Biodiversity Sri Lanka heads project to reforest Kanneliya Conservation Forest

Biodiversity Sri Lanka in partnership with Forest Department, IUCN Sri Lanka and Private sector partners have decided to initiate a pilot project to reforest a 10 hectare block in the Kanneliya Conservation Forest that has been completely degraded due to human activity by applying an ecological restoration modelling approach.

Hemas Piyawara unveils childcare center at Welikada prison

Hemas Outreach Foundation (HOF), the CSR arm of Hemas Holdings PLC together with the Welikada Prison Department, unveiled the newly refurbished Child Care Center on February 4th 2018, at the Welikada prison complex.

BRICS-plus: Alternative globalization in the making?

Against the backdrop of waning integration impulses in the developed world, the largest developing economies are forging ahead with new initiatives directed at revitalizing regional integration.

Singaporean companies explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

The Singapore Business Mission to Sri Lanka organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) together with International Enterprise Singapore (IES) and Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recently held a seminar on doing business in Sri Lanka, at Paramount Tower, Nawala.  

Passenger and cargo handling capacity at BIA will be doubled in next 5 years: AASL

We are a government-owned company with statuary powers to manage and develop civil airports in Sri Lanka. That includes Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) and Colombo Airport Ratmalana. 

Dhananath Fernando wins US$ 10,000 for Sri Lanka in Think Tank Shark Tank in Asia

Advocata Chief Operating Officer Dhananath Fernando won the Asia Think Tank Shark championship in Jakarta for a research study on ‘Cost of Construction and protectionism’.  Asia Think Tank Shark Tank is a championship for Asians to pitch their ideas on creating impact on public policy for helping economic prosperity in Asia. 

Amaleans, Seylan Bank biggest subscribers to Jetwing Symphony IPO

Seylan Bank and the Amaleans were the biggest buyers of the Jetwing Symphony (JETS) shares during its Initial Public Offering, according to the first interim financial statement of JETS.

Taxiyak provides ease and flexibility in taxi booking and scheduling

Taxiyak, the latest taxi booking and trip-scheduling app, which offers the most flexible trip planning and scheduling options, has entered the market.

UTE Engineering finds solutions to training problems

The UTE Engineering arm of United Tractor and Equipment (Pvt.) Ltd (UTE), recognised as one of the nation’s premier engineering solutions providers is firmly committed to help grow the country’s skilled technical workforce and enhance their capabilities.

Central Industries PE water-pipes conferred with British WRAS certificate

Central Industries PLC which produces Sri Lanka’s leading water-pipe and accessory brand ‘National PVC’ was conferred with WRAS certificate from Britain for the company’s PE (Polyethylene) 

nCinga to digitise Bangladesh’s garment manufacturing industry

Sri Lanka’s software maker nCinga opened office in Bangladesh, in partnership with Robi Axiata Bangladesh providing next generation smart factory solutions, with the launch of nFactory its Industry 4.0 aligned manufacturing execution software at an industry event held recently at the Radisson Hotel in Dhaka.

New Anthoney’s Farms expands to cater to growing demand

New Anthoney’s Farms has initiated a major expansion strategy to allow the company to enhance its products offered and significantly increase its present capacity in all its operations, ranging from in

Hilton Colombo Residences announces Valentine’s Day promotion

Hilton Colombo Residences announced its Valentine’s Day promotion: ‘A Feast of Love’ at FLOW.

Singaporean companies exploring investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

The Singapore Business Mission to Sri Lanka organized by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) together

Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Hilton Colombo

Celebrate love and prosperity together as one this Chinese New Year with a magical dinner buffet prepared by Master Chef Ong Yong 

Amana Takaful expands its Branch Network

Amãna Takaful PLC (ATL) recently opened its doors in Nugegoda, Beruwela and relocated its Puttalam Office. 

Unilever threatens online ad cuts to clean up Internet

REUTERS: Consumer goods giant Unilever, one of the world’s biggest advertisers, has threatened to pull investment from digital platforms such as Facebook and Google that “create division” in society or fail to protect children.

Petronet, Japanese company to set up US $ 300mn liquefied natural gas terminal in Sri Lanka

ECONOMIC TIMES: Petronet LNG Ltd, India’s biggest importer of gas and its Japanese partners will invest US $ 300 million to set up Sri Lanka’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal near Colombo, its CEO Prabhat Singh said. 

UDA rejects Renuka Capital’s mandatory offer on On’ally

The mandatory offer made by Renuka Capital PLC to fully acquire On’ally Holdings PLC expired last week, with the largest shareholder, the state’s Urban Development Authority (UDA), holding on to its shares.

Rising petroleum prices dim BPPL’s 3Q profits

Leading brushware and synthetic fibre manufacturer BPPL Holdings PLC (BPPL) posted Rs.115.9 million net profit for the October-December quarter (3Q18), taking a 6 percent dip compared to the corresponding period last year, over the rising raw material and operating costs.

Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Symposium to kick off this March

An eminent panel of local and foreign speakers are billed to speak at the technical sessions of the Sri Lanka Ceramics and Glass Symposium on March 6th 2018, while the inauguration ceremony on March 5th will be graced by President Maithripala Sirisena.

Customs to conduct awareness session in preparation for paperless procedures

In an effort to fast-track trade, Sri Lanka Customs is now ready to adopt paperless trade procedures. It is necessary to swiftly adapt from traditional procedures to the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) World System and to ensure an efficient transition.

PF-NMF hosts first dialogue on India- Sri Lanka Maritime Security Cooperation

The first bi-lateral conference between the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) and Pathfinder Foundation (PF) focused on developing a platform for analytical and innovative discussion, specifically on Maritime Security and Maritime Domain Awareness covering the Indian Ocean, which would favourably impact countries in the Indian Ocean Region.

ICCSL and NDRDC organize discussion on lessons from Germany’s dual vocational training system

International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) together with National Human Resource Development Council (NHRDC) will be hosting a joint discussion forum where the key note presentation will be delivered by Ambassador Jorn Rohde, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

Pathfinder Foundation officials meet CPPCC and CPAPD dignitaries

Pathfinder Foundation (PF) Founder Milinda Moragoda met with Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Vice Chairman HE Han Qide and Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD) President in Colombo recently.

Sri Lanka participates Biofach 2018, international exhibition in Germany

The Biofach-Vivaness is the world’s leading trade fair for Organic Food in the world and Vivaness, the largest international trade fair for natural personal care, will be held from February 14th to 17th 2018 in Nuremberg, Germany.

From election to business: Lessons to be learnt

It is accepted that politics always shapes the economy but there can be cases where the economy decides politics. The results of the recently held local government election have made a platform where not only the rulers but also the business people can learn some lessons to win the competition, a common factor for business as well as politics. Be it business or politics, what drives is marketing. 

Can Colombo reinvent itself as a wetland city?

Outside the boundaries of the Diyasaru Park, traffic is locked bumper-to-bumper but inside is a wetland paradise. A long walking path winds its way through 60 acres of carefully restored wetlands, complete with narrow streams covered in pink lotus flowers in bloom.

CILT and KPMG to collaborate on knowledge sharing initiatives

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka (CILT-SL) entered into an agreement with KPMG in Sri Lanka to collaborate and conduct knowledge sharing events focused on new and evolving trends, current topics, and to provide access to a community of professionals for both organisations.

Private sector view: Political stability is key

“Sri Lanka’s ruling alliance was humiliated in Saturday’s local elections as the party of former strongman President Mahinda Rajapakse pulled off a stunning landslide victory,” foreign media reported last Sunday.