Columnist

Central Bank’s dilemma: 5% or 2%?

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:26

When the mountain moved

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:25

Maha 2026/2027: Why delaying cultivation until December may be safer choice

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:24

Sri Lanka’s next farm crisis could begin with drought - and end with too much rain

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:24

Restoring housing loan interest relief is essential

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:23

How RAMIS is stripping businesses of their legitimate VAT input credits

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:21

One country, two standards

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:20

Sri Lanka Customs revenue targets and actual collections: An interim review

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:20

The Arctic option: Why a melting sea route matters for Colombo Harbour

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:20

Why Sri Lanka keeps betting on US Soy

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:18

Amendments and judges: Random thoughts

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:28

Sri Lanka’s inflation target review: Case for caution

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:27

Existential realism: Rethinking Sri Lanka’s international relations in a de-globalising world

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:26

Governance and technology – Focus on AI

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:20

Leaky bucket: Why widening Sri Lanka’s tax base is only half the battle

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 07:04

Broader base, thinner yield: A compliance gap which requires a fix — what Sri Lanka’s VAT statistics reveal

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 06:39

AI may transform media planning, but media planner remains indispensable

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 06:34

Is modernisation without ETA adequate to avert Sri Lanka’s next forex calamity?

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 06:07

After 47 deficit years: Sri Lanka must move from managing FX to creating it

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:59

Fixing digital stethoscope’s blind spot

Monday, 24 August 2026 04:40

SL inches towards 1.5 m tourists amidst downturn

Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery has lost momentum, with year-to-date (YTD) arrivals falling nearly 2% year-on-year (YoY) despite crossing the 1.5 milli ..

Sri Lanka to launch tourism promotion roadmap, 2026-2030 strategy today

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:28

The Tourism Ministry will today (31) launch consultancies for the development of a Global Promotional Campaign Roadmap and the National Tourism Strate ..

NSB Group delivers Rs. 22.5 b operating profit in 1H 2026 as lending and core income strengthen

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:25

National Savings Bank Group (NSB) recorded resilient core banking performance during the first six months of 2026, supported by stronger net interest ..

Sri Lanka-Japan JWG on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development meets

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:23

The first meeting of the Sri Lanka-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development was convened in Colombo last wee ..

JB Securities flags vehicle tax distortions limiting hybrid choice

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:21

Sri Lanka’s vehicle tax structure is restricting consumer access to several globally popular hybrid models and creating market distortions by favour ..

Dilmah targets India with luxury tea lounge expansion

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:28

Sri Lanka’s iconic global brand Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company plans to invest more than $1 million initially to establish a premium tea lounge network i ..

Chandana Guniyangoda assumes duties as new Chairman of People’s Bank

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:24

Chandana Guniyangoda assumed duties as the new Chairman of People’s Bank yesterday at a ceremony held at the bank’s head office. The occasion was ..

Govt. moves to cut investment red tape with high-powered Business Facilitation Centre

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:21

By Charumini de Silva The Government is moving to establish a National Business Facilitation Centre under the Presidential Secretariat, with the aim ..

CSE ends lower amid cautious investor sentiment

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:18

The Colombo stock market ended lower yesterday, extending its bearish run into a second session. The ASPI was down 0.31% or 65.12 points to 21,279.65 ..

Ministerial ‘Musical Chairs’ fell by nearly 75% under AKD Presidency compared to his two predecessors

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 07:17

Government departments (including statutory institutions and public corporations) saw nearly five times fewer ministerial changes during the first yea ..

Govt. sets up independent appeal mechanism for procurement sanctions

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:09

The Government has established an independent appeal committee allowing businesses to challenge sanctions, debarment, and blacklisting decisions impos ..

Govt. signals tougher scrutiny of infrastructure investments

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:05

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday signalled a more rigorous approach to Sri Lanka’s infrastructure investments, saying projects must b ..

PUCSL resets renewable tariffs, targets 450 MW solar-plus-storage by March 2027

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:04

Sri Lanka is placing battery storage at the centre of its next phase of renewable energy expansion, with the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka ..

