Product & Service Launches / Business Expansions
View all(113)📈 CSE Targets Up to 150,000 Active Investors via District Expansion
• Market Base: The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) aims to expand its active retail investor base to 100,000–150,000, up from the current 60,000 participants (down from last year's peak of 78,000). Current participation represents just 0.2% of Sri Lanka's investable population. • Branch Network: CSE opened 3 regional branches this year and plans to establish a physical presence in all 25 districts over the next two years to build public trust and visibility alongside digital onboarding. • Broker Participation: Each new regional branch currently houses operations for 7 to 8 stockbroking firms. • Regulatory Approvals: Awaiting SEC approval for an agent scheme to deploy licensed agents to canvas retail investors outside Colombo.
Colombo Lotus Tower Launches Sri Lanka’s First Immersive Digital Horror Experience 🎃
• Tourism & Entertainment Expansion: Colombo Lotus Tower has introduced "House of Horror" at Pixel Bloom, marking Sri Lanka's first attraction blending digital projection technology with physical horror elements. This initiative reflects the landmark's strategy to diversify beyond conventional sightseeing into high-value experiential leisure & hospitality offerings. • Immersive Tech Integration: The attraction combines cutting-edge visual projection mapping, atmospheric effects, interactive environments, and physical sets, targeting young adults, families, and Halloween enthusiasts. • Activation Timeline: - Dates: 27 October – 15 November 2026 (extended post-Halloween due to high novelty and interest). - Venue: Pixel Bloom, Ground Floor, Colombo Lotus Tower. • Ticket Pricing Structure: - Local Adults: LKR 500 - Local Children: LKR 350 - Foreign Visitors: LKR 1,000
SLT-MOBITEL Unveils Apple iPhone 18 Pro Series with 5G Connectivity in Sri Lanka 📈
• Product & Launch Overview: SLT-MOBITEL has officially launched Apple’s next-gen iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with the iPhone Duo, in Sri Lanka. The launch aims to drive adoption of high-speed 5G mobile technology and strengthen the national ICT/BPM and digital ecosystem. • Network & Value Proposition: The devices operate on Mobitel's 5G network to deliver enhanced data speeds for streaming, downloads, and enterprise connectivity across coverage areas. • Promotions & Incentives: Customers upgrading to the new series through SLT-MOBITEL can win 2TB of Mobitel Data, an Apple Watch Series 12, or a MacBook Neo, with selected purchases including Apple AirPods 5 and a 20W power adapter. • Availability: The models are currently available at SLT-MOBITEL outlets nationwide.
📈 CRIB Expands Credit Information Ecosystem with 4 Microfinance Institutions
The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB) has formally integrated four licensed microfinance companies into its centralized credit intelligence network following a Government Gazette Notification under the CRIB Act, No. 18 of 1990. • Key Additions & Coverage: • Onboarded Institutions: Berendina Micro Investments Company Ltd., Lak Jaya Micro Finance Ltd., Dumbara Micro Credit Ltd., and Sejaya Micro Credit Ltd. • Sector Focus: Directly targets micro-entrepreneurs, small businesses, and grassroots economic activities. • Strategic Impact on Sri Lanka's Economy: • Financial Inclusion: Enhances visibility of borrower data to facilitate improved access to formal credit for underserved and marginalized segments. • Risk Management: Mitigates information asymmetry at the micro level, supporting sound credit risk assessment, governance standards, and responsible lending. • Broader Reach: Aligns with CRIB’s objective to expand credit coverage beyond mainstream commercial banking into grassroots sectors to drive economic revitalization.
🇨🇦 Sri Lanka's CanCham Leads Multi-City Trade Mission to Canada to Unlock Indo-Pacific Corridor 📈
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (CanCham Sri Lanka) is conducting a 40-member Business Promotion Mission across Canada (18 Oct – 1 Nov 2026) covering Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal to expand trade and investment. • Mission Overview & Key Sectors: • Aims to connect Canadian capital and expertise with Sri Lankan opportunities. • Key sectors targeted include tourism, real estate & infrastructure, AgriTech, green housing, healthcare & wellness, education, IT & Fintech, and Women in Development. • Key Strategic Initiatives: • Canada–Sri Lanka–Indo-Pacific Corridor: Proposed framework leveraging Sri Lanka's strategic maritime location at the crossroads of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East to help Canadian firms expand into regional markets. • Port City Colombo: Highlighted as a flagship Special Economic Zone to attract regional headquarters and foreign investment. • Honorary Brand Ambassador: Former Surrey Councillor Linda Annis appointed to bolster long-term bilateral ties. • Participating Delegations: • Key organizations include Home Lands Skyline, Port City Colombo, Horizon Campus, Horizon College International, Hutch Sri Lanka, ECD Global, AmmA Mega Industries Ltd., Thames International Educational Consultancy, and Spillburg Vacation Ltd. • Upcoming Engagements: • Multi-city roadmap includes investment forums in Toronto, trade/institutional talks in Ottawa, and promoting Sri Lankan tourism at the International Travel & Tourism Show in Montréal. • Connects directly to local platforms like the Northern Investment Summit and Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
✈️ British Airways Resumes Direct UK-Sri Lanka Flights After 11 Years
• Aviation & Tourism: British Airways restarted direct flights between Colombo (CMB) and London Gatwick (LGW) on Oct 24, 2026, operating 3 weekly flights via Boeing 777 aircraft with three cabin classes. • Promotions & Pricing: Introductory World Traveller economy return fares start from LKR 255,000, including discounts up to 10%. • Economic Impact: Reconnects Sri Lanka to BA's global network, boosting tourism, trade, and business links alongside SriLankan Airlines' existing Colombo-Heathrow route.
