Rising petroleum prices dim BPPL’s 3Q profits

Leading brushware and synthetic fibre manufacturer BPPL Holdings PLC (BPPL) posted Rs.115.9 million net profit for the October-December quarter (3Q18), taking a 6 percent dip compared to the corresponding period last year, over the rising raw material and operating costs.

Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Symposium to kick off this March

An eminent panel of local and foreign speakers are billed to speak at the technical sessions of the Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Symposium on March 6th 2018, while the inauguration ceremony on March 5th will be graced by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Customs to conduct awareness session in preparation for paperless procedures

In an effort to fast-track trade, Sri Lanka Customs is now ready to adopt paperless trade procedures. It is necessary to swiftly adapt from traditional procedures to the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) World System and to ensure an efficient transition.

PF-NMF hosts first dialogue on India- Sri Lanka Maritime Security Cooperation

The first bi-lateral conference between the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and Pathfinder Foundation (PF) focused on developing a platform for analytical and innovative discussion, specifically on Maritime Security and Maritime Domain Awareness covering the Indian Ocean, which would favourably impact countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

ICCSL and NDRDC organize discussion on lessons from Germany’s dual vocational training system

International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) together with National Human Resource Development Council (NHRDC) will be hosting a joint discussion forum where the key note presentation will be delivered by Ambassador Jorn Rohde, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

Pathfinder Foundation officials meet CPPCC and CPAPD dignitaries

Pathfinder Foundation (PF) Founder Milinda Moragoda met with Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman HE Han Qide and Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) President in Colombo recently.

Sri Lanka participates Biofach 2018, international exhibition in Germany

The Biofach-Vivaness is the world’s leading trade fair for Organic Food in the world and Vivaness, the largest international trade fair for natural personal care, will be held from February 14th to 17th 2018 in Nuremberg, Germany.

From election to business: Lessons to be learnt

It is accepted that politics always shapes the economy but there can be cases where the economy decides politics. The results of the recently held local government election have made a platform where not only the rulers but also the business people can learn some lessons to win the competition, a common factor for business as well as politics. Be it business or politics, what drives is marketing. 

Can Colombo reinvent itself as a wetland city?

Outside the boundaries of the Diyasaru Park, traffic is locked bumper-to-bumper but inside is a wetland paradise. A long walking path winds its way through 60 acres of carefully restored wetlands, complete with narrow streams covered in pink lotus flowers in bloom.

CILT and KPMG to collaborate on knowledge sharing initiatives

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka (CILT-SL) entered into an agreement with KPMG in Sri Lanka to collaborate and conduct knowledge sharing events focused on new and evolving trends, current topics, and to provide access to a community of professionals for both organisations.

Private sector view: Political stability is key

“Sri Lanka’s ruling alliance was humiliated in Saturday’s local elections as the party of former strongman President Mahinda Rajapakse pulled off a stunning landslide victory,” foreign media reported last Sunday.  

Election outcome weighs on investor sentiment

The Colombo bourse’s indices ended yesterday’s trading in the red territory with the outcome of Saturday’s local government election weighing on the investor sentiment.

Pan Asia offers housing loans with fixed interest rates up to 10 years

In a bid to meet the rising customer demand for a housing loan solution that offers a long-term fixed interest rate structure, Pan Asia Bank ‘Nivasa’ home loan now offers an interest rate structure that is fixed for a period of 10 years from the date of granting the loan.

IATA and CAAS to launch Global Safety Predictive Analytics Research Center in Singapore

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to establish a Global Safety Predictive Analytics Research Center (SPARC) in Singapore. 

Affordable medical test packages to all from Pannipitiya Private Hospital

Pannipitiya Private Hospital, one of Sri Lanka’s renowned and frontline private hospitals has introduced a series of medical test packages that offers special discounts to its patients.

China poised to play greater regional role: Dr. Colombage

Following is a speech delivered by Admiral Dr. Jayanath Colombage, Director of the Center for Indo-Lanka relations of the Pathfinder foundation at the joint symposium conducted by the Institute of South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore on the Belt and Road Initiative, held in collaboration with the Pathfinder Foundation held on January 29 in Singapore.

Lanka Hospital Diagnostics launches state-of-the-art medical laboratory in Kandy

With astounding success and highest quality of their medical laboratory services in Colombo and suburbs, Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics (LHD) recently launched their newest lab testing facility at No.74, Old Peradeniya Road, Kandy.

Selan Bank opens two new branches

Seylan Bank opened two new branches in Aluthgama and Wariyapola recently. The Aluthgama branch is located at Senaro Building, Aluthgama while the Wariyapola branch can be accessed in Kurunegala Road, Wariyapola.

CAL provides investors innovative fintech solution with Fipbox launch

Capital Alliance (CAL) has launched Fipbox, a centralised web application that facilitates investors with up-to-date information about interest rates and credit ratings of banks and financial institutions, allowing clients to confirm investments through a single platform to help them find the best fixed deposit rate.

Sri Lanka Insurance pays over 1,600 Suraksha claims for schoolchildren

The Suraksha Insurance scheme, which was launched by the Ministry of Education in October last year, has already proved to be extremely beneficial for the children of Sri Lanka with over 1,600 claims already paid by Sri Lanka Insurance to-date. 

Sri Lanka Tourism launches ‘LoveCakeLove’ initiative for Valentine’s Day

‘LoveCakeLove’ is the theme of a crowd-sourced effort, initiated by Sri Lanka Tourism, to create hype for love cake, a uniquely Sri Lankan dish, around Valentine’s Day 2018.

Criticality of risk weighted assets in risk management

In the process of financial intermediation, banks mobilize deposits and deploy them in loans and investments in tune with the Central Bank guidelines to create assets. 

Sri Lanka Tourism gets to grips with Colombo’s tourism boom

Since 2009, Sri Lanka has witnessed far-reaching development when it comes to the hospitality and travel industry. 

Emirates firms up orders for 36 A380s worth US$ 16 billion

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, signed a contract for 20 additional A380 aircraft and 16 options, firming up the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was announced in January.  The total agreement for 36 aircraft is valued at US$16 billion based on latest list prices. Deliveries are to start as early as 2020.

AirAsia poised to play key role in Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism market

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka are expected to cross the four million mark by 2020, doubling the record of two million arrivals achieved in 2017. 

Hemas Hospitals partners MaGE to strengthen skills of nursing staff

Sri Lanka’s leading private healthcare provider Hemas Hospitals announced its partnership with Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) in India, with an aim to strengthen and raise the standards and skills of their nursing staff.

Serviced Office Spaces by GrandSpace– A Flexible and Timely Solution

The latest entrant on the scene of professional workspaces, GrandSpace One (Pvt) Ltd, celebrated the opening of their very 

Leo Burnett’s Murtaza A. Tajbhoy win the IAA Champion Award

Murtaza A. Tajbhoy, Chief Strategy Officer of Leo Burnett Sri Lanka was awarded the IAA Champion Award. He is the first Sri Lankan to win this prestigious accolade

Softlogic Properties brings city dwellers its Everest Apartments

Softlogic Properties (Pvt) Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Softlogic Holdings PLC, brings city dwellers affordable luxury apartments

Message by H.E. Mr. Mohammad Zaeri Amirani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka

On the happy occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, it is a great honour for me to share with you the joy of the Iranian people on this momentous occasion.