Blog

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

BlackRock's Europe Bitcoin ETP Launch: Institutional Adoption

BlackRock has expanded its dominance in the digital asset space with the launch of a new Bitcoin Exchange Traded Product (ETP) in Europe. The move provides European institutional investors with a regulated, familiar vehicle to gain exposure to Bitcoin. Market watchers believe this will increase...

Dec 23, 2025 1

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

Surging Narratives: Crypto Cards Hit $406M, Robotics-Blockchain Fusion

The utility of cryptocurrencies in daily commerce is undeniable, with global crypto card transaction volumes hitting a record $406 million this month. This surge is mirrored in Sri Lanka, where freelancers increasingly use crypto cards for international spending. Simultaneously, a new market nar...

Dec 23, 2025 1

Startups 1 min read

Government Initiatives for Startup Recovery: Navigating Funding Gaps

To prevent a "brain drain" of entrepreneurial talent following recent economic hurdles, the government has rolled out a series of initiatives focused on startup recovery. Key measures include a 2-year tax holiday for tech startups registered in 2025 and a matching grant scheme for angel investments...

Dec 23, 2025 1

Startups 1 min read

Fastest-Growing Startups 2025: Profiles of High-Potential Firms

The "Fast 20" list for 2025 has been released, highlighting the most dynamic startups in Sri Lanka. This year's list is dominated by Agritech and Fintech firms solving localized problems with scalable solutions. Notable mentions include "Govipola AI," which uses drones for crop monitoring, and "Pay...

Dec 23, 2025 1

Industry News 1 min read

Varna Limited's Packaging Awards Sweep: Excellence in Manufacturing

Varna Limited has emerged as the star of the night at the National Packaging Awards 2025, securing multiple gold awards for innovation and sustainability. The company was recognized for its new line of biodegradable flexible packaging, which meets rigorous international export standards. The win...

Dec 23, 2025

Industry News 1 min read

Chinese Investments in AI, Robotics, and EVs: Industrial Pivot

Sri Lanka is witnessing a surge in high-tech investments from China, specifically targeting the Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and Electric Vehicle (EV) assembly sectors. Several agreements signed this quarter pave the way for technology transfer and the establishment of assembly plants in the...

Dec 23, 2025

Industry News 1 min read

National Industry Information System Launch: Data-Driven Policy

The Ministry of Industries has officially launched the National Industry Information System (NIIS), a comprehensive digital database designed to map the country's industrial landscape. The system will track production capacities, raw material requirements, and export data in real-time. "For too...

Dec 23, 2025

Finance & Banking 1 min read

Financial Rebound in 2025: Credit Risks and Stability Warnings

While 2025 has been a year of recovery, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a prudent warning regarding underlying credit risks. In its latest Financial Stability Review, the CBSL highlighted that while liquidity has improved, the "quality" of credit remains a concern due to the lag eff...

Dec 23, 2025

Banking 1 min read

SSCL Removal Lifts Banking EPS Over 5% for 2026

The Ministry of Finance's decision to sunset the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) has been met with enthusiasm by the Colombo Stock Exchange. Market analysts project that the removal of this tax will directly improve the bottom line of licensed commercial banks, potentially boosting Earning...

Dec 23, 2025

Loans & Credit 1 min read

MSME Loan Extensions Approved: Banking Sector’s Cyclone Response

The Sri Lanka Banks' Association (SLBA) has announced a consensus among member banks to grant loan extensions to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) impacted by the recent floods. This moratorium applies to both capital and interest repayments for a period of six months. The move is see...

Dec 23, 2025

Business & Economy 1 min read

Cyclone Ditwah's Toll on Tourism and Exports: Recovery Timelines

The tourism and export sectors are facing a challenging Q1 2026 following the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah. While major resort chains in the south remained largely intact, coastal SMEs and agricultural exports suffered significant disruptions. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) ha...

Dec 23, 2025

Business & Economy 1 min read

Economic Resilience Amid Geopolitical Shifts: Double FDI Inflows Analyzed

Sri Lanka has recorded a remarkable doubling of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in 2025, a surge attributed to the island's strategic positioning amid shifting global power dynamics. With major trade routes becoming increasingly contested, investors from both the East and West are viewing S...

Dec 23, 2025