Author: LBO
Industry Bodies Flag Gaps in Draft National Electricity Policy
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with the American Chamber of Commerce, Exporters Association of Sri Lanka, Federation of Renewable Energy Developers, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies, has submitted joint observations on the Draft National Electricity Policy, highlighting that several […]
Alert To The General Public – Blue Ocean Securities (BOSL)
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) alerts the public not to engage with the entity operating as Blue Ocean Securities Ltd. or its mobile application BOMate for investing in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). This entity is not licensed by the SEC to function as a market intermediary. Individuals identified as Rohan […]
FAO Appeals for USD 16.5 Mn to Restore Livelihoods after Cyclone Ditwah Devastates SL’s Agrifood Sector
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters in Rome issued an appeal calling for international assistance of USD 16.5 million to support the early recovery of livelihoods and food security for farming, livestock-keeping and fishing communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. Cyclone Ditwah represents one of the most severe climate shocks the country has […]
Port City Colombo Secures USD 300 Mn FDI Commitment For Phase II Development
CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the primary developer of Port City Colombo, has pledged approximately US$300 million in foreign direct investment to advance Phase II of the Port City Colombo project, marking a significant investment commitment at the start of the New Year and reinforcing confidence in Sri Lanka’s long-term growth prospects. The investment […]
Good Intentions, Bad Economics: The Risks of Intervening in SME Lending Decisions
In the past weeks, newspaper headlines have brought to the forefront a growing narrative that banks are prospering while SMEs are struggling. This outcome has largely been attributed to banks overlooking the impact of external shocks on SMEs and to the current lending frameworks that govern credit markets. Such headlines call for independent statutory mechanisms to probe the fairness of cases leading to credit enforcement. Whilst such concerns are understandable on moral and ethical grounds, urging for artificial interventions in credit markets risks promoting […]
Hambantota International Port Records 175-pct Cargo Growth in 2025
Hambantota International Port (HIP) closed 2025 with a landmark performance, recording a 175% year-on-year increase in total cargo volumes despite what has been widely recognised as one of the most challenging years for the global port industry. HIP handled 8.24 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2025, up from 3.0 million metric tonnes in 2024, […]
Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH) explodes higher in stock market debut
January 8, 2026 (LBO) – Wealthtrust Securities (WLTH), a leading primary dealer of government securities in Sri Lanka, has spiked 167% from its IPO price in its stock market debut. WLTH shares closed the day at LKR 18.70/share after coming public at an IPO price of just seven Sri Lankan Rupees. The IPO was heavily […]
Sri Lankan garment exports gain tariff-free access to UK from 01 January
Reforms to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme are now in force with liberalised trade rules taking effect from 1 January 2026. Manufacturers can now source up to 100% of materials globally while maintaining zero UK tariffs. Garment exports from Sri Lanka to the UK are expected to increase significantly under the new arrangements. Sri […]
Ray Jayawardhana Appointed Caltech’s Tenth President
January 8, 2026 (LBO) – Dr. Ray Jayawardhana, an accomplished academic leader and renowned astrophysicist who currently serves as provost of Johns Hopkins University, has been named Caltech’s next president, the tenth in the Institute’s 105-year history. Jayawardhana’s appointment by Caltech’s Board of Trustees, announced today at a community-wide gathering on the Institute’s Pasadena campus, […]
CSE Halts Market Trading to Ensure a Fair and Orderly Market
WealthTrust Securities Limited commenced trading on Diri Savi Board on 07th January 2026 and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) observed unusually high prices of certain transactions of WealthTrust Securities Limited due to market orders being matched with these unusually high sell orders. The CSE further observed that those clients who have sold the shares at […]
U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung to Depart Sri Lanka
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung will depart Sri Lanka on January 16 after almost four years of dedicated service, marking the conclusion of her tenure as the United States’ top diplomat in Colombo. “I have loved every moment of my time in Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Chung. “From day one, my focus has been to advance America’s interests—strengthening our security partnerships, expanding trade and investment, […]
SEC and CSE Collaborate to Expedite Listings Through Advisor Awareness
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) conducted an awareness session for Corporate Finance Advisors focusing on enhancing regulatory compliance and streamlining the listing process. The forum brought together Corporate Finance Advisors and senior officials from the SEC and CSE to enhance the listing process […]