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Construction activity continued to expand in September, though at a slower pace, with a shortage of bitumen remaining a major constraint and delaying several road construction projects, the Central Bank said yesterday.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction), measured by the Total Activity Index, recorded 57.8 in September, down from 59.4 in August. A reading above 50 indicates the sector is generally expanding month-on-month. Growth was supported by a sustained flow of new construction projects.

The New Orders Index rose to 65.6 from 62.5, primarily underpinned by Government-funded projects. The Employment Index eased to 58.1 from 59.7, reflecting ongoing recruitment supported by steady project availability, although many firms continued to cite shortages of skilled workers.

The Quantity of Purchases Index rose to 62.5 from 59.4, reflecting procurement for ongoing and newly awarded projects, while Suppliers’ Delivery Times lengthened further, with the index rising to 65.6 from 59.4, reflecting sustained supply-side pressures.

Expectations for construction activity over the next three months remained positive, underpinned by newly awarded projects, despite continuing challenges with material and skilled labour availability.

The survey covers around 35 responses from the highest-graded local construction companies registered with the Construction Industry Development Authority.

At the end of 2018, Sri Lanka’s licensed finance companies and specialised leasing companies held Rs. 43.9 billion in pawning advances. By the end of 2025, finance companies’ loans secured by gold stood at Rs. 465 billion which amounted to 20.9% of the sector’s loans and advances, after growing 64.1% in that year alone. Similarly, in Licensed Commercial banks pawning advances rose by Rs. 237.7 billion during 2025 and stood at Rs. 898 billion at the end of the year.

On the 24th of May 2026 the CBSL issued Direction No. 02 of 2026, capping the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio on credit secured by gold at 70% of the collateral’s market value, with effect from 25 May 2026. The cap applies to LCBs and finance companies, including existing facilities renewed on or after that date. In announcing the decision, the CBSL’s Governing Board pointed to the significant recent growth in gold-backed credit, and to elevated volatility in asset prices, including gold, alongside exchange rate fluctuations that may affect collateral valuations and the potential impact on the financial system if such trends continue.

While the growth in lending would usually be read as evidence of a credit boom, due to the nature of the collateral, it cannot necessarily be said so. When the rupee value of gold rises, the same chain or bangle can be used to obtain a larger loan, and the loan book grows without a single new borrower.

CBSL’s Annual Report in 2022 linked a 40% YoY rise in bank pawning to the difficulties the public faced amidst the rising cost of living, which resulted in more households turning to their jewellery. Pawning and gold loans also grew 77.5% YoY in finance companies in 2022, supporting loan growth while the leasing portfolio contracted under the continued restrictions on vehicle imports.

The exchange rate might also be a factor which aided in the growth of the gold loan book. Gold is traded internationally in dollars, so its rupee price moves with both the world gold price and the exchange rate. Between 2020 and 2022, the world gold price barely moved, rising less than 2% from US$ 1,770 to US$ 1,800 an ounce. The rupee, however, fell from an average of Rs. 186 to Rs. 325 per dollar. The indicative rupee price of gold (world gold price × USD/LKR annual average) rose by about 78%, almost entirely because of the currency, however during the same period finance company gold-backed loans tripled from Rs. 71.4 billion to Rs. 229.8 billion, though part of this increase reflects a change in the CBSL’s definition from December 2021.

However, between 2022 and 2024, the data tells a different story. The world price rose to US$ 2,386.2 an ounce while the rupee strengthened to an average of Rs. 302. The indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 23%, and Finance company gold loans rose from around Rs. 230 billion to Rs. 284 billion, which is almost the same proportion.

In 2025, the world price averaged US$ 3,431 an ounce after setting record highs, while the rupee was broadly stable at an average of Rs. 301. During this time, while the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 43% finance company gold loans grew by 64.1%. Thus, this time the book outpaced the gold price again. Thus, through the price itself whether the gap reflects more borrowers, more gold pledged per borrower, or a larger share of each sovereign’s value being lent cannot be ascertained.

2023 is the exception. The rupee was broadly stable on average at Rs. 327.53, and the indicative rupee price of gold rose by about 9%. Yet finance companies’ loans against gold contracted by 4.7%, even as commercial bank pawning rose from Rs. 411 billion to Rs. 547 billion. Thus whatever drove the 2025 surge was not a weaker rupee.

