Sri Lanka will achieve 2020 tourist arrival target despite snags: THASL President

Sri Lanka will be able to achieve its 4.5 million tourist arrival target by 2020 despite recent trends of declining growth, an industry leader said.

“Many more” ready to deposit says Ravi K

Similar to the unidentified Belgian investor who is parking US $ 1 billion in deposits, there are “many more” ready to help Sri Lanka to defend its currency and bolster its reserves

Is humility on your radar as an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship is a road that must be navigated with caution and care. When success comes, most of the qualities that an entrepreneur spent time building may be exchanged for what comes with   

ComBank opens landmark 250th branch in Sri Lanka

The Commercial Bank’s history of service to the people of Sri Lanka reached another milestone this week with the opening of the Bank’s 250th branch in the country.  

JKOA -Toshiba launch latest MFPs series

John Keells Office Automation (JKOA) in association with Toshiba TEC unveiled its latest e-STUDIO2303, e-STUDIO2309 and e-STUDIO2809 series multifunction products (MFPs).   

SLT Mobitel mCash celebrates second anniversary

The national mobile service provider SLT Mobitel’s mobile money platform, mCash, which has redefined the way consumers carry out transactions with the use of a mobile phone, recently celebrated its second anniversary. SLT Mobitel mCash experienced immense growth over the last two years with a large clientele and growing customer base that continues to expand countrywide. In lieu of this milestone, SLT Mobitel had an awards ceremony to recog

Branding Sri Lanka’s wildlife

Recently there were newspaper reports about the Wildlife Conservation Department publicizing seven iconic wild animals found in Sri Lanka as a way of promoting tourism. According to this idea, the top seven wild animal species in the list were:  

Japan camera makers battle smartphone onslaught

AFP: High schooler Nao Noguchi is a perfect illustration of why Japanese camera sales have plunged the past few years -- she uses her smartphone for everything and cannot understand why anyone would bother with a separate device for photos.  

Pension funds directly to your mobile phone via eZ Cash

Pensioners across Sri Lanka can now receive their monthly pension disbursements directly to their mobile wallet, following an innovative partnership between the country’s largest mobile money network, eZ Cash and the Pensions Department.  

Short of options, Sri Lanka turns back to Beijing’s embrace

Just over a year after a new leader was elected and Sri Lanka’s business ties with China came under close scrutiny, Colombo is reversing course by resuming a stalled port project and naming Beijing as the front-runner for a new special economic zone.  

BMICH CEO Dissanayake infuses leadership and new initiatives

For Sunil Dissanayake, life, work and service have come full circle. As the Director/Chief Executive of the BMICH he aims to infuse leadership and new ideas to one of Colombo’s and Sri Lanka’s best known landmarks.  

Laugfs draws large crowds at EDEX career fair

Laugfs Holdings, one of the largest diversified conglomerates in the country, yet again took part in the recently concluded EDEX Expo, attracting large crowds to its stall. EDEX, held at the Colombo BMICH, is known as the country’s largest education exhibition and job fair conducted three times a year.  

Twenty nine destinations in 29 days to be won by Amex cardmembers

Nations Trust Bank American Express announced the launch of its fantastic 29 destinations in 29 days for 29 winners throughout the month of February 2016.  

Virtusa announces 3Q fiscal 2016 consolidated financial results

Virtusa Corporation, a global business consulting and information technology (IT) outsourcing company that combines innovation, technology leadership and industry solutions to transform the customer experience, reported consolidated financial results for the third quarter fiscal year 2016, ended December 31, 2015.  

