News & market updates

365 Future Energy will visit Sri Lanka on 1 June 2026 to explore sustainable energy investment and technology partnerships, focusing on renewable projects, battery energy storage systems, EV charging infrastructure and smart-grid opportunities.

Sampath Bank PLC signed an MoU with John Keells CG Auto to offer NEV buyers a 0.5% reduced interest rate on loans, insurance-financing and free credit cards for BYD and DENZA purchases. John Keells CG Auto is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC with nationwide sales and service coverage.

Aitken Spence PLC's printing unit won the WorldStar 2026 Award for Luxury Packaging, the first Sri Lankan offset printer to win at WorldStar. The award was presented at the WorldStar ceremony in Düsseldorf during Interpack in May 2026.

PDMO and the ADB jointly hosted the Asian Regional Public Debt Management Forum 2026 in Colombo to address climate resilience and debt sustainability in the Asia-Pacific. Discussions centered on strengthening public debt management, debt sustainability analysis, local-currency markets, green financing and AI/digital tools for debt operations.

The BOI launched 'Ready to Invest', a digital platform showcasing over $3bn of investor-ready projects across eight priority sectors. BOI said Sri Lanka attracted $1.06bn FDI in 2025 and about $1.9bn of BOI-approved projects are set to commence, led by urban/mixed-use ($970m), manufacturing ($650m), tourism ($400m) and logistics ($385m).

Senior public debt managers and international institutions met in Colombo at the 2026 Asian Regional Public Debt Management Forum to advance regional cooperation on climate resilience and debt sustainability, focusing on local-currency debt markets, green financing and AI/technology in debt operations.

Cabinet approved the "Surakimu Lanka" National Energy Security Mission to cut fuel import costs and boost energy resilience by shifting demand toward renewable (solar/hydro) generation, improving energy efficiency and coordinating public awareness and state agencies.

ISO has published a Chinese-developed standard for corrosion testing of conducting alloys in AC conditions and IEC approved a Chinese-led offshore wind standard; the measures aim to improve conductor lifespan and could cut maintenance/operational costs by over 10%.

Evolution Auto, in collaboration with EVO Charge, launched a 60kW dual-gun DC fast charging station at its Peliyagoda After Sales Complex, offering 24/7 charging for two vehicles simultaneously and introductory free/50% discount from 20 May to 21 June.

CA Sri Lanka’s public sector wing held a seminar on Electricity Act No.36 of 2024 and the 2025 Amendment, focusing on Ceylon Electricity Board restructuring and unbundling and its implications for ownership, governance, staff transfers and financial viability.

Sri Lanka unveiled South Asia's first solar hybrid bakery oven (solar + biogas) on 22 May, aimed at replacing fossil-fuel baking and supporting sustainable livelihoods and reduced import reliance. The project, led by Incitare, GRFC, German Tech Kilinochchi and GIZ, includes donations, local production and training.

Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI rose 1.96% (430.21 pts) to 22,359.85 on Monday, with the S&P SL20 up 1.93%. Top contributors included Dialog Axiata, John Keells, Commercial Bank and Hemas; Ceylon Cold Stores reported Q1 profit up 75% to Rs 3.76bn and LVL Energy Fund's rights issue was oversubscribed.

HUTCH Sri Lanka planted about 500 native plants across half an acre at Rajawaka Forest Reserve in the third year of its rainforest restoration programme. The effort, run with Rainforest Protectors Sri Lanka and supported by employee volunteers, forms part of HUTCH/CK Hutchison's broader ESG and renewable-energy initiatives.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce delegation led by Chairman Krishan Balendra held high-level economic engagements in Mumbai on 13–14 May, culminating in the renewal of an MoU with the Indian Merchants' Chamber. Discussions targeted technology, manufacturing, healthcare, renewable energy and digital transformation to boost bilateral trade and investment.

Sri Lanka unveiled South Asia’s first solar hybrid bakery oven — a solar-and-biogas system developed by Incitare and GRFC with GIZ support, with installations completed in Dambulla and Kilinochchi to support sustainable livelihoods, food security and local training.

