Columnist

Digital VAT in Sri Lanka: Why platform liability and reverse charge are essential to avoid costing households and Treasury

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:46

Mango Tree test of Arahat Mahinda

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:38

Mercy, robes and the rule of law in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 00:00

Is tourism gentrification a useful lens to understand impacts of tourism on cities?

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 00:00

Vas Kavi menace in world of screenagers and sodcasters

Monday, 26 October 2026 04:42

Cleaner, but not yet cheaper to invest in: Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption gains and investment question

Monday, 26 October 2026 04:37

Reflections from IMF and World Bank Annuals in Bangkok

Monday, 26 October 2026 03:03

Agentic AI: People and organisations at the crossroads

Monday, 26 October 2026 02:57

Economic transformation in Asian countries and lessons for Sri Lanka on new ways of earning

Monday, 26 October 2026 02:49

Beyond the robe: Sangha, rule of law and monastic accountability

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The Gnanasara Thera pardon

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Democracy, monkhood and economy

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Monkish Black Magic

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The new currency of leadership

Friday, 23 October 2026 04:06

Gnanasara’s pardon and re-imprisonment: Who is accountable when the State gets justice wrong?

Friday, 23 October 2026 03:34

Climate economics and Sri Lanka: From managing disasters to protecting national economy

Friday, 23 October 2026 03:06

Kavantissa was not just another elephant: Why Sri Lanka must rethink its wildlife conservation priorities

Friday, 23 October 2026 02:56

Protecting Buddhism is a constitutional duty — but are we truly fostering the Buddha Sasana?

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:26

Dileepa doctrine, Buddhist revivalism, Opposition predicaments, left prospects

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:25

Another IMF program in 2028?

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:22

Exports hit record in Sept., nine-month earnings at all-time high

Sri Lanka’s export sector posted its highest-ever monthly performance in September 2026, with total earnings surpassing $ 1.69 billion and reflectin ..

Binod Chaudhary signals plans to further expand investments in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:09

Nepalese business leader and investor Binod Chaudhary is looking to further expand his investment footprint in Sri Lanka, building on his group’s ex ..

Mark Surgenor wins historic BCC International President’s Award 2026

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:06

In a groundbreaking achievement on the global business stage, Mark Surgenor, President of the Council for Business with Britain (CBB) in Sri Lanka (20 ..

PDMO rejects all Domestic Dollar Bond bids; market says bid rates too high

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:03

The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has rejected all bids received at its Domestic Dollar Bond auction held on 23 October, with market sources in ..

Laugfs Gas weighs stake sale in Hambantota LPG terminal

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:02

Laugfs Gas PLC yesterday said it was in preliminary, informal discussions with interested parties on strategic options for its wholly owned subsidiary ..

Digital deal can jump-start stalled ETCA: Wijesinha

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:34

Sri Lanka can revive stalled negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India by first concluding a standalone Digi ..

Experts outline Sri Lanka’s priorities in new world order

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

Sri Lanka must diversify its markets, build trusted digital trade institutions, and balance between competing powers while keeping its ties with the U ..

Sampath Bank’s Rs. 10 b debenture issue oversubscribed by 22.7%

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:29

Sampath Bank PLC’s debenture issue was oversubscribed and closed at its maximum of Rs. 10 billion, having drawn applications worth Rs. 12.27 billion ..

Commercial High Court issues enjoining order in brand protection dispute

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The Commercial High Court of the Western Province, Colombo, presided over by Viraj Ranatunge, H.C.J., issued an enjoining order on 13 October 2026 aga ..

CSE falls 2.48% during week

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The Colombo stock market continued to slide for a fifth straight session to end the week in the red. During the week, the ASPI fell 2.48% and the acti ..

Welfare net fails to track household shocks: IPS

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Sri Lanka’s social protection system reaches households regardless of how exposed they are to shocks, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) said. Th ..

In emerging new world order, what are Sri Lanka’s Options?: Daily FT–ICCSL’s 50th webinar takes place today

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The Daily FT - ACCA and the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, together with WIM, the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, the MBA Alumni Assoc ..

iDealz Lanka takes uncharted route for launch of iPhone 18 series with glamour

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Leading retailer in smartphones iDealz Lanka Ltd. yesterday took the hitherto uncharted route of luring Indian and local celebrities to launch the lat ..

JAAF backs PUCSL call for simple, cost-based power wheeling tariff

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:12

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) yesterday welcomed the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka’s (PUCSL) call for a simple, transparent ..

IMF sees SL tapping global Bond market for $ 3 b by 2028

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:07

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Sri Lanka will raise $ 3 billion through International Sovereign Bond issues by 2028, but the Governmen ..

