Business
SINGER Sri Lanka and DELL surge ahead to number one in laptop market share

Singer Sri Lanka, the country’s premier consumer durables retailer together with DELL Technologies has surged ahead as the dominant leader acquiring a sizeable and impressive 35.6% market share for Dell branded laptops according to an International Data Corporation (IDC) Report released recently. This supremacy is in addition to Singer’s recent success as the country’s No. 1 computer seller.
While Singer is the exclusive distributor for Dell consumer laptops in Sri Lanka, significantly, the company has helped to drive Dell Sri Lanka revenue accounting for a bulk 70% of Dell revenues comprising all segments. Dell’s other channel partners share the balance 30%.
Shanil Perera, Marketing Director, Sri Lanka PLC said, “Dell’s continued innovation and diverse product offerings reinforce its standing as the leading brand globally. We at Singer are recognised as the undisputed number 1 computer seller in the country. Together we aim to remain focused on providing best in class technology that meets the needs of our customers. Our rise in leading the consumer laptop market-share demonstrates deep commitment to continue offering value throughout our portfolio.”
Despite challenging market conditions, Singer’s solid growth is also due to the surge in remote work and education, as the pandemic continues to demand higher levels of laptop usage for working and studying from home catering to the new ‘normal’.
However, the preference for Dell laptops over other brands showcase customers choice in seeking cutting-edge products as well as reaffirming their confidence and trust placed in the brand. This is especially noteworthy, as Dell laptops are at a premium price compared to other competitors in the market.
Aabid Aslam, Head of Distribution (Client & Enterprise) Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated, “We are extremely pleased to be the frontrunner and achieve market-share dominance for consumer laptops with the help of Singer Sri Lanka. Over the years our partnership has flourished and continues to deliver superior results. Today, we mark our success by delivering unprecedented levels of performance and value that customers can rely on.”
Dell offers a wide range of products to meet the diverse needs of its customers; the entry level range is attractively priced at Rs. 64,799 in addition to high-end laptops such as the award winning XPS13 range, recognised as the best laptop in 2020 and other gaming laptops. Dell’s innovative in-house software ‘Dell Mobile Connect’, which seamlessly creates a bridge between a user’s smartphone and their laptop, ensure customers receive equipment that is superior, high quality and intrinsic in value.
Contributory to Dell’s accomplishment is Singer’s attractive payment easy schemes such as credit card offers, cash discounts and special student offers. Moreover, in the highly competitive consumer laptop market, Singer’s hire purchase facilities has afforded greater incentives for customers to own a laptop at an extremely accessible price and this has also fueled Dell’s market share growth.
An additional benefit offered by Singer is the extension of the applicable two-year warranty to a four-year period, its legendary service standards, enhanced e-commerce platform www.singer.lk, and easily accessible extensive network of over 400 showrooms located islandwide resonate well with Dell customers seeking greater choice and value for money.
Working from a shared vision of success, Singer and Dell aim to continue to collaborate and strengthen its market share, achieve higher revenue, continuing to provide industry-leading technology solutions and services to its mutual customers.
Business
IMF staff team concludes visit to Sri Lanka

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Evan Papageorgiou visited Colombo from April 3 to 11, 2025. After constructive discussions in Colombo, Mr. Papageorgiou issued the following statement:
“Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform agenda supported by the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) continues to deliver commendable outcomes. The post-crisis growth rebound of 5 percent in 2024 is impressive. Inflation declined considerably in recent quarters and has fallen to ‑2.6 percent at end-March 2025. Gross official reserves increased to US$6.5 billion at end-March 2025 with sizeable foreign exchange purchases by the central bank. Substantial fiscal reforms have strengthened public finances.
“The recent external shock and evolving developments are creating uncertainty for the Sri Lankan economy, which is still recovering from its own economic crisis. More time is needed to assess the impact of the global shock and how its implications for Sri Lanka can be addressed within the contours of its IMF-supported program.
“The government’s sustained commitment to program objectives is ensuring policy continuity and program implementation remains strong. Going forward, sustaining the reform momentum is critical to safeguard the hard-won gains of the program and put the economy on a path toward lasting macroeconomic stability and higher inclusive growth.
“Against increased global uncertainty, sustained revenue mobilization efforts and prudent budget execution in line with Budget 2025 are critical to preserve the limited fiscal space. Boosting tax compliance, including by reinstating an efficient and timely VAT refund mechanism, will help contribute to revenue gains without resorting to additional tax policy measures. Avoiding new tax exemptions will help reduce fiscal revenue leakages, corruption risks and build much needed fiscal buffers, including for social spending to support Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable. Restoring cost recovery in electricity pricing will help minimize fiscal risks arising from the electricity state-owned enterprise.
“The government has an important responsibility to protect the poor and vulnerable at this uncertain time. It is important to redouble efforts to improve targeting, adequacy, and coverage of social safety nets. Fiscal support needs to be well-targeted, time-bound, and within the existing budget envelope.
“While inflation remains low, continued monitoring is warranted to ensure sustained price stability and support macroeconomic stability. Against ongoing global uncertainty, it remains important to continue rebuilding external buffers through reserves accumulation.
“Discussions are ongoing, and the authorities are encouraged to continue to make progress on restoring cost-recovery electricity pricing, strengthening the tax exemptions framework, and other important structural reforms.
“The IMF team held meetings with His Excellency President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya ; Honorable Labor Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Honorable Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. K M Mahinda Siriwardana, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, and other senior government and CBSL officials. The team also met with parliamentarians, representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners.
“We would like to thank the authorities for the excellent collaboration during the mission. Discussions are continuing with the goal of reaching staff-level agreement in the near term to pave the way for the timely completion of the fourth review. We reaffirm our commitment to support Sri Lanka at this uncertain time.”
Business
ComBank unveils new Corporate Branch at Head Office

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has transformed its iconic ‘Foreign Branch’ into the ‘Corporate Branch,’ reaffirming its commitment to delivering dedicated, comprehensive financial solutions to corporate and trade customers.
The Bank said this transformation represents a new milestone in its illustrious journey, and resonates with the rich commercial heritage of Colombo, a city that has long served as a vital trading hub in the region.
Strategically located at the Bank’s Head Office at Commercial House, 21, Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha (Bristol Street), Colombo 1, this rebranded Corporate Branch stands as a first of its kind in Sri Lanka —a premier financial hub tailored exclusively to the needs of corporate customers, the Bank said. The transformation aligns with the Bank’s vision of providing unparalleled service excellence, bespoke financial solutions, and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Commenting on this strategic initiative, Commercial Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge stated: “It is our aspiration that just as the historic Delft Gateway, at which our Head Office is located, once opened the path to the Dutch Fort, our Corporate Branch will chart a new era of enduring and prosperous business collaborations, that will extend beyond Sri Lanka’s shores.”
Business
Fits Retail and Abans PLC Unveil Exclusive DeLonghi Premium Coffee Experience

Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide. Renowned for consistently delivering café-quality espresso, cappuccino, and even specialty cold brews, DeLonghi machines exemplify Italian innovation at its finest.
Yasas Kodituwakku, CEO of Fits Retail, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “This partnership represents our unwavering commitment to bringing global coffee excellence to Sri Lankan connoisseurs. With Abans PLC, we’re creating more than just demonstration spaces; we’re curating premium destinations for an authentic coffee experience.”
“As pioneers of premium lifestyle experiences in Sri Lanka, our collaboration with Fits Retail aligns seamlessly with our vision of elevating everyday moments into exceptional experiences,” said Tanaz Pestonjee, Director Business Development at Abans PLC.
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