-based loan with the Asian Development Bank to fund the second phase of a water sector reform pr ..

Shanakiyan questions Rs. 41 b fuel subsidy as CPC books Rs. 29.2 b profit

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam yesterday questioned in Parliament whether the Rs. 41 billion in Treasury fuel subsidies ..

Govt. to offer concessions for household solar battery systems in 2027 Budget

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:26

Power Minister Anura Karunathilaka yesterday told Parliament the Government will introduce concessions for household solar battery systems through the ..

Sri Lankan blue swimming crab fishery achieves MSC certification following decade of collaboration

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:23

The North-Western Sri Lanka blue swimming crab fishery has become the country’s first to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, mee ..

Cabinet awards Rs. 9.1 b road contracts for highway upgrades, Ditwah recovery

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:20

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved four road development and rehabilitation contracts worth Rs. 9.1 billion, covering national highway improvements ..

Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution to power transmission network

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:52

The National Transmission Network Service Provider Ltd., (NTNSP) and Shanghai Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Engineering Co., Ltd., part ..

HNB and IFC partner to advance supply chain finance and strengthen risk management

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:51

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) yesterday announced a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Ban ..

Tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 m

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:50

SRI Lanka’s tourism arrivals surpassed 1.9 million in 2026, with over 49,900 visitors registered in the first eight days of November, but remained b ..

Accor marks new milestone with the arrival of Pullman Colombo Downtown; Pullman Bentota Resort and Spa

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

Pullman, the Accor brand built around exchange, marked a major milestone in Sri Lanka with an exclusive gathering at Vistas Rooftop Bar, Pullman Colom ..

Key insights to Budget 2027 at Daily FT-Colombo Uni. MBAA forum on Friday

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:42

Key expert insights into Budget 2027 will be a big attraction for the Daily FT-Colombo University MBA Alumni Association’s annual forum on Friday, 1 ..

JAAF welcomes Govt.’s stance on securing long-term access to EU market

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:39

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday said it appreciates the Government’s commitment to submitting a fresh application for the EU’ ..

Private credit rebounds in Sept., but growth slows a third month

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:38

Private sector borrowing from Sri Lanka’s banking system rebounded in September from August’s four-month low, though annual growth slowed for a th ..

Nearly 550 Polish tourists arrive on first winter charters

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Nearly 550 tourists from Poland arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday aboard three special charter flights operated by Polish airline Enter Air at the Bandar ..

Govt. to hold national trade union conference today

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The Government will hold a National Trade Union Conference today (7) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. ..

CSE extends rally to four-sessions, up 5.44% during week

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The Colombo stock market yesterday recovered from a sharp early trading slide to close on the up and extend a rally into a fourth session. During the ..

CPC rules out fuel shortage

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation yesterday said there is no fuel shortage, after private distributors cut volumes and queues formed in areas without a ..

No additional burden: Govt. explains recent tax measures

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:36

The Government has not added to the public’s tax burden and has instead moved to correct flaws in an unfair tax structure, Deputy Finance Minister D ..

IRD kicks the TIN down the road

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:24

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has postponed the compulsory production of Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) for eight transactions until 1 Ap ..

Strong 2Q lifts Hemas 1H revenue to Rs. 67 b, up 9.5%

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:21

Hemas Holdings PLC yesterday said it delivered a strong second quarter, with revenue growing 17% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 37.8 billion as all four se ..

No electricity tariff revision for fourth quarter of 2026: PUCSL

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:21

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday announced that it has decided to maintain existing electricity tariffs for the final qu ..

Cabinet awards Rs. 9.1 b road contracts for highway upgrades, Ditwah recovery

Wednesday, 11 November 2026 00:20

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved four road development and rehabilitation contracts worth Rs. 9.1 billion, covering national highway improvements ..

Budget reaches Rs. 22.3 b surplus in 9M supported by vehicle import revenue

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:53

The Government’s Budget recorded a surplus of Rs. 22.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, reversing a deficit of Rs. 441.4 billion a year ear ..

Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution to power transmission network

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:52

The National Transmission Network Service Provider Ltd., (NTNSP) and Shanghai Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Engineering Co., Ltd., part ..

Govt. to cut detention period to 48 hours, withdraw key clauses in Organised Crimes Bill

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:51

The Government has agreed to reduce the maximum detention period under the proposed Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill from 72 to 48 hours and withdr ..

HNB and IFC partner to advance supply chain finance and strengthen risk management

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:51

Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) yesterday announced a strategic partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Ban ..

CoPF calls for independent fuel pricing regulator

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:50

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has called for an independent regulatory mechanism to ensure transparency in fuel pricing and fai ..

Tourist arrivals exceed 1.9 m

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:50

SRI Lanka’s tourism arrivals surpassed 1.9 million in 2026, with over 49,900 visitors registered in the first eight days of November, but remained b ..