Ravi K calls for post-EFF IMF program

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:06

New Democratic Front MP Ravi Karunanayake yesterday urged the Government to secure a successor to Sri Lanka’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) prog ..

BOC to raise up to Rs. 30 b in Sri Lanka’s largest-ever listed debt issue

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:07

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s leading state-owned commercial bank, is set to create another milestone in the country’s capital market with the ..

India says port expansions no zero-sum game for Colombo

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:04

India’s drive to build its own transhipment hubs is not playing out at Colombo’s expense, a leading Indian maritime strategist said, pointing to g ..

Japan pledges over Rs. 600 m for Kelani River water quality project

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:02

Japan has pledged over Rs. 600 million for a five-year project to monitor and improve water quality in the Kelani River basin, with the first consignm ..

British Airways celebrates return to Sri Lanka with special fares

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:39

British Airways on Saturday marked a significant milestone with the arrival of its first flight into Colombo, reconnecting Sri Lanka with the UK for t ..

Finalise ETCA with India before other trade deals: Ranil

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

EX- President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for Sri Lanka to finalise the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India as its fir ..

PM tells CNN IMF priorities align with Govt.’s own

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has told CNN that several of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) priorities align with the Government’s ..

Sri Lankan flavours take flight as British Airways partners with Hoppers London on new Colombo route

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

From 23 October 2026, passengers travelling to Colombo in British Airways’ Club World business class cabin will be treated to a specially curated me ..

CID seizes counterfeit Oregon-branded products

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

A criminal case concerning the alleged importation, sale, and possession of counterfeit products bearing the Oregon mark is continuing before the Magi ..

Tourist arrivals rise 5% in first 22 days of October

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Sri Lanka welcomed 119,805 tourists during the first 22 days of October, registering a 5.03% year-on-year (YoY) increase, but cumulative arrivals rema ..

Treasury hails Sri Lanka Customs’ contributions to recovery, development

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma has hailed Sri Lanka Customs’ (SLC) contributions to the country’s recovery and development, saying ..

Sri Lanka plans 18 industrial zones to attract investment and boost growth

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The Government plans to establish 18 new industrial zones as it seeks to attract investment, expand manufacturing capacity and position itself as a re ..

Norochcholai restart a multi-day process, says Energy Ministry

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:13

The Ministry of Energy has defended the time taken to bring the Lakvijaya Power Plant in Norochcholai back online after shutdowns, saying a safe resta ..

India’s PVR Inox targets high single-digit cinema footprint in Sri Lanka

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:10

India’s cinema giant, PVR Inox is stepping up its expansion plans in Sri Lanka, with Jaffna emerging as its likely next location and a high single-d ..

SriLankan Airlines extends suspension of Riyadh and Dammam flights till 1 Nov.

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:06

SriLankan Airlines yesterday announced a further extension of the suspension of its flights between Colombo and the Saudi Arabian cities of Riyadh and ..

Vallibel One snaps up Fortress Resorts stake for Rs. 730 m in related-party deal

Friday, 23 October 2026 05:05

Vallibel One PLC has acquired 31.34% of The Fortress Resorts PLC for about Rs. 730 million from two related parties, raising its direct holding in the ..

Binod Chaudhary signals plans to further expand investments in Sri Lanka

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:09

Nepalese business leader and investor Binod Chaudhary is looking to further expand his investment footprint in Sri Lanka, building on his group’s ex ..

BOC to raise up to Rs. 30 b in Sri Lanka’s largest-ever listed debt issue

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:07

Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s leading state-owned commercial bank, is set to create another milestone in the country’s capital market with the ..

Mark Surgenor wins historic BCC International President’s Award 2026

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:06

In a groundbreaking achievement on the global business stage, Mark Surgenor, President of the Council for Business with Britain (CBB) in Sri Lanka (20 ..

India says port expansions no zero-sum game for Colombo

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:04

India’s drive to build its own transhipment hubs is not playing out at Colombo’s expense, a leading Indian maritime strategist said, pointing to g ..

PDMO rejects all Domestic Dollar Bond bids; market says bid rates too high

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:03

The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has rejected all bids received at its Domestic Dollar Bond auction held on 23 October, with market sources in ..

Japan pledges over Rs. 600 m for Kelani River water quality project

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:02

Japan has pledged over Rs. 600 million for a five-year project to monitor and improve water quality in the Kelani River basin, with the first consignm ..

Laugfs Gas weighs stake sale in Hambantota LPG terminal

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 02:02

Laugfs Gas PLC yesterday said it was in preliminary, informal discussions with interested parties on strategic options for its wholly owned subsidiary ..