📈 David Pieris Automobiles Expands Electrified Portfolio with GWM ORA 5 EV and Haval Jolion MAX PHEV
• Market Expansion: David Pieris Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd (DPA) launched two new Great Wall Motor (GWM) models at its GWM Experience Centre in Colombo 02, advancing sustainable mobility in Sri Lanka's automotive sector. • Fully Electric Model (GWM ORA 5): • Type: Premium electric hatchback featuring a 100 kW electric motor and a 58.3 kWh battery. • Range: Offers a driving range of up to 520 km under NEDC testing conditions. • Features: Panoramic glass roof, 3.2L cooling box, 14.6-inch touchscreen, V2L capability, 175 mm ground clearance, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). • Plug-in Hybrid Model (Haval Jolion MAX PHEV): • Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo plug-in hybrid delivering 240 kW combined power and 513 Nm torque. • Range: Up to 108 km electric-only driving range under NEDC testing conditions. • Features: Level 2 ADAS, 12.3-inch display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and 360-degree camera; a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant is also available. • Portfolio & Network: Adds to DPA’s existing GWM line-up (Haval H6, Tank 300, Tank 500, Haval H6 GT), supported by an aftersales service centre in Hyde Park Corner and an islandwide dealer network.
Chaudhary Group Signals Further Investment Expansion in Sri Lanka 📈
• Investment Strategy & Confidence: Nepalese business leader Binod Chaudhary, Chairman of Chaudhary Group, announced plans to expand the group's investment footprint in Sri Lanka, expressing strong confidence in the island's long-term economic prospects. • Sector Focus: The group is evaluating new project opportunities and partnerships targeting financial services and tourism & hospitality, along with other high-growth sectors including infrastructure and consumer businesses. • Current Footprint & Impact: The proposed investments build on existing local holdings, including a majority stake in Union Bank and operations in the hotel sector. Expansion aims to boost national capital formation, create local employment, and drive sustainable growth in the broader services economy. • Key Drivers: Sri Lanka’s strategic regional location, strong tourism potential, talented workforce, and access to regional markets remain primary attractions for long-term foreign direct investment.
🏢 Home Lands Breaks Ground on 21-Story Corporate HQ "Diamond Tower" in Colombo
Home Lands Group of Companies has officially initiated construction on its new flagship corporate headquarters, the Home Lands Diamond Tower, located in Thummulla, Colombo. • Key Project Details: - Structure: 21 floors with three basement levels,🏢 Home Lands Breaks Ground on New 21-Story Corporate HQ in Colombo Home Lands Group of Companies has officially commenced construction on its new corporate headquarters, Home Lands Diamond Tower, located in Thummulla, Colombo. • Overall Project Details: The 21-floor corporate tower features 3 basement levels, a futuristic diamond-patterned façade, and modern collaborative workspaces. • Construction & Timeline: Built by the Group’s construction arm, Heyraa Construction (CS2 graded by CIDA), the landmark development is scheduled for completion in 30 months. • Economic Context: The flagship project highlights ongoing investment and growth within Sri Lanka's real estate and construction sectors.
🤝 Bank of Ceylon Partnering with Bank of China to Strengthen Cross-Border Financial Ties
• Strategic Meeting: Bank of Ceylon (BOC) hosted Bank of China Vice Chairman, Executive Director, and President Zhang Hui during his official visit to Sri Lanka on October 16, 2026. • Key Objectives: The engagement aimed to strengthen financial cooperation, boost international trade and investment, and foster cross-border partnerships between Sri Lanka and China. • Participants: The bilateral meeting was led by BOC Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa, CEO Y. A. Jayathilaka, COO R. M. N. Jeewantha, and top executive leadership from both banking institutions.
🎬 PVR Inox Plans High Single-Digit Screen Expansion Across Sri Lanka
India’s cinema giant, PVR Inox, is accelerating its expansion in Sri Lanka, targeting a high single-digit number of cinema complexes over the next 3 to 5 years. • Expansion Strategy & Locations: - Jaffna expected as the next target site within ~4 months, driven by strong local demand for Tamil films. - Exploring regional footprints in Greater Colombo, South (Galle), and Kandy. - Shifting from large 9-screen flagships to asset-light, 4- to 5-screen complexes via partnerships, franchises, and local property developers. • Financial Performance & Investment: - Initial US$ 7 Mn capital outlay on track for full recovery by the end of this financial year or early next year (excl. COVID-19 downtime). - Upgrades like Dolby Atmos recovered capital within months. - Maintains steady operational demand with average occupancy rates around 40%. • Market Impact & Local Alignment: - Drive higher commercial rental yields by integrating branded entertainment & retail spaces. - Box-office draws led by Tamil and Hollywood releases, followed by Hindi and growing interest in local Sinhala cinema.
✈️ SriLankan Airlines Extends Suspension of Saudi Flights Till Nov 1
• Flight Operations: National carrier SriLankan Airlines has extended the suspension of its direct flight services between Colombo and Saudi Arabian destinations (Riyadh and Dammam) through 1 November 2026. • Reason for Delay: The decision follows an ongoing assessment of the prevailing regional security conditions, prioritizing passenger and crew safety. • Service Resumption: Flights to both destinations will resume as soon as local security assessments clear commercial operations as safe. • Passenger Support: Affected passengers can contact the airline via hotline (1979 / +94 11 777 1979), WhatsApp (+94 74 444 1979), travel agents, or the official website.