ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed up on Wednesday, data on its site showed, while turnover remained low. Investor interest was seen in selected shares from retail, capital goods and financial sector. The broader All Share Price Index (ASPI) rose 24.32 points to close at 22,844.23. The index hiked after the opening bell and gradually fell, but remained in the positive territory. Meanwhile, the more liquid S&P SL20 index closed 0.20 percent, or 12.55 points higher, at 6,311.30. Top contributors to the ASPI were HNB (up 5 rupees at 407.25), Colombo Dockyard (up 19.50 rupees at 424.75 rupees),…
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ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has sold 55,63 billion rupees of Treasury bills, of an offered 86.5 billion, with yields flat across maturities, data from the state debt office showed. The 3-month yield was unchanged at 7.52 percent, with 16 billion rupees of bills offered and 6.03 billion sold. The 6-month yield was unchanged at 7.91 percent, with all offered 40 billion rupees offered 42.66 sold. The 12-month yield was unchanged at 8.03 percent with 30.5 billion rupees offered and 6.94 billion bills sold. 124,166 billion bids were received. All three bills are available on tap at the weighted average yield.…
Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricket has hit a new low after losing their first Test series to South Africa at home since 2000. India suffered a massive 408-run defeat to South Africa in the 2nd and final Test in Guwahati. Amid speculations regarding his tenure, Gambhir said that it is up to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to decide his future. Reflecting on India’s series defeat in the post-match press conference, Gambhir said, “It is for the BCCI to decide. I have said this before as well, Indian cricket is important, I am not.”…
Five fishing vessels belonging to the drug trafficker known as “Dehi Bale” have been taken into custody by the Illegal Assets Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID stated that the five vessels were seized while anchored at the Dickwella fisheries harbour. It is further reported that their value is approximately Rs. 200 million. (Newswire) The post 05 fishing vessels belonging to drug trafficker seized appeared first on Newswire.
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is reported to be preparing to lease the Pettah Floating Market to a Japanese investor for USD 160 million, it is reported. According to reports, the investor plans to renovate the shops and the night market within the complex under the current arrangement. Discussions are still ongoing regarding compensation for the current shop owners. It is also stated that the investor has already paid USD 16 million to the Urban Development Authority. Former Urban Development Minister Anura Karunathilaka had met this investor during his tenure, and yesterday (25), senior UDA officials held a special discussion…
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament today (Nov. 26) that 365,951 individuals are currently unemployed in Sri Lanka. Responding to a question from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the 2024 Labour Force Survey showed a decline in the national unemployment rate—from 4.5% in early 2024 to 3.8% in 2025. The rate for the second quarter of 2024, previously 4.7%, had also dropped to 3.8% this year. She provided a breakdown of unemployed individuals by educational qualifications: • Below G.C.E. Ordinary Level: 103,308 • G.C.E. O/L qualified: 91,405 • G.C.E. A/L qualified: 128,984 • Degree or higher…
ECONOMYNEXT – A team of Sri Lankan healthcare businesses, organized by AHK Sri Lanka, has visited MEDICA 2025, an international trade fair for the global medical industry, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The delegation included representatives from Dimo Lifelines, Hayleys Lifesciences, Technomedics, AJ Medichem International, and Hemas Hospitals. They met Messe Düsseldorf to explore global trade fair trends and business opportunities, AHK Sri Lanka said in a statement. The team also engaged with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on regulatory standards and medical innovation and the German Health Alliance (GHA) and Medicare Asia. A site visit was made to a state-of-the-art hospital…
The Sri Lankan Rupee has depreciated slightly against the US Dollar today (26), compared to Tuesday. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the buying rate of the US Dollar has increased from Rs. 304.06 to Rs. 304.20. Meanwhile, the selling rate of the Sri Lankan Rupee has increased from Rs. 311.58 to Rs. 311.75. The Sri Lankan Rupee has also depreciated against a basket of foreign currencies, including the Gulf currencies. (Newswire) The post Today’s CBSL official exchange rates appeared first on Newswire.