Banking sector credit-to-deposit ratio tops 70% for first time in three years

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:49

Sri Lanka’s banking sector Credit-to-Deposit Ratio (CDR) has exceeded 70% for the first time in three years, reaching 74.0% by end June 2026 and sur ..

Accor marks new milestone with the arrival of Pullman Colombo Downtown; Pullman Bentota Resort and Spa

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

Pullman, the Accor brand built around exchange, marked a major milestone in Sri Lanka with an exclusive gathering at Vistas Rooftop Bar, Pullman Colom ..

President sends expectations sky-high ahead of Thursday’s Budget

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:44

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has raised expectations of fresh tax relief in Thursday’s Budget, saying the Government expects to lift the Pay A ..

Key insights to Budget 2027 at Daily FT-Colombo Uni. MBAA forum on Friday

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:42

Key expert insights into Budget 2027 will be a big attraction for the Daily FT-Colombo University MBA Alumni Association’s annual forum on Friday, 1 ..

Lanka Realty Investments bolsters future growth with two top British experts on Board

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:40

Lanka Realty Investments PLC (LRI) has announced the appointment of two top British personalities to its Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors ..

JAAF welcomes Govt.’s stance on securing long-term access to EU market

Monday, 9 November 2026 05:39

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday said it appreciates the Government’s commitment to submitting a fresh application for the EU’ ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 06.11.2026

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:00

Cartoon 02.11.2026

Monday, 2 November 2026 03:38

Cartoon 29.10.2026

Thursday, 29 October 2026 04:34

Cartoon 26.10.2026

Monday, 26 October 2026 04:36

Cartoon 23.10.2026

Friday, 23 October 2026 03:43

FT TV

New Post Office administration building to be constructed in Nuwara Eliya

Monday, 9 November 2026 19:16

Construction of a new two-storey postal administration building in Nuwara Eliya has commenced with an investment of Rs. 78.34 million. ..

Apeksha Hospital to expand radiotherapy facilities

Saturday, 7 November 2026 13:49

EU to provide €10 million grant for sustainable trade project in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 15:49

2,819 trainee nurses appointed to Sri Lankan health service

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 15:09

Central province seeks ASEAN partnerships to boost investment and tourism

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 11:15

63rd ABU General Assembly begins in Colombo with 66 countries participating

Monday, 2 November 2026 08:47

FT Click

Softlogic Life tees off inaugural ‘7 Club Swing’ at Royal Colombo Golf Club, bringing fresh experience to insurance

Friday, 30 October 2026 00:00

The Unlabelled Runway 2026 brings fashion, inclusion and purpose together

Monday, 12 October 2026 02:54

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

Dialog brings Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series and iPhone Duo to customers in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 00:02

Huawei wireless unveils innovation breakthroughs to pioneer new communications networks

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 00:00

SLT-MOBITEL Enterprise unveils SASE 361 to advance secure digital transformation

Tuesday, 3 November 2026 04:24

FT Lite

The new age of ecologically empathetic design

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Since the dawn of civilisation, humans have been talking about developing a better future. Yet, in the memory of every human living today, the quality ..

Dr. Janey Lowes finishes extraordinary Dog Jog

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

“George Michael” movie now showing in 3 Lankan cinemas

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

Opinion and Issues

Budget 2027: Beyond promises to real progress

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:40

Why better incomes, productive investment, effective public administration and responsible spending must become the measures of economic progress ..

Budget 2027: Will Sri Lanka remain a tea plantation economy or become global capital of tea?

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:10

Sri Lankan University Rankings: The free fall (Part 2)

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

FT View - Editorial

Time for Ceylon Arrack?

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:00

Scotch whisky, French Champagne and Ceylon Tea are globally recognised brands built around geographical identity, heritage and authenticity. Their nam ..

An overdue reckoning with nature

Monday, 9 November 2026 04:23

Plight of prisoners

Saturday, 7 November 2026 00:00

PSTA, POC Bills will jeopardise GSP+ extension

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:00

US midterms and lessons for Sri Lanka

Thursday, 5 November 2026 05:22

Laws without trust

Wednesday, 4 November 2026 00:00

Special Report

Sri Lanka FinTech Festival 2026 focuses on AI, inclusion and digital finance growth

Tuesday, 10 November 2026 00:18

The Sri Lanka FinTech Festival 2026, organised by FinTech Forum Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Digital Economy Ministry and powered by Visa, rece ..