British Airways celebrates return to Sri Lanka with special fares

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:39

British Airways on Saturday marked a significant milestone with the arrival of its first flight into Colombo, reconnecting Sri Lanka with the UK for t ..

Digital deal can jump-start stalled ETCA: Wijesinha

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:34

Sri Lanka can revive stalled negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India by first concluding a standalone Digi ..

Finalise ETCA with India before other trade deals: Ranil

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

EX- President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for Sri Lanka to finalise the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India as its fir ..

Experts outline Sri Lanka’s priorities in new world order

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

Sri Lanka must diversify its markets, build trusted digital trade institutions, and balance between competing powers while keeping its ties with the U ..

PM tells CNN IMF priorities align with Govt.’s own

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:30

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has told CNN that several of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) priorities align with the Government’s ..

Sampath Bank’s Rs. 10 b debenture issue oversubscribed by 22.7%

Monday, 26 October 2026 06:29

Sampath Bank PLC’s debenture issue was oversubscribed and closed at its maximum of Rs. 10 billion, having drawn applications worth Rs. 12.27 billion ..

Sri Lankan flavours take flight as British Airways partners with Hoppers London on new Colombo route

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

From 23 October 2026, passengers travelling to Colombo in British Airways’ Club World business class cabin will be treated to a specially curated me ..

FT FUNTOON

Cartoon 26.10.2026

Monday, 26 October 2026 04:36

Cartoon 23.10.2026

Friday, 23 October 2026 03:43

Cartoon 21.10.2026

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 00:00

Cartoon 19.10.2026

Monday, 19 October 2026 03:29

Cartoon 16.10.2026

Friday, 16 October 2026 00:00

FT TV

Red warning issued as Cyclonic Storm Arnab intensifies

Monday, 26 October 2026 21:50

The Department of Meteorology has issued a red warning for strong winds and very rough seas around Sri Lanka as Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” is expected ..

Sri Lanka and China’s Yunnan Province sign trade cooperation MoU

Sunday, 25 October 2026 16:10

Foreign medical team performs free heart surgeries on 13 children in Galle

Saturday, 24 October 2026 20:35

President pledges support for modern surveying services

Saturday, 24 October 2026 15:02

Sri Lanka Customs seizes narcotics worth Rs. 67.53 million

Saturday, 24 October 2026 12:58

Cabinet approves purchase of 200 Police pickups

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 17:19

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

Dialog and IITM ink MoU to advance research and innovation in Sri Lanka

Monday, 26 October 2026 07:19

Abans unveils Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup and iPhone Duo

Monday, 26 October 2026 07:17

Huawei and Qualcomm announce broad patent licence agreement

Monday, 26 October 2026 07:15

FT Lite

Uber Eats expands to Badulla, Bandarawela and Ella

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Uber Eats is now live across Badulla, Bandarawela and Ella, bringing the convenience of delivery to a region known for its Ceylon tea and landmarks su ..

11 years of laughter, one night for greater cause

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Creepfest 26’, Colombo’s biggest Halloween experience returns on 30 Oct.

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

Opinion and Issues

Digital VAT in Sri Lanka: Why platform liability and reverse charge are essential to avoid costing households and Treasury

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:46

Sri Lanka’s VAT on cross-border digital services, in force since July 2026, is a necessary and overdue reform, but its design is incomplete. It reli ..

Mango Tree test of Arahat Mahinda

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:38

How can public sector become more customer-centric?

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 00:00

FT View - Editorial

A vision for SriLankan Airlines

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:35

SriLankan Airlines has spent far too long being treated as a national asset whose losses can be excused in the name of tourism, connectivity and natio ..

Is saffron robe above the law?

Monday, 26 October 2026 04:35

Policing the Police

Saturday, 24 October 2026 00:00

The yet to be resolved human-elephant conflict

Friday, 23 October 2026 03:40

President must walk the talk on equal law

Thursday, 22 October 2026 00:00

Sunshine is free, keeping lights on is not

Wednesday, 21 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

Sumathi Holdings celebrates 70 years of success

OPA presents collective professional proposals for Budget 2027

Corrugated carton industry under growing cost pressure

Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers gain global exposure at CPHI Worldwide 2026 in Milan

Lankan envoy in Bangladesh meets Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Alumex wins Bronze at National AI Awards 2026 for AI-powered manufacturing innovation

Reigning Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque visits Lakarcade flagship showroom

Cabinet awards Rs. 562 m wastewater plant contract for Welipenna Expressway Service Area to Water Board

