Emirates on track to become world’s 1st Autism Certified Airline

Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced it is all set to officially become the world’s first ‘Autism Certified Airline’.

JICA assures continued aid to Sri Lanka

The Japan International Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assured its commitment to continue providing financial and technical assistance to Sri Lanka.

Govt. to tap migrant worker savings with Rs.744.75mn entrepreneurship scheme

Sri Lanka is exploring avenues to channel foreign earnings into local investments to boost its economy, with plans underway to empower the returning migrant workers to reinvest their hard-earned savings in the country.

Business community welcomes New Year with positive sentiments

Sri Lanka’s private sector enters year 2025 with optimism as the island nation has somewhat managed to emerge from years of economic turbulence, supported by signs of recovery and a more stable environment.

New Year New Challenges New Opportunities

As 2024 came to a close, Sri Lanka made significant progress in addressing, to a great extent, some of the critical issues that plunged the nation into crisis.

Emirates launches additional flight to CMB-DXB route

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to operate an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai, starting from 2 January 2025.

CCC sets record straight on media statements relating to CBSL policies

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) said it is in no way connected to or involved with the statements recently attributed to ’The Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce’ regarding directives issued by the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals surpass 2 million in 2024

Sri Lanka has welcomed its 2 millionth tourist who arrived from Bangkok this year, at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), after a five-year gap.

Auction yields slump for third consecutive week

Market participants in the secondary market exhibited mixed sentiment, pivoting from the dull sentiment yesterday observing thin trading volumes and limited market activity.

Moody’s raises Sri Lanka’s rating

Christmas gifts are continuing to come Sri Lanka’s way, with Moody’s Ratings (Moody’s) upgrading the island nation’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to Caa1 from Ca.

ASPI crosses the 15,000 mark for the first time

Indices closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Hatton National Bank nonvoting with the turnover crossing Rs. 8.4 billion.

November merchandise exports slide 5.6% YoY while services sector expands 21%

Sri Lanka’s export performance for the month of November witnessed a Year-on-Year (YoY) contraction of 5.6 percent with revenue reaching US$ 943.1 million. The decrease is primarily attributed to reduced earnings from exports of Rubber-based products, Electrical and Electronic components, Food & Beverages, and Seafood.

Browns Investments completes acquisition of shares in Lipton Teas and Infusions Tanzania Limited

Browns Investments announced today the completion of the acquisition of 100 percent of the shares in Lipton Teas and Infusions Tanzania Limited.

SL exits ’Restricted Default’ rating

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ’CCC+’, from ’RD’ (Restricted Default).

SriLankan airlines hosts agents’ tour to Gan island

The SriLankan Airlines Mumbai team, in collaboration with the airline’s Maldives team and Canareef Resort, recently hosted a successful agents’ educational tour to the stunning Gan Island in the Maldives.

First Capital crowned as Brand of the Year at SLIM Brand Excellence 2024

First Capital was recognised as the Brand of the Year at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2024.

Bitcoin surges past $100k for first time

The price of Bitcoin has for the first time broken past the $100,000 mark, hitting a new record high.

USAID, CBL group to boost SL’s coconut industry

CBL Global Foods Limited (CBL GFL), a subsidiary of the CBL Group, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) this week released a practical handbook to improve coconut farming practices in Sri Lanka.

CG Corp Global bets big on SL’s recovery and growth

Chaudhary Group (CG) Corp Global, a Nepal-based multinational conglomerate, reaffirmed its commitment to Sri Lanka yesterday, pledging to remain invested in the long term while identifying opportunities to expand further.

Supreme Court dismisses fundamental rights applications filed against LTL Holdings IPO

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has dismissed three fundamental rights applications, Nos. 198/2024, 254/2024 and 263/2024, which challenged the opening of the initial public offering (IPO) of LTL Holdings Limited on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

CBSL further eases monetary policy stance

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 26 November 2024, decided to further ease the monetary policy stance and set the newly introduced Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00 per cent.

CBSL’s single policy interest rate mechanism comes into effect today

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced it has decided to implement a single policy interest rate mechanism transitioning from its dual policy interest rate mechanism, effective from 27 November 2024.

Sri Lanka Economic Summit in January 2025

The 24th edition of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will take place on January 28 and 29, at Shangri La Hotel, Colombo.

Industries Ministry public day re-launched after four years

The Public Day of the Industries Ministry was re-launched this morning after four years by the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti.

Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving the way for the next tranche, for US$ 333 million, of the four-year Extended Fund Facility.

Niloufer Esufally-Anverally Makes a Stylish Comeback with the Launch of NLFR

The Sri Lankan fashion industry is abuzz with excitement as Niloufer former Founder and Managing Director of Cotton Collection, returns to the spotlight with the launch of her new brand, NLFR. Set to debut on Thursday, November 21, 2024, NLFR promises to be a celebration of life’s passions and the enduring vision of an entrepreneur who has never stayed away from the creative world for too long.

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 kicks off across all 25 districts

Sri Lanka officially kickstarted the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) for 2024, yesterday under the theme ‘Entrepreneurship is for Everyone’ at a launch event held at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Colombo.

Fonterra to proceed with sale process for Consumer businesses

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has provided an update on its work to explore potential divestment options for its global Consumer business, as well as integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka.

BOI signs US$ 12.16mn deal with Celogen Lanka

The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has partnered in a US$ 12.16 million agreement with Celogen Lanka, a prominent local pharmaceutical manufacturer to support its research and development (R&D) initiatives.

Nissan to lay off thousands of workers as sales drop

Nissan has said it will lay off thousands of workers as it slashes global production to tackle a drop in sales in China and the US.