MOL Lanka receives Customer Service Award from Shipbrokers

MOL Liner Ltd. today announced that its shipping agent, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Lanka (Private) Ltd. (“MOL Lanka”) has been honored with the “Best Customer Service Award” by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK) Sri Lanka Branch (“ICS”) at its 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony. 

Ensuring better water, sustainable agriculture and better lives for SL

March 22 marks the World Water Day 2016 under the theme ‘Water and jobs’. The theme focuses on how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers’ lives and livelihoods - and even transform societies and economies. In this article to mark the day, IPS Researchers Chatura Rodrigo and Athula Senaratne explore the challenges faced by agricultural livelihoods, which employ a majority of Sri Lanka’s rural sector and id

Capital Alliance awarded ‘Best Fixed Income Trading House for 2016’

Capital Alliance, Sri Lanka’s leading full service investment bank was recently crowned as the ‘Best Fixed Income Trading House For 2016’ at The International Finance Magazine (IFM) Awards. 

Performance-based budgeting key for public entities: Eran

Calling for improved performance in public entities, State Enterprise Development Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne recently stressed the need for all planning activities of public enterprises to be tied to results.

ComBank to begin exchange house operations in Italy this year

Hot on the heels of obtaining the regulatory approval to start commercial banking operations in the Maldives in 2015, Sri Lanka’s Commercial Bank PLC has now received the licence from the European Union to start a fully-fledged exchange house in Rome, Italy.  

Canada expresses interest to set up LNG power plant

The Canadian government has proposed to initiate an electricity generation project in Sri Lanka using liquefied natural gas (LNG), a Finance Ministry statement said. 

Rupee forwards end weaker; seen falling on economic woes

REUTERS: Sri Lankan rupee forwards ended weaker yesterday due to importer dollar demand, while dealers expect growing uncertainty after the announcement of new tax hikes to weigh on the currency in the short term.

Hero Motocorp awarded ‘Manufacturing Innovator of the Year’ by TIME

Leading Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp has received the coveted ‘Manufacturing Innovator of the Year’ award at the inaugural TIME India Awards, instituted by the New York – headquartered TIME magazine, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious news magazines. Abans Auto is the sole agent for Hero motorcycles in Sri Lanka.  

Service charge: A boon or bane for local hospitality industry?

Levying a service charge on hotel and restaurant customers could be contributing to the downfall of the Sri Lankan hospitality industry, which is already suffering due to the businesses unwilling to invest in their employees with proper recognition, training and pay.

Countrywide consumer prices up 1.7% in February

Sri Lanka’s national inflation measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) rose to 1.7 percent on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, accelerating from 0.7 percent in January, as the effect of administered price cuts on essential goods was seen waning.   

Shares end at near 3-wk high; foreign investors continue exit

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares closed at a near three-week high yesterday in dull trade as cautious investors selectively bought risk assets, while foreign investors exited amid a rise in yields of government securities.

Planters say harvesting efficiency of available workforce crucial for industry survival

With a view to ensure the sustainability of a rapidly failing industry, the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) say it is imperative that harvesting yields are increased and are introducing suitable ‘tea harvesters’ on certain estates. To support plantation workers too in improving productivity, RPCs are mulling greater use of manual shears, recent experiments of which have shown early encouraging signs.

Lanka IOC organizes free health screening camp for Akurana residents

Lanka IOC PLC, acknowledging its responsibility towards the society conducted several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives under its theme ‘WE CARE’ with several noble programs. In addition to a series of welfare programs including assistance for elders’ homes, renovation of healthcare centre, donation of ambulances, wheelchairs and English education for under privileged children, Lanka IOC also organized free healt

Qatar Airways showcases ultra-modern A350 at India Aviation 2016

Qatar Airways marked its return to the India Aviation International Exhibition and Conference with the display of its A350 new-generation aircraft for medium- to long-haul operations. Making its first public appearance in India, the ultra-modern aircraft grabbed attention from visitors and VIPs with its custom-designed interiors and innovative design.

Trade in a time of protectionism

Project Syndicate, COLOMBO: As China’s economy slows and growth in the developed world remains anemic, governments across Asia are working to keep their economies on an upward trajectory. In Sri Lanka, where I am Prime Minister, the challenge is to find a way to accelerate our already steady economic growth.

