Oil war escalates
Oil war escalates View(s):Smoke rises from an energy installation in Fujairah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, in what appeared to be the latest strike on Gulf petroleum facilities. The attack took place hours after the US struck Iran’s Kharg Island yesterday. AFPShare This Post FacebookTwitterEmail × Send Email to FriendSend Please enter valid email WhatsappDeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspaceRSS
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:01 UTC
NDB Investment Bank eyes global markets
NDB Investment Bank eyes global markets By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):NDB Investment Bank has aggressive growth plans for the next three years, to extend its business from onshore to offshore, offshore to onshore, and to conduct offshore transactions in other markets. We are trying to garner more investment banking partners into the country and help them to help our clients grow. Therefore, our expansion plans, going into the next three years, will be venturing into the Southeast Asian, West Asian, and African markets.” NDB Investment Bank CEO, Harshana Jayaweera, told the Sunday Times Business in an interview recently. Sri Lanka needs a broader range of products for investment banking, rather than the current focus on IPOs, bond issuances, and mergers and acquisitions, he said. “It is quite different for investment banks to do this, on their own, rather than a government-related stakeholder doing it.
Source:Sunday Times
March 14, 2026 19:01 UTC
FLIR Technologies takes centre stage at Marlbo Trading stall at INCO 2026
FLIR Technologies takes centre stage at Marlbo Trading stall at INCO 2026BusinessMarlbo Trading Company, a trendsetter in introducing advanced inspection and diagnostic solutions in Sri Lanka, will showcase technologies from the globally recognised brand FLIR at the upcoming INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition, scheduled from March 13 to 15 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Among the exhibitors, Marlbo Trading will highlight the latest FLIR innovations, demonstrating how advanced inspection technologies can improve maintenance practices and operational performance across multiple industries. FLIR technologies are widely adopted in sectors such as construction, utilities, manufacturing, asset management, and defence, where accurate diagnostics and early fault detection are critical for maintaining operational reliability. “Thermal imaging tools from FLIR enable users to detect temperature anomalies invisible to the naked eye, helping identify potential electrical, mechanical, and structural issues early,” an official from Marlbo Trading Company said. Visitors to INCO 2026 can experience these solutions firsthand at the Marlbo Trading stall, where FLIR’s advanced inspection technologies will be demonstrated in real-world industrial environments throughoutthe three-day exhibition.
Source:Sunday Times
March 13, 2026 10:55 UTC
Indiya at COD enters a new chapter
Indiya at COD enters a new chapterBusinessIndiya, the signature Indian restaurant at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, enters a new chapter with Chef Mukesh Joshi at the helm. Under Chef Mukesh’s leadership, the menu takes guests on a journey across India’s regions. For those seeking something distinctive, the chef’s special selections, including Tandoori Kaala Jhinga, Pahadi Tandoori Kukkad, Nandu Curry, and the standout Lagoon Jhinga Biryani, offer bold, expressive flavours designed to take centre stage. The meal concludes on a nostalgic, indulgent note with classic desserts such as Mishti Doi and Kulfi Falooda, bringing warmth and familiarity to the final moments of the dining experience. With this new chapter, Indiya offers a dining experience that is vibrant, elevated, and immersive, celebrating Indian cuisine in a way that feels authentic, approachable, and perfectly suited to the city-sized destination of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.
Source:Sunday Times
March 12, 2026 05:55 UTC
Cricket: ACB postpones Afghanistan-Sri Lanka white-ball series
Cricket: ACB postpones Afghanistan-Sri Lanka white-ball seriesSportThe intended white-ball series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka has been rescheduled towards the matter part of 2026, according to an official announcement made by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). “The ACB has held discussions with key stakeholders, including the Emirates Cricket Board, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The ACB even released the Afghanistan squad for the three T20 Internationals before tensions escalated in the region, which directly affects the six games. But with the situation showing little or no improvement to hold the series as intended, has forced the ACB to postpone the series to the latter part of 2026. Options were kept open for ACB to host the series in Sri Lanka, but eventually failed to materialise.
