Business
Softlogic Invest records 37 per cent Equity Fund returns since inception

Softlogic Equity Fund delivered a return of 17.37 per cent after all fees, from its inception to the financial year that ended on March 31, 2021. The portfolio continued to give favourable returns to its investors and at the end of August 2021, the Fund delivered a 37.23 per cent return on since inception basis, Softlogic Invest’s inaugural annual report is quoted saying.
A press release said in this connection: Softlogic invest, one of the newest entrants into the unit trust industry sealed the completion of its first financial year with the launch of the company’s inaugural annual report, documenting the year ending in March 2021.
The Softlogic Equity Fund is one of the two funds launched by Softlogic Invest on 8th July, 2021 aims to provide growth by investing in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). According to the report, the Softlogic Equity Fund delivered a return of 17.37% after all fees, from its inception to the financial year that ended on the 31st March 2021. The portfolio continued to give favourable returns to its investors and at the end of August 2021, fund delivered 37.23% return on since inception basis.
“From inception, our strategy has been to concentrate portfolios into key‐value counters while maintaining an appropriate level of diversification. We are greatly honored by the trust our investors have placed in us which is evident by our rapidly increasing investor base. As we complete a little over year in operations, we are proud to be home to over 3,500 unitholders amoung our newly launched two unit trust funds,” remarked Softlogic Invest Chief Executive Officer Niloo Jayatilake.
By the end of March 2021, the Softlogic Equity Fund remained at Rs. 99 Mn and as at end August 2021, the fund size increased up to Rs. 130 Mn. Unlike most of the other unit trust funds, the Softlogic Equity Fund does not charge any front‐end fees and allows unit holders to invest 100% of their investment in the fund, without the deduction of any fees at the time of investment.
“We are delighted to report these favorable numbers through our first ever annual report. The challenging year that has been 2021/22 have seen us primarily take position in financial, industrial, and material segments. While we don’t allocate funds solely using a top‐down level approach, we carefully select companies that come under these sectors for future value creation. With the success of the first year, the company is well‐placed to continue to deliver high quality, long‐term growth for all stakeholders,” Softlogic Equity Fund Portfolio Manager Daham Hettiarachchi, CFA stated.
The Softlogic Equity Fund is an open‐ended Equity Fund that seeks to place undervalued equity investments through a well‐practiced and strategized fundamental analysis. The Softlogic Equity Fund is operated by a highly skilled team of financial experts backed by a wealth of experience. Further, what’s even more exciting is how investors can easily commence their investment journey with a mere Rs. 5,000 and the seamless online journey that Softlogic Invest introduced to Sri Lankans and in the process went onto completely transform the country’s investment sphere.
Business
Stealer malware leaked over 2 million bank cards

Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence estimates that 2.3 million bank cards were leaked on the dark web, based on an analysis of data-stealing malware log files from 2023-2024. On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information, with nearly 26 million devices compromised by infostealers, including more than 9 million in 2024 alone. Kaspersky released its report on the infostealer threat landscape while the technology world gathers at MWC 2025 in Barcelona.
Kaspersky experts estimate that approximately 2,300,000 bank cards have been leaked on the dark web. This conclusion is based on an analysis of the log files from data-stealing malware, dated 2023-2024, that were leaked on the dark web market. While globally the share of leaked cards is well below one percent, 95% of the observed numbers appear technically valid.
Infostealer malware is not only designed to extract financial information, but also credentials, cookies and other valuable user data, which is compiled into log files and then distributed within the dark web underground community. An infostealer can infect a device if a victim unknowingly downloads and runs a malicious file, for example one disguised as legitimate software, such as a game cheat. It can be spread through phishing links, compromised websites, malicious attachments in emails or messengers and various other methods. It targets both personal and corporate devices.
On average, every 14th infostealer infection results in stolen credit card information. Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence experts found that nearly 26 million devices running Windows were infected with various types of infostealers in the past two years.
“The actual number of infected devices is even higher. Cybercriminals often leak stolen data in the form of log files months or even years after the initial infection, and compromised credentials and other information continue to surface on the dark web over time. Therefore, the more time passes, the more infections from previous years we observe. We forecast the total number of devices infected with infostealer malware in 2024 to be between 20 million and 25 million, while for 2023, the estimate ranges between 18 million and 22 million,” says Sergey Shcherbel, expert at Kaspersky Digital Footprint Intelligence.
In 2024, Redline remained the most widespread infostealer, accounting for 34% of the total number of infections.
The most significant surge in 2024 was in infections caused by Risepro, whose share of total infections increased from 1.4% in 2023 to almost 23% in 2024. “RisePro is a growing threat. It was first discovered two years ago but seems to be gaining momentum. The stealer primarily targets banking card details, passwords and cryptocurrency wallet data, and may be spreading under the guise of key generators, cracks for various software and game mods,” explains Sergey Shcherbel. Another rapidly growing stealer is Stealc, which first appeared in 2023 and increased its share from nearly 3% to 13%.
Business
ComBank’s 2023 Annual Report tops Banking sector at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s prowess in comprehensive disclosure of sustainability-related information to stakeholders has won its 2023 Annual Report two top awards at the 2025 Sustainability Reporting Awards presented by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The Bank was adjudged the overall runner-up and the winner in the Banking category at these awards, repeating the achievement of its 2022 Annual Report which was similarly honoured by the ACCA last year.
The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards recognise Annual Reports that clearly acknowledge and explain the economic, environmental and social impacts of the business to internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating the organisation’s policies, targets and long-term objectives towards the goal of sustainable development.
Commercial Bank’s 2023 Annual Report also won two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze at CA Sri Lanka’s ‘TAGS’ Awards 2024, excelling in the key aspects recognised by the awards programme which is dedicated to Transparency, Accountability, Governance, and Sustainability – TAGS.
The Bank won the Gold for ‘Corporate Governance Disclosure’ in the Financial Services sector, the Gold for the Best Annual Report among the private sector banks, the Silver for ‘Digitally Transformative Reporting’ across all sectors, and the overall Bronze award for Excellence in Corporate Reporting.
Business
UTE Delivers Sri Lanka’s Largest Cat D8 Tractor to NEM Construction

Caterpillar equipment dealer UTE has delivered the country’s largest Cat D8 Track-Type Tractor to NEM Construction Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant milestone in heavy machinery. This delivery strengthens the long-standing partnership between UTE and NEM Construction, which spans over 45 years. The Cat D8 is expected to boost operational efficiency in large-scale projects. As the sole authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Sri Lanka, UTE continues to provide top-tier machinery and after-sales support. The handover is particularly notable as Caterpillar celebrates its 100th anniversary. NEM Construction’s Chairman, Raja Nanayakkara, praised the Cat D8’s superior performance and UTE’s unmatched service and parts support, which have been key to the company’s long-term collaboration. This purchase highlights the continued trust in both Caterpillar and UTE’s expertise in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction industry.
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