Emirates introduces ‘Hold My Fare’

?Emirates, a global connector of people, places and experiences, is now making it easier for customers in select markets, including Sri Lanka, to book and lock in fares while they simultaneously plan their travel itineraries for their business trips, family holidays or weekend getaways. 

Serendib Hotels eyeing new markets

?Serendib Hotels PLC, the leisure arm of Hemas group has embarked on a more focused approach to lure tourists from new markets, in addition to its traditional European clientele. 

IATA pauses rollout of Cabin OK to reassess initiative

?The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that it was pausing the rollout of its Cabin OK initiative and beginning a comprehensive reassessment in light of concerns expressed, primarily in North America. 

Colombo Dockyard participates in Norway Norshipping 2015

?Sri Lanka’s pioneer Shipbuilding and Ship repairing facility, Colombo Dockyard PLC participated at one of the biggest International Shipping Exhibitions ‘Norshipping 2015’ recently in Oslo, Norway. 

AGM rush continues

?In a continuation of bizarre corporate and regulatory behaviour, 25 listed companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange will be holding their Annual General Meetings (AGM) this week.

Anti-dumping laws in the offing

Anti-dumping legislations to protect local industries against players flooding the market with cheaper foreign goods will be forwarded to parliament within the next 2-3 months, according to the Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. 

Green economy and real change

?The writer was shocked to see the recent media reports quoting National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka, an academic body incorporated by Parliament, that the academy was not aware of any scientific evidence from studies in Sri Lanka...

President to open The Steuart by Citrus

?The Steuart by Citrus, the latest addition to Colombo city’s tourism offering will be declared open on June 26, by President Maithripala Sirisena.

HR expert urges to cater ‘Generation Y’ to improve workplace performance

A top human resources practitioner recently stressed on the importance of  catering to the needs of ‘Generation Y’ in order to increase and improve performances of workplaces, both public and private. 

Sri Lanka: Brain drain, ‘connection culture’ and national development

?“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” — John Quincy Adams Realising the extent of inequality in the present world is an aspect many sidestep. Poverty...

Citrus subsidiary to manage hotel

?Citrus Silver Limited, a subsidiary of Citrus Leisure PLC has entered into a sub lease agreement with George Steuart and Company Limited worth Rs.132.3 million to manage The Steuart by Citrus. 

Up in arms over Port City

A body consisting of general public, clergy and environmental activists called the People’s Campaign against Port City carried out a campaign in Negombo to educate fisher folk in the area about the possible negative impact the Port City project could have on their livelihoods. 

Big ideas for small business managers : Know yourself, know your market, know your competition — You

?In today’s business world, you must know what your competitors are doing and what to do to stay ahead of the competition. Many businesses believe they are providing a good product to their customers but do not have reliable information showing....

Can your investment adviser assist you in the journey of investing?

?Getting advice on your investment decisions may be worth it if you’re not comfortable putting together an investment plan or choosing investments on your own.

Finance and Highways Ministers discuss Central Expressway construction

?A discussion was held on June 17 at the Finance Ministry between the Highways and Investment Promotion Minister Kabir Hashim, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake...

9th WCC focuses on creating greater SME strategy for inclusive, sustainable businesses

?The ninth World Chambers Congress (WCC) was held in Turin, Italy recently, attended by over 1000 delegates representing a large number of leaders of business chambers and trade and industry associations of the world.

Maldivian company to invest US$ 3 mn in luxury chalets

?The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted approval to Alpha Kinam Holdings Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to set up a hotel project consisting of 13 Eco type luxury suites and 26 chalets in Matale. The project represents an investment of US$ 3 million.

Asanga exits Nation Lanka Finance

?Investor Asanga Seneviratne yesterday sold his entire interest in Nation Lanka Finance PLC, a registered finance company, in a deal worth over Rs.335 million.

Private sector must be ready to take advantage of shifts in govt. policy

?Sri Lanka in the early stage of economic development had excellent education attainment but now lags far behind many middle-income and most high-income countries due to low public investment in education.

Public sector focus on HR not very promising: IPM

The Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (IPM) President asserted that public sector does not pay much attention to developing their human resources, which if done properly would contribute immensely to the country’s  economy.

Adam Capital incorporates new entity to enter micro finance business

?Adam Capital PLC, a subsidiary of Adam Investments PLC said it incorporated a company to enter into the micro credit business. The name of the new entity is Adam Capital Micro Credit (Pvt) Ltd.

Tokyo Cement ventures into producing manufactured sands

?Leading cement manufacturer Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC has ventured into producing of manufactured sands, the company informed the Colombo Stock Exchange yesterday.

People’s Insurance says no IPO for now

In response to Mirror Business story titled “People’s Insurance IPO on the cards,” People’s Insurance Limited Chairman Jehan Amaratunga in a statement said the company currently has no plans to go for an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Rupee at record low as state bank lowers dollar selling rate

?REUTERS: Sri Lankan spot rupee fell to a record low yesterday after a state bank, through which the Central Bank usually directs the market, lowered its dollar selling rate by 20 cents to Rs.134.20 per dollar, dealers said.

Planters’ Association refutes replanting failures caused the current tea crisis

?The recent article by Lalin I. De Silva captioned ‘Tea crisis: Who deceives whom?’ is rife with many inaccuracies and untruths. 

Private sector voices problems at second  Doing Business Forum

The second Doing Business Forum was held yesterday, during which, in addition to finding solutions for problems faced by the private sector, the Finance Minister reiterated the need for state institutions to have a public relations section to make the government more business-friendly.

Standard Chartered certified as Sri Lanka’s First Carbon-Conscious Bank

?Standard Chartered was certified by the Carbon Consulting Company as Sri Lanka’s First Carbon Conscious Bank. The certification is awarded to business entities that have calculated the footprint and have implemented a comprehensive Carbon Management Program.

LB Finance joins hands with Toyota Lanka to promote Prius C

?LB Finance which is one of the leading brands in leasing industry, has joined hands with another prestigious brand, Toyota to promote Prius C (Toyota).  

Ma’s Organic Soups offer delicious flavours and healthy lifestyles

?Responding to a growing desire by customers seeking organic and natural produce Ma’s Foods is introducing its new Happy Home Organic Soup range.

HNB joins hands with Sathosa Motors for mega leasing promo

Hatton National Bank (HNB) has joined hands with Sathosa Motors PLC to promote Isuzu vehicles, with a host of benefits and value additions for customers.