Source:Sunday Times
March 11, 2026 11:49 UTC
Foreign remittances by Lankan workers overseas jumps by 32% in Jan./Feb
Foreign remittances by Lankan workers overseas jumps by 32% in Jan./FebNewsInward foreign remittances by Sri Lankans working abroad during the first two months of this year has increased by 32 percent compared to 2025, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said. According to the Bureau, during the first two months of 2026, Sri Lankan workers overseas have sent USD 1,480.1 million (approximately USD 1.4 billion) to the country. In February 2026, foreign workers sent USD 729 million to Sri Lanka, whereas the amount of foreign remittances received in February 2025 was USD 548.1 million. Meanwhile, during the last two months of this year, 47,819 Sri Lankans have left the country for overseas employment. In addition, 3,241 Sri Lankan workers registered with the Bureau for overseas employment between March 1 and 9.
Source:Sunday Times
March 10, 2026 09:26 UTC
NDB Partners with Home Lands at the Property Investment Roadshow 2026
NDB Partners with Home Lands at the Property Investment Roadshow 2026BusinessNational Development Bank PLC (NDB) recently partnered with Home Lands Group as a key banking partner at the Home Lands Property Investment Roadshow 2026 : Road to Your Next Investment, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo. The Roadshow served as a comprehensive platform for individuals seeking to explore high‑potential real estate opportunities backed by structured funding solutions and personalised financial guidance. Through its dedicated home loan and property financing solutions, NDB continues to empower customers that align with diverse financial goals. Commenting on the partnership, Sanjaya Perera - Senior Vice President Personal Banking & Customer Experience at NDB, stated, “Strategic collaborations such as the Home Lands Property Investment Roadshow reflect NDB’s continued focus on empowering individuals and investors with meaningful financial solutions. By aligning with forward-thinking developers, NDB reinforces its position as a trusted financial partner supporting both individual investors and the broader real estate ecosystem.
Source:Sunday Times
March 10, 2026 05:48 UTC
Montblanc launches explorer extreme in Sri Lanka through Exclusive Lines
Montblanc launches explorer extreme in Sri Lanka through Exclusive LinesBusinessInternationally renowned luxury Maison Montblanc has introduced its latest fragrance, Montblanc Explorer Extreme, to the Sri Lankan market through Exclusive Lines, the sole authorised agent for the brand in the country. From L - R - Ravin Hiru Surtani, President, Head of Fragrances - Exclusive Lines;Hiru Surtani, Managing Director - Exclusive Lines & Apsara Hiru Surtani,President, Head of Beauty - Exclusive LinesMontblanc Explorer Extreme represents a significant evolution of the Explorer franchise and is the first Parfum concentration within the collection. “Montblanc Explorer Extreme Parfum stands for courage, ambition and the determination to surpass boundaries, values that strongly resonate with us at Exclusive Lines. The bottle design draws inspiration from the Montblanc Extreme 3.0 Collection, echoing its distinctive textured motif associated with modern travel and dynamism. Montblanc Explorer Extreme joins Montblanc Explorer and Montblanc Explorer Platinum in the line-up and is now available exclusively in Sri Lanka through Exclusive Lines outlets and authorised retail partners nationwide.