Source: CBSL

In 2022, finance companies’ pawning and gold loans grew by 77.5%, while the indicative rupee price of international gold rose by about 63%. Between 2022 and 2024, the two moved at broadly similar rates. In 2025, finance company gold lending grew by about 64%, against a rise of about 43% in the indicative rupee gold price. And in 2023, the relationship broke down altogether with the indicative price rising by about 9%, yet finance companies’ gold lending contracting by 4.7%. These comparisons suggest that collateral prices have played an important part in the expansion of gold-backed lending, however they are not a complete explanation. Also, it is important to keep in mind that annual average prices and year-end balances are not strictly comparable, thus, if at all, they indicate direction.

K Seeds Investments (KSI) publishes quarterly rankings of listed finance companies in Sri Lanka. The writer, Nimanga Shehan Senanayake is a Director of KSI

There is a profound beauty in seeing the world through the unfiltered lens of a child. Before life becomes complicated by adulthood, joy is wonderfully simple. Joy is a water fight. Joy is staying up past your bedtime. And, coming in at number one on a very important list, joy is ice cream.

These simple wonders form the beating heart of Every Brilliant Thing, the acclaimed play by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, which will be showing at Kamatha Studio, BMICH, Colombo, from 5-9 November 2026.

Brought to Colombo by The Peterite Arts Foundation (PAF) and directed by Theruni Indrapala, this heartwarming, immersive production stars Sri Lankan actor Mario de Soyza in a role unlike anything he has tackled before.

For over 20 years, de Soyza has been a well-known and energetic figure on the Colombo stage. He’s played major roles in both dramas and musicals, including Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, Juan Perón in Evita, Bruce Bechdel in Fun Home, and many characters in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. But in Every Brilliant Thing, there’s no ensemble, no elaborate sets, and no barrier between actor and audience.

‘The primary draw for taking on this project was the sheer quality of the writing,’ de Soyza explains. ‘As a performer heavily experienced in musical theater, this play offers a unique opportunity to step away from musicals and tackle something completely different.’

What Macmillan has written is a deceptively simple premise that requires a staggering amount of emotional intelligence from its lone actor. The story follows a narrator who, at seven, begins a list of every wonderful thing in life in a desperate attempt to cheer up their chronically depressed mother. Over a lifetime, that list swells to over a million items, anchoring the narrator through adulthood.

This story has no traditional cast. Instead, the performer and the audience create the evening together. The audience is asked to read items from the list aloud, or even step into the shoes of different characters from his life. ‘It presents the formidable, slightly scary, but deeply exciting challenge of being a solo actor tasked with holding an audience’s attention for an hour,’ says de Soyza. ‘The interactive nature of the play introduces a thrilling sense of fluidity and uncertainty to the performance.’

The journey to the Colombo stage began when director Theruni Indrapala shared the script with de Soyza and expressed her vision for his casting. It found a natural producing partner in The Peterite Arts Foundation. de Soyza’s own relationship with theater began at St. Peter’s College, making this a beautiful homecoming. Following PAF’s debut 2024 production of Ray Cooney’s Caught in the Net. This second production reflects the Foundation’s dedication to staging plays that truly matter right now. Today’s youth carry an incredibly heavy emotional burden, facing pressures and anxieties that can often feel overwhelming. This play serves as a safe space to talk about those very real, modern-day struggles with empathy and hope

For Mario de Soyza, this solo performance is deeply personal. ‘It represents a major full-circle moment,’ he shares. ‘It is a direct tribute to the directors and practitioners who have shaped my journey over the years.’ He credits mentors like Tracy Holsinger, Jerome De Silva, Surein De Silva Wijeyaratne, Jehan Aloysius, Jehan Bastians, Michael de Soyza, Sashane Perera, Uncle Jith Pieris (1947-1026), and Indu Dharmasena for paving the way to this defining role.

While the play tackles the heavy theme of mental health and proudly partners with World Vision Lanka to support their Every Mind Matters youth initiative, its core message is remarkably uplifting. As original star Jonny Donahoe once said, ‘There is great tragedy in the story… but our message is very simple: don’t ever give up.’

For tickets or more information, visit peterite.arts.