Popular online video call and meeting platform Google Meet was down for many users in India on Wednesday. Users reported issues while joining online meetings on the platform. According to Downdetector, over 1,370 people had reported issues in India until 11:57 am. Netizens react Several users flocked to X to share frustrations and report issues with the online platform. A user wrote on X, “google meet crashed before my will to work did”. Another posted, “Google meet is down for everyone in my org but not for me” A third user wrote, “Google meet is down!! Why every big tech…
South Africa secure their second ever Test series triumph in India, winning 2-0 The post ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 – Points Table appeared first on Newswire.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) today reiterated that all individuals and businesses registered for income tax must submit their 2024/2025 Year of Assessment returns online by November 30, 2025. The Department warned that failure to meet the deadline may lead to legal consequences under the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, including penalties, interest and possible audits against defaulters. Taxpayers across all categories, individuals, corporations, partnerships and other registered entities, are required to comply. The IRD said its online e-filing portal is fully operational for the submission of returns. The IRD urged those facing difficulties to contact the helpline…
The All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) has donated a consignment of materials valued at approximately Rs. 43 million to support the well-being and development of women and children in Sri Lanka. According to a Parliament statement, the donation comprises equipment for establishing a mother-and-baby room and a childcare centre for the children of staff members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, along with women’s hygiene products to be distributed through the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. The official handover ceremony was held yesterday (25) at the Parliament of Sri Lanka under the patronage of Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. The donation was formally presented to…
The Department of Meteorology has warned the Naval and fishing communities not to venture into the sea areas around Sri Lanka, from today (26) until further notice. According to the Department, the low-pressure area south of Sri Lanka is likely to intensify into a depression during the next 24 hours and move north-northwestwards. The rainy and windy conditions on the island are expected to enhance in the next few days due to the influence of this system. As such, showers or thundershowers will occur at times over most parts of the island. Very heavy falls above 150 mm are likely…
Sri Lankan media personality Danu Innasithamby, Head of Channel at Hi TV, author, actor, singer, Edward R. Murrow Fellow, and Goodwill Ambassador for World Vision Sri Lanka (since 2024), has been honoured with the distinguished Platinum Award at the Asian Achievers Awards 2025, held at the Seven Seas Hotel, Dubai. This prestigious recognition celebrates Danu’s “Extraordinary Accomplishment, Unwavering Commitment, and Exemplary Contribution” across media, culture, humanitarian service, and regional representation. The Platinum Award acknowledges his trailblazing contributions both within Sri Lanka and across the Asian region. As Head of Channel – Hi TV, Danu has played a transformative role in…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s letter of credit for vehicle imports have fallen in November compared to July and the imports prices are also falling, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said. “Gradually it is reaching equilibrium level,” he told the post-monetary policy media briefing. “In July, August, September we saw large number of imports. Now the pent up demand is over and the demand has come down in November.” (Colombo/November 26/2025)
The need to establish a Higher Education Commission to regulate and monitor private universities and other degree-awarding institutions was raised at a meeting of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Education held recently. The committee examined the operation of private universities in Sri Lanka and the issues relating to their recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC), during a discussion on November 21, chaired by MP Hesha Withanage. During the discussion, the Committee Chair highlighted the emergence of institutions awarding degrees of inadequate quality and the resulting harm caused. He noted that many such institutions operate with profit-making as their primary…
By SunnyD There is a moment, just as you push open the door to Zoya, when the world seems to exhale for you. The noise softens. The rush slows. A gentler rhythm rises to meet you. Yet before the calm, there is something else you notice first. Zoya is, at its heart, a full-service beauty and self-care space designed for women who carry entire worlds within them. From nail care, skin treatments, hair services, and body rituals, every experience is shaped with intention and delivered with a warmth that feels deeply personal. Nothing here is rushed. Nothing is loud. Nothing…
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today questioned Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on her recent clarification that the government had not promised 6% allocation for the Education Sector at once. Addressing the Parliament, MP Premadasa pointed out that PM Amarasuriya had been part of the large-scale protests conducted in 2012, calling for the 6% allocation. “Do you remember when the Prime Minister once wore a T-shirt saying 6% for education? You were part of the protest. Where is that 6% now?” the Opposition Leader questioned. MP Premadasa pointed out that a lesser amount has been allocated for education in the Budget 2026…
ECONOMYNEXT – Kerner Haus Global Solutions PLC said it had signed a property management agreement with VKM Services (Pvt) Ltd for a commercial property located at Nawam Mawatha, in Sri Lanka’s financial district. The annual estimated management fees from the leases for the property at No.46/10, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 2 is 12.6 million rupees, it said in a stock exchange filing. “The Company will manage the property as a fully-serviced office facility under the Kerner Haus brand, offering move-in ready workspaces with comprehensive services, and support services. “This model addresses the growing demand for flexible, professional office solutions in Sri…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee was quoted flat at 307.90/308.00 to the US dollar in the spot market Wednesday, dealers said, while short end bond yields edged up slightly and the long end of the yield curve held steady. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 was quoted at 9.52/58 percent, down from 9.53/58 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 was quoted at 9.60/65 percent, up from 9.58/65 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2031 was quoted at 9.90/10.00 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 10.25/30 percent, up from 10.22/32 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2034 was quoted at 10.58/62…