South Africa and South America added to SL’s travel ban list

The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation announced a short while ago that travellers from South Africa and South America will not be able to disembark in Sri Lanka’s international airports with immediate effect.

UK no more potential source for SL tourism

Sri Lanka would no longer be able to target tourists from the UK as a decision has been taken to place the island nation on the red list.

Lanka Sathosa open from today

State owned retail network Lanka Sathosa will be open across the island from today as directed by the government to ensure the masses have access to food and essential items during the ongoing restriction period.

Litro Gas Lanka to set up oxygen manufacturing plant in Kerawalapitiya

Sri Lanka’s largest importer and supplier of LP gas, Litro Gas Lanka is gearing up to establish an oxygen manufacturing plant and distribution network in Kerawalapitiya

SEC grants listed entities extension to submit financial statements

Capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted a one-month extension to listed companies to release financial statements as requested by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

SLAITO launches helpline to assist peers in hard hit tourism sector

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced the launch of a helpline for its members, an avenue established to allow those in the industry to reach out for assistance to steer through the recurring challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

No shortage of salt due to sea contamination from X-Press Pearl: Gammanpila

Sri Lanka will not face a shortage of salt, assured Minister Udaya Gammanpila while addressing the Cabinet briefing session today.

Members to Colombo Port City Economic Commission appointed

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed members to the Colombo Port City Commission, the President’s Media Division announced.

Dhammika’s Rocell to venture into confectionary biz

Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera-controlled Royal Ceramic Lanka (RCL) PLC is gearing to enter into biscuit and chocolate production through its non-operational subsidiary Rocell Ceramics Limited, which was recently renamed as Biscuits and Chocolate Company Limited.

Stock market remains buoyant in 2021

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has recorded 9.3 percent growth in Year-to-Date (YTD) All Share Price Index (ASPI) within the first 05 months of 2021.

Emirates SkyCargo transports 50,000 doses of Sputnik V from Moscow to Colombo

As Sri Lanka began expanding its COVID-19 vaccination programme beyond the Western Province, Emirates SkyCargo supported the process by transporting a consignment of Sputnik V vaccines from Russia to Colombo.

Sri Lanka to open Airports tomorrow

Sri Lanka will allow passenger travel to its international airports from 1 June, State Minister of Aviation D. V. Chanaka announced a short while ago, however, visitors from Vietnam will not be allowed to disembark due to the identification of a new COVID-19 variant.

Global cold chain logistics market for pharma to grow by over US $ 9bn by 2024

The global cold chain logistics market for pharmaceuticals is expected to grow by US$ 9.48 billion during 2020-2024, revealed a report launched by Technavio today.

People’s Bank begins construction of its new Head Office building

Marking an important milestone of its 60 years’ history, People’s Bank began construction of its all-new Head Office building. The Prime Minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the construction by unveiling the ceremonial plaque digitally on the 28th of May 2021.

US$ 200mn ADB loan for rural road network upgrade

Sri Lanka’s rural road network will receive an upgrade in the coming months with the government having signed a US$ 200 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) earlier today.

BOI Chairman tells factory employees not to abuse travel passes

The government has issued passes to all the factories functioning in BOI Export Processing Zones and outside to facilitate the transport of employees between the places of residence and the workplace.

President assures adequate organic fertilizer for Maha seasons

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant officials to take steps to provide organic fertilizer required for the ’Maha’ Season to farmers without any shortage, a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

EU, WB support modernization of SL’s agri sector

The Ministry of Finance and the World Bank recently signed a new grant from the European Union to support the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project (ASMP). This grant is part of the EU’s EUR 25 million support to the US$ 125 million project and will be administered by the World Bank.

Petroleum testing lab to be set up at H’tota Port

A state-of-the-art petroleum testing laboratory will be made available at the Hambantota International Port (HIP), a facility that will be established in partnership with Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

EPF dept. makes arrangement to provide services remotely

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced that the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) Department has made arrangements to provide services remotely and regionally due to the imposed travel restrictions in the country.

Hemas welcomes MoH request seeking Pvt. sector assistance on vaccine procurement

Sole local representative for AstraZeneca and Pfizer in Sri Lanka, Hemas Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd said it welcomes the request by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to the private sector to assist and facilitate vaccine purchase from any source. It affirmed all efforts will be taken to ensure importation of quality products via its channel into the country.

Stock market to operate as normal

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) says trading will function as per regular trading hours despite the countrywide mobility restrictions coming into place from tonight.

Zoom gears up to unveil all-in-one solution, ‘Zoom Events’ this summer

Zoom, a leading modern enterprise video communications service provider, announced it will launch this summer an all-in-one solution that would provide customers with the tools to create a wide range of engaging virtual experiences.

SL hopes to strengthen trade and investment ties within Asia

Sri Lanka hopes to strengthen bilateral relations with all countries, especially in the Asian region, with regard to trade and investment, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

UL enters into MoU with Boeing

National carrier SriLankan Airlines announced today that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based leading aerospace company Boeing.

No passenger disembarkation from 21 to 31 May

Sri Lanka will not permit disembarkation of passengers into the country for 10 days starting 21 March, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced a short while ago.

First inter-ministerial meeting for National Tourism Policy development held

Charting the way forward to establish a vibrant tourism industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka held its first inter-ministerial committee meeting for National Tourism Policy development today.

Penalties imposed on two financial institutions

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank announced it has imposed penalties on two financial institutions amounting to Rs.4.0 million during the first quarter for not complying with anti-money laundering laws.

Govt. steps up efforts to fast-track Digital Sri Lanka agenda

The government shared that it is looking to increase its efforts in fast tracking the Digital Sri Lanka agenda, and is currently in the midst of getting the relevant stakeholders on to one platform.

Facebook Journalism Project and Reuters launch digital journalism course in SL

The Facebook Journalism Project and Reuters have partnered to launch an online training program, Reuters Digital Journalism Course. The program aims to support journalists in nine countries across the Asia Pacific, including Sri Lanka, to build a strong foundation in digital reporting and editing.