When the United Arab Emirates and Canada signed a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on 27 October, the announcement offered another example of how governments are actively reshaping their international economic relationships. The agreement promises improved market access once implemented, alongside wider cooperation in investment, infrastructure and strategic industries.

For Sri Lanka, the important question is not whether it should pursue an identical agreement. It is whether the country is obtaining sufficient economic value from the trade relationships it already possesses.

That question deserves attention because international trade is not simply a matter of increasing the movement of goods. Countries must also consider how trade contributes to employment, domestic production, foreign exchange earnings and the development of more competitive industries.

The UAE is already an important commercial partner for Sri Lanka.

According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Sri Lankan exports to the UAE reached approximately $341 million in 2025, compared with imports of about $1.44 billion. The UAE was Sri Lanka’s seventh-largest export destination and third-largest source of imports.

These figures demonstrate the scale of the relationship, but they do not tell us everything about its economic value.

A bilateral merchandise trade imbalance should not automatically be treated as evidence of an unhealthy relationship. Imports can support domestic production, transportation, energy supply and other essential economic activities. Their contribution depends on what is purchased and how effectively those inputs are used.

Nevertheless, the figures provide a reason to examine whether Sri Lankan companies could generate greater value from their existing access to Gulf markets.

Among Sri Lanka’s principal exports to the UAE in 2025 were tea, garments, diamonds, cocoa preparations, coconut products and petroleum oils.

The diversity of these products presents different commercial possibilities.

For tea exporters, the challenge is not necessarily finding another destination for an established product. It may involve developing stronger brands, improving packaging, identifying higher-value customer segments and building relationships with distributors who understand regional demand.

For apparel manufacturers, competitiveness increasingly depends on reliability, design, production standards and the ability to respond to changing customer requirements.

For coconut-based food producers, opportunities may involve product differentiation, quality assurance and consistent access to retail and food-service markets.

None of these possibilities is guaranteed. Each requires careful market research, regulatory compliance and commercial execution.

In my view, a useful trade strategy should distinguish between exporting more and earning more value from exports.

A company that sells larger volumes at weak margins may become more exposed to transport costs, currency movements and financing pressures. A smaller exporter that develops a recognised product and stable distribution arrangements may create greater long-term value.

This is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises that cannot easily absorb the costs of unsuccessful overseas expansion.

The UAE’s position as an international commercial and logistics centre creates potential access to customers beyond its domestic market. But such access should not be confused with automatic market entry into other countries.

Distribution arrangements, customs rules, product standards and destination-market requirements still matter. Businesses should examine the full commercial chain rather than assume that shipping goods through an international hub provides unrestricted access elsewhere.

The recent UAE-Canada agreement illustrates how trade cooperation can develop alongside investment and infrastructure planning.

Canadian and Emirati institutions have announced initiatives involving energy and international logistics. A memorandum concerning the Port of Churchill, the Hudson Bay Railway and DP World’s international network is intended to explore new transportation opportunities.

The proposal is not yet an operational corridor. Its significance lies in the attention being given to connectivity and alternative commercial routes.

Sri Lankan policymakers and businesses should consider a related issue: how dependable are the systems connecting domestic producers to foreign customers?

A tea exporter may secure an attractive contract but lose competitiveness through inconsistent delivery. A garment manufacturer may invest in production capacity yet remain vulnerable to delays affecting imported materials. A food producer may meet customer expectations but encounter difficulties with documentation or distribution.

Such problems cannot always be solved by signing additional trade agreements.

They require improvements in operational coordination, logistics reliability, standards compliance, digital processes and commercial information.

Export-support institutions can help by connecting companies to buyers, providing accurate market intelligence and improving knowledge of regulatory requirements. Financial institutions can contribute by offering suitable trade-finance products, subject to responsible risk assessment.

Meanwhile, businesses must examine their own exposure to concentrated customers, suppliers and transportation arrangements.

The objective should not be to eliminate commercial risk, which is impossible. It should be to ensure that expansion does not create dependencies that management cannot understand or control.

There is also value in considering service exports alongside physical goods.

Sri Lanka possesses professional skills and business capabilities that may have applications in technology, engineering support, business services and specialised operations. These opportunities depend on market demand, contractual requirements and the ability to deliver services consistently across borders.

