Sri Lanka Insurance holds Christmas Carols

Sri Lanka Insurance (SLI) Christmas Carols 2017, organised by the Christian Association of SLI under the theme ‘Joy to the World’, was held at the SLI head office premises recently. SLI Chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya and Executive Director Nilu Wijedasa were present at the event, while Fr. Anton Dinesh delivered the sermon.

UCL Logistics focuses on brokerage solutions

UCL Logistics, a member of Expolanka Holdings, recently announced the establishment of its restructured inbound ocean brokerage division to offer contemporary brokerage solutions under the existing Expolanka banner.

Regulatory nod for merging of LOLC group finance firms

A merger of finance companies within the LOLC group has received regulatory approval from the Central Bank, according to a disclosure made to the Colombo Stock Exchange.

ADB’s microfinance programme to reach Sri Lanka with additional funding

Sri Lanka’s microfinance space is likely to benefit from the additional funding the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to its microfinance programme. An ADB communiqué said the development lender’s board of directors has raised the limit of an existing microfinance risk participation and guarantee programme by an additional US $100 million in assistance for its microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Stocks hit near 2-week closing high

REUTERS:  Sri Lankan shares touched a near two-week closing high yesterday, as investors picked up banking and diversified stocks, with muted trading as investors went on holiday in the Christmas week.

Monthly fiscal operations not on FinMin website since change of ministers

The Finance and Mass Media Ministry has not disclosed the monthly fiscal operations of the Treasury since July 2017.

SL receives first tranche of H’tota port lease proceeds

Sri Lanka has received the first payment for the lease of the Hmbantota port to a state-owned Chinese firm, the Central Bank said yesterday.

Dileepa quits SLT

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group CEO Dileepa Wijesundera has tendered his resignation this month to be effective from March 11, 2018.

Think tank highlights importance of tourism research

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), an autonomous government affiliated think tank recently called on greater attention to be placed on research into the country’s burgeoning tourism sector in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the harm from tourism. During a recent Twitter chat on the State of the Economy 2017, IPS 

DFCC Bank credit card gives you more than one reason to shop

DFCC Bank is extending special savings for DFCC credit card holders for a memorable festive season right

Philippine c. bank relaxes rules on foreign loans to boost investments

REUTERS: The Philippine Central Bank said yesterday it has approved revisions to foreign exchange rules to facilitate financing of private sector investments to boost economic growth. 

Swadeshi illuminates Saman Devalaya, Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC has sponsored the ‘Aloka Poojawa’ of the historic Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya and Dambadeniya Raja Maha Viharaya for the 16th consecutive year.

Envoy London proudly dresses Mr. England 2017-18

Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist, recently awarded the winner of Mr. England 2017-19 - Jack Eyers - a wardrobe courtesy of its premier brand Envoy London during the course of his visit to Sri Lanka. 

Rough – First to break ground in 1998 creating int’l standard T-shirts to SL

When the trend of T-shirts was just emerging, ‘Rough’ was the pioneer that mastered to create an international quality standard T-shirt made locally and created by  international designers.

A first in SL: The latest in face care at Pond’s Institute

For the first time in Sri Lanka, Pond’s introduced the globally reputed Pond’s Institute, an expert face care hub, which showcased its latest state-of-the-art technological innovations combined with science.

MyChef.lk-Crysbro to host first-ever cookathon

For the first time in Sri Lanka, popular online food portal MyChef.lk together with Crysbro has launched a cookathon for the foodies and aspiring chefs in the cyberspace.

ComBank adopts vocational training as another flagship CSR project

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon announced the adoption of vocational training for school leavers as the next community cause it will champion on a national scale, in a logical progression of its commitments to computer literacy and online education.

Power giant LTL Holdings reaches pinnacle once again

Subsidiary of LTL Holdings, Lakdhanavi Limited was awarded with Power Utility of the Year and Innovative Power Technology of the Year Sri Lanka at the Asian Power Awards 2017.

Mirror Business takes a break

There will be no Mirror Business on December 25th and 26th due to Christmas holidays. The next Mirror Business issue will be on the 27th.

Asia markets enjoy pre-Christmas cheer, euro avoids sell-off

AFP:  Most Asian markets yesterday saw in the Christmas break on a positive note, picking up the baton from Wall Street while the euro stood firm against a sell-off despite a victory for Catalan separatists in a snap poll.  

Idea Group CEO receives 2 Golds at Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2017

Idea Group Limited CEO/Managing Director Sampath Mayakaduwa was conferred with two Gold awards at the 22nd edition of the Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 awards ceremony held at the BMICH, organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) with the gracious presence of President Maithripala Sirisena as the chief guest. 

Rupee ends firmer on remittances, dollar conversions

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee closed firmer yesterday, as exporter dollar sales and inward remittances surpassed demand for the U.S. currency by importers, dealers said. 

German consumers to start New Year in high spirits

AFP: German consumers’ festive mood will continue into the New Year, a closely-watched survey said yesterday, as shoppers remain unfazed by a political impasse in Europe’s purring top economy.

WTO’s role crucial for Sri Lanka: Rishad

The role of rules based multilateral trading system led by WTO has become more crucial in paving a level playing field for its members, in particular for small economies such as Sri Lanka, said Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen in his message to the 11th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference held from 10th to 13th December in Buenos 

Stocks end flat near 8-month low; turnover hits 1- year low

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares ended flat yesterday for a second straight session, while trading was muted with turnover hitting its lowest level in a year ahead of Christmas holidays.

Sunshine’s Zesta Tea sponsors CCC’s ‘Pre & Post Budget Insights’ video series

Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings stepped forward as one of the main sponsors of ‘Pre and Post Budget Insights’ video series, developed by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC). 

SLT launches 2018 calendar under ‘Connected Lifestyle of Sri Lanka’ theme

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the country’s leading telecommunication provider, proudly announced the much-awaited launch of its calendar for the upcoming year. Continuing its reputation as one of the most coveted corporate collectables in Sri Lanka, SLT launched its 2018 calendar under the theme ‘Connected Lifestyle of Sri Lanka’.

Cash-strapped Greece sells stake in Thessaloniki port

AFP: The Greek government said this week that it had signed a deal to sell a majority stake in the port at Thessaloniki, part of the asset sales it agreed to as part of a huge international bailout.

ComBank of Maldives opens second branch in Hulhumalé

The Commercial Bank of Maldives (CBM), a subsidiary of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, recently opened its second branch in the Maldives, a little over a year since it commenced operations in the archipelago. The new branch is located in Hulhumalé, the reclaimed island that is connected by road to the airport island of Hulhulé, which is part of the North Malé atoll.

Chinese Dragon Cafe marks 75 years

Chinese Dragon Cafe (Pvt.) Ltd, the pioneering restaurant chain in Sri Lanka’s Chinese restaurant sphere engaged in a noble CSR initiative with religious activities to celebrate its 75th anniversary.