Fitch assigns ratings to Sri Lanka’s HDFC Bank

?Fitch Ratings has assigned Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka (HDFC Bank) a National Long-Term Rating of ‘BBB(lka)’ and a Stable Outlook. 

China to allow pension fund to invest in stocks

REUTERS: China will allow its huge state pension fund to invest in domestic stocks in the wake of a massive market sell-off, it was announced recently.

Shares fall to near 3-week low on global selloff

?REUTERS: Shares fell about 2 percent to a near three-week low yesterday, posting their biggest daily fall in nearly seven months, after foreign investors exited risky assets as fears of a China-led global economic slowdown churned world markets.

Sri Lanka rupee weakens to 134.10 to dollar

?Sri Lanka’s rupee weakened to 134.10 to the US dollar after authorities dropped the intervention rate by 10 cents, dealers said yesterday.

M Power Capital celebrates one year in business

?M Power Capital Limited (MPC), the Colombo-based corporate finance advisory and private equity group, is celebrating its first anniversary.   

EAP breaks ground for Galaxy Impala cinema multiplex

Galaxy Landmarks, part of the EAP group, recently conducted a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of the Galaxy Impala Complex in Rajagiriya. 

ICBT opens state-of-the-art Campus Building in heart of Colombo

?The leader in private sector higher education industry in Sri Lanka lifts its status to higher level by opening a purpose built state-of-the-art campus building on R. A. De Mel Mawatha (Duplication Road) Colombo 4. 

NCE to hold 23rd edition of Export Awards next month

The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) will be holding the NCE Export Awards 2015 to recognize excellence in export operations in the midst of an export friendly regime being elected to office.

COYLE congratulates Prime Minister and new MPs

?In a press statement, the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) extends their sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe  and   the  new  coalition  government  led  by  the  United  National  Party. 

Sri Lanka and Pakistan establish special committee to boost trade

?Sri Lanka and Pakistan have established an ‘Advisory Stakeholders Subcommittee’ in a bid to boost trade between the two countries, which has seen a US$ 100 million slide during the past year.

Taiwan keen to do more business with Sri Lanka – Trade Council

?Taiwan says it wants to do more business with Sri Lanka, according to the President and CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council Peter. W. J. Huang, who visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently.

SLFFA extends best wishes to Premier and UNF

?On behalf of the freight forwarding community, the Sri Lanka Logistics & Freight Forwarders’ Association extends its best wishes to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and the United National Front...

CNCI congratulates Prime Minister

?The Chairman, Executive Council and all members of the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) extend their warmest congratulations to Ranil Wickramasinghe, who sworn in as the Prime Minister in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. 

GIZ partners with Ceylon Chamber of Commerce for SME-ProLink programme

GIZ SME Development Programme, together with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will launch ‘SME-ProLink: Unity Through Business’,

Cartoon Network Enterprises to be licensing representatives for WBCP South Asia

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. have announced their agreement under which Turner’s Cartoon Network Enterprises...

‘Lankasoy’ celebrates 25 years of leadership in Sri Lanka

?Convenience Foods Lanka PLC (CFL), the pioneer in manufacturing and marketing soya-based products in Sri Lanka recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, felicitating employees who have completed 25 years of service. 

UNCTAD transport economist Dr. Valentine to attend Colombo International Maritime week

?Transport economist at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Vincent Valentine will give an overview of the global maritime industry at the Colombo International Maritime Conference, which will take place from 24th-26th September.

Ceyoka and Frey + Lau offer unique solutions for food producers

?Ceyoka, the country’s leading conglomerate reputed for fast paced growth and diversification has expanded its expertise as sole agents for Frey + Lau, one of Europe’s renowned creators of flavors, fragrances and essential oils.

Uditha: the pal, the professor, the pious

?I  knew Uditha was unwell for almost a year; however this time last year I would never have thought I’d be writing this – an appreciation and a farewell to my friend today. 

Etihad Airways appoints Business Development Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa

?Etihad Airways, the national airline for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), announced the appointment of Bradley Edwards as its new Regional Business Development Manager for the Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean region. 

People’s sovereignty in reverse gear

One of the major concerns of the Sri Lankan economy was the current account deficit in the Balance of Payments (BoP) coupled with the depletion of the external foreign reserves.

Mihin Lanka offers daily flights to Dhaka

?Mihin Lanka, in its effort to provide connectivity throughout the region, offers convenient direct flights from Colombo to Dhaka.

Emirates SkyCargo to establish second trade lane with Iran

?Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, is set to increase its cargo capacity to Iran, when Emirates begins its five daily non-stop flights to Mashhad from1 September 2015.

Qatar Airways continues network expansion across Africa and Indian sub-continent

?Qatar Airways is continuing its rapid growth across Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent with an increase in flight frequencies to Asmara, Eritrea, and to Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Brand-new ‘K’ Line car carrier calls at H’tota Port on maiden visit

‘K’ Line-brand new car carrier MV Helios Highway with a load of vehicles from Japan made the maiden call at the Port of Hambantota recently. 

Absolute Ayurveda to conduct free consultations on open day

?The Absolute Ayurveda Natural Healing Clinic will host an open day on 29 August, and will provide visitors with free consultations from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. 

PLC partners with HelpAge Sri Lanka to conduct mobile medical and eye screening clinic

?People’s Leasing & Finance PLC (PLC), Wennappuwa Branch partnered with HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL) to conduct mobile medical and eye screening camp for the benefit of Senior Customers of the Wennappuwa PLC Branch recently.

India hires turnaround expert to fix Air India

?REUTERS: India is betting on a former railway bureaucrat who styles himself as “Mr Turnaround” to fix the financial troubles of debt-burdened national carrier Air India, which last made a profit in 2007.

Pan Asia Bank initiates water purification plant for village battling kidney disease

?Pan Asia Bank recently initiated a CSR project to build a water purification plant in Thanthirimale to mark its 20th anniversary. 

Absolute Ayurveda to conduct free consultations on open day

Monday 24th August 2015, Colombo: The Absolute Ayurveda Natural Healing Clinic will host an open day on 29 August 2015, and will provide visitors with free consultations from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The premium, modern clinic is located at No. 23, Alfred Place, Colombo 03, and provides natural treatments and alternative therapies for a variety of ailments, in a tranquil and exclusive setting.  Five Ayurveda consultants will be on ha