Microsoft and employees donate over US$650 mn in cash, cloud services and software

A year after the formation of Microsoft Philanthropies, Microsoft Corp. and its employees have donated more than US$650 million in cash, cloud services and software to nonprofits around the world.

AIA insurance Lankan unit doubles December profit

AIA Insurance Lanka PLC virtually doubled its net profits for its October-December quarter to Rs.312 million from a year ago as the gross written premiums (GWPs) and the investment income rose while the benefits and claims paid slightly eased, the interim results showed. 

Five essential things you should know about every stock you buy

Investing is easy but investing successfully is tough. 

Belt and Road effect on bond markets

In the wake of the new administration in Washington and the rise of populism in Europe, there is an unmistakeable sense that China is on its own on major global issues. 

SLIM inaugurates Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing for 2017

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) inaugurated its Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing (PGDIP) program for 2017 on the 29th of January at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management. 

CIM Student Committee ends on high note

A fruitful journey of success by the student committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka 2016, brought down the curtain winding up the year on a high note. 

Renewing your business starts with plenty of reflection and manifestation

During the past 3 months, we have developed and evaluated a set of business renewal alternatives. Now you must align your leadership team behind the new direction and actually make the best renewal decision. 

CEMS-Global’s textile and garment exhibitions to kick-start this week

CEMS-Global USA Multinational Exhibition Organizer which launched its operations in Sri Lanka in year 2009 will hold its annual exhibitions focusing on the textile and garment industry in Sri Lanka from March 9 to 11 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) in Colombo.

Thriposha introduces new cereal to domestic market

As a result of excess production of Thriposha, state-owned enterprise Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health introduced a new cereal named ‘Suposha’ to the domestic consumers recently.

Goodness of Jack Mackerel reduces risk of heart attacks

Most nutritional experts recommend that people add more fish to their diet. Eating more fish is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, obesity, and arthritis.  Fish is a great source of protein and minerals like zinc, selenium and vitamin D and canned fish can be a very reasonably-priced and reliable source of these nutrients.

Hemas Hospitals revamps NITF partnership with additional benefits for public servants

Hemas Hospitals renewed its landmark partnership with the Government-owned National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) to update its comprehensive range of healthcare benefits and services to its members at highly competitive rates. 

Weak pound buoys GSK but drugmaker warns on 2017 generic threat

REUTERS:  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) quarterly sales and profits beat expectations, buoyed by a weak pound, but the drugmaker warned earnings stripping out currencies could slip in 2017 if generic copies of its lung drug Advair arrive in the United States.

SEC introduces method to facilitate sale of SOE stakes

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has approved the Automated Trading System (ATS) rules and the corresponding amendments to the Central Depository Systems (Pvt) Ltd (CDS) rules developed by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), to facilitate trading of all or none blocks (AON).

Resignations from Richard Pieris board continues

The resignation of Paul Ratnayeke, a longstanding board member of diversified Richard Pieris & Company PLC (RICH) has raised many eyebrows as the company saw the resignation of three non executive independent directors from its board last year.

Airport closure, dip in Chinese arrivals snap tourism growth for first time since 2009

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka edged down 0.1 percent year-on-year (YoY) in February to 197, 517 amid the partial closure of the country’s main airport and a significant drop in Chinese arrivals, the data released by the country’s tourism office showed.

NZ minister leads business delegation to Sri Lanka

New Zealand Food Safety Minister David Bennett is leading a business delegation of fourteen New Zealand companies to further strengthen business links between the two countries.

Sri Lanka’s legal process, lack of approvals delay FDIs: investment chief

REUTERS: Long delays in Sri Lanka’s legal process and a lack of speedy approvals from government institutions have delayed foreign direct investment (FDI), the head of state-run investment body chief said last week.

Rajaratnam loses bid to cut insider trading sentence

REUTERS: A federal judge has rejected Sri Lankan born Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam’s bid to void much of his insider trading conviction and shorten his 11-year prison sentence. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan said Rajaratnam failed to show his actual innocence on five of the 14 counts on which he was convicted, or that two other counts should be vacated because the main government witness committed perjury

IMF’s Lagarde will not make Sri Lanka visit this month

REUTERS: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde, will not be visiting Sri Lanka this month as she had been tentatively scheduled to, the global lender said yesterday.

European fund managers visit CSE

Three large European funds led by Thomas Vester of LGM Investments, Tina Ronnholm of Swedish National Pension Fund and Peter F.Tobeason of Silvercrest Asset Management Group...

Strategic brainstorming on innovation and entrepreneurship

A workshop was held at the Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade recently to discuss strategic aspects to developing a national system that supports innovation and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka. 

NCE delegation discusses international trade with State Minister

The newly elected President of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) Ramal Jasinghe, Secretary General /CEO of the Chamber Shiham Marikar and other officials of the Chamber met Sujeewa Senasinghe, State Minister of Development Strategies’ & International Trade , at his office recently. 

CIMA Corporate Partners Summit to celebrate decade of shaping excellence

The CIMA Corporate Partners Programme, a business network comprised of some of the most well acclaimed organizations in Sri Lanka, will celebrate its 10th year on today.  

CCC event to provide peek into innovation strategies

Participants at the forthcoming ‘Future of Business’ innovation strategy and learning event will learn from innovation strategies of Sri Lanka’s champion firms,

Sri Lanka to draw FDIs exceeding US$ 500 mn

Despite a poor track record in attracting foreign direct investments during the last two years, a top government official yesterday said several projects around the Beira Lake area totalling over US$ 500 million are now starting to gain traction.

CCC and NMRA discuss pharmaceutical pricing policies, industry woes

Consequent to concerns expressed by pharmaceutical companies at the time the government enacted regulations to control prices of forty eight (48) medicinal drugs in October 2016,

Commerce Minister urges to increase annual sugar output

“Today, the government owned sugar production industry is earning profits without any need for privatization. You, the more than 11000 workers under LSCL, have together helped transform our 

Sri Lanka Tourism conducts roadshow in Mumbai

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau conducted a roadshow for the travel trade and wedding planners in Mumbai, with an aim to increase footfalls to the emerald island. 

JICA kicks off preparatory study for elevated LRT between Colombo and Malabe

The preparatory study conducted by JICA for the first elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT) line in Sri Lanka between Colombo and Malabe was kicked off this week. 

Asia equities tumble in global retreat but dollar rules

AFP: Asian equity markets fell yesterday after a broad global rally, but the dollar strengthened against most other currencies as traders become increasingly confident the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates this month.