FIU tightens customer due diligence as banks face new compliance regime

Monday, 24 August 2026 06:25

Banks and finance companies will face a tighter customer due diligence (CDD) framework requiring continuous transaction monitoring and fresh reviews w ..

People’s Bank sustains strong growth momentum with Rs. 32.6 b record pre-tax profit in 1H 2026

Monday, 24 August 2026 06:13

People’s Bank continued its strong growth momentum during the six months ended 30 June 2026, delivering robust profitability supported by sustained ..

Colombo Port surges into Global Top 20

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:26

Colombo Port has strengthened its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major container hubs, handling 4.44 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent ..

Salesforce strengthens commitment to Sri Lanka with first-ever Innovation Day in Colombo today

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:24

Salesforce will host its first-ever Salesforce Innovation Day Colombo today (31), underscoring the company’s growing investment in Sri Lanka and its ..

Vehicle registrations continue to slide in July

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:22

Sri Lanka’s total vehicle registrations declined by 8.5% month-on-month (MoM) to 53,221 units in July from 58,151 units in June, continuing the mode ..

New Chinese Ambassador assumes office

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:20

New Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang last week assumed office, replacing outgoing Ambassador Qi Zhenhong. Wei presented his credentials ..

Tea exports fall 5% as Middle East disruption hits key markets

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:25

Sri Lanka’s tea exports fell sharply in the first seven months of 2026, with Middle East shipping disruptions compounding weaker shipments to severa ..

US Ambassador Eric Meyer arrives in Sri Lanka, presents credentials

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:22

US Ambassador Eric Meyer yesterday presented his credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marking the formal commencement of his ambassadori ..

QR fuel distribution to continue

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:20

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Government will continue its QR-based fuel distribution system as uncertain ..

Roundtable with Women’s Parliamentary Caucus in Sri Lanka advances talks on financing care economy

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 07:20

In Sri Lanka, as in many countries, unpaid and under-supported care responsibilities continue to fall disproportionately on women, creating barriers t ..

Over 80% of Rs. 95 b MSME, agriculture credit package utilised

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:10

More than 80% of the nearly Rs. 95 billion allocated for concessionary credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and agriculture in 2026 h ..

Fintrex Finance more than doubles 1Q PAT to Rs. 210 m

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:07

Fintrex Finance PLC delivered a robust start to the 2026/27 financial year, more than doubling its profit after tax (PAT) to Rs. 209.93 million for th ..

Deals on CT Holdings, Cargills boost CSE turnover to over Rs.16. 8 b

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 05:05

The Colombo stock market yesterday opened the week in red, with deals in CT Holdings and Cargills boosting turnover to over Rs. 16.8 billion, a more ..

Easter Sunday attacks case verdict on 22 Sept.

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 04:57

The Colombo Permanent Trial-at-Bar will deliver its verdict on 22 September in the case against 25 accused over the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks. ..

Govt. targets fresh $ 4.1 b investment into Port City over next five years

Monday, 24 August 2026 06:23

The Government is targeting a further $ 4.1 billion in investments into Port City Colombo over the next five years, on top of $ 2.1 billion in investm ..

Tourism Ministry dismisses Chabad tensions as ‘minor issues’

Monday, 24 August 2026 06:11

The Tourism Ministry has played down concerns surrounding Jewish Chabad Houses, noting the local Muslim community, in particular, has no objection to ..

Sri Lanka to launch tourism promotion roadmap, 2026-2030 strategy today

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:28

The Tourism Ministry will today (31) launch consultancies for the development of a Global Promotional Campaign Roadmap and the National Tourism Strate ..

Colombo Port surges into Global Top 20

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:26

Colombo Port has strengthened its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major container hubs, handling 4.44 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent ..

NSB Group delivers Rs. 22.5 b operating profit in 1H 2026 as lending and core income strengthen

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:25

National Savings Bank Group (NSB) recorded resilient core banking performance during the first six months of 2026, supported by stronger net interest ..

Salesforce strengthens commitment to Sri Lanka with first-ever Innovation Day in Colombo today

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:24

Salesforce will host its first-ever Salesforce Innovation Day Colombo today (31), underscoring the company’s growing investment in Sri Lanka and its ..

