Unscrupulous operators in ill-regulated market biggest challenge: Kishu

This is the seventh of the interview series titled ‘Mirror Business S&P SL20 Insights’ conducted in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) as an investor relations initiative. The column encourages S&P SL20 companies to bring attention to developments in the industry, the company and discuss growth prospects. 

Second Single-Country exhibition to unleash new paradigm in SL-Pak bilateral trade

Building on the immense success of last year’s inaugural Single Country Exhibition, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in partnership with the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka recently announced the launch of a new,

BOC launches ‘Branch on Wheels’

The country’s number one bank, Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) newest value addition to its customers is ‘Branch on wheels’, which was launched ceremoniously yesterday with the patronage of the bank’s Chairman Ronald C. Perera and General Manager  D.M. Gunasekera. 

Union Bank-Instant Cash partner for money transfers

Union Bank recently announced its partnership with Instant Cash global money transfer service, which is an internationally renowned, state-of-the-art electronic money transfer system that employs leading edge Internet-based technology. 

HNB Assurance unveils 56th branch in Mathugama

Continuing the brand’s planned branch spread-out islandwide, HNB Assurance (HNBA) unveiled its 56th branch in  Mathugama recently. 

HDFC Bank opens new branch in Dambulla

HDFC Bank recently opened its 39th branch in Dambulla in line with its corporate mission to improve the living standards of the underprivileged in particular with housing and other financial facilities.

Alliance Finance relocates Aluthgama branch

Alliance Finance Company PLC, Sri Lanka’s third oldest finance company, recently moved its Aluthgama branch to a brand-new location, at No: 123, Galle Road, Aluthgama.

Mastercard redefines affluence for Asia Pacific

Mastercard has refreshed its Affluent platform in Asia Pacific with an elevated suite of premium dining and travel rewards and services. 

IPM 3rd Certified HR Auditor Programme to commence next month

IPM Sri Lanka will be commencing the 3rd Certified HR Auditor Programme on 14th February  at its head office ‘HR House’ in Colombo 5. 

MullenLowe Sri Lanka to reinvigorate creative talent with modern office

MullenLowe Sri Lanka, the local office of the MullenLowe network - a member of the Interpublic Group (IPG), will formally unveil its modern office at  Kynsey Road, 

Tsemach introduces art of detailing with Chemical Guys

Tsemach Global Automotive, the detailing studio that revolutionized how you take care of your vehicle, recently introduced the world-renowned professional automotive detailing supplies brand Chemical Guys to Sri Lankan vehicle enthusiasts. 

Ogilvy Group announces three new CEOs

Ogilvy Group, the most diversified and largest Marketing & Communications enterprise in Sri Lanka has announced last week, the appointment of 03 new CEO’s for three of its Companies. Chairman of Ogilvy Group of Companies, Irvin Weerackody announced yesterday, the appointments of Sudesh Sundhara Moorthy as CEO of Phoenix Ogilvy, Manilka Philips as CEO of Ogilvy PR and Sancharitha Jayathilake as CEO of Geometry Global – the Activati

BIA inconveniences due to partial closure eased: minister

The initial congestion caused as a result of the partial closure of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) beginning January 6 has now been completely eased according to the Minister of  `Tourism Development. 

Yahoo to be named Altaba, Mayer to leave board after Verizon deal

REUTERS: Yahoo Inc said it would rename itself Altaba Inc and Chief Executive Officer Marissa Mayer would step down from the board after the closing of its deal with Verizon Communications Inc.

SLTDA to introduce new regulations to empower small accommodation providers

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) will be introducing regulations and providing greater support to small scale accommodation providers who have been the fastest growing segment in the country’s hospitality industry, according to a  leading official.

Shares end marginally lower; T-bill yields hit 4-mth high

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares erased early gains to end marginally lower yesterday as yields on short-term government securities rose in a weekly auction amid uncertainty over government’s monetary and budget policies.

Rupee marginally up on dollar sales

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended slightly firmer yesterday as foreign banks and some exporters sold dollars, but dealers expect the strength to be short-lived on lingering concerns after the Central Bank last week changed its intervention policy. The rupee has been under pressure due to rising imports and net selling of government securities by foreign investors, dealers said.

Central Bank to publish new indices on property, wages

The Central Bank is to publish new indices on property prices going forward while modifying the existing wage indices in a bid to enhance the statistical inputs used in policy making at the Central Bank and also to better track the various developments in the private sector. 

CMA members approved to register as company secretaries

As per the Extraordinary Gazette No. 1998/11 of December 20, 2016, under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 made by the industries and commerce minister reads as follows: Companies (Secretaries) Regulations published in the Extraordinary Gazette 471/6 of September 14, 1987 by the addition of the following sub section ix as a new subsection under section 2(1)(b), which reads as follows.

Shangri-La names VP, GM, Director Sales and Marketing for Colombo

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Timothy Wright as Vice President and General Manager and Chris McFall as Director Sales and Marketing for Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo due to open during the second half of 2017. 

Chambers and businesses briefed on commercial mediation

Introduction of ‘commercial mediation’ will offer Sri Lanka’s business community an optional dispute resolution mechanism in addition to litigation and arbitration, both of which are riddled with delay and expense.

ITN-Abans join hands for ‘Sooryabala Sangramaya’

ITN joined hands with Abans for ‘Sooryabala Sangramaya’, an initiative to generate electricity using solar power to fulfill ITN’s energy consumption.

SL–Italy Biz Council to commence fourth batch of Italian language course

The Sri Lanka–Italy Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will launch the fourth batch of its successful Italian language course on February 18, 2017.

Sri Lankan Airlines Supports Galle Literary Festival 2017 as Official Travel Partner

Sri Lankan Airlines is partnering the Fairway Galle Literary Festival 2017 as the Official Travel Partner., The airline is facilitating travel for some of the literary greats

Qatar Airways Unveils Its Biggest Travel Festival Ever For 2017

Qatar Airways’ popular Travel Festival is back and has been significantly enhanced for 2017, inviting world travellers to take advantage of a number 

Blue is the New Green for Linea Aqua

Leading swimwear manufacturer Linea Aqua (Pvt) Ltd announced its latest landmark accomplishment in the field of environmental sustainabilit

PickMe Revolutionizing transportation in Sri Lanka

There was always the ‘tuks’ and then came the metered taxis, which made life a lot easier for those depending on them for transport as it finally meant a standard fee was charged

Time to ensure state enterprises deliver value to public

The former administration unlike any other previous regimes made a conscious effort to extend its dominance in many economic spheres.

Words of wisdom from Prof. Hausmann over Lankan exports push

An internationally acclaimed economist yesterday called on Sri Lanka to diversify its technological know-how before seeking investments to boost exports, a failure of which would deteriorate the economy.  

Construction of Carlson Rezidor’s first Lankan hotel begins

The groundbreaking ceremony of the newest entrant to the Colombo hospitality scene, the US-based Carlson Rezidor group’s ‘Park Inn Colombo’, took place yesterday morning.