Thoughts on upcoming presidential election

The race has begun. Both contenders are running neck-and-neck. If there is a photo finish, it might complicate matters. Whoever wins, would face an arduous task of managing the national debt.

Asian markets mostly down as traders ease into weekend

(Hong Kong) AFP: Asian and European markets fell yesterday at the end of a healthy week, with uncertainty surrounding the China-US trade talks following China’s announcement of a plan with Washington to roll back tariffs.

Asian equities see biggest foreign inflow in 6 months in October

REUTERS: Foreign investors stepped up buying in Asian equities in October as risk sentiment improved on signs that China and the United States were closer to an interim trade deal, soothing concerns about a slowdown in the region.

Oil slides as uncertainty returns about U.S.-China trade deal

(London) REUTERS: Oil prices fell yesterday, weighed down by lingering uncertainty about how close the United States and China were to a trade deal and on rising U.S. crude inventories.

Stocks, rupee gain; polls awaited

(Colombo) REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares edged higher yesterday, snapping a four-day losing streak, as investors picked up banking and beverage shares ahead of the presidential vote on November 16.

Moody’s Investors cuts India’s outlook to ‘negative’, citing rising growth risks

(Bengaluru) REUTERS: Moody’s Investors Service cut India’s ratings outlook to “negative” from “stable”, citing increasing risks that Asia’s third largest economy will grow at a slower pace than in the past, sending stock markets nearly 1 percent lower at yesterday’s close.

Shangri-La Group opens One Galle Face

Seven years after it broke ground, the much-anticipated One Galle Face (OGF) integrated project was officially opened yesterday by President Maithripala Sirisena and Shangri-La Group CEO Lim Beng Chee.

Colombo Port City has potential to become most advanced smart city in Asia: Hans

The Colombo Port City project has the potential to become the most advanced smart city in Asia by attracting tech giants while providing the catalysts for inclusive advancements in digital space across various sectors of the economy, promoting inclusive capitalism.

Singer Fashion Academy paves way for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs

Everyone likes to hear a good success story, especially one that involves an individual going through a learning curve in life that eventually ends up changing their life for the better within a short period of time and opening up a world of opportunity and prospects for them.

Arpico launches exquisite range of luxury Christmas hampers

Arpico, the premier retail chain in Sri Lanka, is all set to unveil its exclusive list of hampers for the coming Christmas season as the first phase of its supreme Christmas shopping experience for 2019.

LEARN turns 30: The evolution of Sri Lanka’s 1st wide area network

LEARN, Sri Lanka’s national research and education network marked three decades of innovation in connectivity, heralding a new era of connectivity whilst supporting the needs of the research and education community through a high-speed backbone network.

Ceylinco Life’s Toastmasters Club enters sixth year

Ceylinco Life hosted the sixth installation ceremony of its Toastmasters Club recently, at which a new executive committee was appointed and new members were welcomed.

Lanka IOC, Abans Auto launches seasonal bonanza offer ‘Fuel up and Win’

In a major strategic joint promotional initiative, Lanka IOC in association with the Abans Group kick-started a mega campaign throughout Colombo and Gampaha, beginning November 5, 2019.

Sri Lanka’s Santani Resorts & Spa wins big at WTM London

Sri Lanka’s Santani Resorts & Spa has won the Gold Award under ‘Best in Wellness’ category at the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTA) 2019 presented by World Travel Market (WTM) London.

Dialog Finance to raise Rs.701mn via rights issue

Dialog Finance PLC, the finance subsidiary of Dialog Axiata PLC yesterday disclosed plans to raise little over Rs.701 million through a rights issue.

Global ERP player IFS says investing more in Sri Lanka

Following is an interview Mirror Business conducted with Stephen Keys, Regional President of IFS’ business in APJ, ME&A during IFS World Conference 2019 concluded in Boston, USA, recently. He spoke about a number of things including IFS’ role in Sri Lanka as the second largest IT industry employer and the CSR activities of the ERP giant. Stephen is responsible for growing IFS’ presence across the region, which involves building a strong customer

The future of Sri Lanka’s education in fourth Industrial Revolution

The profound impacts that an emerging fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) will have on the future employment landscape underscore the crucial role of education and skills in preparing a workforce that can meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s labour markets.

