News & market updates

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe led a Sri Lankan delegation to meet Saudi Public Investment Fund officials in Riyadh to present investment opportunities, capital-market reforms and discuss a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement; both sides agreed to continue talks.

Volt Charge has partnered with Jetwing Hotels to deploy nine EV charging stations across Jetwing properties (four already operational), expanding destination-based EV charging in Sri Lanka's hospitality sector and supporting cleaner transport; Volt Charge already has deployments with organisations including Aitken Spence and a registered user base over 10,000.

Pathfinder Foundation held a diplomatic dialogue to advance Sri Lanka’s critical minerals sector and agreed to establish an International Study Group on Critical Minerals to drive policy reform and attract FDI. Bogala Graphite (CEO Amila Jayasinghe) participated, with industry calls for regulatory reform, digital licensing and value-added processing.

UNCTAD reports global FDI rose 14% in 2025 to $1.6 trillion, with much of the increase driven by financial flows through global hubs rather than new productive investment. Data centres accounted for over one-fifth of greenfield values (>$270bn) while infrastructure and renewable energy projects fell.

Bank of Ceylon listed its inaugural Basel III–compliant Tier II sustainability bond — the largest sustainability bond in Sri Lanka — which was oversubscribed and closed on 22 Dec 2025. Proceeds will fund eligible green and social projects (renewables, energy efficiency, water, healthcare, MSMEs); rated 'AA-'.

Bank of Ceylon listed its inaugural Basel III–compliant Tier II Sustainability Bond — the largest sustainability bond issuance in Sri Lanka — which was oversubscribed and closed on December 22, 2025. Proceeds will fund eligible green and social projects (renewable energy, energy efficiency, water/waste, agriculture, healthcare, education) under its Sustainable Finance Framework; the bonds were rated ‘AA-’ (Stable) by Lanka Rating Agency.

Brown & Company PLC's Browns EV unveiled the BAW M8, marked 1,500 EV deliveries and announced an exclusive charging partnership with Qingdao TELD to deploy chargers nationwide. The M8 is priced at Rs.21 million and is claimed to have a range exceeding 1,050 km.

LVL Energy Fund PLC to raise up to Rs. 507.1 million via a rights issue of up to 67,619,394 shares at Rs. 7.50 to repay outstanding debt. Lanka Ventures PLC holds a 52.48% stake; the issue is subject to CSE and shareholder approval.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon signed an MoU with Hayleys Fentons/Hayleys Mobility to promote New Energy Vehicles and offer leasing solutions via a joint campaign running until 30 November 2026. The bank will provide competitive rates, concessions and flexible repayment options while Hayleys supplies warranties, after-sales support and EV charging access.

Sri Lanka is pitching tax holidays of up to 15 years and positioning Colombo Port City as a regional financial and trade hub to attract UAE investors. The government says it will streamline approvals under the new Investment Promotion Act and is targeting agriculture, tourism, maritime logistics and renewable energy.

Hayleys Mobility (part of Hayleys PLC) unveiled OJ (OMODA & JAECOO) as its exclusive distributor in Sri Lanka on 27 Jan 2026, launching a portfolio of PHEV, HEV, ICE and EV models with manufacturer-backed warranties and nationwide after-sales support. It also announced SRM commercial EVs and EV charging partnerships with StarCharge to build a nationwide charging network.

INFRACON 2026, an infrastructure and construction exhibition, will be held 3–5 July at SBMEC Colombo with about 200 exhibitors and 5,000 trade visitors; the event will showcase HVAC-R, power and energy, green grid, safe water and building materials, and promote industry collaboration.

Fitch has affirmed WindForce PLC's National Long-Term Rating at 'A+(lka)' with a Stable Outlook. Fitch notes WindForce's planned capex of over LKR40bn, EBITDA net leverage rising to ~6.8x in FY27 before easing to ~4.6x by FY28, and concentration risk from CEB accounting for over 80% of EBIT.

