Fairfirst Insurance donates to Fight for Covid-19 Fund

Fairfirst Insurance Managing Director and CEO Dr. Sanjeev Jha and company representatives met with Major General (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne, recently. At this meeting, Dr. Jha conveyed gratitude for the immense commitment and dedication of the frontline forces towards fighting this pandemic.

Dialog enables Health Ministry to create telemedicine units at 20 hospitals

During this unprecedented moment in history, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, committed to doing its part to support the Health Ministry’s response efforts, has come forward to donate a range of urgently required equipment and solutions for 20 hospitals, including Wi-Fi routers, feature phones, fixed phones as well as special camera systems to remotely monitor patients and reduce the risk of infection.

Apparel sector equips healthcare workers in fight against COVID-19

During this time of crisis in our land, as well as globally, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has taken up arms to equip our brave healthcare workers with the appropriate clothing as they serve in the frontlines of our battle against COVID-19.

Impact of internal and external shocks on Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings

Sri Lanka, as a developing country, is highly sensitive to both internal and external shocks. Today, Sri Lanka is facing a big challenge of controlling the spread of COVID-19, which is a global pandemic. Even though Sri Lanka is far better than other developed countries in terms of controlling the spread of this decease, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) warns that the situation will worsen in the month of April.

Govt. urged to negotiate fresh loan facility with IMF

Sri Lanka should engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and explore other debt inflows to the country to retain the investor confidence on the economy as the selling rate of the US dollar crossed Rs.200 for the first time in the country’s history, leading economists in the country urge the government.

Tea industry urges relevant govt. depts. to increase number of working days to facilitate exports

The local tea industry is urging the government to increase the number of working days of relevant government departments to facilitate the necessary approvals for the export of tea.

First bunkering ship discharges low sulphur fuel at HIP

Bunkering vessel Mt. Melody was docked at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week to discharge approximately 25,000 MT of oil into the port’s newly furbished tanks.

Softlogic group cuts employee salaries to manage costs during pandemic

Softlogic Holdings PLC has announced salary cuts for all employees who are earning above Rs.50,000, in the range of 5 percent to 30 percent, as a measure to cope with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Moray Estate sets all-time record price at first-ever online tea auction

Moray Estate set an all-time record at the Colombo Tea Auction on April 4, 2020, with the sale of its BOPF grade of tea for Rs.1300 per kilogramme.

Millions of aviation jobs at risk, airlines can’t afford refunds: IATA

Global airlines warned that 25 million jobs across the world could be at risk from the coronavirus travel downturn and the industry’s representative body said airline finances were so fragile they could not afford to refund customers.

Banks get additional Rs.53bn for lending from eased capital rules

The Monetary Board’s decision to ease certain capital rules on banks in response to the coronavirus pandemic will release over Rs.50 billion from capital buffers for new lending, which otherwise would have been left idling.

Curfew, lockdown and economic livelihoods amid corona crisis

National policymakers have been grappling on the right balance between lockdowns (total or partial) and maintaining a functioning economy to safeguard the livelihood of its citizens and viability of its corporate sector. Whilst no solution seems optimal, the need for a well-orchestrated recovery strategy is central to avoid a pro-longedsupply and demand led economic recession.

Amid COVID-19, the time to act now to protect food security

With the impacts of the pandemic on food and nutrition being felt around the region, planning is needed to avoid higher food prices, decreased nutrition and reduced food security.

Dankotuwa manufactures customized steam inhalers for homes and healthcare enterprises

Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, renowned for its luxurious and elegant porcelain tableware introduced the all new customized steam inhaler which is ideal for individuals affected by respiratory tract infections including COVID-19.

SLIC pays tribute to heroes in battle against COVID-19

The national insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance, has taken many initiatives to pledge support to the government initiatives in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

Fonterra to support communities in the fight against COVID-19

Multiple initiatives are underway by Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, the company behind Anchor, to support the country’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and help sustain affected communities.

Maliban supports IDH Hospital during battle against pandemic

In aim to contribute towards the combat of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Maliban Biscuits recently donated special cold storage facilities and highly essential medical equipment to treat infected patients, at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).

CCC to hold webinar on ‘Planning for the unpredictable’ with Fahad Farook

How can you plan for the unpredictable? Join the Chamber Academy for a webinar with international trainer, certified transformative coach, and motivation specialist Fahad Farook on Planning for the Unpredictable, this Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

First-ever online tea auction sees high demand for all teas

The Colombo Tea Auction saw high demand for teas in its first-ever online auction kicked off last Saturday with prices soaring across all types of teas amid an uptick in global tea consumption.

CB Governor sees stronger pushback against neoliberal order post-COVID-19

As COVID-19 is expected to alter everything from geo-politics to national security to trade and industrial policies of countries, the Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman says the neoliberalism— the economic system, which shaped much of the world order during the last half-century could be shaken and withered away once the world overcomes the pandemic.

SMEs urged to capitalize on recently introduced import controls

Sri Lanka’s SME sector led by agri-SMEs is urged to seize the opportunity to thrive from the recent announcement banning and restricting imports of non-essential items, which is aimed at restricting forex outflows, Sri Lanka’s Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Industries (COSMI) stressed.

Rubber sector receives govt. nod to‘re-start’ operations

The local rubber manufacturing and export industry has received the nod from the government this week to kick start operations, a step taken towards getting the halted supply chains back on track.

Rubber sector receives govt. nod to‘re-start’ operations

The local rubber manufacturing and export industry has received the nod from the government this week to kick start operations, a step taken towards getting the halted supply chains back on track.

Stock markets extend rally on virus fight hopes

Global stock markets rallied yesterday as investors seized on signs of a slowdown in the spread of the coronavirus, while some governments began making plans to ease restrictions.

Survey shows bright prospects for working from home

Nearly half of those who have no choice but to work from home have said they feel more productive than before and almost 90 percent remain indifferent to the arrangement as their productivity levels remain more or less the same.

COYLE makes suggestions on relief measures for businesses

Sri Lanka’s Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) seeks key financial policy and tax policy amendments with financial and tax moratorium relief programmes for the revival of the country’s businesses, which faces adverse impacts stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

Priyantha Talwatte takes over reins as NTB CEO

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) announced that Priyantha Talwatte has taken over the reins as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding former Director/Chief Executive Officer Renuka Fernando.

Omega Line to donate 400,000 protective wear to battle COVID-19

With the country facing many challenges during these unprecedented times as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to expand, the Omega Line group, which operates under the flagship of Italy-based Calzedonia S.p.A, has stepped in to donate 400,000 safety masks to frontline healthcare workers in the fight against the infectious disease.

CCC webinar to assist SMEs to adapt, overcome COVID-19 challenges

In assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to a post-COVID-19 world, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) is hosting a webinar for SMEs this Thursday (April 9).

SLIIT offers next generation online learning

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) opened the doors for all its students from all five faculties of the university, to attend a virtual campus on March 18 this year, creating a milestone in the history of higher education in Sri Lanka.