Rupee depreciates 7% so far this year: Central Bank

Sri Lanka’s rupee has depreciated by around 7 percent against the US dollar so far this year with the Central Bank’s decision to allow greater flexibility in the determination of the exchange rate. 

IASL urges govt. to facilitate long-awaited industrial, labour reforms

The Industrial Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) called on the government to facilitate long due reforms to the industrial sector and the labour market.

PM explains why post-secondary education under three ministries

?Post-Secondary education was divided into three ministries in order to create a “crash course” to develop the tertiary education sector, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Economist suggests voluntary career shift to bridge leisure skill shortage

The government should present the public sector with a voluntary opportunity to switch careers to the leisure sector to address an acute human resources shortage in the latter, according to a renowned economist.

Eurozone loans to private sector increase slightly: ECB

AFP - Growth of loans to the private sector in the euro area, a gauge of economic health, is picking up speed, albeit very slowly, European Central Bank data showed yesterday.

Volkswagen shares up four percent ahead of appointment of new CEO

AFP - Shares in auto giant Volkswagen shot up more than four percent in early trading on the Frankfurt stock exchange yesterday ahead of the widely anticipated announcement of its new chief executive.

Oil prices edge up but Iran supply expectations cap gains

AFP - Oil prices edged up in Asian trade yesterday following a decline in US crude inventories, although heavier buying was tempered by expectations a return of Iranian crude into the market will further increase global supplies.

Japanese FM commends Ambassador’s “outstanding” chef

Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan, formally awarded the Foreign Minister’s Commendation to Muneyuki Izawa, Chef for Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka on behalf of the Foreign Minister of Japan at a special ceremony held at the Embassy in Colombo recently.

Rupee softer on import demand; stocks flat

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee was slightly weaker yesterday  due to importer demand for dollars, although some exporter dollar sales and inward remittances slowed its fall, dealers said.

Amazon launches video services, new devices

AFP: US online giant Amazon said Thursday it was launching its streaming video service in Japan along with its Fire TV devices. “Prime members in Japan now have unlimited 24/7 streaming of thousands of US and Japanese movies,

Indonesia pledges 29% emissions cut by 2030

AFP - Indonesia has pledged to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 29 percent by 2030 through stepping up protection of forests and boosting the renewable energy sector, but observers criticised the plan as lacking in detail.

Benefits of Toastmasters Clubs in corporates outweigh costs: senior bankers

The benefits of establishing a Toastmasters Club in a corporate far outweigh the cost incurred and the benefits such a movement could add to the company’s staff and the culture cannot just be narrowly measured in terms of monetary terms,

SEF holds annual awards and felicitation ceremony

The Serendib Education Foundation (SEF) had its annual awards and felicitation ceremony recently at the MICH Hall Colombo 6. The event was attended by dignitaries, donors, scholarship award winners and key members of the SEF.

CA Sri Lanka student wins best speaker award at Int’l CA Students Conference in India

Arosha De Silva, a student of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), recently won the best speaker award and was adjudged the first runner-up among 24 other speakers at the International CA Students Conference in Indore, India.

Nytra brings new dimensions to education in Sri Lanka

The MBD group, India is proud to pioneer augmented reality for education and learning in Sri Lanka with the launch of Nytra, an augmented reality app. Poised to bring a whole new dimension to education and classroom learning,  The MBD group, India is proud to pioneer augmented reality for education and learning in Sri Lanka with the launch of Nytra, an augmented reality app. Poised to bring a whole new dimension to education and class

Voice of Colombo Toastmasters holds charter installation ceremony

Have you ever wondered what Colombo sounds like? The Voice of Colombo Toastmasters Club is the epitome of what you would expect. Walking into one of its meetings (AKA fun, educational sessions), 

AkzoNobel holds Sikkens Challenge Trophy 2015

Cricket contest highlights Sikkens’ customer-focused teamwork Still buzzing from the excitement of this year’s Cricket World Cup and eagerly anticipating summer visits from Pakistan and India,

E FM to journey the famous ‘Country Roads’

Sri Lanka’s lifestyle station E FM recently announced its sponsorship of the 2015 edition of the highly respected Country Roads concert for children, South Asia’s longest running concert series, now in its 27th year, which is known for

Rohto marks 2 years in Sri Lankan

Rohto, a brand which set a Guinness World Record by becoming the world’s top-selling over-the-counter eye care product brand, is marking two years of its presence in Sri Lanka.

Ceyoka delivers value

Inspired by a clear vision and entrepreneurial talent, Ceyoka (Pvt.) Ltd has transformed from a modest trading firm into a major diversified business conglomerate with strategic investments. Today, Ceyoka is deservedly recognized as a leading light in Sri Lanka’s

Denta launches Denta Kid toothbrush

Sri Lankans have used Denta toothbrushes with confidence for over 25 years. Their commitment to quality has enabled Denta establish a significant position in the market in a short period of time around the island. Denta is marketed by Darley Butler and Company Limited, which boasts of a 165-year tradition of 

Confectioners renew call for Anti-Dumping and Countervailing bill

Sweet will soon turn sour for the confectionary industry if the government continues to turn a deaf ear to the repeated calls made for protection from heavy dumping of foreign brands, which have resulted local manufactures to lose their market share.

Russia overtakes Turkey as largest Ceylon tea importer

Russia has overtaken Turkey as the largest customer of Ceylon tea for the first eight months of 2015, amidst a further deteriorating Colombo tea auction.

Unilever continues to redefine consumer experiences

Unilever Sri Lanka launched its new Consumer Engagement Centre (CEC), which will, for the first time ever in Sri Lanka, allow people to contact Unilever’s consumer care team using a toll free short code.

Nithyakalyani and NJ Exports win NCE Awards

Wellawatta Nithyakalyani Jewellery (WNJ) and its wing company NJ Exports were adjudged as the Silver award winner in the Precious Stones and Jewellery in Large and Medium categories, respectively, at the 23rd Annual NCE Awards 2015...

Philips Sri Lanka expands product portfolio

Philips Sri Lanka recently expanded its product portfolio to include products geared towards personal healthcare, wellness and grooming. “We launch our personal healthcare portfolio to focus on prevention before treatment,” Philips Sri Lanka and Bangladesh CEO Sanjay Bapna said.

JAT Holdings introduces Crown Paints range

?Crown Paints is a British paint maker with a long-drawn history which can be traced back to the late 1850s. The brand has been associated with royalty in the United Kingdom and is recognized by a royal warrant granted by Her Majesty the Queen. 

Bring cinnamon legislation to parliament as urgent bill

An urgent bill should be brought to parliament to get the approval for Geographical Indication (GI) legislation to boost Sri Lankan cinnamon industry and production, which is about 90 percent of the global true cinnamon production, Cinnamon Training Academy (CTA)..

Multilac with BODCO opens Colour Bank showroom in Seychelles

?Sri Lanka’s largest paint manufacturer and the premier paint brand, Multilac has further expanded its horizons, venturing to market its products in the Seychelles. 

Harsha says economic diplomacy his topmost priority

Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said that the foremost duty falling upon him will be to conduct commercial diplomacy.