David Pieris Renewable Energy launched PROJOY electrical safety products and Hoymiles hybrid solar and microinverter systems in Sri Lanka at the Kedella Lifestyle Exhibition, adding DC isolators, rapid shutdown devices, surge protection and Tier‑1 microinverters to its offerings.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon hosted 'ForwardTogether 2026' with IFC to advance its sustainability agenda, develop a Climate Transition Plan and adopt PCAF methodology to assess financed emissions while engaging customers on green investment opportunities and risk reduction.

Ceylinco Life opened a new purpose-built, eco-friendly branch in Ambalantota — a 3,200 sq ft, two-storey company-owned building with a 15 kW off-grid solar system. It is Ceylinco Life’s 35th company-owned branch and was built using precast concrete (10–15% cost saving, 20% faster construction).

Ceylinco Life opened its first company-owned eco-friendly branch in Ambalantota — its 35th company-owned branch — a 3,200 sq ft two-storey building with 15 kW off-grid solar, rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and precast-concrete construction.

Sri Lanka is offering tax holidays of up to 15 years and pitching Colombo Port City as a regional financial and trade hub to attract UAE investors. Officials said investment approvals will be streamlined and highlighted opportunities in agriculture, tourism, ports and renewable energy.

Grid Connected Solar Power Association says CEB's nine-month weekend/public-holiday curtailment of large renewable plants has caused about Rs.2 billion in losses and cut monthly incomes of ground-mounted solar owners by ~15%. The group urges immediate BESS implementation, compensation and continuation of the FIT, warning that draft National Electricity Policy proposals (no-compensation curtailment, rupee PPAs, competitive bidding) and delayed guidelines threaten the local renewable sector and co

David Pieris Motor Company (DPMC) has launched the BAJAJ Electric three-wheeler in Sri Lanka, offering a certified range of up to 176 kilometres on a single charge. The model includes an onboard charger, IP67-rated battery, ~4.5h full charge (80% in <3h) and 24/7 roadside assistance.

WindForce PLC was awarded the Letter of Award by the Ceylon Electricity Board for Lot 1 of the 50 MW Mullikulam Wind Power Project, confirming it as the Lowest Cost Bidder. The award follows regulatory approvals and places the project in the Mannar wind corridor, adding renewable capacity.

Sri Lanka solar producers say curtailment of renewable generation has expanded from weekends to weekdays in 2026, cutting around Rs 2 billion (about 15% of revenues) and leaving many unable to service loans. Firms seek compensation or a battery tariff while delays in BESS policy and rupee depreciation worsen finances.

Commercial Bank of Ceylon (COMB.N0000) hosted 'ForwardTogether 2026' with IFC to advance customer-focused sustainable business transformation, highlighting its Climate Transition Plan work and adoption of the PCAF methodology to assess financed emissions.

The Northern Investment Summit 2026 (21–22 Jan) set out plans to transform Sri Lanka’s Northern Province into an investment hub, proposing infrastructure upgrades (a four‑lane highway, Jaffna runway extension, KKS port upgrade) and three industrial zones at KKS, Paranthan and Mankulam.

David Pieris E-Mobility launched the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter in Sri Lanka, featuring a 3.1 kW motor, 3.5 kWh battery and up to 151 km IDC range. The company has set up nearly 2,000 DPMC touchpoints nationwide for sales, service and spare parts.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya met ADB President Masato Kanda in Davos to discuss Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and economic situation; she also met EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela to seek stronger cooperation on economic recovery, education, digital transformation, climate resilience and sustainable development.

Vietnam opened its 14th Party Congress, targeting average annual GDP growth of 10% or higher for 2026–2030 and a per capita GDP of around $8,500 by 2030, prioritising technology-led, private-sector-driven and green economic transformation.

WindForce PLC was awarded the Letter of Award by the Ceylon Electricity Board for Lot 1 of the 50 MW Mullikulam Wind Power Project, confirming WindForce as the lowest-cost bidder. The award follows completion of statutory approvals (CANC, Cabinet, PUCSL) and adds a utility-scale renewable asset in Mannar.

Seylan Bank PLC joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) to adopt standardized carbon accounting and improve disclosure of financed greenhouse gas emissions.