International competitiveness should be developed through capabilities that companies can demonstrate, not through optimistic assumptions about future demand.

For Sri Lanka, the UAE relationship offers an existing platform from which to examine these issues. Its commercial importance is already established. The question is how businesses can make that relationship more productive.

The agreement between Canada and the UAE provides a reminder that economic partnerships are changing as countries seek new markets and strengthen commercial connections.

Sri Lanka does not need to copy every agreement announced elsewhere. It needs to understand which weaknesses limit the value of its present relationships and which improvements would allow local businesses to compete more effectively.

The future of trade should not be measured only by how many products cross a border.

It should also be measured by how much sustainable economic value remains with the people and businesses producing them.

Sarasavi Uyana College produced an impressive performance to defeat Hemamali Girls’ School 32/10 in the inaugural ‘Singha Denuwange Ran Satana’ 12-a-side girls’ rugby big match, played at

the Bogambara Grounds in Kandy recently.

Hemamali made the early breakthrough through Chaturika Ranaweera, while Tisali Perera replied for Sarasavi Uyana. At the short breather it was 10 apiece.

Sarasavi Uyana raised the tempo after the break, adopting an attacking approach and putting the Hemamali defence under pressure. Isanka, Kaumodi, Umasha and Bimasa crossed the line, with a successful conversion helping the winners complete a 32-point tally. Heshan Gamage coached the winning outfit. Deepal Punyawardena refereed. Isanka Weeraperakrama won the Player of the Match award while Gayathri Sanganayaka won the Rising

Star award. (SJ)

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has successfully conducted a workshop on the practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in export businesses in the Kandy region, with the sponsorship support of Habib Bank.

The workshop was held at the Grand Kandyan Hotel, Kandy, bringing together 55 participants, including SME exporters and entrepreneurs. The program provided participants with practical knowledge on how AI can be effectively utilised to enhance business operations, productivity, innovation and competitiveness in international markets.

The session focused on practical applications of AI relevant to exporters, including market research, identification of potential international buyers, digital marketing, content creation, customer engagement, business process automation and other export-related activities.

Bluechip Tech Ltd., and Bluechip Technologies Asia Founder and CEO Uditha Bandara, served as the resource person for the workshop. He shared his expertise and practical experience on the application of AI and emerging digital technologies, providing participants with valuable insights into how AI-powered tools can be incorporated into their day-to-day business activities.

The interactive session also demonstrated how AI tools can help SMEs reduce the time and cost associated with routine business activities, improve decision-making and enhance their ability to identify and access new international market opportunities. Participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions and gain practical insights into the effective use of AI for business growth and export development.

The program forms part of the EDB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the digital capabilities of Sri Lankan SMEs and encourage exporters to adopt emerging technologies to improve productivity, innovation and competitiveness in global markets.

The EDB appreciates Habib Bank for its valuable sponsorship and support in successfully conducting the program in Kandy. The EDB also extends its appreciation to Bluechip Tech Ltd., and Bluechip Technologies Asia Founder and CEO Uditha Bandara for sharing his expertise and contributing to the capacity-building of Sri Lankan SME exporters through the workshop.

Novak Djokovic’s hopes of making a record 19th appearance at the ATP Finals have been dented by a surprise defeat against Jan-Lennard Struff at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.

Playing in the tournament for the first time in 15 years, the 39-year-old lost 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 7-6 (7-5) – the first time he has been beaten by Struff in nine meetings.

‘I knew I needed to go for it. There was only one way to play it. So, I was very, very happy,’ said the world number 27.

‘I knew I had to play my best tennis to have a chance. The last eight times he beat me very, very easily. So, I’m very, very happy and pleased with the performance.’

The year’s top-eight performers qualify for the ATP event in Turin and this result leaves Djokovic – the men’s game’s record 24-time Grand Slam winner – 11th in the standings.

Djokovic admitted he expected to feel ‘a little rusty’ after his win against Frenchman Ugo Humbert on Wednesday, but now faces a fight to make the finals as he is outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018. Rafael Jodar holds the final qualifying spot in ninth place, because number one Jannik Sinner is injured and will not take part.