Government expects to settle nearly Rs. 15 billion in outstanding dues to renewable energy developers by end-June, with Rs. 2 billion released on 19 May and a further Rs. 1 billion due next week; payment delays have affected 386 developers.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and MAS Holdings will develop an 8,000+ sqm built-to-suit fashion logistics hub in Kimbulapitiya, six km from Bandaranaike Airport, to serve as Hellmann’s South Asia fashion hub. The facility features dual-zone humidity/climate control, solar panels and scalable regional distribution capabilities.

The Sri Lankan government will settle nearly Rs15bn owed to renewable energy developers by end-June. The National System Operator has released Rs2bn on May 19 and plans a further Rs1bn next week, with delayed payments having affected about 386 developers and risking industry collapse.

People’s Bank expanded its MSME business volume to Rs. 20.8 billion in 2025. The bank also grew its MSME customer base by 15.2% and reported Green Power Loan facilities of Rs. 6.9 billion.

US DOJ has moved to dismiss criminal fraud charges against billionaire Gautam Adani after he pledged a $10bn investment in the US, though a judge must still approve the dismissal. The US Treasury announced a $275m sanctions settlement and the SEC reached a civil settlement with Adani, both awaiting court approval.

US DOJ has dropped criminal fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Adani Enterprises agreed to pay $275m to the US Treasury over alleged Iran sanctions violations, and a separate SEC civil settlement of $18m was also reached.

Kotagala Plantations (KOTA.N0000) has installed a 1 MW rooftop solar power system delivered by E.B. Creasy Solar. The system uses LONGi panels and SUNGROW inverters and is expected to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.

The India–Sri Lanka Business Forum in Mumbai on 13 May 2026 highlighted renewed momentum in trade, investment and connectivity across tourism, renewable energy, ICT, logistics and infrastructure, with John Keells chair Krishan Balendra among delegates promoting deeper private‑sector ties.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host the Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2026 on 9 June 2026 at Taj Samudra, shifting focus to implementation, technical readiness and climate-linked finance. Platinum sponsors include Commercial Bank and Dilmah Tea; strategic sponsors include Nestlé Lanka, Cargills and Colombo Stock Exchange.

DFCC Bank and Commercial Bank of Ceylon received awards at Environmental Finance’s Sustainable Debt Awards 2026 for their GSS+ bond issuances. Sri Lanka’s GSS+ bonds have mobilised about LKR 82 billion and are supported by a 2025 GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework to boost investor confidence.

The Ministry of Energy and BOI issued a Request for Information (23 Apr 2026) inviting investors for green hydrogen and green ammonia projects, targeting $1bn annual export revenue by 2030 and 70% renewable electricity by 2030. The non-binding RFI window closes on 5 June 2026.

Emirates has broken ground on a US$5.1 billion, 1.1 million sqm engineering MRO complex at Dubai South that can service 28 wide-body aircraft simultaneously and targets LEED Platinum, with construction due for completion by mid-2030.

Hayleys (via Hayleys Fentons) signed a JV with Jyoti Structures to build the Mannar–Mullikulam 220kV double-circuit transmission line, the inaugural NTNSP contract to evacuate Mullikulam wind power to the national grid. The project will support renewable integration and expands Hayleys Fentons into infrastructure.

Energy Ministry and the BOI issued an RFI on 23 April 2026 inviting domestic and international investors to develop green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in Sri Lanka, targeting $1 billion in annual export revenue by 2030. The non-binding RFI (open to 5 June 2026) covers production, storage, export terminals and component manufacturing and notes potential BOI facilitation and incentives.

The government is considering ending the odd-even fuel distribution system and increasing fuel quotas, saying fuel stocks are sufficient until August 2026 and supplies are being secured for the rest of the year. Officials also discussed appointing Energy Managers, boosting renewable energy and introducing Green Building measures under the Clean Sri Lanka program.