Power to negotiate trade deals elsewhere despite ministry for int’l trade

The special gazette released yesterday notifying the subjects allocated for ministries showed that the powers to negotiate international trade deals have been kept with the Industry and Commerce Ministry despite the creation of a specific ministry for international trade.  

Wasana Trading launches 100 electric vehicle charging points islandwide

Wasana Trading Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, a leading hybrid and electric car dealer in the country, has set up 100 high rapid charging points around the country for electric cars. 

Lanka IOC gets new MD

The driving seat of Sri Lanka’s largest privately held petroleum corporation will be changing, with Shyam Bohra succeeding Subodh Dakwale as the Managing Director of Lanka IOC PLC.

Pan Asia Bank’s Rs.4bn debenture oversubscribed

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC’s senior debenture issue to raise Rs.4 billion was oversubscribed yesterday, on the opening day itself. 

Rupee ends slightly higher on inward remittances

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended marginally higher yesterday due to inward remittances ahead of the Hajj, though gains were capped by importer demand for dollars, dealers said.

Video: Cinnamon Life, game changer and flagship of Colombo launched

?A trendsetting project in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life has been launched with pride by Waterfront Properties (Private) Limited, a member of the John Keells Group. 

CSE recognises Arfath Saleem’s public speaking achievement

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recognises the achievement of a member of its staff, Arfath Saleem of the Human Resources Division who competed at the World Championships of public speaking in Las Vegas, USA from August 12-15.

Andre Fernando elected President of Sri Lanka – Greater Mekong Sub region Business Council

?The Ceylon Chamber led Sri Lanka – Greater Mekong Sub region Business Council recently appointed Andre Fernando as the new President of the Council, at its 4th Annual General Meeting held recently in Colombo.

EU encouraged by new govt.’s positive approach in trade promotion: Envoy

?The EU which comprises of 28 countries, is the most important and traditional market for exports from Sri Lanka, said David Daly – Ambassador of the EU and Head of the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka speaking at the NCE Export Awards Ceremony held recently.

COYLE Sampath Bank Entrepreneurial Forum includes top speakers

?For the second consecutive year, the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) will be hosting an exciting line-up of speakers at its Entrepreneurial Forum to be held on September 30. 

Energy sector key stakeholder meeting on Friday

A key stakeholder meeting will be held on the 25th of September at BMICH Committee Room D on the Long Term Generation Expansion Plan 2015-2034 prepared by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

PM to grace CIMA Golden Jubilee on Sept 24

?CIMA, The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK, established in 1911 as the Institute of Cost and Work Accountants, celebrates 50 years in Sri Lanka.  

ISB alumnus Mohanlal receives Global Influential Leaders Award

?Don Mohanlal, an alumnus of Indian School of Business (ISB), has been recognised as one of the first 100 AACSB Influential Leaders.  Mohanlal, a native of Sri Lanka, studied at S.Thomas’ College

JKH launches flagship US$770 mn ‘Cinnamon Life’ project in Colombo

 The country’s largest conglomerate John Keells Holdings (JKH) launched ‘Cinnamon Life’ last night as the first step in making Colombo the capital of South Asia.

Sri Lanka has highest regional per capita spending on personal grooming: Philips

Sri Lankans are the highest spenders on personal healthcare and grooming in the South Asian neighbourhood, according to a leading multinational in the global market.

Sierra Cables to set up manufacturing plant in Africa

Listed power cable manufacturer, Sierra Cables, yesterday announced plans on expanding its reach by venturing into the African region.

Sri Lanka, a regional black sheep in external front: ADB

Despite the substantial fall in the global oil prices, Sri Lanka has worsened its external current account position while its regional peers have been able to contain their current account deficits taking advantage of lower import bills...

Eyebrows raised as President announces Ministry subjects

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday announced the subjects he had allocated to his Cabinet of Ministers through a Special  Gazette notification.

UNHRC resolution impact on capital market short-lived: Analysts

Developments regarding Sri Lanka’s position at the on-going United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva is expected to have negatively impacted the local capital market, but analysts observe the situation is not grave and will be short-lived.

Atlas launches “family creative challenge” at book fair

?Atlas, Sri Lanka’s leading brand in school and office stationary was part of the ever popular International Book Fair, now in its 17th year of existence. 

DSI Premier Showroom opens at Union Place

?D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd branched out with the 205th showroom in the DSI retail chain on 16th of September, at Union Place, Colombo 2. 

Metropolitan introduces new Acer and Canon products for dealers

Metropolitan Computers (Pvt) Ltd unveiled an exciting new range of Acer and Canon products with an exclusive event at Taj Samudra Hotel for dealers recently. 

wOw.lk partners with Metropolitan as exclusive authorized online reseller of Canon cameras

wOw.lk, Sri Lanka’s largest online shopping mall, recently partnered with Metropolitan PhotoHub (Private) Limited, as the official online reseller of Canon cameras in Sri Lanka. 

Sunrich biscuits clinch international awards

One of Sri Lanka’s leading biscuit manufacturers – Sunrich Confectionery Private Limited bagged a hallmark achievement in the global food and beverage industry by winning two much-coveted International Taste and Quality Institute (ITQI) Awards in Belgium recently.

Stockbroking arm sale leaves Asia Capital with Rs.98mn capital gain

?The Asia Capital PLC annual report reveals that the group had gained a profit of Rs.98.12 million through the sale of its stockbroking subsidiary Asia Securities (Pvt.) Ltd last year.

Finlays plantation subsidiary transferred to secondary board

?Hapugastenne Plantations PLC, a subsidiary of the Finlays group, has been allowed to transfer its shares from the Main Board of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to the secondary Diri Savi Board.

EAP Broadcasting may renew plans to sell debentures

?EAP Broadcasting Company (EAP) may opt to go for a scaled-down debenture issue to partly finance its proposed theatre complex, a top company official said. 

Mobile-based micro lending to drive Sri Lanka’s banking sector growth

?With the very high mobile penetration and mobile banking platforms being developed in the country, mobile-based micro lending is poised to become one of the primary growth drivers in the banking sector in Sri Lanka, according to an independent research company.

Stakeholders renew call for tea industry liberalisation

As Ceylon tea continues to struggle to brew a strong cuppa, top industry stakeholders have renewed their call for the government to liberalise the tightly controlled industry, so it can work towards the much-needed progress while sustaining a healthy growth momentum.

Hospitality experts divided over regulating informal sector

Mixed signals are coming out of the bureaucratic woodwork over the regulation of the informal accommodation in the hospitality sector.