SLIM NASCO 2015 elevates sales profession in record breaking year

Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently concluded the judging process for NASCO 2015 – the premier national event dedicated to recognise, honour and reward sales people in Sri Lankaamidst record numbers in participation.

Banks reopen, taxes hiked as Greece seeks to reboot economy

?AFP: Greek banks reopened yesterday after a three-week shutdown imposed to stop a run on ATMs from crashing the financial system, but citizens woke up to widespread price hikes as part of a cash-for-reform deal with the country’s creditors.

Fashion Bug presented with award in recognition of “Sisu Dirimaga Foundation”

?Fashion Bug, one of Sri Lanka’s leading fashion retailers with over 17 outlets island wide, were recognised for the work carried out by them via their Sisu Dirimaga Foundation.

‘The CIO Agenda 2015’ begins today

?Alliance Intellect in association with the Banks’ CIO Forum (BCIOF) of Sri Lanka hosts its inaugural international CIO conference - ‘The CIO Agenda 2015’ - themed ‘The Digital Flip’ today.

Seylan Bank relaunches corporate website

?Seylan Bank recently relaunched its new corporate website: www.seylan.lk in an innovative manner by inviting the public to launch the site. 

NDB gains top recognition at Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2015

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) was adjudged ‘Domestic Retail Bank of the Year - Sri Lanka’ and ‘SME Bank of the Year - Sri Lanka’ for the third consecutive year at the recently concluded Asian Banking and Finance (ABF) Retail Banking Awards 2015.

Growth may dip below 6% this year with new GDP base: Central Bank

The rebased gross domestic product (GDP) of the country may not exceed the 6 percent growth seen in the first quarter of 2015 for the rest of the year, according to a high-ranking official of the Central Bank...

Five new ATMs from Union Bank

?Union Bank of Colombo PLC (UBC) opened five new ATMs in the Western Province, further expanding on its premise of bringing greater banking convenience to customers across Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka needs equal access to Science education

A knowledge economy widely uses knowledge for the country’s growth and development process. Knowledge economy is closely linked with science and technology, innovation, research and development. 

Comment is free, but facts are sacred

?With reference to the article by Lalin De Silva titled, ‘Tea crisis: A response to Planters’ Association’, which appeared in Mirror Business of 6th July, the Planters’ Association (PA) of Ceylon wishes to provide an accurate picture with regard to a number of issues raised in the article.   

Is there a strong growth in ‘Non-Conventional’ informal tourism sector?

?It is interesting to analyze the tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the past few years, which seems to give an indication that the informal hotel sector could be growing faster than the formal sector. 

DHL voted Asia’s Most Trusted Brand for seventh time

?DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, scooped its seventh consecutive Trusted Brand Award in the ‘Airfreight/Courier Service’ category in Asia at the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards 2015. 

Tesco management visits Hirdaramani Mullaitivu factory

?F&F Clothing UK COO Richard Anthony Collins and Tesco HK Director International Sourcing Alison Tania Rose recently joined Tesco Sri Lanka General Manager Azmina Kareem and the Hirdaramani group directors on a site visit of the Hirdaramani factory in Mullaitivu. 

CSC’s new ship MV Ceylon Princess’ keel laid

?Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) that hails from a rich maritime history as Sri Lanka’s national sea carrier witnessed the ‘keel laying ceremony’ of its second new break bulk vessel, recently in China. 

‘Focuss Million Rupee T-shirt’ grand winner awarded

Emerald gave away Rs. 1 million to Sarath Weerasuriya of Ethul Kotte under its innovative ‘Focuss Million Rupee T-shirt’ campaign.Weerasuriya who purchased the winning Focuss T-shirt at Beverly Street... 

Boeing, Tata Announce Aerospace JV

?REUTERS: Boeing and India’s Tata Advanced Systems have agreed to work together on manufacturing aerospace and military equipment including unmanned aerial vehicles.

‘Discover Thainess’ to generate more opportunities for Thai, Sri Lankan businesses

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised a road show in Colombo recently with the aim of promoting trade, tourism and investments, to generate new business opportunities for Thai and Sri Lankan businesses. 

HSBC Premier Customers to meet nature photographer Bence Mate 

?HSBC Premier Customers who are avid nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity of engaging with Hungarian-born award winning nature photographer, Bence Mate at a special talk show to be hosted at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo on July 29. 

Iran deal could unleash aircraft demand

?RETUERS: Commercial aircraft sales to Iran were cleared for take off after Tehran signed an agreement with six major powers on Tuesday, opening a potentially significant opportunity for Boeing and Airbus after decades of isolation.

RDB selects MTI to research and develop 5-year Corporate Plan

Regional Development Bank (RDB) - the largest development bank in the country, has selected international boutique consultancy – MTI, to research and develop its five year Corporate Plan (2016 – 2020) with the view of further strengthening the rural economy of Sri Lanka.

Singer introduces washing machine range for busy homemakers

?Today’s homemaker must juggle many duties, from domestic chores and work responsibilities to balancing the chequebook and ensuring that their family is healthy and happy.

Rupee ends steady for 5th session on state bank dollar sales

?REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended steady for a fifth straight session yesterday as a state-run bank kept the selling rate at 133.80 to the dollar amid demand for the greenback from importers, dealers said.

Stocks fall from near 7-wk closing high; earnings eyed

?REUTERS: Sri Lankan stocks fell yesterday from their near seven-week closing high in the previous session as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of financial results of blue chips like Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC.

New and magical range added to Swadeshi “Little Princess”

?The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, manufacturer of soap and herbal personal care products in Sri Lanka, introduces an exciting new soap and a lotion to their kids range “Little Princess”. “

EPL overlooks some vital parameters: expert

?The Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) should include wider criteria such as worker safety and resource usage, while businesses should carry regular evaluations...

ComBank completes landscaping of NHSL gardens

?A project by the Corporate Social Responsibility Trust of Commercial Bank to landscape one and a half acres of the gardens of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) Colombo has been completed. 

Expolanka sheds another non-core business

?Japan’s Sagawa group subsidiary, Expolanka Holdings PLC, yesterday said it fully divested its investment in Neptune Papers (Pvt.) Ltd for a purchase consideration of Rs.10.6 million to Aberdeen Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd.

Embark vaccinates 2592 street dogs during 1Q of 2015-16

?A spate of activities in geographically and culturally diverse areas of Sri Lanka has seen Embark, Sri Lanka’s unique fashion brand supported community animal welfare programme, record one of the busiest quarters in its eight year history.

Honda’s Dio in market with whole new colour range

Honda’s Dio, the number one selling scooter in Sri Lanka has developed a whole new persona.

Mercedes-Benz Club rally heads to Jaffna to mark anniversary

The Mercedes-Benz Club of Sri Lanka celebrates their 25th anniversary this year.