CA Students’ International Conference concludes on high note

The 31st International CA Students’ Conference themed ‘Transmute, to Transmute’ concluded on a high note with over 600 CA students from across the country as well as the South Asian region participating, where the importance to embrace change in the current dynamic global environment was underscored. 

Sri Lanka-Czech Republic to deepen bilateral ties

Both Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic have expressed interest to further enhance and deepen bilateral ties between the two countries as there is a big potential for further development.

Arthacharya Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary

 Established in 1992, Arthacharya Foundation celebrates its silver jubilee this year. 

MTI’s idea2fund invests, incubates ‘Bakamuna’ lifestyle designs

Rochelle Bibile, a young designer with an eye for the daring and unique, sees her vision become reality through partnering with MTI’s idea2fund. 

Kodomo brings cheer to Little Hearts

‘Kodomo’ Kiddies Tooth paste marketed by UTN Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, contributes for the project of  Little Hearts,

Aitken Spence partners to raise awareness on Thalassemia

Aitken Spence partnered with Thalassemia Foundation of Sri Lanka to raise awareness of Thalassemia disease through a walk which was conducted in Colombo on  May 06th. 

JKH March earnings up 10% to Rs.5bn; full year net up 16%

Sri Lanka’s premier blue chip, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), which is currently building a massive mixed development project in the heart of Colombo, saw its net profit for the January-March quarter (4Q17) increasing 10 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs.5 billion.

Sri Lanka raises US $ 1.5bn via international bond issue

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Sri Lankan government successfully priced a new US$1.5 billion 10-year international sovereign bond on  May 4th. 

Top World Bank official visits Sri Lanka

Jan Walliser, the World Bank’s Vice President for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions, arrived in Colombo for an official two-day visit. 

Indonesia seeks US$2 bn over Australia oil spill

AFP: Indonesia said yesterday it has filed a US$2 billion lawsuit against an energy company over an oil spill off Australia that it claims caused environmental damage in the  archipelago’s waters. 

Sancharaka Udawa 2017

Tourism Minister John Amaratunga declared open the 7th Edition of the ‘Sancharaka Udawa’ exhibition at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre yesterday. Picture shows the Minister and Sri Lanka Tourism Authority’s Chairman Paddy Withana taking a look at the tourism products on display.  Pic by: Kithsiri de Mel

Shares post 1-year closing high on continued foreign buying

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares rose to a one-year closing high yesterday, led by banking and diversified stocks, on continued foreign buying.

Lighthouses could be used to promote tourism industry: Minister

Sri Lanka Ports Authority commenced its support to the development of the tourism industry from Dondra. 

BOI conducts awareness programme for professional tour guides

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka organized a briefing seminar for members of the tour guide profession at the BOI’s Auditorium in the World Trade Centre recently.

A different kind of dansal with Pelwatte Ice-Cream

The month of May in Sri Lanka is celebrated as the month of ‘light’ with the commemoration of the Vesak festival. A common sight is a collection of colourful lanterns that adorn homes and the elaborate pandols that are erected in city centres depicting stories from the Buddhist beliefs. 

Upcot’s Strathspey Estate celebrates 90th anniversary

Strathspey Estate, Upcot, which is situated in the Maskeliya area, owned by Richard Pieris Group of Companies and managed by Maskeliya Plantations PLC, celebrated its factory’s 90th anniversary recently by conducting a lot of religious activities such as giving bestowment to those who rendered their services to Strathspey Estate since the year 1927.

Jayantha Rajapakse’s Golden Rays on the Dark Moon offers revelatory look at Lankan lives

Unipower Chairman and self-made, successful entrepreneur Jayantha Mangala Rajapakse recently announced the release of the English translation of his autobiography, Amawaka Anduru Ne, a compelling and heart-warming story of inspiration and hope. 

Mobitel’s Cash Bonanza Montero Extravaganza rewards March winner

The national mobile service provider, Mobitel’s Cash Bonanza Montero Extravaganza programme is in top gear for the third month in the year 2017. The lucky winner of the Cash Bonanza Montero Extravaganza for the month of March 2017 was announced as Chamara Naleenfrom Rajagiriya. 

Dentsu Aegis Network sweeps Creative Abbys at Goafest 2017; wins 87 metals

Dentsu Aegis Network India has bagged the highest tally of metals as a group at the Creative Abbys at the Goafest 2017 edition.

IMF implies new income tax law imperative to go forward

After pushing the government to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) last year, it now appears that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants the new income tax bill to be presented to parliament before June this year to release the third tranche of the US $ 1.5 billion loan programme it has with Sri Lanka.

Challenging operating environment hurts SriLankan FY2016/17 performance

National carrier, SriLankan Airlines, said yesterday it incurred a group net loss (before finance and one-off charges) of Rs.6.49 billion (US $ 15.2 million) for the financial year (FY) 2016/17 amid difficult market conditions. 

Ray Abeywardena appointed new CSE Chairman

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced the appointment of Ray Abeywardena as the Chairman of the board of directors of the CSE with effect from May 5, 2017. 

Tourist arrivals rebound in April as airport reopens

After two months of negative growth, tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka rebounded 17.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) this April to reach 160,249 tourists, following the resumption of normal operations at the 

Shares gain; IMF may consider loan review request

REUTERS:  Sri Lankan shares ended firmer yesterday, helped by foreign buying in blue chips, after the International Monetary Fund said it may consider the country’s request for a second loan review.

Sri Lanka tea sale averages soar in April

Sri Lanka tea sale averages for the month of April 2017 recorded Rs.648.52 (approx.US$ 4.27) compared to Rs. 429.76 (approx. US$2.98) in the same month last year, according to data compiled by Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC.  

Rupee edges up on exporter dlr selling

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended slightly higher yesterday as exporters sold the dollar and a statement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it may review the country’s request to complete a second loan review boosted the sentiment. The move comes a day after the IMF said its executive board was likely to consider in June Sri Lanka’s reque

Sri Lanka launches 10-year sovereign bond

Sri Lanka has tightened the final guidance to 6.25 percent area, plus or minus 5 basis points, for its proposed 10-year US dollar bond.

Ceylon Chamber calls for targeted programme to make most of GSP Plus

Sri Lanka’s premier trade chamber, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), yesterday called on the government to launch a targeted and accelerated programme to support the sectors capable of expanding their exports to the European Union (EU) in the wake of the country’s prospects for regaining the GSP Plus trade concession remain high. 

Dreamron Cosmetics expands to Myanmar market

Dreamron, Sri Lanka’s premier brand of cosmetics and the largest exporter of hair and skin cosmetics launched its product range at the Hledan Center in Yangon Myanmar amid a large and distinguished gathering, last month. 

EU-SL hold Investor Dialogue meeting

The European Union (EU)-Sri Lanka Investor Dialogue meeting was held at the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry yesterday.