Business Today

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

Business Today June 2026

This edition of the magazine features interviews with Access Engineering Chairman Sumal Perera, Sunshine Holdings Group CEO Shyam Sathasivam, Rockland Distilleries Managing Director Amal de Silva, Political YouTuber Waruna Rajapaksha and articles on President Trump's visit to China and many more.

Visit: https://businesstoday.lk/

28/05/2026

Trump in China: Diplomacy, Commerce, and the CEOs Shaping the Future

President Donald Trump’s state visit to China marked one of the most closely watched diplomatic engagements of the year. Against a backdrop of strategic rivalry, economic interdependence, and shifting global dynamics, the meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping demonstrated that while competition between the United States and China continues, both nations recognize the importance of dialogue, trade, and business cooperation. Accompanying President Trump was a powerful delegation of American business leaders, reflecting the growing role of corporate diplomacy in international relations.

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/trump-in-china-diplomacy-commerceand-the-ceos-shaping-the-future/

28/05/2026

Leadership Beyond Ownership: Sumal Perera on Building Lasting Value

Access Engineering evolved from a locally rooted enterprise into a diversified, publicly listed conglomerate with expanding global partnerships.

Speaking with Business Today, Chairman Sumal Perera focused on strategy, leadership, and values, outlining how disciplined financial management, operational efficiency, and diversification have enabled the Group to remain resilient through industry cycles while sustaining growth and profitability.

He spoke on the philosophy that has shaped Access Engineering’s journey — from its early days of entrepreneurial risk-taking to its current standing as a multi-sector player in engineering, logistics, energy, and healthcare. Equally central to the conversation is his people-centric leadership approach, which emphasizes shared success, employee empowerment, and strong internal culture as key drivers of performance. Perera’s leadership philosophy is grounded in trust, humility, and long-term thinking — where business success is measured not only in financial outcomes, but in people, partnerships, and lasting impact.

Read more:https://businesstoday.lk/leadership-beyond-ownership-sumal-pereraon-building-lasting-value/

28/05/2026

From Local Roots to Global Ambitions: The Transformation Story of Sunshine Holdings

From a family-founded pharmacy in Gampola to a diversified, publicly listed conglomerate with leadership positions across healthcare, consumer goods, and agribusiness, Sunshine Holdings has built a remarkable growth story.

Shyam Sathasivam, Group CEO of Sunshine Holdings and second-generation family representative, discusses the strategic priorities shaping Sunshine’s next phase of growth — including expansion into export markets, deeper investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and the growing role of technology, digital transformation, and consumer insight-led decision-making across the Group. He also elaborates on how the organization is balancing commercial performance with affordability, accessibility, and broader societal responsibility.

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/from-local-roots-to-global-ambitionsthe-transformation-story-of-sunshine-holdings/

28/05/2026

Pan Asia Bank records highest ever quarterly Deposits and Advances growth in Q1 2026

Pan Asia Banking Corporation delivered a strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026. Despite external uncertainties, the Bank recorded a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of 1.65 billion rupees and a Profit After Tax (PAT) of 1.05 billion rupees, reflecting disciplined financial management, operational consistency, and prudent risk governance.

Read more:https://businesstoday.lk/pan-asia-bank-records-highest-ever-quarterly-deposits-and-advances-growth-in-q1-2026/

28/05/2026

HNB reaches 2.5 trillion rupees asset milestone, marking a strong start to 2026

The Bank recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of 9.95 billion rupees in Q1 2026, reflecting disciplined balance sheet expansion and sustained improvements in asset quality. At the group level, performance remained resilient, with PAT reaching 10.35 billion rupees for the quarter. In Q1 2026, interest income grew ten percent YoY, outpacing the rise in funding costs and driving Net Interest Income (NII) to 26.9 billion rupees.

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/hnb-reaches-2-5-trillion-rupees-asset-milestone-marking-a-strong-start-to-2026/

28/05/2026

A Century of Distillation: Inside Rockland’s Evolution

From its century-old origins in Sri Lanka’s distilling industry to its growing global footprint, Rockland Distilleries continues to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in its heritage. Speaking with Business Today, Managing Director Amal de Silva Wijeyeratne reflects on the company’s philosophy of balancing tradition with innovation, its response to shifting consumer trends, and the importance of people and culture in sustaining long-term growth. He shares insights into Rockland’s expanding global outlook through Three Families, a collaborative creation developed with Dilmah’s Dilhan Fernando and award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, which brings together Sri Lankan ingredients, tea expertise, and contemporary mixology to redefine Asian flavor on the world stage.

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/a-century-of-distillation-inside-rocklands-evolution/

28/05/2026

Reframing Political Discourse in Sri Lanka’s Digital Space

Political YouTuber Waruna Rajapaksha is a familiar name and face on digital media. Since launching his channel in January 2025, Waruna has reached 50,000 subscribers. A political activist since school, his ideological evolution has shaped his approach to commentary today. Drawing on his experience, he offers a perspective that challenges conventional ideas of journalism, audience engagement, and political responsibility. From the influence of the Aragalaya movement to global geopolitical shifts, he argues for a more analytical, openly positioned, and debate-driven digital public sphere.

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/reframing-political-discourse-in-sri-lankas-digital-space/

28/05/2026

Unwind and Connect: CIM Sri Lanka announces Members’ Fellowship Night 2026

The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Professional Member Support Committee (SLPMSC) has announced its upcoming Members’ Fellowship Night 2026, scheduled for June 20, at the Cinnamon Lakeside, Kings Court, Colombo. Designed as a refreshing departure from traditional corporate gatherings, the event, which starts at 6pm, promises an engaging blend of fun, light-hearted humor, and authentic conversation. Set in a relaxed yet premium environment, the evening aims to bring together marketing professionals from across the industry to strengthen connections, exchange perspectives, and unwind in high-energy social surroundings. The program will feature a distinctive line-up of personalities known for their engaging stories and unique viewpoints:

Read more: https://businesstoday.lk/unwind-and-connect-cim-sri-lanka-announces-members-fellowship-night-2026/