BMICH CEO Dissanayake infuses leadership and new initiatives

For Sunil Dissanayake, life, work and service have come full circle. As the Director/Chief Executive of the BMICH he aims to infuse leadership and new ideas to one of Colombo’s and Sri Lanka’s best known landmarks.  

Laugfs draws large crowds at EDEX career fair

Laugfs Holdings, one of the largest diversified conglomerates in the country, yet again took part in the recently concluded EDEX Expo, attracting large crowds to its stall. EDEX, held at the Colombo BMICH, is known as the country’s largest education exhibition and job fair conducted three times a year.  

Twenty nine destinations in 29 days to be won by Amex cardmembers

Nations Trust Bank American Express announced the launch of its fantastic 29 destinations in 29 days for 29 winners throughout the month of February 2016.  

BCIS, CEFE and Kelaniya Uni promote social entrepreneurship for rural development

“Social entrepreneurs are pragmatic leaders who want to be innovative but understand the need to work within their means. They have a social mission that may range from helping slum children working in sweat-shops in developing countries to addressing poverty and environmental degradation. They are innovative and proactive in identifying greater opportunities to create social value. ” These are some of the thoughts presented by Profes

India-funded US $ 1.05bn ambulance service set to start operations shortly

The first phase of the US $ 1.05 billion ambulance service is set to go operational shortly,  with the country’s Health Ministry starting interviews for drivers and paramedics yesterday. Under a grant provided by the Indian government, the Health Ministry purchased 88 brand-new ambulances last year. “In the first phase, we will be creating 600 jobs for Sri Lankans. Some people may say that Indians will be driving the ambulances o

Shangri La expresses interest to expand investments in Sri Lanka

Hong Kong-based Shangri La Hotels and Resorts has expressed interest to expand its investments in Sri Lanka, a Finance Ministry statement said. This was revealed during a meeting Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake held with Shangri La Vice Chairman Madhu Rao at the Finance Ministry, the statement added.  Among the key issues of the discussion were the ongoing construction activities of the two hotels of the Shangri La in the country.  S

US $ 10mn new facility to produce spun concrete poles for electricity distribution

Sri Lanka’s first-ever facility to manufacture pre-stressed spun concrete poles used in electricity distribution is scheduled to be opened ceremoniously by President Maithripala Sirisena in Balangoda, Ratnapura this Friday (12).

Colombo tea auction brews all-time record price

The Colombo tea auction yesterday saw the brewing of an all-time record price with the western high grown BOPF grade fetching the highest-ever value for the first time in three years.  

Rupee forwards weaker on importer dollar demand

REUTERS: Sri Lankan rupee forwards edged down yesterday on importer dollar demand, and dealers expect the currency to depreciate further due to higher imports and lack of inflows. Rupee forwards have been active since January 27 as there has been little trading in spot currency, with banks reluctant to trade below the 144.00 level amid moral suasion by the Central Bank.

Pelwatte Dairy empowers dairy farmers to enhance milk production

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of locally produced dairy products has been supporting a multitude of local dairy farmers for many years. 

Ceylon Chamber and IRD to hold seminar on ‘RAMIS’ tax system

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will hold a seminar to discuss the ‘Benefits of RAMIS for Business’ on February 18, 2016. It is the first private sector forum on the new system to pay and collect taxes online, launched by the IRD recently.  

Island Dairies wins two Gold Awards at Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Island Dairies Pvt. Ltd. received accolades at the Entrepreneur of the Year award ceremony organized by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), when they received 2 Gold Awards at this prestigious event. 

Access group subsidiary secures major project in Maldives

Access International, a unit of diversified Access group, has secured a major aeronautical infrastructure project in the Maldives, the company said in a media statement.   

BoI briefs non-resident ambassadors, defence attaches at Koggala Zone

The Board of Investment (BoI) recently organised a special programme for 57 non-resident heads of mission, defence advisors and defence attaches who were visiting Sri Lanka to attend the 68th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo.    

‘Thapasya’ incense sticks to improve market fragrance

Tapasya Industries (Pvt) Ltd, one of Sri Lanka’s newest entrants into the incense product market under the umbrella of Gnanam Group of companies, recently launched ‘Thapasya’ incense sticks in a variety of exiting 

Triumph recognizes high achievers at Sales Conference

The global leader in alluring lingerie and leading trend setter in Sri Lanka, Triumph International rewarded and recognized its top performers at the annual sales conference recently. Transforming Galadari’s Main Ballroom into a carnival, in keeping with its reputation of bringing the latest trends, this year’s conference carried a Brazilian carnival theme.

MTI’s ‘idea2fund’ gets a boost from top corporates

Top corporates in Sri Lanka from diverse industries have joined hands with MTI Corporate Finance to sponsor ‘idea2fund’.   

ICTA in initial talks with Central Bank to introduce crypto-currencies

Sri Lanka’s ICT agency chief yesterday said it had held initial discussions with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on including crypto-currencies into the country’s financial system. Information 

Ports Minister calls for open discussion to resolve maritime issues

Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga emphasized the need for an open discussion to resolve ports and maritime sector issues.

US $ 15bn tourism industry at risk sans master plan: research

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the only sweet spot in the economy with a potential of earning US $ 15 billion by 2018...

KLS Energy and CEB blame each other over halted solar hybrid plant in Jaffna

KLS Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd’s US$ 150 million wind/solar hybrid power plant in Jaffna has been cancelled as the company had not continued its investment in the project, a top government official said.

Rupee forwards steady; IMF concerns weigh

REUTERS: Sri Lankan rupee forwards traded steady yesterday as mild importer dollar demand offset selling of the greenback by banks

Litro Gas posts record growth in year 2015

The national LPG (liquid petroleum gas) company marks 2015 a record year posting gross profits of over Rs.6 billion with significant increases in volumes (22 percent) and market growth (acquiring a total 485,548 new connections).    

European Union and FAO support marine finfish farming development in Sri Lanka

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) is constructing a marine finfish hatchery in Tharmapuram, Batticaloa to fulfill the national objectives to promote marine finfish farming in the country.   

Mass transit essential for Colombo to succeed: UDA DG

The critical role earmarked for joined-up public transport in Colombo’s development and what can be done to boost lending for housing were two topical issues explored by the senior figures at the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in recent interviews they gave to the global research, publishing and consulting firm Oxford Business Group (OBG).  

Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2016 to kick-start in March

Overseas investors (Business Executives) expected to take part in the upcoming ‘Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2016,’ organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce have shown an interest to meet Sri Lankan businesses engaged in diverse business sectors.  

Jordan to provide express visa for Lankan businessmen

Jordanian envoy to Sri Lanka Hassan M. Al Jawarneh said his embassy would help Sri Lankan businessmen to access quick visas to Jordan...

Rupee forwards edge down; IMF statement raises concerns

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee edged down yesterday on importer dollar demand though banks selling the greenback prevented a further fall amid concerns triggered...

Unknown disease spreading across Lankan pepper cultivations

Sri Lanka’s pepper industry stakeholders fear significantly lower production yields this year as an unknown disease is spreading across the country’s pepper cultivations. 

Bidding for Mannar gas fields in 2 months: official

Bidding rounds for the Mannar basin’s offshore oil and gas fields are likely to begin in two months, a top Power and Energy Ministry official said yesterday.