Central Finance in Rs.3bn debenture issue

?Central Finance Company PLC (CF) is raising up to Rs.3 billion through a debenture issue. The proposed issue has been assigned an expected rating of A+(lka) in line with the company’s rating by Fitch Rating Lanka.

Higher earnings, power business exit, improve Hemas outlook: Fitch

?Fitch Ratings Lanka has revised the outlook on Hemas Holdings PLC’s national rating of A+(lka) to Positive from Stable due the company’s improved risk profile and earnings amid divestment of its power business and improved performance of core business segments. 

BoC says GM Gunasekera placed on leave to facilitate investigation

?Bank of Ceylon (BoC) yesterday said its General Manger D.M. Gunasekera has been placed on leave to facilitate an independent and impartial investigation into certain key functional areas of the bank.

Kuoni and Delmege jointly launch DVMS in Sri Lanka

Kuoni Business Travel (Pvt) Ltd India launched its very own Dubai Visa & Marhaba Services (DVMS) in Sri Lanka, partnering with Delmege Forsyth & Co. Ltd.

Norfolk Foods explores product innovation with 3D Concept Studio

?Norfolk Foods, a joint venture of British and Sri Lankan origin, has utilised 3D printing to innovate and customise their food production to suit their customer’s needs. 

First National Hotel Management Conference to kick start in May

?The Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association has announced the launch of its first ever Hotel Management Conference, scheduled to be held on 12th & 13th May at Taj Samudra Hotel Colombo. 

Centenary birth anniversary of first Sri Lankan-born CCC Chairman

?The centenary birth anniversary of late S.T.L. de Soysa, who was the first Sri Lankan-born Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, falls today (April 9th).

Amana Takaful goes for GrayMatter’s Insurance Analytics (IA+)

?Insurer Amana Takaful PLC, Sri Lanka, announced their decision to go with GrayMatter’s Insurance Analytics (IA+) to execute their Business Analytics program across Life & Non Life Insurance in Colombo.  

Union Bank certified as first private bank on CEFTS

?Union Bank (UBC) is the first private bank to be certified to the Common Electronic Fund Transfer Switch (CEFTS) creating greater banking convenience.   As a Bank synonymous for technology firsts in the banking industry in Sri Lanka...

LB Finance joins Toyota Lanka for “Hybrid family day”

LB Finance joined hands with Toyota Lanka for ‘Hybrid family day’ held at Taj Samudra on March 21st. This event was organized by Toyota Lanka to introduce their fleet....

Ceylinco Life policyholders to receive Rs 2.4 bn as April bonuses

?Ceylinco Life has announced a pay-out of more than Rs 2.4 billion in April 2015 in the form of annual bonuses and ‘Avurudu cash’ bonuses to over 300,000 policyholders.

HSBC holds symposium on creating competitive edge

? “Creating a competitive edge through Centralisation, Technology and Partnership”, a symposium with the participation of subject experts from the Bank, Larry Campbell, Group Chief Knowledge Officer at HSBC

Seylan Panadura branch relocates

?Seylan Bank Panadura branch was re-located to new premises at Galle Road, Panadura with the objective of providing its clientele with a more efficient service in a comfortable and spacious surrounding.

Comtrust Equity Fund maintains Rs.2 dividend for fifth consecutive year

?The Comtrust Equity Fund declared a dividend of Rs.2.00 for the year ended 31 March 2015 (FY15), one of the highest dividend payment for the current year by an Equity Fund in the Unit Trust industry.

Sampath Credit Cards offer biggest seasonal discounts

?As preparations are underway for the celebration of this festive season, Sampath Credit Cards has embraced the spirit of the occasion and has extended attractive offers to its MasterCard and Visa credit cardholders at its numerous partnered Outlets Island wide. 

ILM Awards 2015

The Institute of Lean Management (ILM) held ILM Awards Ceremony 2015 recently at the BMICH. ILM CEO, Association of TPM Practitioners founder President and TPM Guru of Sri Lanka Thilak Pushpakumara welcomed the audience. 