Sri Lanka-Japan JWG on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development meets

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:23

The first meeting of the Sri Lanka-Japan Joint Working Group (JWG) on Export-Oriented Industrial Corridor Development was convened in Colombo last wee ..

Vehicle registrations continue to slide in July

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:22

Sri Lanka’s total vehicle registrations declined by 8.5% month-on-month (MoM) to 53,221 units in July from 58,151 units in June, continuing the mode ..

JB Securities flags vehicle tax distortions limiting hybrid choice

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:21

Sri Lanka’s vehicle tax structure is restricting consumer access to several globally popular hybrid models and creating market distortions by favour ..

New Chinese Ambassador assumes office

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:20

New Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Wei Huaxiang last week assumed office, replacing outgoing Ambassador Qi Zhenhong. Wei presented his credentials ..

Dilmah targets India with luxury tea lounge expansion

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:28

Sri Lanka’s iconic global brand Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company plans to invest more than $1 million initially to establish a premium tea lounge network i ..

Tea exports fall 5% as Middle East disruption hits key markets

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:25

Sri Lanka’s tea exports fell sharply in the first seven months of 2026, with Middle East shipping disruptions compounding weaker shipments to severa ..

Chandana Guniyangoda assumes duties as new Chairman of People’s Bank

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:24

Chandana Guniyangoda assumed duties as the new Chairman of People’s Bank yesterday at a ceremony held at the bank’s head office. The occasion was ..

US Ambassador Eric Meyer arrives in Sri Lanka, presents credentials

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:22

US Ambassador Eric Meyer yesterday presented his credentials to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marking the formal commencement of his ambassadori ..

Govt. moves to cut investment red tape with high-powered Business Facilitation Centre

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:21

By Charumini de Silva The Government is moving to establish a National Business Facilitation Centre under the Presidential Secretariat, with the aim ..

QR fuel distribution to continue

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:20

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the Government will continue its QR-based fuel distribution system as uncertain ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 22.08.2026

Saturday, 22 August 2026 00:43

Cartoon 20.08.2026

Thursday, 20 August 2026 00:00

Cartoon 08.08.2026

Saturday, 8 August 2026 01:00

Cartoon 03.08.2026

Monday, 3 August 2026 00:00

Cartoon 31.07.2026

Friday, 31 July 2026 00:00

FT TV

Colombo Fort to be developed as major tourist destination

Sunday, 30 August 2026 07:26

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has reviewed plans to develop Colombo’s historic Fort area into an internationally recognised tourist destination ..

Port of Colombo Rises to 20th Among World’s Top Container Ports

Sunday, 30 August 2026 06:26

Sarasavi Dhiriya Abhiman scholarship programme held in Jaffna

Sunday, 30 August 2026 05:31

Eppawala Lanka Phosphate invests Rs. 110m in new machinery

Sunday, 30 August 2026 04:41

Sri Lanka takes tourism to the skies with passenger drones

Saturday, 29 August 2026 08:25

President witnesses final Randoli Perahera in Kandy

Friday, 28 August 2026 06:09

FT Click

Celebration of 80th Independence Day of India in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 03:20

ITC Ratnadipa honours the spirit of India on its 80th Independence Day

Wednesday, 19 August 2026 03:16

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

Salesforce driving digital transformation, AI innovation and sustainable business growth in SL

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:04

Industry leaders sound alarm on data subject requests under PDPA

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:02

Texas-based Perituza launches AI assessment framework in Sri Lanka

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:00

FT Lite

KARANDA launches with first original production, UBU

Saturday, 22 August 2026 04:30

KARANDA, a new Sri Lankan creative company, will present its first production, UBU, in Colombo from 5 to 8 November 2026. ..

Soundarie David and Band MAYA to present ‘Andrum Indrum - Then and Now’ on 13 Sept.

Saturday, 22 August 2026 04:24

Eric Goh headlines ‘Jewels Beneath the Waves’

Saturday, 22 August 2026 04:16

Opinion and Issues

Central Bank’s dilemma: 5% or 2%?

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:26

CBSL’s pivotal choice As October 2026 approaches, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) faces a pivotal monetary policy decision. Under the Central ..

