Idea Group launches 54 ‘Siyana’ showrooms in a day

Idea Group of Companies launched 54 showrooms that offer a total roofing solution, islandwide. The unveiling of all Siyana showrooms took place simultaneously at all locations, in one day, at the same time.

Arpico lights up giant Christmas tree at Hyde Park Supercentre

It does not seek to break records, but the larger-than-life stylised depiction of a Christmas tree at the Arpico Supercentre at Hyde Park Corner, Colombo, is attracting droves of selfie takers and happy snappers as they shop at the retail giant’s flagship outlet. Soaring to some 50 feet, the tree, which becomes a colossal cone of light at night, dwarfs the efforts at traditional seasonal décor at the country’s other supermarket

Renuka Foods introduces innovative Christmas offers

With the appetizing fragrance from the oven adding to the festive air, Renuka Foods has laid out a mouth-watering array designed to make your Christmas fare better and brighter this season.  Going hand in hand with this cavalcade of delectable goodies are exciting pathways via Facebook competitions that will make the season packed with fun.  

Abans offers Skechers Burst collection this Christmas

Searching for that dream pair of shoes that is stylish, versatile and comfortable? Well, look no further. This Christmas, Abans PLC, being Sri Lanka’s sole distributor for Skechers -- a global leader in performance and lifestyle footwear, now offers you the innovative Skechers Burst Collection with the ergonomic air-cooled memory foam that provides you with the ultimate comfort, while being ultra stylish.

Direct2Door delivers big benefits for online grocery customers

Already firmly established with a rapidly growing customer base, household concierge service Direct2Door is encouraging everyone living within Colombo and Greater Colombo to experience its improved utility and convenience, not just in terms of door-to-door delivery but also benefiting from the advice and assistance provided by concierges, who are well trained to ensure all customer needs are satisfied.

Freshness of chicken matters most for consumers: study

The Management Faculty of the University of Kelaniya recently conducted a market research study to ascertain consumer views and preferences, with a view to studying various aspects of purchasing behaviour among consumers when buying chicken.

CICT ‘Highly Commended’ at Lloyds List awards in Dubai

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has been presented with a ‘Highly Commended’ certificate in the ‘Port Operator’ category at the prestigious Lloyd’s List Middle East and Indian Subcontinent Awards for 2016.

Bangladesh’s Gemcon Group retains MTI for 8th consulting project

The Gemcon Group, one of Bangladesh’s top business conglomerates (including the leading supermarket chain Meena Bazar), has engaged MTI to for the 8th project since MTI’s inception in Bangladesh in 2006. 

Verité Research and LFVPPEA hold discussion on agri exports

Verité Research, in partnership with the Lanka Fruit & Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA) held a roundtable discussion recently on “Boosting Agri Exports: Reducing Domestic NTB’s”at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Jaffna International Trade Fair to kick-start on January 27

The Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF 2017), the largest Consumer Exhibition and Trade Fair in the fast-growing northern region of Sri Lanka, will be held from January 27 to 29, 2017 for the 8th 

ICCSL reiterates commitment to back PPPs and FTAs

The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL), which has been advocating market and economic reforms since its inception, reiterated its commitment to focus on consulting closely with the government and various other stakeholders in implementing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) this week.

Don’t politicise monetary policy: Bundesbank chief

AFP - The European Central Bank must stick to its price stability mandate and not be swayed by politics, Germany’s top central banker said yesterday, warning against extending loose monetary policy for too long.

Quebee Den’s Rohanthi tops JCI’s Outstanding Sri Lankans ranking

Rising star Quebee Den has once again been awarded one of Sri Lanka’s highest accolades with its Founder/CEO Rohanthi Wijewickrama adjudged the winner at the Junior Chamber International’s (JCI) Top 10 Outstanding Persons of Sri Lanka, for her Economic and  Entrepreneurial accomplishments. 

NSBM University gets CIOB Green Mark certification

As the premier professional body which promotes green constructions, the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB), presented the coveted CIOB Green Mark award certification and plaque to NSBM University, the first-ever green university in the whole of South Asia. 

