Hackers stole US$6 mn in attack on SWIFT system, Russian Central Bank says

REUTERS: Unknown hackers stole 339.5 million rubles (US$6 million) in an attack on the SWIFT international payments messaging system in Russia last year, the Russian Central Bank said yesterday.

ADB provides US$ 75mn worth lending to Sri Lanka’s small businesses

The Sri Lankan government had obtained Asian Development Bank (ADB) financial assistance worth US$ 100 million in 2016 to finance the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Line of Credit Project. 

US authorities block Chicago Stock Exchange sale

AFP: US regulators Thursday blocked the purchase of the Chicago Stock Exchange (CHX) by a group of investors including the Chinese company Chongqing Casin.

Titan launches all-new Edge Date series

Titan, one of the world’s leading watch brands, recently unveiled its latest timepiece collection, the Titan Edge Date.

A corporate Avurudu at Waters Edge

Looking for the perfect place to host a traditional and exciting Avurudhu celebration for your office? Then look no further than Colombo’s culinary hub Waters Edge that is fully-equipped with perfect locations, an internationally acclaimed culinary team and a banquets team that will put together the perfect solution to suit your budget and themes.

Olcott Memorial Sports Foundation conducts inaugural leadership programme

Col. Henry Steele Olcott Memorial Sports Foundation conducted the inaugural leadership programme for the students of Olcott schools – Nalanda, Dharmasoka, Maliyadeva, Rahula, Dharmaraja, Mahinda and Ananda College, recently.

Sunquick concludes another ‘Drink & Win’ promotion

One of the most anticipated consumer promotions in the island, ‘Sunquick Drink & Win’ recently concluded yet another successful segment.  With valuable gifts being awarded every year, the campaign awarded 100 lucky customers with gold coins this year at the prize-giving ceremony held at Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo. 

Development Strategies Ministry holds trade discussion

A lecture and discussion on “Trade theory and Global Experience on Trade Protection; its Benefits and Limitations” was held at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board recently with the participation of Professor Robert Lawrence, Professor of International Trade and Investment, Harvard Kennedy School of Harward University. 

Waters Edge organises ‘Brew & Grub Fest’

Nothing brings people together more like a combination of good food, drinks and music. Colombo’s entertainment hub Waters Edge is combining its culinary expertise with some of the best bands in the country to bring to you the ‘Brew & Grub Fest.

ReeBonn Cosmetics unveils Fairness Body Lotion

ReeBonn Cosmetics (Pvt.) Ltd, a pioneering herbal cosmetic company operating in Sri Lanka, unveiled its newest product, ‘ReeBonn Fairness Body Lotion’ that gives a bright, soft and glowing skin to the users. 

CCC opens Sri Lanka’s first dedicated coffee store

The flag carrier for Lavazza Coffee and the only total coffee solutions provider in Sri Lanka, Colombo Coffee Company (CCC), recently opened doors to Sri Lanka’s first dedicated coffee store. 

Aviraté launches 3D Virtual Store together with new Spring Collection

Delving further into the realm of virtual reality shopping, Aviraté is yet again shaking things up in the retail industry with the launch of its ‘3D Virtual Store’ – a virtual shopping experience. 

Union Bank Biz Direct powers UA with cutting-edge cash management technology

Union Bank partnered Union Assurance PLC (UA) with the bank’s revolutionary cash management solution Union Bank Biz Direct, enabling greater cash management efficiency for the leading insurer.

Fitch rates ComBank’s Basel III sub debt ‘AA-(lka)(EXP)’

Fitch Ratings has assigned Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s (CB, AA(lka)/Stable) proposed Basel III-compliant subordinated unsecured debentures of up to Rs.10 billion an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘AA-(lka)(EXP)’.

PNB detects US $1.77bn fraud in latest India bank case

REUTERS: India’s Punjab National Bank (PNB) has detected fraudulent transactions worth $1.77 billion at a single Mumbai branch in a case that could affect more banks and raise fresh questions about lending procedures at Indian banks mired in soured debt.

