Business
U.S. says its unparalleled export relationship with SL is testimony to its vision of shared prosperity
A new initiative launched to help Sri Lanka’s SMEs expand into global markets
The United States and Sri Lanka share a vision of prosperity as evidenced by our unparalleled export relationship,” U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina Teplitz said in Colombo recently.
The U.S. Ambassador made this comment at an event where a Partnership for Accelerated Results in Trade, National Expenditure and Revenue (PARTNER) activity was formed among the EDB, CCC and USAID.
This PARTNER programme is designed to build the capacity of development officers of the EDB, on regional export facilitation.
“For Sri Lanka’s exports to continue to drive growth, its small and medium enterprises need to become ‘export-ready’ competitors. This programme will help Sri Lanka’s SMEs expand into global markets,” she said.
This initiative will train EDB officers to guide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become global exporters.
The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Trade, Bandula Gunawardane, with U.S. Ambassador Teplitz as the guest of honor. Other participants included Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Suresh de Mel, USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director Reed Aeschliman and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Vish Govindasamy.
Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena extended his gratitude to USAID supported PARTNER project and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) for joining EDB to implement this training programme.
“I am confident that this development officer training programme will make a significant contribution to strengthen the capacity of small and medium enterprises to enable them to connect to the export value chain and thereby enter the international market”, the minister said.
The program will improve the knowledge and skills of up to 300 EDB development officers in trade procedures, export processes, and market access. The officers will help small and medium enterprises, including women-led businesses, develop and achieve export goals and connect with export opportunities. Through this programme, local businesses will increase their understanding of trade regulations in Sri Lanka and abroad, and work towards the competitive players in international markets.
Signatories of the tripartite letter of cooperation to solidify the training programme were EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce CEO and Secretary-General Manjula de Silva, and USAID PARTNER project Chief of Party Malith Gunasekara.
The training curriculum will be implemented by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on behalf of EDB and the USAID PARTNER Activity. Sessions will be delivered in Sinhalese and Tamil for development officers from all 25 districts.
Business
Aitken Spence continues its strong performance by recording 42% growth in PBT for first half of FY 2025/26
Aitken Spence PLC, a leading conglomerate, with an extensive presence across the region, recorded revenue of Rs. 40.7 billion for the six months, ending 30th September 2025, reflecting operational resilience across its diversified businesses. The Tourism sector accounted for 64.3% of Group revenue, while the Maritime & Freight Logistics sector and Strategic Investments sector contributed 19.4% and 13.9% respectively.
Sectoral Performance.
The Group’s Maritime & Freight Logistics sector reported profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 2.2 billion, making it the largest contributor towards the Group profits in the first half of 2025/26. However, the sector recorded a marginal dip in its operational profits, mainly due to lower contributions from its equity accounted investees in the South Asian region.
The profit from operations recorded by the Group’s Tourism sector for the first half of the year was Rs. 686.1 million, an 86.5% growth over that of the previous year. Strong occupancy recorded throughout the resorts in Sri Lanka coupled with increases in rates were the main driving force towards this growth in performance. Hotels in the international markets, including the Maldives, also delivered a steady performance, although pressure from intensifying competition has somewhat affected the growth in occupancy.
The Group’s Strategic Investments sector recorded profits from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 352.6 million. Within this sector, the printing segment delivered a robust performance with a two-fold increase in profits, reflecting the segment’s operational strength and market resilience. Conversely, the garments segment continued to face challenges due to ongoing global economic pressures affecting the industry. Despite these headwinds, the sector as a whole remains a vital component of the Group’s overall portfolio, encompassing the renewable energy and plantations segments and plays a significant role in the Group’s strategic objectives and future growth initiatives.
The Group’s Services sector achieved a profit from operations (including the share of profits from equity-accounted investees) of Rs. 577.0 million, primarily driven by the recently commenced BPO operations in Port City Colombo.
(Aitken Spence)
Business
SLT-MOBITEL becomes first in Sri Lanka to achieve fastest 5G speeds exceeding 10Gbps
SLT-MOBITEL Mobile has set a new benchmark in Sri Lanka’s digital journey achieving the highest-ever 5G speeds in the country, exceeding 10Gbps recently, on its advanced 5G Standalone (SA) ready network, under TRCSL 5G trial approval.
The milestone surpasses previous records and demonstrates SLT-MOBITEL’s commitment to driving Sri Lanka’s digital evolution with cutting-edge technology and future-ready connectivity.
The trial showcased 5G Advanced technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5CC carrier aggregation in C band and mmWave spectrum, setting a new standard for mobile connectivity in Sri Lanka.
In addition to this record-breaking achievement, SLT-MOBITEL has expanded the 5G trial network to 18 districts islandwide, positioning a wider presence 5G network for commercial launch.
As the National ICT Solutions Provider, SLT-MOBITEL is leading the way, advancing Sri Lanka’s digital future, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of location, can benefit from world-class connectivity through its superior network. The inclusivity also supports the country’s digital transformation agenda, enabling advancements in healthcare, education, enterprise, and daily lifestyles.
In 2019, SLT-MOBITEL showcased South Asia’s first 5G trial deployment over a mobile network, connecting a mobile smartphone to its 5G trial network with record speeds. SLT-MOBITEL was also the first to demonstrate 5G SA & NSA hybrid trial deployment in Sri Lanka indicating advancements in 5G technology.
Business
Nations Trust Bank delivers PAT of LKR 14.9Bn for 9 months
Nations Trust Bank PLC reported strong financial results for the 9 months ending 30th September 2025, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of LKR 14.9Bn, up 23% YoY. The Bank’s performance is underpinned by strong asset growth, steady Net Interest Margins (NIMs) and asset quality with a Net Stage 3 Ratio of 1.03%. A strong capital base continued to be the foundation of the Bank’s growth story with a Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.20%, highlighting the Bank’s success in implementing a well-structured strategy.
Nations Trust Bank, Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hemantha D Gunetilleke, stated, “The Bank’s performance in 3Q 2025 demonstrates NTB’s financial strength and the successful execution of a clearly defined strategy. Customer lending grew by LKR 131Bn, a 45% increase over the first nine months, significantly contributing to the growth of businesses and economic revival across customer segments. This demonstrates our focus on service excellence, digital empowerment and strategic planning that places our customers at the centre of everything we do. Our robust capital position and strong liquidity buffers continue to highlight our strength and readiness for sustained growth.”
As a result of efficient asset-liability management and prudent pricing strategies, the Bank was able to sustain a NIM of 6.15%. The Bank’s Earnings Per Share for the nine months ending 30th September 2025 increased to LKR 45.10, against LKR 36.80 recorded during the same period last year. Asset quality remained sound, with the Net Stage 3 Ratio contained at 1.03%, underscoring effective credit risk management.
Strong financial performance continues to bolster NTB’s capital base with a Tier 1 Capital Ratio of 18.90% and a Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 20.03%, well above the regulatory requirements of 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively.
-
Foreign News2 days agoSearch continues for Royal Navy crew member missing off Donegal coast
-
Sports6 days agoAn opportunity missed for Sri Lanka
-
Features6 days agoMiss Universe 2025 More ‘surprises’ before Crowning day!
-
News6 days agoOxford Walk raises $13,000 for rural communities in Sri Lanka
-
Opinion7 days agoContributions of Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka and its future role
-
Features5 days agoTraffic chaos in Kandy: Urgent government intervention needed
-
Business6 days agoDialog and MEPA Unveil Sri Lanka’s First 5G-Enabled Autonomous Water-Surface Cleaning Robot
-
Features6 days agoThe ‘Art’ of Diplomacy