AMW marks 65th anniversary

The 65th anniversary of Associated Motorways Ltd (AMW) was held at Cinnamon Grand recently. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest at the ceremony while several ministers, deputy ministers, MPs, public officials, diplomats and business leaders were present

Uma Oya Trans-Basin Multipurpose Project – A critical review

In an article published in Sunday Island of April 25, 2008, Dr. G.T. Dharmasena, former Director General of Irrigation and a consultant to United Nations Project Services in Sri Lanka (UNOPS) stated,

Tea industry crisis: Why no remedy elucidated?

?Reading some of the views expressed by the Planters’ Association Chairman, it is quite apparent that the tea industry is in dire straits giving a symptomatic impression that viability is being seriously threatened. 

Politics of correctness: The legacy of Lee Kuan Yew

Drawing open the curtains to what is the festive month of April in many parts of Asia and the world, on 02 April, one hundred forty two students were slaughtered in Garissa University College in Kenya by al Shabab:  an al Qaeda-linked Somali terrorist outfit. 

Understanding your investment options

?It is a truth universally acknowledged that money does not grow on trees. It is also however accepted that with prudent investment and a modicum of financial planning, you can develop your finances.

Hard money, soft standards? Tough questions for China’s new bank

?AFP: China scored a diplomatic coup by enticing almost 50 countries including key US allies to join its new development bank. But analysts say authoritarian Beijing now faces a daunting task managing a multilateral...

Samsung expands its network with a new digital plaza in Kiribathgoda

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. recently expanded its network in Sri Lanka, by launching its latest Samsung Digital Plaza in Kiribathgoda. The new plaza is located at – No. 145, Kandy Road, Dalugama, Kelaniya and was opened in time for the upcoming Avurudu season, which is the most celebrated time of year in Sri Lanka. The plaza was opened in collaboration with Softlogic Retail in the presence of distinguished guests including Youngmin Shin, M

Company’s revolution starts with its culture, the findmyfare.com story

Sri Lanka’s largest online travel company, findmyfare.com is revolutionizing the workplace with an innovative approach to people and management. Located at No. 26A, Jaya Road, Colombo 4, the findmyfare.com office is more than just a workplace, it’s a space where employees can learn, thrive and enjoy a rewarding professional experience. The modern office with its chic design and colourful décor provides the perfect blend between

‘Around the Pearl’ kicks off for the second consecutive year to raise funds for children with cerebr

The ‘Around the Pearl’ initiative kicked off today for the second consecutive year, and 20 business leaders embarked on a 1400 km bicycle ride around Sri Lanka to raise public support and funds for children affected by cerebral palsy (CP). The ten-day bicycle tour will take the cyclists to all corners of the country and this year, all proceeds from the initiative will be donated to the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF). Cyclists

BYOD = Bring Your Own Device!!!

Innovative and reliable ways to integrate private devices of employees into the business IT infrastructure in a safe manner.From Home to Office, employees can work easily than ever before. Working securely anywhere!

DFCC Vardhana Bank launches special ‘Salli Mallai’ Avurudu promotion

DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB), Sri Lanka’s fastest growing commercial bank, recently launched a special ‘Salli Mallai’ Avurudu promotion to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The promotion will entitle customers for special benefits and will be valid from 6 April to 20 April 2015, at all DVB branches island-wide.

Sri Lanka in Disney’s spotlight with ‘Monkey Kingdom’

?Apart from the aggressive marketing that Sri Lanka Tourism has engaged in the focused markets of China and Germany, the country is set to receive a massive boost from in its seventh key market - the USA - with a top billed Disney movie ‘Monkey Kingdom’...

Hameedia opens newest branch in Kiribathgoda

Continuously setting the benchmark in the fashion industry, Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist recently opened its newest branch in Kiribathgoda at the Udeshi City Shopping Complex. The ceremonial opening was attended by Chief Guest Raja Nanayakkara, Chairman of NEM Constructions, along with M.G. Perera, Chairman, Udeshi City (Pvt) Ltd, Fouzul Hameed, Managing Director, Hameedia and Hussain Sadique, Deputy Managing Director,

HNB Assurance fame Manjula to head NITF

Former HNB Assurance PLC and HNB General Insurance Managing Director Manjula de Silva has been appointed the Chairman of National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) with effect from April 6, 2015 by the Ministry of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs.