World’s oldest working full-rigged ship arrives in Colombo

The world’s oldest working full-rigged ship, SS Sørlandet from Norway, has arrived in Colombo. The ship is on a two-year circumnavigation of the world, with 70 high school students from A+ Academy.  During their stay in Colombo, they will greet the Sri Lankan maritime students and the ship will be part of several events hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Nicknamed ’The Pearl of Norway’, she is quite a beauty with

M3Force launches ‘Commando on Call’ security service mobile app

M3Force, a security solutions and service provider, recently launched its security service mobile application recently, which is known as ‘Commando on Call’.

Cool Planet celebrates 10 years

One of the leading fashion chains in Sri Lanka, Cool Planet, celebrated its 10-year milestone with an extravagant event held recently for its fellow employees and invitees. 

Sri Lanka hosts first int’l fire and industrial safety exhibition

With the participation of about 24 local and foreign companies, NEFSEC, Sri Lanka’s first international fire, industrial safety and homeland security exhibition was held in Colombo recently.

Australian HC to have trade talks at NCC

Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson will be the special guest speaker at a session on ‘Bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Australia’ organised by the National Chamber of Commerce (NCC), on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the chamber auditorium, No: 450, D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Great expectations: How the CFO’s role is growing

CFOs have always provided guidance on company strategy and been a sounding board for the CEO’s ideas, hopes and fears. It’s hardly surprising they are often first in line to succeed the chief executive. 

Indian Foreign Secy holds project-related discussions in SL

Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar was on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka recently.  He was accompanied by an official delegation of top officials from public sector companies and a team from the Confederation of Indian Industries. 

A paradigm shift in bridging skills gap crucial for macroeconomic transition: ComBank HR DGM

“If we are to achieve what Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea did some time ago and even to a certain extent what India is doing right now, we need to gear our labour force to migrate to more high-tech industries,” observes Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC Deputy General Manager Human Resource Management Isuru Tillakawardana. 

Hutch hosts Group Roaming Conference in Sri Lanka

Hutch, Sri Lanka’s fastest growing mobile broadband network hosted the Hutchison Group Global Roaming Conference where representatives from Hutchison mobile companies in United Kingdom, Europe and Asia were present to discuss way forward roaming strategy and collective initiatives.

DFCC Bank partners customers with products for every stage of life

Sri Lanka’s pioneering development bank, DFCC Bank, is steadily increasing its market share by providing innovative products and services backed by technology. 

SriLankan wins two awards for HR practices and CSR

SriLankan Airlines enhanced its position of prominence in South Asia’s corporate sector by winning two prestigious accolades for human resources (HR) practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the Sri Lanka Best Employer Brand Awards and South Asian Partnership Summit & Business Awards 2016 (SAPS) of the World HRD Congress, respectively.

Union Bank supports local exporter growth

The 24th annual National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) Awards, which fetes outstanding exporters was held on September 30, at the Hilton Colombo.

Renowned Canadian coach outlines essential qualities for CSR and sustainability efforts

Steven Fish, a renowned Canadian CSR coach and Executive Director of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR) said that CSR, which has historically been motivated by voluntary participation, is experiencing a global trend toward becoming a regulatory requirement.  He said that old linear models are being replaced with innovative approaches and social impact assessments.  

Society of Structural Engineers concludes Annual Sessions on high note

The Annual Sessions 2016 which was the platform created by the Society of Structural Engineers Sri Lanka (SSE-SL) for our very own Structural Engineering fraternity to showcase their ingenuity and share ground breaking ideas, saw its successful culmination at the Cinnamon Grand recently. 

Maga Engineering excels at National Green Reporting System Awards

Construction giant Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd emerged a winner at Sri Lanka National Green Reporting System Awards for the year 2015.Organized by the Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry in association with the Central Environmental Authority, the awards ceremony was held at BMICH on 18of October in conjunction with 5th Asia-Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum. 

NDB’s mobile banking apps recognized at South Asian Business Excellence Awards

The National Development Bank PLC was felicitated with awards for Best Use of Mobile Technology (Banking Industry) and Best Use of Mobile Technology in financial services for its newly introduced NDB mobile banking app at the recently held South Asian Business Excellence Awards ceremony organized by the South Asian Partnership Summit (SAPS) and the World HRD Congress. 