S-lon wins JASTECA Merit Award for CSR

S-lon Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., the premier water management solutions provider and the market leader in thermoplastic pipes in Sri Lanka, was honoured with a Merit Award for CSR at the annual JASTECA Awards 2015 held at Hotel Galadarirecently, organized by the Japan Sri Lanka Technical and Cultural Association.  

Fonterra Grass Roots Fund raises living standards of dairy farming communities

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka’s Grass Roots Fund has now helped improve the quality of life for more than 10,000 people across dairy farming communities in Sri Lanka. 

‘Munchee Samaga Gamata Sarana’ wins Silver at JASTECA CSR Awards

Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL)’s flagship brand Munchee was awarded Silver at the recently concluded JASTECA CSR Awards 2015, for its ‘Munchee Samaga Gamata Sarana’ community development initiative which has benefitted thousands of needy Sri Lankans across the island. This is the second time that the brand has won this award for its ‘Munchee Samaga Gamata Sarana’ project, the previous win being in the year 2012.

‘TRAIL’ to build Southern cancer hospital in 2017

TRAIL, Sri Lanka’s largest ever crowd-funded charitable initiative which raised US$ 2.2 million in 2011 for the construction of the nation’s 2nd specialized cancer hospital in Jaffna, is set to resume again with the announcement to ‘Walk, Unite, Heal’ in October 2016 with the goal of building a US$ 5 million cancer hospital in Galle.

Puritas Sath Diyawara project infuses renewed life to 3000 villagers

The Hayleys Group gave yet another carefully selected village, the gift of clean drinking water, bringing renewed hope to over 3000 villagers in Ananthapuram recently, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those worst affected by CKD and other water borne illnesses. The Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Treatment System, commissioned under the Group’s corporate social responsibility initiative ‘Puritas Sath Diyawara’,

Paranthan Chemicals promotes importance of safe drinking water

Sri Lanka marks the World Water Day today (22nd of March) calling attention to the significance of water resources and global need for preserving water not only for the present generation but also for future generations.

People’s Bank launches ‘People’s Green Pulse’ environmental sustainability journey

As a socially responsible financial institution, People’s Bank has embarked on a powerful sustainability journey to measure, manage and mitigate its environmental footprint by launching a formal Environmental Sustainability Policy, called ‘People’s Green Pulse’, which will guide the institution to achieve its aspirations for a greener future through focused environmental management initiatives. The pioneering bank will col

SriLankan promotes conservation with innovative approach during Earth Hour

SriLankan Airlines, which has gained a worldwide reputation as a pioneer of conservation in the global air transport industry, spread the message of environmental protection among its passengers at Bandaranaike International Airport during Earth Hour last Saturday (March 19), with a uniquely innovative effort.

Rhino Roofing Products begins year with community project

Rhino Roofing Products Limited made a special contribution to the students of the Southern province recently. 

Würth partners Asia Pacific Alliance for Rainwater Harvesting Project in Kayts

Würth Lanka and the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management in Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL) recently sponsored the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and Water Storage Project in the remote island of Kayts in the Jaffna district. 

Singapore Airlines-CAG extend Changi Transit Programme partnership

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) have extended the popular Changi Transit Programme, which provides SIA and SilkAir customers rewards during their transit in Singapore. Under the extension of the programme to March 31, 2017, customers who transit through Changi Airport on SIA and/or SilkAir can redeem a Changi Dollar Voucher (CDV) valued at either US $ 20 or US $ 40, depending on the point of origin.

Oil may be close to a bottom, but don’t expect a sharp rebound

Crude oil prices have plunged more than 60 percent over the past couple of years and are near their lowest level since 2003, the recent rebound notwithstanding. After taking into account inflation, they’re cheaper than the lows of 1980s and 1990s. 

How solid are ASEAN’s democracies?

In recent years, Southeast Asia has experienced what are, if viewed in historical perspective, three ‘miracles’: economic growth, the disappearance of mass atrocities, and efforts to promote regional peace and community building. 

Etihad enhances maintenance efficiency and safety with ATC system

Etihad Airways Engineering has enhanced its aircraft maintenance capability with a new Automated Tool Control (ATC) system, which provides engineers with greater tool access, handling and traceability and eliminates the risk of tools being lost in critical aircraft systems during maintenance.

Sri Lanka Tourism at National Wedding Show 2016 - London

The National Wedding Show held annually is one of the largest wedding events, which presents an opportunity to meet face-to-face with over 6,000 brides-to-be from across the country in one central London location.