Source:Sunday Times
March 10, 2026 05:26 UTC
Fuel prices increased with effect from midnight
Fuel prices increased with effect from midnightNewsFuel prices will be increased from midnight today, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) announced. Accordingly Auto Diesel will be increased by Rs.22 to Rs.303 while Super Diesel by Rs.24 to Rs.353. Petrol Octane 92 will be increased by Rs.24 to Rs.317 and Octane 95 by Rs.25 to 365. The CPC said Kerosene will be increased by Rs.13 to Rs.195. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
March 09, 2026 17:48 UTC
Treasury denies Bribery Commission officials pay hikes
Treasury denies Bribery Commission officials pay hikesNewsThe Treasury has left out a salary increase for the three Commissioners and the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), despite the Parliament’s Committee on Public Finance recommending salary hikes for the last two years. With Parliament set to debate a resolution over cadre and salary structures of the Commission on March 17, the recommendations were left out for a third time by the Department of Management Services under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development. Read more in today's Sunday Times edition hereYou can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 20:20 UTC
Update - US: Fate of Iranian vessel and crew is Sri Lanka’s call - State Department responds to the Sunday Times
Update - US: Fate of Iranian vessel and crew is Sri Lanka’s call - State Department responds to the Sunday TimesNewsBy Tharushi WeerasingheThe United States has told Sri Lanka that the disposition of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew is a matter for Colombo to resolve under its own laws and international obligations, while signalling it is in active talks with Sri Lanka to contain Iran's threat to US interests. The State Department responded earlier this morning to questions submitted by The Sunday Times, on Friday, which asked whether Washington had provided any approval, consultation, or guidance to Colombo on allowing a second Iranian vessel into Sri Lankan waters, and whether the US Embassy had formally briefed the Sri Lankan government following a reported attack. “The United States, of course, respects and recognizes Sri Lanka’s sovereignty in the handling of this situation. The ultimate disposition of the IRIS Bushehr and its crew, as well as the Iranian sailors rescued at sea, is a decision for Sri Lanka to make pursuant to its domestic law and international legal obligations.”The spokesperson added: “We are pursuing dialogue with Sri Lanka, and our utmost goal is to mitigate the threat that Iran poses to the United States and our partners.”The response did not address whether the Embassy had notified or briefed Sri Lankan authorities after the reported attack, or whether any communications clarified the nature of the military operations involved. You can share this post!
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 20:20 UTC
Global shipping line unloads at Sri Lanka ports, concerns of congestion
Global shipping line unloads at Sri Lanka ports, concerns of congestion View(s):The global shipping line MSC will unload 6,500 containers meant for West Asia at the Hambantota Port, as there is currently no clearance for passage to the Gulf, shipping sources said. Meanwhile, pressure is likely to grow on Sri Lanka’s existing stocks of bunker fuel for ships, as demand for global supplies skyrockets. While ship traffic to Sri Lanka’s ports has not increased, there have been inquiries about whether shipping lines can offload their Gulf-bound cargo here. At a meeting with shipping lines this week, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was informed that bookings are no longer being accepted to West Asia. “As a result, such cargo will stay longer in our ports, using our space,” the sources said.
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 16:21 UTC
The Numbers Game in the Geopolitics of Destruction
The Numbers Game in the Geopolitics of DestructionOpinionProf Janek RatnatungaGeopolitics provides a framework for understanding the complex international relations shaped by geographical factors, especially as the global rules-based order becomes increasingly fractured. Geopolitics, at first glance, appears to be a world removed from the’ numbers world’ of Accountants, especially management accountants. Lessons from HistoryThere are historical parallels with World War II, emphasizing the need for rapid military build-up in contemporary conflicts. When World War II broke out in Europe in 1939, Germany had 2400 tanks. Despite expanding its own missile production capabilities, Ukraine remains dependent on U.S. interceptors, which are also in demand for conflicts like the one in Iran.
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 14:19 UTC
War spills over to jobs in Gulf states
War spills over to jobs in Gulf states View(s):By Sajeniya SathanandanThe Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies (ALFEA) firmly believes that instability in West Asia will cause job losses, but the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) is optimistic and says there will be no loss of jobs although departures of workers are being delayed. ALFEA Secretary M F M Arshad told the Sunday Times that “roughly 80% to 90% of Sri Lanka’s annual foreign recruitment is focused on West Asia. Employers in West Asia have explicitly requested that recruiters not deploy selected candidates at this time,” Mr Arshad said. Employers in West Asia have become extremely cautious and uncertain about the future, which is challenging long-term recruitment prospects. Mr Wickremasinghe told the Sunday Times that there is no immediate risk for foreign employment and recruitment has not stopped.
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 11:43 UTC
Judge named to hear Energy Minister’s corruption case
Judge named to hear Energy Minister’s corruption case View(s):By Ranjith PadmasiriColombo High Court Judge Rashantha Godawela has been assigned to hear the corruption case against Energy Minister Punya Sri Kumara Jayakody. The case, the first against a ruling JVP-NPP minister, is due to come up for hearing next week. Minister Jayakody is charged in the indictment with committing the offence of corruption by unlawfully facilitating D.S. Construction and Earth Movers Ltd to obtain undue financial profits. The prosecution has listed 21 witnesses to be called and 29 court products to be presented in the indictment filed against the minister.
Source:Sunday Times
March 08, 2026 10:28 UTC