Toyota says workers injured, factory lines shut in Tianjin

?AFP: Toyota yesterday said more than 50 employees were injured after two giant explosions last week in the Chinese city of Tianjin, where the carmaker’s factory lines will remain closed until at least the end of Wednesday.

David Pieris unveils new-generation Pulsar RS200 and AS150

Bajaj Pulsar, known for its performance, technology and design, is set to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports bike market with the launch of new-generation Pulsar motorcycles.

Asiri Surgical introduces weight loss mgt through ‘wellness’ offering

Acknowledging that obesity is no longer considered a cosmetic issue that is caused by overeating and a lack of self control but a chronic progressive disease resulting from multiple environmental and genetic factors...

Browns Hospital now on eChannelling

?Browns Hospital Ragama recently signed up with eChannelling PLC to offer hospital/doctor appointment services to its patients. 

Hemas Hospitals and NITF sign MOU to benefit ‘Agrahara’ beneficiaries

In a landmark partnership in national healthcare, Hemas Hospitals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the government owned National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF), to be the preferred hospital for their members.

Leesons Hospital launches advanced MRI scanner

?Leesons Hospital (PVT) Limited extending their service to the nation has launched the most advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner in Sri Lanka, to its chain of patient-friendly machines.

Sri Lanka’s largest brewer records strong top line

?Sri Lanka’s largest brewer, Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC (Lion) saw its net profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (1Q16) increasing by 19 percent to Rs.579.3 million from a year ago due to strong top line, the interim results released to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) showed. 

Qatar to launch major labour reform for migrant workers

?AFP: Qatar yesterday officially launched one of its most “significant” labour reforms to guarantee migrant workers’ wages, but rights groups are concerned over implementation of the new regulations.

The Finance cuts losses in June quarter

The troubled The Finance Company PLC (TFC) was able to narrow its losses by 40 percent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs.373.3 million in the June quarter (1Q16), the interim financial accounts released to the Colombo Stock Exchange showed. 

Shares end at 7-month high on stability hopes after polls

?Sri Lankan shares closed at their highest level in seven months in a truncated session yesterday on hopes that political stability after the August 17 parliamentary elections would help boost investor sentiment, brokers said.

Sunshine June quarter helped by strong healthcare sector

?Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC posted a Rs.162 million net profit for 1Q16, an 11 percent growth year-on-year (YoY), with higher contributions from the healthcare segment while the agribusiness took a turn for the worse.

Tokyo Cement profit falls amid lower sales, price cuts

?The largest cement manufacturer in the country, Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC saw its net profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 (1Q15) falling 13 percent YoY to Rs.466 million amid a slowdown in the top line.

New life, new Parliament!

A Sri Lankan groom in Sigiriya cast his vote with his Japanese bride dressed in their wedding outfits at yesterday’s general elections held to elect a new Parliament

A & E Lanka features thread screen at CFW ‘Swim’

American & Efird (A&E) Lanka, a fully owned subsidiary of one of the world’s premier industrial sewing thread manufacturer American & Efird LLC, USA, went onto exhibit an artistic visual installation made out of thread and also engage the audience real-time at the recently concluded ‘Swim’ by Colombo Fashion Week (CFW).

Upgraded ‘Sky Blue’ program to offer more rewards for Manchester city fans

Etihad Airways, and its award winning global loyalty program Etihad Guest, have strengthened its existing partnership with Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) by offering an enhanced rewards program for fans of the Premier League club. 

Oman Air-Cargolux Cooperation adds second flight to Chennai

The partnership between Oman Air and Cargolux, launched in April 2015, introduced a second frequency to Chennai from 11th August. The addition of Chennai to the Oman Air Cargolux network is the cooperation’s latest step in expanding its air freight services from Oman to India. 

FMO and DEG assistance to develop actuarial talent at Asian Alliance Insurance

With Sri Lanka’s insurance industry set to grow exponentially in the coming years, actuarial expertise, which is at the heart of the insurance business, needs to be greatly strengthened and is a big priority for the progression of the local insurance industry.

Leo Burnett celebrates 80 years of creative excellence

Leo Burnett Worldwide celebrated 80 years as a pioneer in the global creative community recently. Starting in 1935 with its first client, Leo Burnett took a humble tin of peas and grew it into a giant, the Jolly Green Giant, who lives on 80 years later.

UAG-AMW to provide roadside assistance to female policyholders

Union Assurance General (UAG) is set out to work together with Associated Motorways (Pvt.) Ltd (AMW) in a joint initiative where UAG female policyholders will be granted roadside assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown or any type ...

Laugfs Gas wins high at NASCO Awards

?Laugfs Gas PLC in a groundbreaking attempt entered a novel and exciting fray at the glamorous NASCO Awards ceremony held last week when they received six coveted awards under the highly contested FMCG category.

Seylan Bank boosts vehicle leasing sector

?Seylan Bank PLC, a leader in providing innovative banking solutions in the local market, championing the leasing category, has partnered as the title sponsor for the upcoming Seylan Colombo Motor Show 2015, which is the largest automobile exhibition held in Sri Lanka. 

Hameedia continues winning streak at SLIM NASCO 2015 Awards

?Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist Hameedia recently received significant recognition at the SLIM NASCO 2015 Awards for the second consecutive year, with its team members winning a total of six national awards in the Modern Retail category.

Sampath group records Rs.4.7bn pre-tax profit in 1H

?The Sampath group recorded half-year growth in profitability with a pre-tax profit of Rs.4.7 billion, an increase of 32 percent over the previous year’s first half pre-tax profit of Rs.3.6 billion. 

Unilever Sri Lanka opens application for Sparks student ambassador programme

?Recognized as the No. 1 employer in the nation, Unilever Sri Lanka is reaffirming its commitment to empowering the country’s future business leaders by launching ‘Sparks’, a student ambassador programme for undergraduate students, for the second consecutive year. 

Kelani Cables bags triple Bronze at SLIM-NASCO 2015

?Kelani Cables PLC, Sri Lanka’s number one brand in secure electrical and communication cables, bagged three Bronze awards at the 15th SLIM-NASCO 2015 Awards ceremony held at Water’s Edge, Battaramulla.

NTB launches unique vehicle finance proposition

?Nations Trust Bank (NTB) recently launched its unique vehicle finance proposition targeting the salaried and professional segments in the market. 

Excelsoft re-launches as xcendant

?Renowned for the delivery of engineering enterprise level solutions for the apparel manufacturing and education domain, Excelsoft recently announced the re-launch of the company as xcendant. 

Virtusa recognized with Gold Stevie Award for HR excellence

IT outsourcing company Virtusa Corporation announced that it has been honoured with three Stevie Awards during the 12th annual American Business Awards Gala, including the coveted Gold award for Human Resources Department of the Year...

Vijitha Yapa wins Gold for Best E-commerce Website

??The Vijitha Yapa Group website www.vijithayapa.lk won the Gold award for the Best E -commerce Website in Sri Lanka at the 2015 BestWeb.lk awards presented by the LK domain registry. 

What does the Iran nuclear deal mean for South Asia?

As reports on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement between Iran and the P5+1 — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany