Sri Lanka’s largest private bank goes green

?The Commercial Bank of Ceylon said its environment-related initiatives had made steady progress in 2015 with the installation of solar power systems at four branches, the award of tenders for five more branch conversions, and the acquisition of 20 more paperless deposit machines.

Pawning restrictions on banks to hinder working capital for farmers

Restricting banks from engaging in pawning activities will push the country’s farmers into more informal and dangerous methods of financing, a leading economist warned.

Shares end at near two-week low; financials lead

REUERS:  Sri Lankan shares closed at a near two-week low on Monday, led by financials amid thin trading as many market participants were on holiday after a long weekend.

AKG headphones now available at Abans stores

AKG provides a high quality sound experience in comfortable headphones made to withstand the rigors of on-the-go lifestyle while lending an inspirational sense of styling.

CK Homes launches City Edge Residences

?C K Homes (Pvt) Ltd, the new member of the C K Group, commenced work of City Edge Residencies, a BOI-approved project in Kelaniya recently. 

McFoil wins top green award

McFoil, the Sri Lankan market leader for domestic heat insulation, was recently awarded the Green Products Certificate at an awards ceremony organized by the Ceylon Institute of Builders at the Hotel Galadari. 

Nature’s Secrets oil moisturizing body lotion now available in herbal essences

?The new, improved natural oil body lotion range from Nature’s Secrets is now available in new, enticing packaging for 8 herbal variants to pamper, moisturise and protect your skin all day long. 

Alumex honoured at NBE Awards 2015

?Alumex, a leading Sri Lankan manufacturer in aluminum profiles clinched several awards at the National Business Excellence Awards 2015 (NBEA), organized by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka. 

BAM Green shines once again in Sri Lankan solar industry

? Together with the strength of REC (Norway) and Fronius (Austria), BAM Green moves another step ahead with the first ADB (Asian Development Bank) Funded Solar Project in Southern Province with the approval of the Sustainable Energy Authority. 

Sri Lanka’s Sept. quarter corporate earnings fall 6%

?Sri Lanka’s listed companies saw their total net profits sliding 6.2 percent year-on-year (yoy) to 47.7 billion in the September quarter, amid losses incurred by companies with larger market capitalizations, earnings update by an independent research arm said. 

Capital Alliance Finance rebrands as Colombo Trust Finance

?Capital Alliance Finance PLC, a finance company controlled by Cargills Bank Limited said, the name of the company had been changed to Colombo Trust Finance PLC.

Tea volume, exports dip in November

?Sri Lanka’s tea industry continues to be depressed in November and December compared to 2014, with lower volumes and prices recorded in both exports and the Colombo Tea Auction, according to a report by Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers (Pvt) Limited.

DFCC Bank offers cash rewards for children’s savings this New Year

?For the first time in Sri Lanka, DFCC Bank will run a New Year children’s savings promotion to motivate parents to open savings accounts for their children on New Year’s Day. 

Fitch rates ComBank’s Rs.7bn debenture issue at ‘AA-(lka)’

?Fitch Ratings Lanka has assigned Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s (AA(lka)/Stable) proposed Basel II-compliant subordinated debentures of up to Rs.7 billion an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA-(lka)(EXP)’. 

Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate up 5% in 3Q15

Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2015 (3Q15) rose to 5 percent from 4.2 percent in December 2014 and 4.5 percent in the second quarter of 2015.

Yarl Geek Challenge Season 4 comes to an end

?Season 4 of the Yarl Geek Challenge (YGC), organised by the Yarl IT Hub, concluded with team Bit Masters winning the 2015 challenge for their innovative advertising platform.

SLT brings augmented reality to Majestic City

Following their teaser earlier this month, Sri Lanka Telecom revealed their Christmas-themed activation event at Majestic City. Placed near the entrance of the popular shopping complex is a giant LED screen that shares all movement occurring in the corridor in front of it

Union Bank holds Carols programme

?Union Bank held a Carols programme at St. Andrew’s Scots Kirk Church in Colombo 3 recently.The Carols were presented by UB staff members and the event, preceded by the management of the Bank was well attended by staff and their family members.

GPDS emerge victorious at Presidential Export Awards

G P de Silva and Sons International, the leading player in producing and exporting cinnamon amongst many other spices, clinched two prestigious awards for ‘best exporter’ in the spices...

Sierra Readymix among TOP 23 at International Best Practices Awards

?Sierra Readymix, a pioneer in the environmentally-friendly concrete manufacture industry, was adjudged one of the top 23 best practices in the world at the 4th International Best Practice Competition held recently in the Philippines.

Access Engineering progresses in Henamulla urban regeneration project

?The urban regeneration project, a solution for the relocation of underserved and derelict community settlements scattered across Colombo launched the second phase of the relocation project at Henamulla, in August 2014.

CBSL issues Rs. 500 coin to mark CMC’s 150th anniversary

?The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a special silver uncirculated commemorative coin with a face value of Rs.500 to mark the 150th anniversary of Colombo Municipal Council in recognition of its service to the country.

Private sector requested to light up for Xmas

?Tourism and Christian Affairs Ministry requests all companies to light up their buildings during this week to create a Sri Lankan sense of celebration and spread the spirit of the season.

StanChart cuts forecasts on Sri Lanka over revised data, slower growth

?Standard Chartered (StanChart) has made a significant downward shift on its growth estimates for Sri Lanka, based on the revisions to GDP calculation and tepid growth.

CSE nod for Sanasa Bank debt listing

?Colombo Stock Exchange has given its consent in principle to list debt instruments of Sanasa Development Bank PLC amounting to Rs.4 billion.

Top bankers in ME on biz mission

?In an effort to encourage investors in the Middle East to set up businesses in Sri Lanka, top heads of the country’s banking sector had been on a short visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabiya (KSA), Mirror Business learns. 

Korean investors tell SL to improve investment climate

As Sri Lanka is currently exploring the possibility of entering into a preferential trade agreement with Korea, Korean investors and officials are of the opinion that the current operating climate in Sri Lanka is not conducive enough for them to enter the country. 

Access Engineering progresses in canal bank protection works of St Sebastian South canal

Access Engineering PLC, the leading engineering enterprise in Sri Lanka is making a swift progress in the canal bank revetment works in St. Sebastian South Canal, under the Metro Colombo Urban Development Project.

No Fat No Sugar Star Gold Pasta enters local market

In order to meet the demand for health conscious products among Sri Lankan consumers, R.G. Brothers & Co. has introduced a No Fat No Sugar Star Gold Pasta to the market. 

Noritake ends 2015 on winning note

?Noritake Lanka Porcelain Pvt Ltd (NLPL) ends 2015 on a winning note with several awards to its credit.