Dhammika Perera quits politics, returns to corporate boards

Published

9 months ago

October 3, 2024

editor

Business magnate and former MP Dhammika Perera has re-joined the boards of Hayleys PLC and Vallibel PLC, marking his return to the corporate world after a brief foray into politics.

Hayleys PLC announced his appointment as Non-Executive Director and Co-Chairman, a position he previously held, while Vallibel PLC is expected to follow suit.

Perera, the largest shareholder of both conglomerates, had resigned from various boards over two years ago to serve as a National List MP for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

His return signals a departure from political aspirations, including his previously considered bid for the presidency, which he withdrew from prior to the 2024 election.

Mega Power renews lottery history with Rs.474 mn. winner

Published

3 hours ago

June 17, 2025

editor

The largest lottery prize in Sri Lanka’s history – Rs.474,599,422 was won yesterday (June 16).

The historic win came in the draw number 2210 of the National Lotteries Board’s Mega Power lottery.

The winning ticket was sold by H.A. Janaki Hemamala, a sales agent from Gokarella.

The previous record of Rs.230 million, also won through the Mega Power lottery.

Over 18,000MT of salt imported to address shortage

Published

4 days ago

June 13, 2025

editor

Sri Lanka has imported 18,163 MT of salt between May 22 and June 07, according to Customs.

The total cost of these imports amounted to approximately Rs.1,291 million, with Rs.720 million paid as taxes.

The imports are part of efforts to address the ongoing salt shortage, with a total target of 30,000 MT to be brought into the country.

CBSL advises banks to further assist affected SMEs

Published

5 days ago

June 12, 2025

editor

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), with a view to facilitating sustainable revival of businesses that were adversely affected during the recent past has advised the licensed commercial banks and licensed specialised banks (hereinafter referred to as licensed banks) to provide further concessions to those SME borrowers who commenced discussions for business revival with the respective banks by 31.03.2025.

These relief measures are in line with Circular No. 04 of 2024 dated 19.12.2024 on Relief Measures to Assist the affected SMEs and the Addendum Circular No. 01 of 2025 dated 01.01.2025.

Accordingly, licensed banks have been advised to provide further concessions including interest reliefs and new lending to affected borrowers while the timeline given to the licensed banks in Circular No. 04 of 2024 to enter into reschedulement agreements with eligible SME borrowers has been extended from 15.06.2025 to 30.06.2025.

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