Rupee steady; market awaits clarity on some budget policies

RETUERS: The Sri Lankan rupee closed little changed yesterday as dollar conversions by exporters were offset by importer demand for the US currency and investors waited for more clarity on some budget policies announced last week, dealers said.

No rate volatility next year as govt. better prepared to tackle debt: CB

Market interest rates are unlikely to experience volatility through public debt-servicing requirements, as the Central Bank the government are better prepared to manage domestic and foreign debt next year with the planned implementation of the Liability Management Act and the buffers being built up by the state from borrowings and income from asset sales.

Hayleys Advantis Continues Investing in Sri Lanka’s Future by Inspiring Future Logisticians

Hayleys Advantis Limited recently completed the second programme in their capacity building initiative under the theme ‘Inspiring Logistics in Sri Lanka’.The programme was launched

Etihad Airways Marks Opening Of Louvre Abu Dhabi With Spectacular A380 Fly-By

Hundreds of visitors from around the world, attending yesterday’s official public opening celebrations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, were treated to a low-level fly-by of the Jean Nouvel designed

Kemara Life Spa and Wellness Centre launches Juice Feasting

It seems that fruits and vegetables of the same family are fighting for their five seconds of fame. One day it’s kale and the next it’s dragon fruit. But it feels impossible to cram all these super

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about fintech

The financial technology (fintech) industry is thriving globally. It is broadly defined as any technological innovation in financial services often resulting in highly innovative, pioneering services. Fintech as a term is a compound of ‘finance’ and ‘technology’. It is a relatively recent term and is certainly not a buzzword. Fintech is here to stay. 

Shaping Asia’s fintech future

The financial technology (fintech) market in Asia-Pacific is witnessing a rapid boom, as the financial sector shifts to a new age of technology and transparency propelled by innovation and financial inclusion.

Either become a change agent and cruise with your crew or face definite extinction

All leaders, whatever their ranks, occasionally find themselves in situations that aren’t of their own choosing. A few situations may be pleasant, such as an enjoyable chance meeting with a stranger that leads to a new valued relationship. But most of them are unpleasant; for e.g., your boss requests 

Emirates group announces half-year performance for 2017-2018

The Emirates group has announced its half-year results for 2017-18. The group saw steady revenue growth and a rebound on profitability compared to the same period last year, in spite of the continuing downward pressure on margins, a rise in oil prices and other challenges for the airline and  travel industry.  

Casons Rent-a-car accoladed at South Asian Travel Awards

The South Asian Travel Awards, the first-ever regional travel awards endorsed by multinational associations with the aim of encouraging and raising service standards within the regions of the tourism industry, was held on 28 October in Addu City, Maldives.

Aitken Spence Travels to bring 13 charter flights from Poland this season

Strengthening a new front in its efforts to promote tourism to Sri Lanka, Aitken Spence Travels announced that it will be attracting 13 charter flights from Poland this season, with one arriving every 10 days till mid-March 2018.

Etihad to suspend Abu Dhabi-Dallas/Fort Worth route in 2018

Etihad Airways has announced the suspension of its Abu Dhabi – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) route effective March 25, 2018, as it will become commercially unsustainable following American Airlines’ unilateral decision to terminate its codeshare agreement with the airline.

Cathay Pacific launches flash sale to China on Singles’ Day

Cathay Pacific Airways announced a flash sale to over 20 of its online destinations in Mainland China at fares starting from Rs.62,100 (return/all inclusive) in Economy Class. 

Classic Travel introduces special offers for student travellers

In a bid to offer complete travel solutions to Sri Lankan outbound tertiary education students and their accompanying parents, Classic Travel affords a variety of services ranging from special rates on air fares, student insurance to complimentary 

Blue Mountain Achilleion continues accoladed at ‘Asia Property Awards’ in Singapore

Blue Mountain Achilleion won the ‘Best Condo Architectural Design’ at a gala event at the ‘Asia Property Awards’ held on 8th November 2017 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay  Sands, Singapore.

Overseas Realty September profit up on Havelock City apartment sales

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (OSEA) reported a net profit of Rs.878.8 million or 72 cents a share for the quarter ended in September (3Q17), up 17.5 percent from a year ago as the real estate group’s top and bottom lines received a fillip from higher apartment 

Blue Ocean Group crowned SL’s Best Developer at Asia Property Awards 2017

The Blue Ocean Group was aptly recognized as the country’s finest at the Asia Property Awards 2017, held in Singapore on 8th November.

John Keells getting aggressive on real estate and property development

John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) appears to be getting aggressive on the real estate and the properties sector in Colombo as the group has made a few larger deals during the recent past and are actively on the lookout for suitable lands with 

Infotel 2017: ‘Towards a Digital Economy’

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) had their flagship Infotel exhibition for the 25thsuccessive yearwith many novel and innovative features at BMICH from Nov 2 - 5.  

OPPO strengthens position in Sri Lankan market with new OPPO F5 launch

OPPO Mobiles launched their brand-new offering OPPO F5 in Sri Lanka recently.  On the sidelines of this event, OPPO announced a new brand slogan - ‘The Selfie expert and leader’ consistent with its accomplishments in the Sri Lankanmarket. With its presence in 28 global market places, now OPPO products and service are appreciated and widely experienced by over 200 million 

Privacy fears over artificial intelligence as crimestopper

AFP: Police in the US state of Delaware are poised to deploy ‘smart’ cameras in cruisers to help authorities detect a vehicle carrying a fugitive, missing child or straying senior.

Colossal SoftBank fund could shake up tech world

AFP:  Japan-based SoftBank is sending tremors through the tech world with a massive new venture capital fund for investing in startups that’s expected to dominate the industry so thoroughly it’s playfully referred to as a ‘gorilla’.

99X Technology clinches Gold at NCE Export Awards

A testament to its pioneering efforts in the export of IT services, 99X Technology was awarded Gold in the Business and Professional Services category at the National Chamber of Exporters’ Export  Awards 2017.

Fairfirst Insurance holds knowledge-sharing workshop for banking partners

Fairfirst Insurance Limited recently concluded a knowledge-sharing workshop for two of its exclusive banking partners. 

Seylan relocates Siyambalanduwa, Kottawa branches

Providing enhanced banking convenience to its customers in Siyambalanduwa and Kottawa, Seylan Bank recently relocated both branches into more spacious and convenient locations.

CAM Management Solutions (Pvt) Ltd

Global Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) software vendor, CAMMS – a world leader in planning and strategy, project, risk and meeting management software, as well 

Union Bank strengthens network with new Bandarawela branch

Union Bank extended its footprint in the Uva Province with the opening of its 67th branch at No: 348, Badulla Road, Bandarawela. 

DFCC Bank launches ‘Premier Go’ interactive app

DFCC Bank PLC launched ‘DFCC Premier Go’, the first-ever premier banking app in the industry, exclusively for its Premier customers, at a special launch event held recently, at DFCC Bank’s Executive Lounge.

ComBank wins dual honours at Int’l Finance awards

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been honoured on the international stage with two more prestigious awards, being adjudged ‘Best Green Bank’ and ‘Best Private Bank’ in Sri Lanka by International Finance Magazine (IFM) of the UK, which is read in over 185 countries worldwide.

ICMA Australia holds Global Hall of Fame Awards

The Global Financial Accounting Hall of Fame and the Global Management Accounting Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony were held recently, organised by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) Australia.