Djokovic is 319 points behind Jodar, although he has the opportunity at the Paris Masters in November to move up the rankings. The Serb is aiming to move ahead of Roger Federer with his 19th appearance at the finals in Turin.

He has won the event a record seven times and has missed the past two editions with injury – but the last time he failed to qualify on merit was in 2017, when his season was affected by injury. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have their places confirmed for the showpiece event in Italy from 15-22 November, although American Shelton also surprisingly lost in Basel. The top seed lost 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-1) to Swiss wildcard Jerome Kym, who is ranked 222nd in the world.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) believes the new Electricity Act could help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the power sector by replacing the traditional single-buyer model with a competitive market that gives investors greater flexibility to sell electricity.

PUCSL Director General and CEO Damitha Kumarasinghe said the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024, which he said had come into force in March 2026, envisages multiple buyers and suppliers, allowing generators to explore direct supply arrangements with customers rather than relying solely on the national system operator.

‘The new Electricity Act gives options for everybody. Options for electricity user and options for investors, both existing and future,’ he said at the Sri Lanka Economic and Investment Summit 2026.

Under the previous framework, procurement powers were concentrated within the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), creating a single-buyer structure.

The new framework envisages a multi-buyer market in which electricity generators could identify buyers and route power to them through the network, subject to the applicable legal and regulatory arrangements.

Kumarasinghe said this could help address procurement-related constraints faced by investors and widen opportunities for private participation in electricity generation and supply.

He stressed, however, that the benefits would depend on completing the outstanding legal steps required to implement the Act fully.

‘We need to quickly do the necessary legal actions to create a level playing field,’ he said, warning that without these measures, the system could remain overly focused on the national system operator, limiting the benefits for investors and electricity users.

Kumarasinghe said the proposed framework would introduce competition not only for access to the market but also within the market itself. The electricity users could have greater choice over their electricity suppliers, while generators would have more opportunities to compete for customers.

In this environment, the national system operator would need to remain competitive against alternative suppliers, including private generators and electricity users’ own-generation options.

He said PUCSL’s role would be to facilitate investment by ensuring a level playing field and enabling the choices envisaged under the new law.

The regulator’s position complements its call for a simple, transparent and fair wheeling tariff to facilitate electricity transactions between generators and customers using the transmission and distribution network. Kumarasinghe has said such charges should cover network costs and provide a reasonable return without becoming so high that they discourage investment.

A functioning wheeling framework, together with a competitive electricity market, could help energy-intensive businesses secure power supply and give private generators greater certainty over potential buyers. This would be particularly relevant to investors considering data centres and other industries with substantial electricity requirements.

Kumarasinghe said the Government had enacted a forward-looking electricity law and that PUCSL viewed it positively. The priority now, he indicated, was to complete the necessary legal and regulatory work so that investors and electricity uses could benefit from the options it envisages.

The pace and effectiveness of implementation will be critical to determining whether the proposed shift from a single-buyer structure translates into greater competition, more private investment and improved choice for electricity users.

Havelock City Mall (HCM) is celebrating its third anniversary with ‘Three Is On Us’-a dedicated celebration honoring the shoppers, retail partners, and team members who have driven its journey over the past three years. Running from 16 to 25 October 2026, the festivities bring together exclusive shopper rewards, entertainment, and partner recognition, reflecting HCM’s appreciation for the community behind its success.

Since opening its doors in 2023, Havelock City Mall has grown into one of Colombo’s leading destinations, bringing together local and international brands, dining, and entertainment under one roof. Over the years, the mall has continually introduced fresh retail experiences and lifestyle events, establishing itself as a vibrant space where families and friends connect-true to its brand promise, ‘My Happy Place.’

As part of the anniversary celebrations, HCM will recognise the crucial role played by its retail partners and staff in shaping this milestone. A special awards ceremony will honor tenant partners with 34 awards across various categories, while dedicated employees will be recognised for their contributions to the mall’s growth.

Shoppers can look forward to exclusive discounts of up to 30% across participating brands, along with live music and entertainment throughout the anniversary period. Adding to the excitement, visitors who spend Rs. 10,000 or more can participate in a special scratch-card promotion offering guaranteed rewards. Designed to create a festive atmosphere, these activities offer family and friends numerous opportunities to celebrate together from 16 to 25 October.