Orange Capital: Building the missing link to Sri Lanka’s invisible entrepreneurs

Monday, 2 November 2026 04:43

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

Tuesday, 13 October 2026 01:37

Business News

India–Sri Lanka economic ties spotlights inaugural Colombo Port City Investor Forum in India

Sri Lanka Business Forum in Gaziantep highlights trade and investment opportunities

WCIC IGNITE 2026 empowers 100 young women to lead Sri Lanka’s next wave of entrepreneurship

SLID and Life Insurance Corporation to host CEO and Chairpersons Forum

Citrus Leisure extends Lotus Tower management deal to June 2027

CT Holdings reaffirms long-term confidence in Group and Sri Lankan economy

Chinese Embassy upbeat about passenger drone flights in SL

Sri Lanka to take high-tech industries and SMEs global in partnership with German biz

Blue Yonder’s cognitive solutions to power future of Sri Lankan retail

SENOK celebrates 47 years of enterprise, innovation and nation building

Global Brands Awards and ‘Global Business Forum’ at Temple Trees

Venkadeshwara Agro unveils Board to drive next phase of growth

Dialog Pay wins Gold for Best Digital Payments Innovation at Sri Lanka FinTech Awards 2026

FTZ Toastmasters Club presents Moulding the Mindset to Mastery on 12 November

Anura Weerakoon new CEO of Kahawatte Plantations

Daraz Sri Lanka introduces ‘11.11 Big Boss Sale’

Jinasena expands engineering capabilities into fire and safety sector

Mini Incubation Centre to empower MSMEs in Meerigama

First Capital partners ‘Bunty Loves Chocolates’ to champion early financial literacy

John Keells Properties and John Keells Stock Brokers bring real estate and capital markets together at ‘The Investment Playbook’

International partnership to strengthen hydrogen higher education in Sri Lanka

Sixth Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue in Colombo

Columnist

Budget 2027: Beyond promises to real progress

Budget 2027: Will Sri Lanka remain a tea plantation economy or become global capital of tea?

Beyond Budget surpluses: Making public expenditure work for Sri Lanka’s external sector

Sri Lankan University Rankings: The free fall (Part 2)

State and your hard-earned money: Moral contract AKD cannot afford to ignore

Rooftop solar: A national asset or a burden on national electricity grid?

Sri Lankan University Rankings: The free fall (Part 1)

One voice, million hearts: Myriad reflections of a maestro

David C. Sanders: Master educator, visionary leader, and true friend of Sri Lanka

Unlocking the Indian Ocean: Why Sri Lanka must pivot from a “parking lot” to global commodity hub

Is AKD running faster than the winds that buffet him?

Taxation, fairness and the public purse

The Monk, UNP and Eightfold Path

The new age of ecologically empathetic design

The anti-establishment paradox: What America’s midterm revolt reveals about Sri Lanka’s NPP

Audits, research, and economic progress – Our audited nemesis

Why should people have to adapt to technology?

2027 Budget should strengthen external sector capacity

The capital order and the political economy of PSTA and POCA

2027 Budget: From economic recovery to prosperity – what the nation should expect

Trending

Central Bank bars EY partners from bank audits after NDB fraud

UNP calls for explanation over CMC’s lack of preparedness for flooding

State and your hard-earned money: Moral contract AKD cannot afford to ignore

National Single Window for Trade goes live after 30-year wait

Nearly 40% of 2025 Budget short of substantial implementation: Verité Research

President sends expectations sky-high ahead of Thursday’s Budget

Budget 2027: Will Sri Lanka remain a tea plantation economy or become global capital of tea?

Blue Yonder’s cognitive solutions to power future of Sri Lankan retail

Budget reaches Rs. 22.3 b surplus in 9M supported by vehicle import revenue

Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution to power transmission network

Business News

India–Sri Lanka economic ties spotlights inaugural Colombo Port City Investor Forum in India

Sri Lanka Business Forum in Gaziantep highlights trade and investment opportunities

WCIC IGNITE 2026 empowers 100 young women to lead Sri Lanka’s next wave of entrepreneurship

SLID and Life Insurance Corporation to host CEO and Chairpersons Forum

Citrus Leisure extends Lotus Tower management deal to June 2027

CT Holdings reaffirms long-term confidence in Group and Sri Lankan economy

Chinese Embassy upbeat about passenger drone flights in SL

Sri Lanka to take high-tech industries and SMEs global in partnership with German biz

Blue Yonder’s cognitive solutions to power future of Sri Lankan retail

SENOK celebrates 47 years of enterprise, innovation and nation building

Global Brands Awards and ‘Global Business Forum’ at Temple Trees

Venkadeshwara Agro unveils Board to drive next phase of growth

Dialog Pay wins Gold for Best Digital Payments Innovation at Sri Lanka FinTech Awards 2026

FTZ Toastmasters Club presents Moulding the Mindset to Mastery on 12 November

Anura Weerakoon new CEO of Kahawatte Plantations

Daraz Sri Lanka introduces ‘11.11 Big Boss Sale’

Jinasena expands engineering capabilities into fire and safety sector

Mini Incubation Centre to empower MSMEs in Meerigama

First Capital partners ‘Bunty Loves Chocolates’ to champion early financial literacy

John Keells Properties and John Keells Stock Brokers bring real estate and capital markets together at ‘The Investment Playbook’

International partnership to strengthen hydrogen higher education in Sri Lanka

Sixth Bay of Bengal Maritime Dialogue in Colombo

FT NEWS

CMC moves against illegal structures as Colombo flood crisis sparks political backlash