Gender equality in the workplace, really?

I have been intentional about reducing my posts during my time on sabbatical. However when the news broke that the EY US firm had training that instructed women on how to act, dress and behave (around their male counterparts) I couldn’t hold my silence. This is a reflective piece that talks about what we can learn from the recent events, and how organizations and individuals can move forward from it.

Leading battle against climate change: The energy sector response

Climate change coupled with global warming have dramatic repercussions on almost every sector. Melting ice caps, the rise of global sea levels at an unprecedented rate of 3.2 millimeters a year, along with the rise in temperatures are affecting biodiversity, species and habitats everywhere.

Sri Lanka’s Santani Resorts & Spa wins big at WTM London

Sri Lanka’s Santani Resorts & Spa has won the Gold Award under ‘Best in Wellness’ category at the International Travel & Tourism Awards (ITTA) 2019 presented by World Travel Market (WTM) London.

SriLankan cuts losses in first half

SriLankan Airlines has managed to trim its losses by 11.6 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 76 million during the first half of the year, driven by a considerable reduction in operating expenditures despite a 70 percent YoY decline in revenue following the Easter Sunday attacks. During the first six

Top architect calls for urgent measures to revitalise Colombo Fort to integrate with Port City

Sri Lanka must take urgent measures to preserve and revitalise Colombo Fort with sensitive planning by integrating its colonial heritage with the upcoming Colombo Port City, Sri Lankan-born internationally renowned architect, artist and engineer, Cecil Balmond said. “Colombo Fort is

Dialog 3Q hindered by forex losses, subdued top line

Dialog Axiata PLC saw its September quarter (3Q19) earnings hit by forex losses and subdued top line growth as Sri Lanka recovers from the April 21 Easter Sunday attacks. The earnings of the celco for the period under review fell 14 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs.1.5 billion on revenue of Rs.29.1 billion, up 4 percent YoY. “Group revenue remained flat on a Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) basis to reach Rs.29.1 billion for 3Q19 mainly due to intense co

Haycarb Sept. earnings surge amid strong demand for activated carbon

The Hayleys group’s coconut shell-based activated carbon manufacturer, Haycarb PLC saw a surge in earnings during the September quarter (2Q20) amid strong demand for the firm’s value-added activated carbon products. Haycarb reported earnings o

Oil rebounds to US$ 62 on hopes for U.S.-China trade deal

(London) REUTERS: Oil rose above US$ 62 a barrel yesterday after China hinted at progress towards a trade deal with the United States, raising hopes for an end to a long dispute that has weighed on economic growth and fuel demand. China and the United States

Shares at 2-week low on profit taking; rupee ends weaker

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares ended weaker yesterday, falling for a fourth straight session to their two-week low, as investors booked profits ahead of the presidential vote on Nov. 16. The country’s main Tamil party yesterday announced their support for Sajith Premadasa, the Housing Minister and one of the two presidential front-runners, giving him an edge over his rival Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Surecore awarded for excellence at National ICT Awards 2019

Surecore was awarded at the recently held ‘National ICT Awards - NBQSA 2019’.

Air quality in Colombo worsens

Mist-like conditions prevailed in Colombo both on Tuesday and Wednesday with the air quality in Sri Lanka’s capital recording unhealthy values. According to the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), a sharp increase in dust particles has caused the deterioration in air quality. Currently, New Delhi is experiencing a toxic haze, forcing residents to remain indoors

Mangala sets record straight on MCC grant

While denying the claims that the government rushed to approve the US $ 480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, the Finance Ministry yesterday stressed that the Cabinet approval for the signing of the Compact was given ahead of the presidential election next week, to avert the risk of Sri Lanka losing the grant.

Oct. records lowest tourist arrival decline since April attacks

The tourist arrivals in October fell 22.5 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 118,743, recording the lowest monthly percentage decline compared to the previous year, since the Easter bombings in April.