Richard Pieris Finance opens 8th branch in Kurunegala

Richard Pieris Finance Ltd, the only finance company belonging to the Richard Pieris group, opened its eighth branch in Kurunegala recently. The new branch of Richard Pieris Finance offers a wide-ranging portfolio of services, which includes fixed deposits, leasing, hire purchase, Islamic finance, savings, business loans and home loans. 

NDB Araliya provides life insurance

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) Araliya is a unique financial proposition that will focus on developing a woman’s life not only in terms of financial well-being but also in developing her skills, health and intellectuality whilst giving her the strength, security and confidence to realize aspirations in her journey of life. 

Insurance industry records 15.5% GWP growth in 3Q17

The insurance industry was able to achieve a growth of 15.53 percent (3Q 2016: 16.97 percent) in terms of overall gross written premium (GWP), at the end of the third quarter of 2017, recording an increase of Rs.15, 862 million when compared to the same period in the year 2016.

A year into OPEC’s production cuts, Asia’s oil markets have tightened

Just over a year into production cuts lead by OPEC and Russia, oil markets in Asia have tightened noticeably as significant amounts of excess crude have been taken off tankers used for storage and delivered to customers across 

The HR mantra that guides thriving companies

As a leader it is our job to focus on getting things done on time with acceptable quality and within the allocated budget.

Envisioning a path to a more inclusive, affordable Lankan healthcare system

Elaborating on the ramifications of the many changes happening in the local healthcare sector, Sri Lanka Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries (SLCPI) Chairman Shyam Sathasivam called for greater partnership between the public and private sector stakeholders in order to preserve and enhance the country’s existing facilities while developing specialized capabilities to shift the goal of healthcare outcomes from treatment to 

Ceylon Guardian leads skills development programme for women in south

The Youth to Nation Foundation (YNF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Ceylon Guardian, conducted a workshop in Hambantota recently to impart training on manufacturing footwear.

Arpico Finance-SSC partner to construct a pavilion

Arpico Finance Company PLC (AFC) will put its mark on Sri Lanka’s most historic cricketing venue, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), by sponsoring the construction of a pavilion that will have a 1,000 seat capacity spread over three levels.

Premium International hosts blood donation camp at LRH

Premium International (Pvt.) Ltd recently organised a blood donation campaign at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) for children in Colombo.  This was a voluntary blood donation drive organised by Premium International in order to strengthen the national campaign, which has been initiated by the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS).

JAT Holdings reiterates commitment to sustainability with multitude of projects

In an effort to further reiterate its strong commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, JAT Holdings carried out several corporate sustainability-related projects throughout 2017. The projects focused on a wide spectrum of areas including commitment to business sustainability, environmental sustainability, employee recognition and welfare, sports and recreation and community service.

Brandix offers gifts of stationery, school bags to 7,600 children

Over 7,600 children of associates of the Brandix family ushered in the new school year on a positive note, receiving gifts of stationery, a school bag each and other school essentials from Brandix, under the company’s employee welfare initiative, ‘Ran Daru Thilina’.

Hirdaramani partners with Patagonia for reforestation project

As part of its sustainable approach to business, the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer, Hirdaramani Group, partnered with US retailer, Patagonia, to plant 4,000 trees to aid the ‘Hiniduma Bio-Link Project’ in the south-west of Sri Lanka. 

ESET named as only Challenger in 2018 Gartner Magic Quadrant

ESET – a global player in information security – has been namedas a Challenger in the 2018 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms. 

Ookla names Mobitel as fastest mobile network in Sri Lanka

Ookla has declared Mobitel, its Speedtest Award Winner for having the fastest mobile network in Sri Lanka. 

Airtel enriches customer experience with new app and extended services

Airtel Lanka introduced a series of additional tools and services to its growing customer base across Sri Lanka, in its continued effort to give the best experience to Airtel subscribers.