CA Sri Lanka opens enrollment for CPFA

Senior public servants who wish to progress in the field of accountancy, can now apply for the Chartered Public Finance Accountancy (CPFA) qualification offered by  CA Sri Lanka along with its public sector wing, the Association of Public Finance Accountants of Sri Lanka (APFASL). 

VirtusaPolaris recognised at SLASSCOM Awards 2016

VirtusaPolaris, the market-facing brand of Virtusa Corporation and Polaris Consulting & Services Ltd and a leading worldwide provider of information technology (IT) consulting and outsourcing services, was recognized for ‘Excellence in Capacity Building’ and ‘Excellence in HR Practices’ at the recently concluded SLASSCOM Awards 2016 in Colombo.

Kanrich Finance uplifts children living in rural areas

In commemoration of International Children’s Day, in the month October, Kanrich Finance launched two projects aimed at the uplifting the lives of children with little access to both clean water and educational supplies. 

Dell reveals next-gen Vostro laptops to enable small and medium business productivity

Dell recently announced the availability of multiple new Vostro PCs designed to meet the specific needs and demands of small and medium businesses.

Odiliya Homes Group launches Altezza luxury apartments in Wattala

 The latest project launched by Odiliya Homes Group, the all-new Altezza luxury apartment complex in Wattala is expected to dawn a new era in housing.

Glitz brings fun to Piliyandala SOS Village children

For the children of the SOS Children’s Village, Piliyandala, this year’s Children’s Day proved to be a day filled with fun and entertainment, ending fittingly with fireworks. 

Trans Maldivian Airways selects Cenmetrix to provide integrated biometric solution

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the operator of the world’s largest seaplane fleet in the Maldives, wanted to keep a track of the pilot and crew that were getting on board the planes between islands and monitor only the assigned crew to enter the pre-assigned docks and selected Cenmetrix to provide a complete hardware and integrated software solution. 

Europe’s leading futurist to address Lankan CEOs

Dr. Patrick Dixon, a globally acclaimed futurist, a growth strategist and a keynote speaker, will address Lankan CEOs this Friday at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

Etihad expands Madrid service to daily operation

Etihad Airways announced its Abu Dhabi – Madrid route will operate daily with the introduction of three new flights each week, effective June 1, 2017.The additional frequencies underscore the airline’s commitment to offer guests greater choice and more travel options. Continuing to operate with a two-class Airbus A330-200 offering 22 Business and 240 Economy Class seats, the daily service will strengthen the air bridge between the two

Etihad Airways awarded highest Skytrax 5-Star Rating

Etihad Airways has received the Skytrax Certified 5-Star Airline Rating - the most coveted quality standard in the airline industry, further strengthening its position as a leader in innovative guest experience, service and hospitality. 

Emirates completes US $ 11mn makeover of Dubai Int’l Airport Business Class lounge

Emirates has completed a major makeover of its Business Class lounge at Concourse B of Dubai International Airport. The US $ 11 million refurbishment project took two years to complete and is part of the airline’s continuous investment to improve and upgrade its products for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

SIA offers special fares to Australia on Business and Economy Class

Singapore Airlines (SIA), the world’s most awarded airline, has launched special return fares on Business Class and Economy Class from Colombo to Australia, giving customers more reasons to visit Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Cairns, Brisbane, Darwin and Perth.

Six enjoining orders issued against Seylan Bank and trust companies

Nine former employees of Seylan Bank Plc last week filed six separate cases in the District Court of Colombo before District Judge M.Y. Irshadeen against Seylan Bank Plc and six other trust companies, namely ESOTS Ltd, SESOT Ltd, SEYSHOP Ltd, SOTSE Ltd, SEYFEST Ltd, SEYFEST Ltd and SEYSHOP Ltd.

Introspection: Need of the hour for Sirisena-Wickremesinghe govERNMENT

There was heavy speculation in some quarters that President’s statement at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) on the 12th that rocked the political and diplomatic circles and also led to the resignation of the Director General of the Bribery Commission signaled that his honeymoon with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s administration was running low and he would not hesitate to take full control of the administration, includ