Online holiday queries spike after Brexit vote

AFP - Online queries for European holiday flights to Britain soared after its voters chose to abandon the EU, travel web sites reported, offering a glimmer of hope for tourism in the country.

Kushantha appointed as brand ambassador for Sony Alpha cameras

Known for its path-breaking technology and innovation, Sony Corporation - a global brand leader in entertainment, electronics and photography, recently appointed Kushantha Hewapathirana as the first brand ambassador for its Alpha series of professional cameras for the year 2016.

People’s Bank offers alms to 25,000 devotees at Sri Maha Bodhi

People’s Bank along with People’s Leasing & Finance came together to provide breakfast to 25,000 devotees observing sil at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura once again. 

ACL Cables amongst Sri Lanka’s Top 50 Most Valuable Brands

ACL Cables PLC, the country’s number one cable, has marked its ascendency amongst Sri Lankan premier brands being ranked amongst the Top 50 Most Valuable Brands for the Year 2016.  Showcasing its dominance in Sri Lanka’s cable industry, the organisation is the only cable company to rank amongst the Top 50 Most Valuable Brands in 2016.

Japan provides Rs.2.4 bn grant to improve Coast Guards’ operations

Japan has agreed to provide Rs.2.4 billion under an annual grant aid programme to develop the capabilities

June inflation hits 6%; triggers IMF staff consultation for breaching 4.9% inner-band

Sri Lanka’s headline inflation accelerated to 6.0 percent during the 12-months to June, from 4.8 percent in May

Shippers Council disappointed over govt. inaction on resolving industry woes

By Chandeepa Wettasinghe Despite increased government interaction with the industry, promised action has

Brexit has no immediate impact on Asia-Pacific sovereigns: Fitch

Brexit fallout does not pose an immediate direct risk to Asia-Pacific (APAC) sovereigns and its financial systems

No immediate risk on APAC banks

Fitch also assured that APAC’s banks do not have an immediate direct rating impact from the Brexit fallout as the risks are more indirect than direct.  “But emerging Asia accounts for less than 15 percent of the total external claims of UK banks, according to BIS data. 

UK could emerge quicker on trade liberalization

Dispelling the claims that Brexit was a move for trade protectionism, Fitch said the United Kingdom as a country outside European Union (EU) might be able to make quicker progress on trade liberalization with Asian countries than as a member of the EU.

Drama at Lankaputhra continues; GM fired

The General Manager of state-owned Lankaputhra Development Bank, Lasantha Amarasekera has been removed from his post with effect from today (July 1). 

Government looking for “common candidate” as CB Governor: Sources

The appointment of a new Central Bank Governor might need “a little more time” as the two main political parties in the coalition government are said to be looking for a so-called “common candidate,” which both parties could agree upon, unofficial sources said.

Government looking for “common candidate” as CB Governor: Sources

The appointment of a new Central Bank Governor might need “a little more time” as the two main political parties in the coalition government are said to be looking for a so-called “common candidate,” which both parties could agree upon, unofficial sources said.

WB to lend US $ 125mn to modernize Lankan agri sector

The World Bank has approved a US $125 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to assist Sri Lanka in modernizing its agriculture sector.

CICT launches country’s first mobile app to track container movement

A new level of convenience and sophistication has been introduced to keeping track of containerised cargo by Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) with the launch of a mobile app for the purpose.

CA Sri Lanka Strategy Summit to have internationally acclaimed Dr. Erevelles

Internationally acclaimed strategy guru, Dr. Sunil Erevelles will be in Colombo next month to take part in the region’s biggest ever Strategy Summit organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka). 

Seminar on EU market opportunities for fruit, vegetable exporters

A seminar to create awareness among Sri Lankan fruit and vegetable exporters of the opportunities available in the European Union (EU) market will be held on July 7, 2016 at the Export Development Board.

Bansei Resorts ends management agreement with Jetwing

Bansei Royal Res o r t s Hikkaduwa PLC (BRR) terminated its management agreement with the country’s third largest leisure operator Jetwing over differences in opinion on the business model. “It was

NSB retains AAA rating for 14th consecutive year

The premier savings bank of the country, National Savings Bank (NSB) has been reaffirmed the AAA national long-term rating

Rupee forwards rise as foreign investors buy bonds

REUTERS: Sri Lankan rupee one-week forwards strengthened yesterday as foreign investors sold dollars to buy

Shares end down on capital gains tax jitters

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares fell for an eighth straight session yesterday as sentiment continued to be lacklustre

Regulatory regime a must to ensure quality and safety of local fresh produce: CCC

To ensure safety and quality of local fresh produce are maintained at internationally accepted levels, the Ceylon Chamber 

Three new directors appointed to John Keells produce broking firm

Three new directors have been appointed to the board of John Keells PLC, the produce broking arm of the country’s 

Sera coconut milk manufacturer receives ISO and BRC certificates

CBL Global Foods Limited, the manufacturer of ‘Sera’ brand of coconut milk recently received ISO 22000 certificate from the SLSI, which sets out the requirement for a food safety management system & ensures that the  organization is able to control food safety hazards and provides safe products for consumption. 

JLanka offers free 7-days energy monitoring at work place

Sri Lanka’s pioneer in next generation renewable and solar energy solutions – JLanka Technologies recently launched a new ‘Green Initiative’ that helps both SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) sector companies and big corporates to monitor the energy usage. 

Singer wins top Dell accolade

Singer Sri Lanka PLC, the country’s premier consumer durables retailer, won the most coveted award for the Top Consumer Distribution partner in the South Asia Developing Marketing Group at the Dell South Asia and Korea Channel Summit 2016 held recently in Manila, Philippines. 

JAT Furnishing offers array of innovative office furniture

As part of its rebranding process, JAT has created a new, unified brand architecture that cohesively reflects the company’s operating segments and cross selling opportunities encompassing its entire sphere of operations. . 

CIC’s Cial appointed distributor for India’s Pidilite Industries

Cial,a renowned brand owned by CIC Holdings PLC recently partnered wit Pidilite Industries Limited India to distributethe Pidilite art &crafts product range through the Cial stationeryproduct distribution channel.

FinMin enlightens AIIB members about Lankan development agenda

The members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) were enlightened about the Sri Lanka’s economic development agenda during the bank’s annual meeting. Representatives of 46 member countries of the bank participated in this conference and the conference was held in Beijing, China on June 25 and 26.

Top professionals to present on ‘TCM – Key Enabler of Economic Development’

CMA National Management Accounting Conference 2016 on day two (July 13, 2016) will have presentations on the impact of total cost management (TCM) on infrastructure development, in achieving global competitiveness and a panel discussion where the Business sector, professionals and university academics will discuss the role of these sectors. Also the important topic of integrated reporting practical will have a presentation and a panel discussion.