Sri Lanka is famed for its ancient cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. But beyond the well trodden tourist paths lie
Author: LMD International
Today’s travellers are looking for something deeper – there’s a desire for purpose driven travel
From apparel brands like Gap, Levi’s and Columbia Sportswear to designer labels like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger to lingerie boutique Victoria’s Secret Nikkei – August 8, 2025 COLOMBO — From apparel brands like Gap, Levi’s and Columbia Sportswear to designer labels like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger to lingerie boutique Victoria’s Secret, Sri Lanka has long been recognized as an ethical and trusted apparel source. But now the island’s largest forex-earning industry is facing a fresh and formidable challenge: a 20% tariff on exports to the U.S., its largest customer. The rate took effect on…
Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is one of the country’s oldest and most important
A comprehensive rubber export transformation strategy is needed to promote value addition
One of Sri Lanka’s undeniable advantages is its strategic location
Mohan Pandithage SUPPLY SYNERGY “Staying close to stakeholders, maintaining strong supplier relationships and keeping an ear to the ground are essential” In today’s fast-paced global economy, supply chain and logistics play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless business operations. From managing risks and disruptions to leveraging technology for efficiency, companies must continuously innovate to stay competitive. As industries worldwide adapt to digital transformation and sustainability challenges, leaders in the field provide critical insights into the evolving landscape. Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys – Mohan Pandithage is one such visionary leader in one of Sri Lanka’s most diversified multinational conglomerates..…
ECONOMIC SENTIMENT SWINGS Sentiment about the economy shifts direction again by taking a sharp U-turn Concerns raised by the business community in June appear to have been short-lived with sentiment shifting once again in July. THE ECONOMY The latest LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey, conducted in the first week of July, reveals a notable surge in optimism about the economy. A substantial 70 percent of respondents believe the economy will ‘improve’ over the next 12 months – that’s a healthy 14 percentage point spike from June’s 56 percent. However, slightly over a fifth (21%) of survey participants expect the…
WHEN LEGACY MEETS SCALE: MALIBAN AND RELIANCE REDEFINE REGIONAL FMCG PARTNERSHIPS Maliban offers product equity and decades of consumer trust; Reliance brings pan-India reach, retail infrastructure and digital intelligence Q: What strategic synergies did Maliban and Reliance identify that made this partnership not just viable but necessary in today’s fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) landscape? T. Krishnakumar (KK): Maliban is one of the most iconic and trusted brands from Sri Lanka. It is the pioneer in biscuit manufacturing in the country and Maliban’s legacy transcends over seven decades. The products are exported to over 40 countries across five continents. The…
LMD’s 2025 rankings of Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected’ entities were compiled by PepperCube Consultants, drawing on insights shared by business leaders across the country. Fieldwork for the survey took place during March and April this year with responses gathered from 600 senior professionals. All participants were employed at a managerial level or higher in companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), the latest edition of the LMD 100 and Brands Annual 2024. To ensure a broad and diverse sample, a maximum of six participants were selected from each organisation. And respondents were not permitted to nominate their own employers.…