Amãna Bank donates high-tech bus stand to Kalmunai City

?Amãna Bank recently contributed towards the Kalmunai City beautification project initiated by Hon. Mayor of Kalmunai Mr Nizam Kariapper through the construction of a state of the art Bus Stand in the city’s proposed Unity Square premises. 

Emirates announces fleet retirement schedule for 2016

?Emirates has announced it will take delivery of 36 new aircraft in 2016 and retire 26 aircraft under airline’s fleet plans for the year ahead. 

Sri Lankan and Korean NGO collaborate in combating CKD in Rajarata

?Two voluntary organizations-one based in Sri Lanka and the other in the Republic of Korea-have joined hands in providing help and relief to people of Padavi Sripura in the Trincomalee district which is one of  the areas worst-affected by the deadly  Chronic Kidney Disease. 

Global passenger traffic maintains strong growth trend: IATA

? The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for October showing continued strong demand growth for both domestic and international traffic compared to the year-ago period. 

WB gives trimmed 2016 growth projection for high-income economies

?The developed nations will see downward growth projections for 2016 from the Word Bank (WB) due to unimpressive economic progress in the current year, a top official attached to the lender in Colombo said.

GDP could increase by 20% with greater female labour participation: IMF

Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product (GDP) could further improve with greater contribution by the female workforce towards economic development, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Laugfs Petroleum bags Gold at SLITAD People Development Awards

?Laugfs Petroleum saw its reputation as an industry frontrunner in human resource development significantly reinforced when the Sri Lanka Institute of Training and Development (SLITAD)...

Suppliers grumble over govt. favouring foreigners for tenders

?The local suppliers are grumbling that the government is providing preferential treatments to foreign suppliers over locals in its tender processes, Mirror Business learns. 

Alcohol beverages sector to start 2016 on high note despite tax hitches

The local alcohol industry will kick off 2016 on a high note as the nation’s expanding disposable income is projected to help maintain the demand despite higher prices, according to the international credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings. 

Sunrise Engineering to begin landmark renewable energy project at Welipenna

Bringing to light the significance of embracing sustainable energy and giving the best of products and services to the nation as a result, Sunrise Engineering (Pvt) Ltd a pioneer in the solar power systems  were recently...

Consumer demand may remain tepid next two years: FMCG executive

The consumer demand in Sri Lanka is likely to be disappointing in 2016 and 2017, with the sources which boosted spending drying up, a consumer industry executive said.

GSP Plus requires Sri Lanka’s sustained progress on human rights

?The EU is based on the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights and it strives to respect the highest standards. The EU not only has a principled incentive to uphold human rights through its policies, but it also has a legal obligation to do so. 

Beatles’ spiritual Indian retreat opened to public

AFP: An abandoned spiritual retreat in northern India where The Beatles famously learned to meditate has been opened to the public, with plans to turn it into a touristy yoga centre.

CEO of Kenya’s biggest firm declares wealth to boost anti-graft fight

REUTERS: The head of Kenya’s largest publicly-traded company has declared personal wealth of US $2.7 million, saying he wants to increase transparency in the public and private sectors as part of efforts to fight graft in the East African nation.

Taiwan, Korea bourses plan to launch chip index next year

REUTERS: The Taiwan and South Korea stock exchanges plan to launch a semiconductor index next year, 

Toyota lowers global sales targets for new model Prius amid low petrol prices

REUTERS: Toyota Motor Corp yesterday lowered its global sales target for the new model of its Prius electric hybrid, as low petrol prices reduce demand for fuel-efficient cars.

East Asia’s aging working populations could shrink 15% by 2040: World Bank

REUTERS: Middle-to-high income economies in East Asia could lose as much as 15 percent of their working-age populations by 2040 due to rapidly greying demographics, weighing on economic growth and adding to government spending, the World Bank said yesterday.

Samsung Electronics to form auto team in search of growth driver

REUTERS: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said yesterday it will create a team to develop automotive-related businesses, as it searches for a new profit driver while struggles at its smartphone division deepen.

Town storming campaign by Mihin Lanka to create awareness about flights to Chennai

?Mihin Lanka recently conducted a town storming campaign to create hype about the airline’s flights to Chennai. The initiative was a team effort and staff from all departments volunteered to spend a Saturday campaigning from Wellawatte to Bambalapitya

SLT and TNL Join Forces for Christmas

Santa Clause won’t be the only one giving us some pleasant surprises. Sri Lanka Telecom is teaming up with TNL for what they promise will be an impressive first for Sri Lanka – at none other than the bustling Majestic City. 

Prima Sunrise Bread to sponsor Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship 2015

This year’s Sri Lanka Junior Open Golf Championship, sponsored by Prima Sunrise Bread for the eighth consecutive year, will be held from 15th to 17th December at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, morning play

HSBC brings the spirit of Christmas to the city (VIDEO)

?Celebrating the start of the holiday season, HSBC unveiled, "Christmas at the Arcade" with the big Christmas tree lighting and a seasonal zone, at the Arcade Independence square on 4 December, 2015.

Politics trumps professionalism!

As the new government is heavily caught up with the tweaking of its financial plan for greater economic prosperity, a top economist in the country pointed out that politics in the most cases trumps professionalism as budgets end...

Sri Lanka not yet ready to digitalize tax system: IMF

?Sri Lanka is not yet at a juncture to digitalize its tax system as proposed in the budget, International Monetary Fund Resident Representative in Colombo Eteri Kvintradze said.

Central Bank says apparels seen going to non-traditional markets

?The Central Bank said a considerable portion of Sri Lankan apparel exports have started going into non-traditional markets such as Canada, Australia, Indian, UAE and Hong Kong.

Sri Lanka’s September exports dip 6%

?Sri Lanka’s exports fell 5.9 percent year-on-year (yoy) in the month of September at a faster rate that of imports (5.1 percent yoy), data released by the Central Bank showed. 

Blue Ocean Group opens newest luxury condominium at Gregory’s Road

?Sri Lanka’s leading apartment developer, Blue Ocean Group of Companies unveiled its fourteenth and newest flagship project – Blue Ocean @ Gregory’s Road recently, heralding in a new era to Sri Lanka’s vibrant construction industry.  

Hameedia defends Textile & Apparel title at Great HR Quiz 2015

?Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist Hameedia, recently emerged as the winner of the Textile & Apparel category at the Great HR Quiz 2015 Awards for the second consecutive year,. 

IELTS recognised by over 3,000 institutions in the USA

?The International English Language testing system is recognised by over 135 countries including the USA. Its recognition in the US has increased over the years and at present has over 3,000 institutions including Ivy League universities...

Pidilite acquires leading white adhesive brand Chemifix

?Pidilite Lanka (Private) Limited recently acquired the PVAC adhesive business, associated with trademarks such as Chemifix.