May floods could threaten small insurers’ capital levels: Fitch

Higher flood-related claims could affect some of the lower capitalised insurers and the situation could be further threatened 

Browns group divests interests in hydropower biz in Rs.519mn deal

Sri Lanka’s Browns group yesterday cut its exposure to mini hydropower sector by divesting the 

UNWTO foreign attendees assure to boost trade, investment inflows to Sri Lanka

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference, which saw international 

Korea extends US $ 300mn development loans to SL

A framework arrangement enabling Sri Lanka to obtain soft loans from the Korean government up to US $ 300 million till 2018 was signed recently. This framework arrangement is based on the 

Saudi reform drive confronts jobs challenge

AFP- The National Transformation Programme (NTP), which sets five-year targets for implementing the Vision, calls for Saudi unemployment to be cut from 11.6 percent to nine percent by 2020. 

Arpico supermarkets now accept water bill payments

Arpico Supercentres, Daily Supermarkets and Arpico Showrooms island-wide are now geared to accept their customers’ water bill payments from 1st June onwards.  This is in line with their continuous efforts in redefining the lifestyle services offered within the Arpico Brand space.

Nespray launches Hi-Calcium milk drink in Sri Lanka

In line with its commitment to provide products that enhance Sri Lankan consumers’ lives with Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Nestlé has launched ‘NesprayFortiGrow’, a Hi-Calcium milk drink designed to support the nutritional needs of school-aged children. 

JAT Holdings among GPTW best 25 workplaces in Sri Lanka

JAT Holdings, one of the top strongest conglomerate brands in Sri Lanka, was recognised as one of the Top 25 companies to work for in the country by the prestigious Great Place to Work (GPTW) Institute, the global management research and advisory firm. 

Prime Lands Group triumphs Gold as a great place to work in 2016

Prime Lands Group (Pvt.) Ltd yet again been recognized as one of the ‘Great Places to Work in 2016’ in Sri Lanka. 

No nationalization of SAITM, says management

Dispelling media reports, the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) management in a statement said it had not received any intimation from the government of a possible nationalisation of the institution. 

KPMG-NHRDC hold board governance workshop for SOEs

KPMG Chartered Accountants partnered with the National Human Resources Development Council of Sri Lanka (NHRDC) to conduct a workshop on board governance for all the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under the purview of the Public Enterprise Development Ministry. 

Dambulla to go into high gear with Assetline Leasing Carnival

Assetline Leasing Carnival 2016, an extravaganza featuring the wide range of innovative products of Assetline Leasing Company Limited and a host of community service activities takes place on 14, 15 and 16 July at Gam Uda Grounds, Dambulla.

Ceylon Chamber seminar to discuss Brexit, IMF, outlook for 2H 2016

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) will conduct a seminar titled ‘Sharp Insights on the Economic Outlook - BREXIT + IMF + 2H 2016’, amidst a backdrop of an uncertain global economy, mixed views on the impact of Brexit and questions around how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) package would influence Sri Lanka’s macro trajectory.

Like it or not, UNCLOS arbitration is legally binding for China

International media have come to focus on Tuesday’s anticipated decision in the Philippines’ arbitration against China. 

SMEs to cash in on 2016 FACETS gem show

The 26th edition of FACETS Sri Lanka, the prestigious annual International Gem and Jewellery Show is putting the spotlight on Small and Medium gem and jewellery enterprises this year with the novel introduction of a Gem and Jewellery Mart when the exhibition opens from the 1st to 4th September at the BMICH.

People’s Bank celebrates 55th anniversary

People’s Bank powers its way ahead of competition in the country’s banking industry as it celebrated its 55th anniversary on July 1 as the premier bank in Sri Lanka which has not only revolutionized the country’s economic and banking sectors but has also won the hearts and minds of the nation’s citizens. 

Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association develops industry strategy forward

Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA) was recently incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and the special name was approved by the Hon. Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathuideen under the provisions of the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.

President to inaugurate Sri Lanka Economic Summit

President Maithripala Sirisena will inaugurate the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016 as the chief guest and is set to address the audience thus setting the tone for a vital two-day summit, which will discuss the country’s economy in length and depth.

Sri Lanka sees upward trend in instant and ready-to-drink tea exports

Tea Sector 2015, an analytical source of comprehensive information regarding the tea sector in Sri Lanka and its competitive markets can be now obtained from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

National Conference on Green Practices 2016 kicks off today

National Conference on Green Practices 2016, the first-ever to be organised by a Staff Development Centre of a state university, has received tremendous response from academics and other stakeholders. The conference is the first-of-its-kind to be organised and is expected to bring together researchers and policymakers in the field to share their experience and expertise.

People’s Leasing bags Silver at National HR Conference 2016

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), the leading non-bank finance institution in Sri Lanka, won a Silver award at South Asia’s largest human resource (HR) event, National HR Conference 2016, recently held at the BMICH. The event was organised by the Institute of Personal Management (IPM). PLC was conferred with the Silver award in recognition of its best HR practices focusing employees who are the major force that adds value to s

Apexaura distributors tour Vietnam

Apexaura INT (Pvt.) Ltd, a leading organic food supplement company in Sri Lanka, offered its 23 direct selling agents a trip to Vietnam in recognition of their services. 

Can Sl do more to help agri exporters meet sanitary and phytosanitary standards?

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues are a major consideration for companies engaged in international trade of agricultural produce. 

Public Bank joins LankaPay CAS Common ATM switch

Public Bank Sri Lanka recently joined LankaPay Common ATM Network,the largest common ATM Network in the country taking customer convenience to greater heights. 

Rotary Club of Colombo West inducts 56th President

The Rotary Club of Colombo West recently held its 56th Installation event at a grand ceremony held at the Colombo Hilton Ballroom dinner dance. The Chapter is the largest in Rotary District 3220, pioneering many important projects for the community in general ranging from provision of hydro electricity, shelter, eye clinics, demining, donation of wheelchairs, computer training and solar lighting. 

Sri Lanka Foresight Initiative – Sri Lanka is 60th Node of The Millennium Project

The magnitude of the challenges that Sri Lanka is already facing with the recent natural disaster and economic situation is a crucial indicator of the need to provide the population with meaningful knowledge skill-sets that would create an environment for policymakers, legislatures and political groups to realign the decision-making process. 

Asian Alliance Insurance recognized one ‘Greatest Places to Work’

Asian Alliance Insurance has been recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s best work places by Great Place to Work Institute,  Sri Lanka. 

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka in partnership with the US Embassy are bringing Silicon Valley investors

The ICT Agency of Sri Lanka in partnership with the US Embassy are bringing Silicon Valley investors along with AngelLabs

Omnicom’s ‘Toy Boy’ transforms the local Omnicom office with his uniquely-branded ‘Playshop’

Jian Yang, Omnicom’s Hasbro business lead based in Singapore,drops in to pass on the Allspark of Inspiration to his colleagues in Sri Lanka

VAT, NBT suspension only till Parliament approval: Ravi

??By Lahiru Pothmulla While respecting Monday’s Supreme Court order given preventing the implementation