CCI launches Build SL Housing & Construction International Expo 2024

The Chamber of Construction Industry (CCI) of Sri Lanka held the launch of Premier Build SL Housing & Construction International Expo 2024, at Hotel Galadari, California Grill, in a fitting event...

Home Lands Group gifts luxury apartment to Dream Star winner

Home Lands Group of Companies awarded a luxury apartment from Cressida Resort Apartments – Athurugiriya to Anjalee Herath, the winner of Derana Dream Star Season XI, which was held...

January-September budget deficit widens despite increased tax revenues

Despite increased tax revenues, Sri Lanka’s budget deficit widened in the first nine months to September 2023 compared to the same period last year, driven by a surge in expenses amid sharply rising prices.

Moody’s cuts China credit outlook, citing lower growth, property risks

Ratings agency Moody’s cut its outlook on China’s government credit ratings to negative from stable yesterday, in the latest sign of mounting global concern over the impact of surging local....

Dilshan Rodrigo to resign from HNB

Dilshan Rodrigo is to resign from the post of Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) with effect from January 12, 2024 to pursue his future career ...

Govt. collaborates with ADB to provide capital to entrepreneurs at 2% interest rate

In an effort to encourage the younger generation to embrace entrepreneurship, the government announced that it has made efforts to increase their access to finance by providing loans at 2 percent...

New Sri Lanka Tourism tagline fails to impress branding and marketing experts

Sri Lanka Tourism officially revealed its new branding early this week, aiming for success and uniqueness. However, the response from the country’s branding and marketing industry experts has been...

NDB’s Rs.5bn debenture issue oversubscribed on opening day

The Basel III compliant Rs.5 billion debenture issue of National Development Bank PLC was oversubscribed yesterday, which was the official opening day of the issue. In an environment...

BOI moves to online people hiring and onboarding

Apex investment promotion agency, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has introduced an online web portal to manage the recruitment process within the BOI. This latest initiative...

Supreme Court upholds ruling in favour of People’s Bank

The Supreme Court this week dismissed an appeal by Yashodha Holdings (Pvt) Limited against the judgement delivered by the Commercial High Court of the Western Province in favour of People’s....

SL to receive about US$ 600mn ADB funding post-IMF approval

Sri Lanka will get about US$ 600 million, on a staggered basis, from the Asian Development Bank after the International Monetary Fund releases the second tranche of a US$ 2.9 billion....

SL needs US $ 1.4tn additional investment to realise SDGs by 2030: IPS study

As efforts are underway to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sri Lanka will need an estimated additional investment of approximately US $ 1.4 trillion or 12.5 percent of GDP, by 2030, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) said.

November records highest tourist arrivals since pandemic outbreak

November has recorded the highest tourist arrivals for the year so far, bringing in a total of 151,496 international visitors. However, despite much confidence of the tourism authorities, the monthly target was missed by 25 percent.

Govt. to introduce new laws to regulate microfinance institutions

Sri Lanka is considering the development of comprehensive new laws to regulate the microfinance institutions and is also contemplating on the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body for overseeing their operations.

McDonald’s China features Ceylon Black Tea

Ceylon Tea is gaining popularity in China and its addition to the menu of McDonald’s chain in that country will provide some boost in terms of marketing and branding. Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lanka (BRISL), an international development organisation, took to social media platform X to share that Ceylon Black Tea has entered the McDonald’s menu all across China, which includes the online buying menu. Calling it “small steps but a big leap forward

Citrus Leisure reveals opening plans for Lotus Tower’s signature spaces

Banquet hall on 26th floor and revolving restaurant on 27th floor to be opened by this weekend Citrus Leisure PLC announced it would be opening the banquet hall and revolving restaurant at the Colombo Lotus Tower, both of which would be under its management, by this weekend. In a stock market filing yesterday, Citrus Leisure said the banquet hall on the 26th floor and revolving restaurant on the 27th floor are expected to be opened on or around

SriLankan Airlines introduces double daily flights to Mumbai

Capitalising on the increased tourist arrival rate from India, national carrier SriLankan Airlines announced it has introduced double daily flights between Colombo and Mumbai. While the move will multiply the convenience for passengers travelling to and from India’s financial and entertainment capital, it will give a 50 percent boost to SriLankan’s capacity on its Mumbai route, SriLankan Airlines said in a statement. The airline expressed confide

Central Bank Governor co-chairs FSB Regional Consultative Group for Asia

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe was among the regional central bank heads co-chairing the Financial Stability Board (FSB) Regional Consultative Group for Asia (RCG Asia) meeting, held recently, that placed financial market developments and their impact on the region under fresh spotlight. The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Chief Executive Eddie Yue, the current member co-chair, Dr

Sling Mobility and USAID launch 360° Sustainable Mobility battery swapping project

This groundbreaking project will establish an operational framework for an electric vehicle ecosystem In a significant stride towards advancing e-mobility and clean energy initiatives, Sling Mobility, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Sri Lanka Energy Programme, successfully launched the 360° Sustainable Mobility battery swapping project. The official handover ceremony on November 28, 2023, at

Haycarb plans to plant 100, 000 coconut trees in Northern region

Haycarb PLC has embarked on an ambitious coconut tree planting initiative in partnership with the Coconut Development Authority and Coconut Cultivation Board. Haycarb aims to plant 100,000 coconut trees in the Northern region of Sri Lanka, including Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Jaffna. This initiative is a vital part of a broader national endeavour to establish a second coconut triangle. The commencement of Phase One took place in Iyakachchi, J

Dialog merit scholarship programme enters 20th year in partnership with MOE and UGC

In their shared vision of driving equitable access to education by offering scholarships to students who have become district first at the GCE O/L’s and GCE A/L’s, Dialog Axiata PLC, together with the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission announced the renewal of their agreement on the Dialog Merit Scholarship programme, marking its 20th year in effect. The renewal ceremony, held under the patronage of Dr. Susil Premjayanth, Mini

Ceylinco General Insurance conducts island-wide Beach Clean-up project

Ceylinco General Insurance recently organised an island-wide Beach Clean-up programme along the coastline of Sri Lanka with the participation of its staff from its island-wide branches and from the head office. This clean-up initiative was held for the second consecutive year and the Beach Clean-up event has now been made an annual event in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility calendar. Beaches in Sri Lanka have become polluted coa

AB Mauri sets new National Standard for Baking in Sri Lanka

AB Mauri Lanka Pvt Limited, a leader in yeast and bakery ingredient solutions, has reached new heights in National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for its employees. Recently, more than two dozen employees successfully completed nationally recognized NVQ certification training on multiple levels that assess individual capabilities, competencies and skills in specific job roles and responsibilities. “We are committed to empowering the baking indu

Apollo Hospitals Care Centre in collaboration with Zapmail launches AI-powered website for patients

Apollo Hospitals - International Care Centre, Sri Lanka in partnership with Zapmail launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered interactive website, for patients to access information and have real time discussions about advanced cancer treatments. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the most advanced cancer centre in South Asia and the Middle East, as well as the first proton therapy centre. “We are thrilled to be working with Apollo Hospitals

Melsta Hospital Ragama enhances premium services with affordable extra luxury suites

Melsta Hospital Ragama has announced yet another significant enhancement to its facilities with the addition of Extra Luxury Rooms/Suites to their capacity. The newly added luxury section adheres to international standards, delivering sophistication and comfort comparable to the best private hospitals in Colombo, all while maintaining a more accessible and affordable cost - up to 30 percent to 50 percent less than comparable services in Colombo.

Sunshine Healthcare Lanka awarded ISO certification for Quality Management System

Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Limited (SHL), the healthcare arm of Sunshine Holdings PLC, announced that the company has earned ISO 9001:2015 (UKAS) certification for its quality management system implemented within the Head Office of SHL (Pharmaceutical) and main warehouse. This certification, awarded by Bureau Veritas India, underscores SHL’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare products that meet customer and regulatory requirements, e

ComBank wins ‘Best Treasury Team’ at CT Marquee awards for financial institutions

The Commercial Bank has won the Marquee award for ‘Best Treasury Team’ in the Financial Institutions category at the 2023 CT Awards presented by Corporate Treasurer – the print publication in Asia dedicated to treasury teams and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The CT Awards ceremony was held at the Marriot Tang Plaza Hotel in Singapore on November 21. The event celebrated treasury professionals who operate at the top of their class across three

Sanasa Life Insurance to provide insurance services to SLFEU

Sanasa Life Insurance has introduced a group life insurance scheme for the well-being of the government and private sector employees. More than 21,000 employees of government, semi-government, and corporative institutions have been covered by this insurance scheme by present. Marking another significant milestone, the Sri Lanka Freedom Employees Union (SLFEU) recently got into an agreement with Sanasa Life Insurance, so the SLFEU members will b

HNB Assurance’s winning streak continues at SLIM National Sales Awards

Team HNB Assurance once again showcased its sales prowess and performance at the SLIM National Sales Awards 2023. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), the National Sales Awards, is known for its significance and prestige, providing a platform to celebrate those who have excelled in the competitive landscape of sales. The winners from HNBA included Mahesh Rodrigo, National Sales Manager 2023 Bronze Award – Overall Industry Catego

People’s Bank launches export hubs in Kandy and Kurunegala

People’s Bank has tken a significant step towards supporting Small and Medium Exporters (SMEs) by inaugurating Export Hubs in Kandy and Kurunegala. The inauguration ceremonies were held at the Kandy branch and Kurunegala Super Grade branch, officiated by Chief Executive Officer/ General Manager, Clive Fonseka. The Export Hub initiative, designed to consolidate essential services for SMEs, is set to be implemented across seven branches in seven