BCIS, CEFE and Kelaniya Uni promote social entrepreneurship for rural development

“Social entrepreneurs are pragmatic leaders who want to be innovative but understand the need to work within their means. They have a social mission that may range from helping slum children working in sweat-shops in developing countries to addressing poverty and environmental degradation. They are innovative and proactive in identifying greater opportunities to create social value. ” These are some of the thoughts presented by Profes

Nations Trust Bank launches Nations Home Centre

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) launched its ultra-modern ‘Nation’s Home Centre’ on February 9, 2016 in a move that is expected to make a significant impact on convenience to the home loans consumer. Given the recent surge in uptake of housing loans,

Asian Alliance extends support to next gen insurance leaders

Supporting academic excellence of youth with the potential to become future leaders of the country’s insurance industry and seeking further development of the company, Asian Alliance Insurance PLC has entered into a far-reaching, mutually-beneficial agreement with the Department of Finance (DFin) of the University of Kelaniya.  

India-funded US $ 1.05bn ambulance service set to start operations shortly

The first phase of the US $ 1.05 billion ambulance service is set to go operational shortly,  with the country’s Health Ministry starting interviews for drivers and paramedics yesterday. Under a grant provided by the Indian government, the Health Ministry purchased 88 brand-new ambulances last year. “In the first phase, we will be creating 600 jobs for Sri Lankans. Some people may say that Indians will be driving the ambulances o

‘Playtime’ is family time at The Sandwich Factory’s new location

Amusing young children can be tough work. For parents who’ve been mulling over how to get in quality time with the family while out - The Sandwich Factory announces the first ever ‘Playtime’ on 17 February at the new TSF outlet on Palm Grove, Colpetty.

Nepal billionaire’s Zinc Journey brand launched in Sri Lanka

Nepal’s only billionaire Binod Chaudhary’s CG Group launched the ambitious Zinc Journey brand in Sri Lanka yesterday in partnership with several local leading hospitality companies.

Shangri La expresses interest to expand investments in Sri Lanka

Hong Kong-based Shangri La Hotels and Resorts has expressed interest to expand its investments in Sri Lanka, a Finance Ministry statement said. This was revealed during a meeting Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake held with Shangri La Vice Chairman Madhu Rao at the Finance Ministry, the statement added.  Among the key issues of the discussion were the ongoing construction activities of the two hotels of the Shangri La in the country.  S

US $ 10mn new facility to produce spun concrete poles for electricity distribution

Sri Lanka’s first-ever facility to manufacture pre-stressed spun concrete poles used in electricity distribution is scheduled to be opened ceremoniously by President Maithripala Sirisena in Balangoda, Ratnapura this Friday (12).

Colombo tea auction brews all-time record price

The Colombo tea auction yesterday saw the brewing of an all-time record price with the western high grown BOPF grade fetching the highest-ever value for the first time in three years.  

Rupee forwards weaker on importer dollar demand

REUTERS: Sri Lankan rupee forwards edged down yesterday on importer dollar demand, and dealers expect the currency to depreciate further due to higher imports and lack of inflows. Rupee forwards have been active since January 27 as there has been little trading in spot currency, with banks reluctant to trade below the 144.00 level amid moral suasion by the Central Bank.

Air Arabia profit slips 6% in 2015

AFP: Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia said its 2015 net profit fell six percent to 531 million dirhams ($144.69 million) although turnover rose slightly.

JF Tours offers unique experience with re-designed railcar

Viceroy Luxury Steam Train fame JF Tours has re-designed the T1 railcar (Diesel Deluxe), manufactured by the English Electric Co.UK in order to offer one-of-a-kind rail ride with luxury comforts.

India’s Jet Airways posts record quarterly net profit

REUTERS - India’s Jet Airways Ltd said its December quarter net profit rose more than seven times, with sharply lower fuel costs helping the carrier post a third consecutive quarterly gain following a series of losses.

Alliance Finance relocates Negombo branch

Alliance Finance Negombo branch, previously located at No: 6/A, Station Road, Negombo, is now relocated at No: 210, St. Joseph Street, Negombo, to provide more convenience and superior service to its valued customers. 

IMF raises concerns on budget deficit

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission visited Colombo February 1-5 to discuss recent economic developments and policies for the year ahead.  

Pelwatte Dairy empowers dairy farmers to enhance milk production

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of locally produced dairy products has been supporting a multitude of local dairy farmers for many years.