Commenting on the occasion, of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC Group Chief Executive Officer Pravir Samarasinghe said: ‘As Havelock City Mall marks its third anniversary, we celebrate far more than a timeline milestone. We celebrate the shoppers, retail partners, business partners, and dedicated teams who have shaped our journey over the past three years. Their trust and continuous support have enabled us to build a destination where people come together to shop, dine, connect, and create lasting memories. ‘Three Is On Us’ is our way of giving back and saying thank you to everyone who has made Havelock City Mall their Happy Place. As we look ahead, we remain committed to creating even more meaningful experiences, strengthening our partnerships, and continually raising the benchmark for lifestyle retailing in Sri Lanka.’

The third anniversary marks another important milestone in Havelock City Mall’s journey. As it enters its fourth year, HCM remains focused on bringing people together through quality retail offerings, memorable experiences, and strong community partnerships-continuing to make Havelock City Mall ‘My Happy Place’ for all.

People’s Bank, one of Sri Lanka’s leading state-owned commercial banks, marks World Thrift Day on 31 October, reaffirming its commitment to promoting financial discipline, strengthening household financial security and supporting the country’s economic development. Through a diverse portfolio of savings products and innovative digital banking solutions, the Bank continues to empower Sri Lankans to manage their finances effectively and plan for a secure future.

Established in 1924 at the first International Savings Bank Congress held in Milan, Italy, World Thrift Day highlights the importance of prudent financial management and developing sound saving habits. For People’s Bank, this mission has remained central to its operations throughout its 65-year history, with products and services designed to meet the changing needs of customers at every stage of life.

Commenting on the occasion, A.U.A. Anzar, Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking at People’s Bank, said:

‘Over the past 65 years, People’s Bank has introduced a wide range of financial products to help Sri Lankans build financial security and achieve their future aspirations. Recognizing that financial needs differ at every stage of life, we continuously develop customer-focused solutions that combine the reliability of traditional banking with the convenience of modern technology.

‘Digital transformation is an important part of this commitment. Through platforms such as People’s Wave and People’s Pay, customers can access a range of banking services anytime, anywhere, making every day financial transactions more convenient and efficient. By combining responsible financial habits with innovative banking solutions, we aim to empower individuals and families while contributing to Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic development,’ he added.

People’s Bank offers specialized savings accounts for customers across different age groups and life stages. The Isuru Udana account, introduced in 1998, caters to children below six years of age, while the Sisu Udana account, introduced in 1996, encourages schoolchildren aged six to 18 to develop financial discipline from an early age.

Beyond promoting financial responsibility, the Bank recognizes academic excellence by rewarding students who pass the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination and those who achieve first, second and third island ranks across all six streams at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination.

The YES Account supports young people in building financial independence, offering attractive interest rates and benefits, together with access to financing for higher education. For women, the Vanitha Vasana Account and Vanitha Vasana Money Planner Investment Plan provide facilities to strengthen financial independence and encourage systematic financial planning.

The Parinatha Senior Citizen Account caters to the needs of older customers through attractive interest rates and access to low-interest loan schemes.

Meanwhile, the Ethera Isura Personal Foreign Currency Account enables eligible Sri Lankans to maintain savings or fixed deposits in 14 approved foreign currencies. The Ethera Udana Minors Foreign Account also allows parents living overseas to build a financial foundation for their children’s education and future needs.

Complementing these products, People’s Bank continues to expand its digital banking infrastructure to enhance customer convenience. Its network of more than 300 self-banking units provides access to essential banking transactions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The People’s Wave Mobile Banking App enables customers to conduct banking transactions through their mobile phones, while the People’s Pay digital wallet offers services including fund transfers, credit card payments, mobile reloads and LankaQR payments. These platforms help customers manage their finances efficiently while reducing the need for routine branch visits.

On World Thrift Day, People’s Bank encourages Sri Lankans to make regular saving and responsible money management an integral part of their lives. By setting aside funds consistently and making informed financial decisions, individuals and families can prepare for unexpected expenses, pursue their aspirations and build long-term financial resilience.

Through its comprehensive savings portfolio, accessible banking services and continued digital innovation, People’s Bank remains committed to fostering financial inclusion and helping to build a more financially secure and prosperous Sri Lanka.