IMF pushes government to make stronger effort to cut budget deficit

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has told the Sri Lanka authorities to “urgently make a stronger effort” to cut the country’s budget deficit.  

John Keells Hotels 3Q profit narrows over declined occupancy

Leading hotel operator John Keells Hotels PLC saw its group net profits narrowing 13 percent to Rs.364. 6 million from a year ago amid the declining occupancies, the interim results released to the Colombo Stock Exchange last week showed. 

HSBC Sri Lanka becomes first foreign bank to join LankaPay’s CEFTS

HSBC has become the first foreign bank to join the Common Electronic Fund Transfer Switch (CEFTS) launched by LankaPay, the national payment network operated by LankaClear (Pvt) Ltd. 

Sampath Bank opens newest off-site ATM at Elapitiwala

Sampath Bank opened the newest off-site ATM at Nawaloka Junction, Elapitiwela, Ragama. 

Interest rates set to rise during 2016

Increasing fiscal deficit, reducing liquidity in the market, exchange rate pressure, US rate hike and inflationary expectations are likely to exert upward pressure on domestic interest rates during 2016. 

CNCI to launch Achiever Awards 2016

The Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) has planned the official launch and media briefing of CNCI Achiever Awards 2016 for industrial excellence to be held at Salon Anthurium of Hotel Galadari on February 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. 

SLASSCOM holds sixth People Summit

The sixth consecutive SLASSCOM People Summit, organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) HR Forum, was held recently at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. 

Ruhuna University alumni pay tribute to Ronnie De Mel

Ronnie De Mel, the former Finance Minister and pioneer of the Ruhuna University, was felicitated by the Ruhuna University Alumni Colombo Association recently. 

Stock market stakeholders: FAQ

Many retail investors believe that market performance is shaped by the actions/omission of the stock exchange, regulator, investors and listed companies.

Creative Solutions partners with Twomoon Digital

Last year, a hot new start-up, Twomoon Digital, introduced the first-ever automated buying and programmatic native advertising tool to the digital advertising market. After a successful jumpstart,

ACCA signs MoU with HRP

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Total customer satisfaction – The missing factor : It is the best of times for the customer; it is

Customer relationship management (CRM) has gained widespread popularity in the business community for several reasons. 

SASA delegation meets Amunugama

A delegation of the Sri Lanka Administrative. Service Association (SASA) met Dr. Sarath Amunugama for a discussion recently.

ComBank supports ‘Ransalu’ loyalty privilege programme for apparel sector

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector associates are to be supported by the country’s largest private bank with an exclusive debit card that confers special benefits

Top accounting body to introduce forensic auditing to combat fraud

Sri Lanka’s national standards setting body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) is planning to introduce a programme in forensic auditing for its members...

Glut in apartments to cost formal hotel sector dearly

The glut in luxury apartments and the unregulated hospitality sector could cost the regulated hotels by as much as US $ 480 million by 2018...

ILO, Maga and NAITA hold Construction Craftsmen Certificate Awarding Ceremony

The ceremony for awarding certificates for 100 youth craftsmen who had successfully completed the 6 month long Construction Craftsmen training programme, 

Oil up, Japan stocks down as US fears hit dollar

AFP - Growing fears that global economic turmoil is seeping into the United States kept pressure on the dollar yesterday boosting 

No ‘draconian measures’ for Greece: Lagarde

The International Monetary Fund does not wish to slap “draconian measures” on hard-up Greece but wants more government progress on

Slow growth

Delivery workers move goods along a street in downtown Jakarta yesterday. Indonesia’s economy grew at its slowest pace in six years in 2015

Royal College past pupils to hold career development and leadership seminar

The Royal College Class of 72’ will again host the popular ‘Excellence in Action’ - a career development and leadership seminar, 

HNB sponsors World Wetlands Day Art competition

HNB’s CSR arm HNB Sustainability Foundation, under its CSR pillar ‘Care for Nature’, has sponsored the 2016 World Wetlands Day Art Competition organized by the Central  Environmental Authority, 

SLT partners with major ICT suppliers to enhance customer experience

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) recently signed agreements with six major ICT equipment suppliers to enhance the experience of its valued customers. 

Esoft Metro Campus offers scholarships to GCE A/L top scorers

In a magnanimous gesture, Esoft Metro Campus has made arrangements to offer six-month, short-term, full scholarships in 

German factory orders slip in December

AFP - German industrial orders, a key measure of demand for goods in Europe’s top economy, declined in December, 

Biz tycoons meet

Indian businessmen Cyrus S. Poonawalla (L) and Vijay Mallya speak as they attend the ‘Kingfisher Ultra Indian Derby 2016’ party in Mumbai on Thursday. AFP

China cracks down on illegal GM crops ahead of Syngenta deal

REUTERS: Chinese officials have issued warnings to seed dealers and farmers not to use unapproved genetically modified seeds in the country’s main crop belt, shortly after Greenpeace said it had found widespread GM contamination in corn.

CIMA launches 10th Corporate Partner programme

CIMA, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants launched its 10th Corporate Partner Programme under the theme

Britain’s top restaurants ditch a la carte menus

AFP - In the name of reducing waste and freeing up chefs’ creativity, top British restaurants are doing away with long menus to give diners 

Iran-Japan biz talks

Iranian Economic and Finance Minister Ali Tayebnia (2nd L) speaks during talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (R), following a signing ceremony of an investment agreement in front of Japanese and Iranian business persons at the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo yesterday. Tayebnia is on a five-day visit to Japan. AFP