When the mountain moved

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:25

Sri Lanka’s next farm crisis could begin with drought - and end with too much rain

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:24

FT View - Editorial

Learning before disaster strikes

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:00

The devastating flash flood that struck the hills of Nepal last week is a grim reminder that disasters do not always announce themselves. In a matter ..

Policy inconsistency or national psyche

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 00:00

Building a competitive agriculture sector

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 06:07

Turning goodwill into a durable Indo-Lanka partnership

Monday, 24 August 2026 03:50

Overhauling education system: A long overdue necessity

Saturday, 22 August 2026 01:29

Labour reform: Tread with care

Friday, 21 August 2026 00:00

Special Report

Investing in Sri Lanka’s upper watersheds: Unlocking natural capital for resilient future

Monday, 31 August 2026 00:00

By Safna Malik The Asian Development Bank (ADB) hosted a knowledge-sharing session titled “Investing in Sri Lanka’s Upper Watersheds: Unlocking ..

Breaking barriers: Sri Lanka–India integration needs political will, institutional muscle

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 11:32

Boards must move beyond compliance to strategic foresight to drive Sri Lanka’s next growth chapter

Thursday, 6 August 2026 04:47

Business News

De Soysa and Company strengthens partnership with Lion Brewery through delivery of nine TCM forklifts

ADB’s $ 12.5 m loan to fund 300,000 smart meters to modernise power grid

Cabinet approves Rs. 104.9 b Central Expressway connecting road project

President pushes faster company registration, export market access

SL eyes major cruise tourism boost to convert Colombo as hub

Prasad Samarasinghe appointed Chairman of HNB Finance

Cool Planet joins Dialog Pay merchant ecosystem

Second THRIVE PSC meets in Kilinochchi, ensuring gender equality central to district development

Gamma Interpharm enters Cambodia, expands Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical export footprint

President orders faster rollout of Rs.102 b provincial Ditwah projects

NCE to lead exporters’ delegation to India to unlock new opportunities

Govt. launches data platforms for fisheries, plantation sectors via IDAT Program

PAQS 2026: Connecting Sri Lanka’s quantity surveying profession to the region

LANKAPAK 2026 in October set to drive growth and innovation in packaging industry

FJ&G de Saram launches U.L. Kadurugamuwa Legacy Series

Foreign diplomats briefed on Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026

Ceylon Chamber strengthens business links with Qatar and Lebanon

Abans appoints Buddhika Dharmawardene as new CEO

Celeste appoints Dayan Pandithasekera as COO to lead next growth phase

Neil Marine strengthens boat building capacity with new Dikovita yard

Sri Lanka Expo 2027 promotional event in Melbourne highlights investment and trade opportunities

Chathuranga visits Custom Denning facilities in Sydney

Columnist

Central Bank’s dilemma: 5% or 2%?

When the mountain moved

Maha 2026/2027: Why delaying cultivation until December may be safer choice

Sri Lanka’s next farm crisis could begin with drought - and end with too much rain

Restoring housing loan interest relief is essential

How RAMIS is stripping businesses of their legitimate VAT input credits

One country, two standards

Sri Lanka Customs revenue targets and actual collections: An interim review

The Arctic option: Why a melting sea route matters for Colombo Harbour

Why Sri Lanka keeps betting on US Soy

Amendments and judges: Random thoughts

Sri Lanka’s inflation target review: Case for caution

Existential realism: Rethinking Sri Lanka’s international relations in a de-globalising world

Governance and technology – Focus on AI

Leaky bucket: Why widening Sri Lanka’s tax base is only half the battle

Broader base, thinner yield: A compliance gap which requires a fix — what Sri Lanka’s VAT statistics reveal

AI may transform media planning, but media planner remains indispensable

Is modernisation without ETA adequate to avert Sri Lanka’s next forex calamity?

After 47 deficit years: Sri Lanka must move from managing FX to creating it

Fixing digital stethoscope’s blind spot

Trending

Central Bank’s dilemma: 5% or 2%?

Sri Lanka to launch tourism promotion roadmap, 2026-2030 strategy today

Vehicle registrations continue to slide in July

De Soysa and Company strengthens partnership with Lion Brewery through delivery of nine TCM forklifts