Rupee falls as CB reference rate hike weighs; stocks down

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee fell for a third session yesterday as banks bought the dollar after the Central Bank raised spot reference rate further and the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled more tightening next year, dealers said.

US files WTO complaint against China over grain import restrictions

AFP - The US government this week announced it was taking aim against illegal Chinese restrictions on imports of American grain, as well as price supports China provides for domestic farmers.

‘Towards a greener tomorrow’ – A Phoenix Industries sustainability initiative

As the world strives towards achieving sustainable environmental processes and practices, it becomes a shared responsibility of every individual to both actively participate in such initiatives and make their contribution. This is no more an option, but an imperative.

Dollar holds gains on Fed, Tokyo rises a ninth day

AFP - The dollar held its gains against most other currencies in Asia yesterday following the Federal Reserve’s interest rate call, while the unit’s surge against the yen provided fresh impetus to Japanese stocks.

UBL programme holds national event

The University Business Linkage (UBL) programme held its fourth national event at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies in Colombo 7 recently.

Second Singapore banker jailed in Malaysian 1MDB scandal

AFP - A Singaporean private banker was sentenced to two weeks jail yesterday for fraud relating to Malaysia’s 1MDB financial scandal, becoming the second person convicted in the international multi-billion dollar affair.

S&P Global Ratings indicates mixed finish for APAC region in 2016

The 2016 macro story is finishing on a mixed note with China expected to hit its growth target and activity in Japan picking up, S&P Global Ratings said in a report published yesterday, titled ‘Asia-Pacific Economic Snapshots--December 2016’.

HNB empowers local artisans, designers to shine at SLDF 2016

Clearing a path for entrepreneurship among Sri Lanka’s design and traditional crafts industry, the country’s most innovative bank, HNB joined Sri Lanka Design Festival 2016 as official banking partner and title sponsor for the festival’s dedicated Island Craft exhibition.   

PBSS wins Gold and Silver at FCCISL Entrepreneur Awards 2016

Perfect Business Solution Services (Pvt.) Ltd (PBSS), a leading business software solutions provider with presence primarily in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Middle East, recently clinched the Gold award for Western Province and National Silver award at Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2016, both under the Medium category.

AB Securitas achieves Global Performance Excellence Award 2016

AB Securitas (Pvt.) Ltd, the leading loss prevention and secure transport service provider in Sri Lanka, was honoured with the world class Global Performances Excellence Award (GPEA) under Service Sector (Large Scale), organised by Asia Pacific Quality Organisation (APQO). 

Hirdaramani inaugurates new centre of operations for shared services teams

Hirdaramani is proud to announce the opening of The Hub, a new purpose-built centre of operations to house the core group shared services functions namely finance shared services & commercial under the H Connect brand and IT under the H One brand. 

Dollar surges, Asia markets dive on Fed rates signal

The dollar surged against its peers yesterdau and most Asian markets tumbled after the Federal Reserve indicated it will likely embark on a steeper path of interest rate hikes over the next year.

Fitch affirms Sunshine Holdings at ‘A(lka)’; outlook stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sri Lanka-based diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC’s national long-term rating at ‘A(lka)’. The outlook is stable.  

Exporters’ chamber discusses draft national trade policy

Sri Lanka is in the process of finalizing a national trade policy, which is being developed by the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry, with the assistance of the Industries and Commerce and Finance Ministries and related state agencies, with inputs from the private sector and other stakeholders.

Altair builds Hindu shrine with facilitation of Gangaramaya Temple Chief Incumbent

Altair, the property development that is transforming the Colombo 2 neighbourhood with its iconic twin-tower high-rise, has responded to the request of a leading Buddhist prelate to build a Hindu shrine at the intersection of Union Place and Sir James Peiris Mawatha at Kompanña Veediya as a service to the community.

Richard Pieris Finance-Chilaw Finance merger to be completed in March

The Richard Peiris group’s financial arm, Richard Pieris Finance Limited (RPFL), has been granted