Ceylon Chamber calls for targeted programme to make most of GSP Plus

Sri Lanka’s premier trade chamber, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), yesterday called on the government to launch a targeted and accelerated programme to support the sectors capable of expanding their exports to the European Union (EU) in the wake of the country’s prospects for regaining the GSP Plus trade concession remain high. 

Omen by HP supercharges PC gaming experience

HP Inc. announced the Omen by HP notebook PC, a gaming PC that combines performance, portability and style in a package that is designed for gamers.

HNB launches new electronic banking centre at Trace Expert City

HNB PLC announced the continued expansion of its extensive customer centre network with the launch of a new, fully-automated, electronic banking centre in Panchikawatte. 

Dreamron Cosmetics expands to Myanmar market

Dreamron, Sri Lanka’s premier brand of cosmetics and the largest exporter of hair and skin cosmetics launched its product range at the Hledan Center in Yangon Myanmar amid a large and distinguished gathering, last month. 

EU-SL hold Investor Dialogue meeting

The European Union (EU)-Sri Lanka Investor Dialogue meeting was held at the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry yesterday.

Tea Board Chief on brewing a perfect cuppa!

The tea industry is one of the key pillars of Sri Lanka’s economy. But for some time Sri Lanka’s tea cup has been in a storm and a new recipe for revival and sustenance is imperative at this point of time.

Gulf Air renews IOSA certification

Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier has successfully completed the internationally recognized, biennial IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has been renewed on the IOSA Safety Audit Registry until May 2019, a registry that the airline has been on  since 2005.

Leo Burnett ranked 3rd at AdFest 2017

Leo Burnett Asia-Pacific recently was ranked the third most awarded agency at AdFest 2017, which took place in Thailand. 

Etihad Aviation Group appoints Gavin Halliday as Hala Group MD

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) announced the appointment of Gavin Halliday as Managing Director of Hala Group, its destination management and global loyalty unit.

Foreign investors to take part in ‘Sri Lanka Investment Business Conclave 2017’

Foreign investors already registered to take part in the upcoming Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2017 have shown interest in the areas of agriculture, export manufacturing, infrastructure development, port development, power and energy, telecommunications and related services and tourism and leisure. 

Lanka Financial Services Bureau among top five SWIFT infrastructures in Asia Pacific

Lanka Financial Services Bureau Limited (LFSBL), the SWIFT shared infrastructure of Sri Lanka has been included among the top 5 SWIFT shared infrastructures in the Asia Pacific region. 

Pathfinder Foundation seeks to enhance Indo-Lanka connectivity

The Centre for Indo-Lanka Initiatives of the Pathfinder Foundation, in partnership with New Delhi-based Carnegie India and Vivekananda International Foundation, conducted a conference aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Sri Lanka last week in Colombo. 

Kapruka founder discusses future of online shopping with Jack Ma

In a strategic move to boost e-commerce in Sri Lanka as part of the nation’s trade development within the current digital age, our very own e-commerce initiator Dulith Herath met the global e-com king Jack Ma recently.

Tourist arrivals to Maldives down 2.1% in March

Tourist arrivals to the Maldives, where several Sri Lankan hospitality companies have set up operations, fell 2.1 percent year-on-year (YoY) in March 2017 to 112,665 tourists, while increased arrivals for the first three months of the year were weighed down by shorter holidays.

NDB March quarter profit up on higher loans, margins and lower loan impairments

The National Development Bank PLC group (NDB) reported earnings of Rs.737.5 million or Rs.4.46 a share for the January – March (1Q17) quarter, up 35 percent year-on-year (YoY), the interim financial accounts released to the Colombo Stock  Exchange showed.  

Suresh de Silva takes helm at Eguardian Lanka and DCS International

LIMRA Holdings announced the appointment of Suresh de Silva as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its IT cluster companies, Eguardian Lanka Private Limited (Eguardian Lanka) and DCS International Private Limited (DCS International) with effect from 1st May.

NCC organises seminar on CSE amendments to listing rules

The National Chamber of Commerce (NCC) in association with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) will hold a seminar on CSE proposed amendments to listing rules on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the National Chamber Auditorium, No: 450, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Amana Bank to raise Rs.4.7bn to meet core capital requirements

Amana Bank PLC, Sri Lanka’s first non-interest-based Islamic bank, which was in extensive talks with some prospective foreign parties to obtain fresh capital, now appears to have returned to its own shareholders, seeking support to meet the interim minimum core capital target given by the regulator. 

Emirates goes all A380 to Spain, introduces second daily flight to Madrid

Emirates has announced that all of its flights to Spain will be operated by the iconic A380.  In addition to the existing double daily A380 service to Barcelona, the airline will operate a double daily A380 service to Madrid, significantly boosting seat capacity from Dubai to Spain. 

Laugfs LPG terminal in Hambantota on track for commissioning in 2018

One year into the construction of the Laugfs LPG import and export terminal in Hambantota, the first phase with a 30,000 metric tonne (MT) capacity is progressing well on schedule to be commissioned by the first half of the 2018 financial year as planned, a company statement said.  

A family’s success in beating malnutrition could stir Sri Lanka to action

When Karuppiah Sellathurai bought his first cow, it only gave him a few litres of milk every day. But then he ‘multiplied’ his cattle when his cow had a calf. Several years down the line, he has four animals in his shed, milk to meet his family’s needs and more than enough left over  to sell.

Dell EMC appoints Roshan Nugawela as Country Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives

Dell EMC has announced the next level of leadership for Asia Emerging Markets (AEM) and APJ New Business. 

ComBank’s ‘e-Passbook’ wins Gold in Mumbai

One year after it was launched, Commercial Bank’s ground-breaking mobile app ‘e-Passbook’ has won an international award for design, creativity and innovation.

ICTA implements online ePolice clearance certificate system for Sri Lanka Police

An ePolice certificate system was developed by the Information & Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) for the Sri Lanka Police for the issuance of Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) online. 

Plantation Industries Ministry clarifies on recent TEA statement

The Plantation Industries Ministry wishes to make the following media release on the recent media release by the Tea Exporters’ Association (TEA). 

Sri Lanka Tourism demonstrates class at ATM

Sri Lanka Tourism, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Mission in Dubai, participated at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which concluded recently on a highly successful note. 

Sri Lanka patronizes to handover Asia Pacific region development report to UN

The report for the development in Asia and the Pacific region is scheduled to be handed over to the United Nation with the patronage of Sri Lanka. 

OPPO to launch another selfie expert F3 with group selfie feature

Global smartphone photography leader OPPO is set to launch another new dual selfie camera smartphone, the OPPO F3, which enables users to snap both great selfie and group selfie shots with ease, thanks to its dual front cameras.

Oman Air partners Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017 in Muscat

Oman Air, the national carrier for the Sultanate of Oman, was proud to have been the co-lead partner of the Condé Nast International Luxury Conference 2017. 

MAS Holdings begins manufacturing in United States

The Sri Lankan apparel major, MAS Holdings, which has extensive operations in the South Asian region, has taken a significant step as it sealed its commitment to become the first Sri Lankan apparel group to commence manufacturing in the United States.