Hat-trick of ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards for Dr. Dan Seevaratnam

Respected industry professional, Dr. Dan Seevaratnam, scored a hat-trick of ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards, the most recent one being the prestigious ‘Lifetime Service Award’ by the Sri Lanka Tea Board, at the National Tea Awards held in celebration of 150 years of excellence of Ceylon Tea.

UNIDO-CAA organise training programme on regulatory impact analysis for regulators

In an attempt to create clarity, transparency, efficiency and accountability in a rather defective and blemished regulatory system, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) of the Industry and Commerce Ministry has joined hands with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to organise a training programme on regulatory impact analysis (RIA).

Japanese and Iranian delegations make business exploration visits to EDB

A delegation from the Nagano Employers’ Association in Nagano Prefecture, Japan visited the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the objective of increasing awareness on Sri Lankan key export products and services. 

The grand narratives of Chinese FDI aren’t so great

In the early 2000s, China’s capital exports diversified from purchasing US treasury bonds to exporting massive amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the developing world. FDI from the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) surged to total US $ 2.5 trillion in 2015. Western media outlets and the Chinese state paint two contradictory pictures of this explosion in Chinese FDI. B

Fossil fuel subsidies – a harmful government expenditure

While many rich nations raise money by putting a levy on fuel consumption, many developing countries pay subsidies to make fuel more affordable. These subsidies are essentially negative taxes. They are unsustainable in both environmental and budgetary terms. Asia’s public finances would be strengthened if the subsidies were phased out.

Oppo receives global accolades for expansive growth and consumer reach

Heralding further progress as a leading smartphone brand in the world, Oppo recorded two prestigious achievements during the final weeks of the year 2017. While Oppo F5 claimed the number one spot in GSM Arena’s ‘Top 10 By Daily Interest’ smartphone chart for seven consecutive weeks, Oppo, the brand received the Canstar Blue Award 2017 for the Most Satisfied Customers - Smartphones.

Sophos’ partners hosted by Avian Technologies at gala event

Avian technologies, a leading provider of total unified threat management and secure content management solutions and a sole distributor of Sophos’ comprehensive and innovative IT security product suite, recently hosted Sophos’ partners from Sri Lanka and the Maldives at a gala event.

ICTA eLG to digitally transform local authorities

Although Sri Lanka has embarked on digital inclusiveness for its citizens and the public sector, substantial transactions and interactions through traditional channels are still required on a daily basis resulting in significant time and resource constraints for both parties.

Welcome to 2018, the year of Artificial Intelligence

If the history of human advancement has taught us one thing it is this: Genuine step-change progress does not occur because of a single technology breakthrough, but a combination of multiple complementary factors coming together at the same time.

Bangladesh Finance State Minister visits HNB

With Sri Lanka and Bangladesh witnessing deepening bilateral economic cooperation in recent years, particularly in key power and other large-scale projects, Hatton National Bank (HNB) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Alles said the bank is looking forward to strengthening its support and furthering strategic partnerships with those who wish to increase their scope of business in Bangladesh.

National Development Bank’s 2017 in review

The year 2017 was a massive success to National Development Bank PLC (NDB), which as a customer-oriented organisation, succeeded in introducing products that not only made life easier but also proved how important the bank’s client base is to it.

ComBank launches ‘Bank on Wheels’

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has introduced mobile banking in the literal sense with the launch of ‘Bank on Wheels’ – a modified and branded vehicle designed to provide basic over-the-counter banking facilities to the customers living outside the city limits.

HNB relocates Nawaloka Hospital Customer Centre to new Specialist Centre

Sri Lanka’s most popular retail bank, Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB), announced the relocation of its Nawaloka Hospital customer centre to the second floor of the newly constructed multi-storey Specialist Centre at Nawaloka Hospital.

PickMe partners University of Moratuwa to foster product innovation

Sri Lanka’s most innovative taxi hailing software provider PickMe, has announced a partnership with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and the newly-established Center for Data Science (DataSEARCH) at the University of Moratuwa.

Elephant House shines in Interbrand ‘Best Sri Lankan Brands’ report

Sri Lanka’s premier food and beverages brand Elephant House was recently recognised as one of the top 20 most valuable Sri Lankan brands by leading international brand consultancy Interbrand.

Laugfs Maritime CEO receives honorary doctorate from Prestigious UK University

Reinforcing the leadership strength of Laugfs, Laugfs Maritime Services Director/CEO Leslie Hemachandra was bestowed with an honorary doctorate in Business Administration (majoring in Ship Management) from a prestigious university in the United Kingdom.

Eagle Logistics step into express business

Supply chain logistics provider Eagle Logistics stepped into express business this week under the brand name of Eaglex.

Greenee Lighting opens largest lighting showroom in Kiribathgoda

Nature Efficient Electronics Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd recently announced the opening of its new showroom in Kiribathgoda, to demonstrate energy efficient LED, decorative and smart lighting technology in a real-life application, providing customers a first-hand experience to a wide range of lighting/LED products.

ANC Education and CIM in mutually beneficial partnership

ANC Education and the Chartered Institute of Marketing have entered into a partnership with the aspiration to build awareness and share industry know-how and to provide the CIM students who have completed the Professional Diploma in Marketing (Second Stage of CIM) entry on to the MBA programme offered by ANC in collaboration with the University of West London (UWL).

Quantum brings quality fitness to hill capital Kandy

Pioneering quality fitness equipment in Sri Lanka, Quantum Fitness has since 1998 continued to grow and evolved in to the premier supplier of state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

Serendib Leisure empowers Neboda community with school restoration project

Serendib Leisure Management Ltd stepped to the aid of the flood-affected community of Neboda, Kalutara by refurbishing the Kudaligama Maha Vidyalaya that was badly damaged during the devastating floods which affected many parts of Sri Lanka in May last year.

Sanasa Nelum Mal Poojawa concludes successfully

Nelum Mal Poojawa was organised by Sanasa Federation and Sanasa Movement with the sponsorship of Sanasa Development Bank for the 18th time. The event took place on January6th2018, near Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi.

IWW Steel donates school gear to celebrate dawn of 2018

IWW Steel (Pvt.) Ltd recently celebrated the dawn of 2018 in a meaningful manner with the company’s Chairman Dr. Sivalingam Ramesh at its factory premises in Uswetakeiyawa.

Ford partners World Vision Lanka for rainwater harvesting project in Polonnaruwa

Ford Motor Company and its local distribution partner, Future Automobiles (Pvt.) Ltd, in collaboration with World Vision Sri Lanka recently launched a rainwater harvesting project in Polonnaruwa.

Shares slip from near 7-week high

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares ended lower yesterday, slipping from a near seven week high hit in the previous session, as investors booked profits in blue chip stocks, while foreign traders continued buying the island nation’s risky assets.

Poor pay, disinterest keep half a million away from work: survey

A recent survey undertaken by the Census and Statistics Department has indicated that nearly half a million job vacancies are available in the country, with employers unable to offer attractive pay and lack of interest among Sri Lankans for the job vacancies.

SL-S’pore FTA to be inked on Jan.22

The proposed free trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Singapore that is to be inked on January 22 received Cabinet approval yesterday.

Central Bank gets IFC support to draw national strategy on financial inclusion

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has partnered with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to develop the country’s first National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to promote a more effective and efficient process to improve financial inclusion across Sri Lanka. 

LVL Energy says overseas investments will minimize local risks

LVL Energy Fund Limited (LVEL), a leading energy company in the country said, their overseas investments are aimed at minimizing the risks that could stem from a volatile local energy market, characterized by ad-hoc policy changes and lack of transparency in pricing. 

Laugfs Hambantota port LPG venture faces roadblocks

Construction of the connecting pipeline of the US$ 80 million LPG import-export terminal of Laugfs Gas PLC in the Hambantota port has been unofficially halted without further explanation, according to the company’s head.