Dialog consolidates growth trajectory in 3Q

Dialog Axiata PLC yesterday announced its financial results for the 9 months ended 30th September 2010. Financial results included those of Dialog Axiata PLC (the "Company") and of the Dialog Axiata Group (the "Group") post consolidation with subsidiaries Dialog Broadband Networks (Pvt.) Ltd ("DBN") and Dialog Television (Pvt.) Ltd ("DTV").

Atchchuvely Industrial Zone first major development in Jaffna

The first major industrial development project will kick start in the Jaffna peninsula shortly when the 65 acre Industrial estate in Atchuvely will be developed bilaterally by the Government of Sri Lanka in partnership with the Indian government with the view of entrepreneurs to commence their business ventures and generate economic growth and the livelihood development in the area said the Minister for Traditional Industries and ente

Emirates and HSBC offer zero-interest instalment scheme for air travel

Travel with Emirates from Colombo to any of 105 destinations on six continents has become infinitely more affordable for holders of credit cards issued by the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).

Touchwood Investments RI oversubscribed by 40%

Touchwood Investments' Rights Issue has been oversubscribed by 40%, amounting to Rs. 534 million. Having applied for the issue about two years ago, the company is ready to deliver to its shareholders the promises it made.

Cathay Pacific named Cargo Airline of the Year

Cathay Pacific Airways was named Cargo Airline of the Year at the 2010 Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards held in Singapore last Wednesday. The airline was commended for "responding astutely to the downturn and the recent strong upswing in cargo demand and has laid an exceptional platform to benefit from China's economic and trade boom".

RAM assigns AA/P1 ratings to Sampath Bank

RAM Ratings Lanka has assigned respective long- and short-term ratings of AA and P1 to Sampath Bank PLC; the long-term rating has a stable outlook.

World's largest sail builder strengthens its presence in Sri Lanka

North Cloth Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. was the latest entity to come under the North Sails Sri Lanka Group, when the factory was ceremoniously inaugurated by Rishard Badiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce recently.

SL at centre stage in SAARC SME Forum

The Tamil Nadu Small Industries Association and Friedrich Naumann Stiftung Fur die Freiheit (FNF) Germany is staging the 2010 SAARC conference on the theme 'Evolving a SME Policy for SAARC Countries'.

Panadol Sahana Balakaya Helps Colombo Battle Deadly Dengue Outbreak

The 2010 'Panadol Sahana Balakaya' a two week long, clean up drive of the city of Colombo that involved members of Rotary District 3220 - Sri Lanka, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, Police, Corporate and other volunteers, in addition to children drawn from 143 schools in Colombo, who joined hands with local Public Health Inspectors and Municipal Health Workers of the Municipal Council of Colombo, recently concluded its first phase o

SL-Iraq trade talks after eight years

After a lapse of eight years, Sri Lanka began discussion on economic and technical cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iraq under the direction of the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Badiudeen.

Stock Market Gains

After several days of sluggishness the Colombo stock market yesterday gathered strength closing firmly on the up. Turnover improved to Rs. 3.03 billion thanks to all round buying including a few strategic deals.

CB keeps policy rates unchanged

Central Bank yesterday kept policy rates unchanged following the October Monetary Policy Review. The Bank said economic growth remains robust and broad based with all sectors contributing to the expansion of output.  Credit flows continue to rebound with credit to the private sector from commercial banks growing on a year on year basis by 12.8 per cent in August 2010, further reinforcing the growth prospects.  At the same time, yea

SriLankan adds more convenient flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore

SriLankan Airlines is offering more convenience to travelers between Colombo and India’s major cities, by adding several flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore.

Airtel now lights up Northern Sri Lanka

Bharti Airtel Lanka, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa, yesterday announced its foray into the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

UK MPs discuss matters on investments with Dr. Amunugama

Addressing a delegation comprising Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning and Senior Advisor to the President Dr. Amunugama said that Sri Lanka was well positioned in its economic growth and reaching 8% growth rate as targeted.

SriLankan Airlines to acquire seven more aircraft by end of 2011

SriLankan Airlines said yesterday it will acquire its first brand new aircraft in more than a decade, among the seven aircraft it plans to take delivery of by the end of 2011. They include five Airbus A320’s, including three brand new aircraft, and two Twin Otter floatplanes.

BMW 5 Series receives 5 Stars in new more stringent crash test

The all-new BMW 5 Series was one of only two vehicles to receive an overall five-star rating in the first crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration under the new, more stringent New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

From humble beginnings to the best in business

At the Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT) Annual Conference, the highlight was the panel discussion on 'Own Success Stories,' where leading entrepreneurs shared their humble beginnings to become the best today.

Construction sector builds skills

Ex-combatants and war widows in the North and East are now trained to boost the local construction industry in providing for capacity building.

Asian Microfinance Forum 2010 concludes with success

The three-day Asian Microfinance Forum 2010 wrapped up last week bringing to a close three full days of conferences, panel sessions and seminars all of which were well attended by almost 500 delegates from 50 countries who were in Colombo for the event as well as many local industrialists, bankers and other interested parties.

World's number one Oral Contraceptive pill "Yasmin" is the locally renowned favorite too!

Over the last few years, the ability for women to control their lives and enhance their choices has grown in leaps and bounds. The power to make an informed decision on when to start a family and what options are available has given women the world over a greater degree of control over their futures.

CCC strengthens relationship with South Africa

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), in order to develop mutually beneficial relations and to formalise the relationship for the purpose of providing a platform to promote information exchange,

Cathay Pacific's Getaway surprises

Experience a multitude of delights at two of the most vibrant cities in the world and enjoy great value for money with Cathay Pacific Airways' Getaway Surprise to Beijing and Shanghai, China

Stock market ends flat

Benchmark share index ended flat after early gains yesterday as cautious investors sold shares on fears of a further dip after the bourse plunged over 5 percent in the previous session.

Draft Microfinance Act grabs spotlight at key Asia forum

Foundation for Development Cooperation Director Craign Wilson (right) at the media briefing on the sidelines of the Asia Microfinance Forum in Colombo. Others from left are HNB CEO R. Theagarajah, Citi Sri Lanka CEO Glen Rase and BWTPN Chairman and HNB Deputy General Manager Chandula Abeywickrema - Pic by Upul Abayasekara

Stock market falls by over 4%

The Colombo stock market fell 4.4 percent on Thursday, in the biggest-ever absolute one-day fall, as retail investors sold into a correction in Asia's best performing and most expensive market this year, analysts said.

Qatar Airways announces fourth route in Germany

Qatar Airways has announced plans to expand flights to Germany with the introduction of scheduled services to Stuttgart and greater capacity to Munich next year.

Sea water filling into Hambantota Port Basin accomplished

Sea water filling into the basin of Magampura Port that commenced following the auspicious ceremony held on 15 August 2010 has now been completed.

SriLankan eyes emerging North America for inbound tourism

SriLankan Airlines on Friday expressed interest to break into the North American market by 2011 to meet the increased demand in tourism.

CILT International Conference 2010 comes to Colombo

The International Conference 2010 of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), themed 'Envisioning Development Opportunities in Transport and Logistics in South Asia' with an emphasis on 'The Synergy of Public Private Partnerships,' will be held in Colombo this week.