Emirates Group releases annual Environmental Report

The Emirates Group, comprising Emirates airline and dnata, has published its seventh annual Environmental Report which outlines the Group’s environmental performance for the financial year 2016-2017.

USAID launches H’tota youth employment skills project office

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce, opened a regional office (YouLead) in Hambantota recently.  

Industry professionals recognised at Asia-Pacific Executives Forum 2017, AAPM certification ceremony

There were some outstanding performances this year at the Asia-Pacific Executive Forum 2017 and AAPM certification ceremony held at The Hilton Colombo recently.

Process change isn’t enough; reinforcement to achieve long-term sustainability is also needed

Any change to a process is only successful in the long run if all the stakeholders truly adopt and sustain the change. Process and technology improvements cannot be implemented without a change in the hearts, minds and behaviours of the people involved in the change. 

Laptops making comeback in urban areas: Survey

Use of laptops appears to be making a comeback, especially in the urban areas of Sri Lanka, according to data released by the Census and Statistics Department, despite the increasing popularity of mobile phones.

Singer Sri Lanka ownership change effects changes in subsidiary’s board

The change in ownership structure at Singer Sri Lanka PLC has effected a change in the director board of its subsidiary Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC.  Senior banker Aravinda Perera has been appointed the Chairman of Singer Finance PLC, the company informed the Colombo Stock Exchange last week.  A filing by the company said the appointment was effective from October 2nd, 2017.

CCEM appoints special committee to develop digital marketing campaign for tourism industry

The responsibility of coming up with a digital marketing campaign for the country’s tourism industry has been entrusted with a special committee appointed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) chaired by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mirror 

Kuwait expects oil market to rebalance in late 2018

AFP:  Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam al-Marzouk said yesterday the international crude market is expected to rebalance in the fourth quarter of 2018 after producers extended a deal to curb output.

Dilshan Wirasekara elected to CSE Board

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announced the appointment of Dilshan Wirasekara as a Director of the CSE Board with effect from 21st  November 2017. 

Govt. receives first port payment from China-led company

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe receiving the US$292 million cheque as the first payment from China Merchants Port Holdings for taking over the commercial operations of the Hambantota Port this Saturday.  The entire deal, worth US$ 1.12 billion, will see the Chinese company having 70 percent of the effective shareholding of the port for 99 years.

Vasu goes to court over shipping industry monopolization

Member of Parliament Vasudeva Nanayakkara fired broadsides at the Ports and Shipping Ministry, bringing legal action against  key state officials and policy makers in the ministry for failing to prevent the monopolization of the shipping industry.

Millerholz & Spotless unveil new showroom experience

Millerholz, the leading provider of high quality durable flooring solutions and Spotless, the premier commercial and industrial

MAS Brands launches Ultimo

Leading intimate apparel producer MAS Brands introduced designer lingerie label Ultimo to its Sri Lankan clientele this month.

Exclusive Lines is first to introduce NFC ‘Tap and Go’ loyalty points to Sri Lanka

It’s as easy as tap and go for discerning shoppers indulging in the wide range of premium fragrances and beauty products at Exclusive Lines

Unilever, UNDP and UNGC Initiate Strategic PPP’s Around 2030 Agenda

Unilever Sri Lanka, the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) Sri Lanka and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Sri Lanka

IMF urges Sri Lanka to maintain tightening policy bias until inflation ebbs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Sri Lanka to maintain a tightening bias on monetary policy until clear signs emerge that inflationary pressures and credit growth are moderating.

Korea Eximbank approves US$ 14mn for garbage collection compactors to Sri Lanka

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) has approved US$14 million for the supply of garbage collection compactors to Sri Lanka. 

UNIDO supports initiative to setup packaging testing centre in Sri Lanka

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), within the framework of the European Union (EU) – Sri Lanka Trade Related Assistance project, is supporting the creation of a packaging testing center in Sri Lanka. 

Bitcoin plunges 15% in wild trading

AFP: Bitcoin plunged as much as 15 percent to below US$ 14,500 on profit-taking yesterday, capping a roller-coaster week that saw the currency hit a series of record highs and underlining concerns about its volatility.

Tax concessions galore for firms running H’tota port

Gazette notifications pertaining to tax exemptions that would be granted to two public private entities that will run the Hambantota port were presented to Parliament for its approval yesterday. 

SriLankan celebrates 70th anniversary of commercial aviation

Exactly 70 years ago, on December 10th 1947, a Douglas DC-3 aircraft named Sita Devi took off from Ratmalana airport for Palalay Jaffna and Madras. With this historic flight, Air Ceylon, the national carrier of Sri Lanka was born.

Asian markets on course for broad gains after volatile week

AFP: Asian markets rallied yesterday, bringing a volatile week to a positive end as tech firms extended their rebound while investors tracked advances on Wall Street following reports Donald Trump is planning to unveil a big-spending public works plan.

Abans launches Apple iPhone X in Sri Lanka

Abans, the authorized reseller and service provider for Apple in Sri Lanka launched the iPhone X yesterday at its flagship store at the Colombo Racecourse. 

Ceylinco Life’s Upamalika Ratnayake wins CIO of the Year award

Ceylinco Life Chief Digital Officer Upamalika Ratnayake was named the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Year at the first-ever Women in IT Awards (WITA) organised by the Women in IT Association in Sri Lanka, recently.

Metropolis Healthcare celebrates 12 years in Sri Lanka

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, a global chain of pathology labs and diagnostic centres, celebrates 12 successful years in Sri Lanka. 

Diva ‘Idame Vasanawa’ celebrates 7th year

There can be few greater joys than owning your own home. For three lucky Diva consumers, the first steps towards this ultimate dream were recently made a reality during the seventh edition of Diva’s ‘Idame Vasanawa’ competition.

Play Expo 2017

Play Expo 2017, the country’s largest video gaming and e-sports championship with the largest gathering of geeks,

PSSL 62nd International Competition and Exhibition of Photography kicks off today

The Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL) will hold its 62nd Annual International Photographic Competition and Exhibition today and tomorrow, at Mihilaka Medura, BMICH, Colombo 7. 

NDB mobile banking customers walk away with Christmas vouchers

Over 150 new customers walked out with Christmas Bonanza vouchers at Arpico Hyde Park Corner after opening a new National Development Bank PLC (NDB) account and registering for NDB mobile banking. 

Little Asia Emporium introduces discounts for festival season

Little Asia Emporium, a leading showroom for ready-made garments, is coming up with a fabulous pack of discounts for its valuable customers to match with its reputation in its trade of saris and wedding dresses.