Cabinet clears drafting of Bill to amend Ayurveda Act

Sri Lanka invites Georgian businesses to SL EXPO 2027

Sri Lankan companies take hospitality products and services to Maldives

EDB selects University of Kelaniya for language support at Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Prof. Sarath Kodithuwakku: Legacy beyond lecture hall

Cabinet backs mandatory Sri Lanka Standards for imported car and three-wheeler tyres

Leema Creations retains CNCI Industrial Excellence (Large Category) Award

Haldanduwana resident takes environmental complaint against Taprobane to several bodies

CoPF reviews procurement delays, new Procurement Act and $ 4.5 m digitalisation grant

Industrial Asphalts disputes auditor’s disclaimer that led to Watch List move

Sri Lanka promotes Expo 2027 through business outreach program in UK

Bimal’s visit to Nordic countries strengthen cooperation in transport, highways and urban development

Chathuranga to attend NDTV World Summit 2026 on Sri Lanka’s economic transformation

Graduate growth falls short of economy’s skill needs: IPS

Columnist

Digital VAT in Sri Lanka: Why platform liability and reverse charge are essential to avoid costing households and Treasury

Mango Tree test of Arahat Mahinda

Mercy, robes and the rule of law in Sri Lanka

Is tourism gentrification a useful lens to understand impacts of tourism on cities?

Vas Kavi menace in world of screenagers and sodcasters

Cleaner, but not yet cheaper to invest in: Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption gains and investment question

Reflections from IMF and World Bank Annuals in Bangkok

Agentic AI: People and organisations at the crossroads

Economic transformation in Asian countries and lessons for Sri Lanka on new ways of earning

Beyond the robe: Sangha, rule of law and monastic accountability

The Gnanasara Thera pardon

Democracy, monkhood and economy

Monkish Black Magic

The new currency of leadership

Gnanasara’s pardon and re-imprisonment: Who is accountable when the State gets justice wrong?

Climate economics and Sri Lanka: From managing disasters to protecting national economy

Kavantissa was not just another elephant: Why Sri Lanka must rethink its wildlife conservation priorities

Protecting Buddhism is a constitutional duty — but are we truly fostering the Buddha Sasana?

Dileepa doctrine, Buddhist revivalism, Opposition predicaments, left prospects

Another IMF program in 2028?

Trending

President pledges to shed 34 SOEs as Treasury surplus nears Rs. 1 t

The Gnanasara Thera pardon

Gnanasara’s pardon and re-imprisonment: Who is accountable when the State gets justice wrong?

Vas Kavi menace in world of screenagers and sodcasters

Prof. Sarath Kodithuwakku: Legacy beyond lecture hall

Ranil’s 10-point plan for Sri Lanka to survive new world order

Sri Lankan flavours take flight as British Airways partners with Hoppers London on new Colombo route

British Airways celebrates return to Sri Lanka with special fares

IMF sees SL tapping global Bond market for $ 3 b by 2028

Sri Lanka plans 18 industrial zones to attract investment and boost growth

Business News

Sumathi Holdings celebrates 70 years of success

OPA presents collective professional proposals for Budget 2027

Corrugated carton industry under growing cost pressure

Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers gain global exposure at CPHI Worldwide 2026 in Milan

Lankan envoy in Bangladesh meets Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Alumex wins Bronze at National AI Awards 2026 for AI-powered manufacturing innovation

Reigning Miss International 2025 Catalina Duque visits Lakarcade flagship showroom

Cabinet awards Rs. 562 m wastewater plant contract for Welipenna Expressway Service Area to Water Board

Cabinet clears drafting of Bill to amend Ayurveda Act

Sri Lanka invites Georgian businesses to SL EXPO 2027

Sri Lankan companies take hospitality products and services to Maldives

EDB selects University of Kelaniya for language support at Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Prof. Sarath Kodithuwakku: Legacy beyond lecture hall

Cabinet backs mandatory Sri Lanka Standards for imported car and three-wheeler tyres

Leema Creations retains CNCI Industrial Excellence (Large Category) Award

Haldanduwana resident takes environmental complaint against Taprobane to several bodies

CoPF reviews procurement delays, new Procurement Act and $ 4.5 m digitalisation grant

Industrial Asphalts disputes auditor’s disclaimer that led to Watch List move

Sri Lanka promotes Expo 2027 through business outreach program in UK

Bimal’s visit to Nordic countries strengthen cooperation in transport, highways and urban development

Chathuranga to attend NDTV World Summit 2026 on Sri Lanka’s economic transformation

Graduate growth falls short of economy’s skill needs: IPS

FT NEWS

UNP demands immediate presidential pardon for Gnanasara Thera