Goodbye roaming: EU clears final hurdle for end of roaming charges

REUTERS: The European Union clinched a preliminary deal early yesterday to cap wholesale charges telecom operators pay each other when their customers use their mobile phones abroad, paving the way for the abolition of roaming fees in June.

NDB promotes environment literacy in rural schools with BECT

National Development Bank (NDB) Plc has taken the initiative to promote environment literacy through progarmmes in Rural schools in partnership with the Biodiversity & Elephant Conservation Trust (BECT) for the third consecutive year.

Japan Expo Premier to begin in Colombo tomorrow

Japan Expo Premier Sri Lanka 2017 will be held at the BMICH in Colombo from the 03rd to 05th this month, Chairperson of the Japan Expo Sri Lanka Exhibition Committee Mikiyo Furusawa said recently.

Perfect Business Solutions clinches two FCCISL awards

Perfect Business Solution Services (Pvt.) Ltd (PBSS) won two awards – Western Province Medium Gold and National Medium Silver – at the recently concluded awards ceremony organised by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) held at Stein Studio Ratmalana. 

Cuba ready to support Sri Lankan industries

Cuba, one of their main trade partners of Sri Lanka has expressed its interest to explore Sri Lanka’s coconut cultivation, hinting the possible visit of a delegation from Cuban Ministry of Agriculture to Sri Lanka.

Fashion Bug continues CSR initiative with Sri Lanka Railways

In a continuous drive to contribute to public betterment, Fashion Bug, one of Sri Lanka’s leading retail clothing chains with over 16 outlets island-wide together

USAID supports CSR Sri Lanka to strengthen stakeholder partnerships

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently came forward to support CSR Sri Lanka’s Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainable Development (SCoSD) project to bring in strong collaboration among private sector companies, the public sector, civil society, the academia and a wide range of local and international stakeholders. 

New Indian envoy meets Malik

The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu met Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrama and held bi-lateral discussions at the ministry this week. 

Aitken Spence Printing walks away with NBEA Gold

The export arm of Aitken Spence Printing and Packaging – ACE Exports was awarded at National Business Excellence Awards (NBEA) 2016 in recognition of its overall business excellence and contribution made towards economic progression of the country. 

CIMA Mastercourse on taxation begins on February 12

CIMA Sri Lanka’s first CPD event of the year, the CIMA Mastercourse on Taxation will begin on 12 February and continue until 23 April.  

Protest against H’tota port sale

Sri Lankan police stand guard during a protest against the proposed sale of a stake in a loss-making port to a Chinese company in Colombo yesterday. 

Samsung confident of maintaining 60% market share in Sri Lanka: MD

Reiterating its position as the world’s number one smartphone, Samsung is confident of maintaining its 60 percent market share in Sri Lanka, said Youngmin Shin, Managing Director of Samsung Sri Lanka. 

How digital services enable biz processes

Digital services play a vital role in synchronizing digital customer and business process.  Operating in a modern business today, by and large, has become a software affair, with the socially connected mobile consumer segment, and therefore enterprises explore ways to service the customer based on their personal preferences and personas.

Can-Sur-Vive gives hope to breast cancer patients and survivors

A hall full of tangible energy, hope and positive attitude, exuded the length and breadth of Lanka Hospitals 10th floor auditorium when women of all sizes and walks of life spent a day;

Red Hat and SLASSCOM introduce open source innovation to Lankan market

Open source technologies has been recognized as an enabler for a variety of problems , providing accessible technologies to a number of services as well as for mass collaboration in sharing knowledge with others to create new resources and opportunities.

Ceylon Chamber releases ‘Economic Review and Outlook 2017’ report

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce launched its ‘Economic Review and Outlook 2017,’ a new report, which contains information on trends, risks and prospects of both Sri Lankan and the global economy.  

Colombo Chamber facilitates local businesses to attend int’l gem and jewellery shows

The Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC), in its pursuit of assisting and providing support to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Sri Lanka, has once again facilitated an exciting opportunity for local businesses to gain international exposure through the chamber’s networks. 

Hameedia Celebrates Sri Lanka’s 69th Independence Day in style

This year marks the 69th Independence Day of Sri Lanka and Hameedia with its heritage of over 68 years in the industry have special plans to celebrate the Independence Day in style.

The Earl’s Court Group launches the ultimate multi-cuisine restaurant – The Black Pepper

Orange and black was the name of the game as the Earl’s Court Group took their first leap into the restaurant industry, and what a leap it was. Officially launched on the 26th of January 2017

Asia, a future market for TUI brand

TUI subsidiary Robinson will open two new clubs in Asia in 2017. In autumn, the premium operator will commence its first operations in Thailand with Robinson Club Khao Lak. A second Club in the Maldives will likewise strengthen the portfolio when Robinson Club Noonu – currently under construction – opens on the island of Orivaru, also this autumn.

TRAc takes hospitality industry to new heights

The TRAc NVQ programme graduated its second batch of students, providing the participants with a suite of certificates essential to be marketable and better their skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry.

Etihad wins Islamic Deal of the Year Award for historic Sukuk

Etihad Airways has been awarded the Islamic Deal of the Year by Global Transport Finance for its debut Sukuk.

China’s Ruili Airlines applies for international permit

Ruili Airlines (DR, Kunming Changshui) has applied to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to extend its operations into the international market, China Aviation Daily reported. 

Cry, the Beloved Country

I plagiarized the name of this article from the heart-wrenching book by Alan Paton, which carried the same title. 

Fruits of growth: Economic reforms and lower inequality

Growth is essential for improving the lives of people in low-income countries and it should benefit all parts of society.

Royal Institute of Colombo wins Sri Lanka CFA Institute Research Challenge

CFA Sri Lanka announced that Royal Institute of Colombo has won the local competition of the CFA Institute Research Challenge and now advances to the Asia Pacific Regional where it will compete against universities from Asia Pacific.  

HNB relocates upgraded customer centre in Kollupitiya

Continuing its rapid growth momentum in the new year, HNB, Sri Lanka’s premier private sector commercial bank, announced the opening of its newly relocated Customer Centre at Galle Road, Colombo 03.

Lanka Hospitals facilitates access to quality pvt. healthcare with NITF

Lanka Hospitals and the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) for the 7th consecutive year, entered into an affiliation offering government employees access to high quality private healthcare services at affordable costs. 

CA students become S. Asian region champions at IFRS quiz competition

Two students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) emerged as champions of the South Asian region at the inaugural IFRS Quiz Contest organized by the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA).

Pan Asia Bank offers gifts for preschool, Grade 1 children

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC’s, Daskam, a value-added children’s savings account, is the ideal gift for children joining preschool or Grade One this year.