FinMin wants more SL-oriented monetary policy from CB

More ‘Sri Lankan-oriented’ monetary policy will be hitting the markets soon since Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy is now speaking the same language as he is, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake claimed yesterday.

SL sees balance of payments under pressure amid foreign outflows

REUTERS: Sri Lanka could face balance-of-payments pressure due to foreign outflows from government securities, a government document showed yesterday, even as the island nation is in the process of raising up to US$2.5 billion from foreign borrowing.

Tough December quarter for Softlogic as costs rise, business slows down

Diversified conglomerate, Softlogic Holdings PLC (SHL), continued to face headwinds from both within and outside as its October – December quarter performance was dented by weaker performance of its key business segments, the interim financial accounts of the company showed. 

Lion Brewery 3Q profit hit by factory closure, higher taxes

Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC saw its performance for the December (3Q17) quarter as well as for the nine months being hit by a series of factors— both natural and manmade, but the management forecasted for better days ahead for Sri Lanka’s largest brewer. 

J.L.Morison to invest US $ 13.5mn in new pharma research, manufacturing plant

J.L. Morison Son & Jones (Ceylon) PLC, the pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing arm of diversified Hemas group said, it is investing US $ .13.5 million or over Rs.2 billion in constructing a new pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

Google Loon likely to float away from Sri Lanka

The much-touted Google Loon project is likely to slip away from Sri Lanka due to legal snags stemming from spectrum allocation, a concerned Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure Minister said.

Amãna Takaful PLC launches ‘Rhoda Uda Viplavaya’ insurance scheme in the Central and North Central P

ATL (Amãna Takaful PLC) proudly showcased their latest revolutionary insurance schemes, ‘Smart Rider Cover’ - a compelling insurance scheme for motor bikes and ‘Tuk Tuk Full’

Signature Stylish Marketer’ by University of Kelaniya takes world of fashion by storm

As the preferred youth brand for men’s fashion, Signature has embarked on a new venture in collaboration with the Marketing Division of the University of Kelaniya 

UPS partners with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to launch country’s first ever retail UPS outlet

United Parcel Services (Pvt) Ltd.,(UPS) -Sri Lanka recently joined hands with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, paving the way to the launch of the country’s first ever UPS retail outlet.

Kelani Cables wins National Quality Award for second time

Kelani Cables PLC that produces the number one secure electrical and communication cable in Sri Lanka was conferred with the National Quality Award for the second time.

Sponsorship for CIO Forum

Thilak Godamanna – Chairman Ninehearts group (center) exchange the MOU with Wasantha Weerakoon – Chairman Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (extreme left) and Prabath Wickramaratne, Vice President of Computer Society of Sri Lankafor sponsor the 4th CIO Forum on Information Management to be held on March 1  

Caterpillar confers UTE with Silver Service Excellence certification

Caterpillar (CAT), the world’s leading manufacturer of construction equipment, recently conferred United Tractor & Equipment (Pvt.) Ltd (UTE), Sri Lanka’s leader in engineering solutions, 

NMK Group donates medical equipment to LRH for 35th anniversary

The social responsibility of NMK Group of Companies is to make a significant contribution towards building a strong and healthy nation. To achieve this objective, Marina has introduced to the market a wide range of safe and hygienic food products which ensures physical well-being, the company’s Chairman Manjula Narayana said.

Oxygen quality of surgical, medical procedures highly important: Gas World

Oxygen given during surgery remains a key factor to be considered in the hospital sector. When it comes to quality levels of the oxygen given for surgery, compromising on standards can threaten lives considerably, according to industry experts.

UAE-based Oxford Elevators launches operations in Sri Lanka

With the significant growth in real estate and commercial infrastructure and the increasing need for alternative cost-saving economical maintenance options, Oxford Elevators Company

Coca-Cola’s top achievers shine at National Sales Conference

Under the theme “Be the Best”, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. recently hosted its annual National Sales Conference for 2017. The event took place at Stein Studios in Ratmalana 

Oman Air Catering Services Division Looks Back at an Impressive 2016

Oman Air Catering Services has posted positive results for 2016 despite volatile market conditions. Being awarded a new contract for British Airways to supply inflight catering to their London flights

Jaguar F-Pace Named 2016 Women’s World Car Of The Year

The Jaguar F-PACE has been named ‘Supreme Winner’ at the 2016 Women’s World Car of the Year Awards. As well as collecting the top accolade, 

Sail Lanka Charter hosts VIP guests on board its luxury yacht – the Sapphire

Sail Lanka Charter recently hosted two exclusive events on board its luxury yacht, the Sapphire. The gatherings took place, whilst the yacht was docked at Dikowita port,

48 Years Of Range Rover: Peerless Design And Engineering Innovation Through Every Generation

Two minutes is not long, but it’s enough time for Land Rover to celebrate a motoring icon. The Range Rover has pioneered design, refinement and engineering innovation since 1970 and Land Rover

Protecting rupee more important than interest rates, says Ravi K

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake this week said protecting a fragile rupee was more important than controlling interest rates as the local currency tended not to rebound after a depreciation.

CAL gears to launch Rs.4bn private equity fund

The investment bank, Capital Alliance (CAL), will be launching a Rs.4 billion private equity fund in the near future, a top company official said.

Industrial activities soar to second highest in 4Q16

The industrial activities in Sri Lanka sped up to the second highest during the fourth quarter of the 2016 (4Q16) calendar year through increased production of wearing apparels and non-metallic minerals, pushing the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) up 4.3 percent year-on-year (YoY).

Why poor countries should invest first in national trade infrastructure

Low-income countries are often advised to prioritize investment in their trade infrastructure to better connect to international markets, and garner the benefits of a more open trade regime. 

Manufacturing and services activities slow down in January

Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and services sectors lost some momentum in January compared to the previous month though both sectors recorded index values over 50 percent, still signalling an expansion. 

HNB Assurance wins Gold at SAFA Awards

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) walked home with another top award for its 2015 Annual Report recently. The Company’s annual report was awarded for its transparency,

Alliance Finance first finance company certified by DNVGL for ISO 9001:2015

Alliance Finance Company PLC (AFC), Sri Lanka’s third oldest finance company upgrades its ISO Quality Management Systemto become compliant with the latest International Accreditation Forum (IAF), ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Standard. 

Sampath Fort branch celebrates anniversary

The 28th branch anniversary of Sampath Bank Fort branch was celebrated with a religious programme (Dharmadeshanaya) conducted by Ven.Mirisse Dhammika Thero. The Manager Sujeewa Fernando and the branch staff organized this occasion which was held in the branch premises.

Blue Mountain Achilleion to feature at Maldives Living Expo beginning today

Blue Mountain Achilleion, Sri Lanka’s seven-star luxury real estate project will be headlining the Maldives Living Expo 2017 to be held from 16th to 18th February at the National Art Gallery Main Hall in Male, Maldives. 

Return of the City: Megastructure Redefined!

The 35th annual sessions of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) took place yesterday at the BMICH under the theme ‘Return of the City: Megastructure Redefined’ with a large number of local and foreign architects attending the event. The annual sessions will be followed by the Architect 2017 exhibition that will kick off today at the same venue. The exhibition will continue till February 19. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja