Business
Government deficit decreased by Rs.32 billion from 2020 to 2021
The recently released figures for 2021 show that government revenue has fallen from 9.2% of GDP in 2020 to 8.7% of GDP in 2021. Meanwhile, government expenditure has decreased from 23.0% of GDP in 2020 to 21.0% of GDP in 2021. This has caused a decrease in the budget deficit from 13.9% of GDP in 2020 to 12.2% of GDP in 2021.
Public Finance Data and Analysis – Verite Research
Business
ANC Education celebrates ‘Class of 2026’ at graduation ceremony in Colombo
ANC Education held its 2026 graduation ceremony at BMICH, Colombo, celebrating graduates across multiple programmes. The cohort included 53 BBA graduates from Northwood University, 22 Psychological Sciences graduates from Northern Arizona University, 320 Pearson BTEC HND graduates, and 29 BTEC Level 7 graduates, alongside foundation, diploma, and transfer pathway students. Senior representatives from partner institutions attended.
Best Performer Awards recognised outstanding academic achievement. The event honoured years of hard work and support from families and educators. Since 2002, ANC has provided local and international pathways. Graduates now pursue careers, further studies, or international opportunities.
Business
FLIR and Marlbo push predictive maintenance to cut costs and downtime in Sri Lanka
Global tech firm FLIR and local partner Marlbo Trading Company are stepping up efforts to help Sri Lankan industries shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance. At a recent seminar in Colombo, they showcased thermal and acoustic imaging as tools to detect electrical faults, mechanical wear, and compressed-air leaks before they escalate into costly breakdowns.
FLIR experts stressed that early detection improves energy efficiency, extends equipment life, and reduces unplanned downtime – key priorities as local plants face rising operational pressures. Acoustic imaging, in particular, was highlighted for quickly pinpointing invisible air leaks that waste energy.
Business
Colombo Port surges into Global Top 20
The Port of Colombo has strengthened its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing major container hubs, handling 4.44 million TEUs in the first half of 2026, an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the latest Alphaliner figures. The performance has lifted Colombo from 26th place globally at the end of 2025 to 20th in the first half of 2026, marking one of the most notable upward movements among the world’s major container ports.
Colombo handled 4,444,034 TEUs during the first six months of 2026, compared with 3,972,053 TEUs in the corresponding period of 2025, an increase of 471,981 TEUs. Colombo’s latest performance follows a record year in 2025, when the port handled approximately 8.3 million TEUs.
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