Sammana account holders can obtain pension on any day they wish: Pan Asia Bank DGM

Pan Asia Sammana Account was specially introduced for all pensioners who have given their best years for the country and are now enjoying life in retirement. As a result of the increasing popularity of this product, the bank recently decided to add several new value-added features to same.  To uncover more about Pan Asia Sammana account, the following question and answer session was conducted with Nalaka Wijayawardana Deputy General Manager-

Cyber security, trusted Cloud, data sovereignty and blockchain for financial services industry

The Association of Banking Sector Risk Professionals of Sri Lanka together with the Association of Compliance Officers of Banks organized a Forum on Cyber Security and Trusted Cloud, Data Sovereignty and Blockchain recently.

Crysbro Sisudiriya provides school equipment to Puttalam charity foundation

Under the theme ‘Buddimath Hethak Wenuwen Shishaadara’ the charity foundation in Puttalam has commence a programme to distribute exercise books and school equipment sans any race or caste difference to over 300 children selected from poor families of all religions and races in the Puttalam area.

Scarcity of trained labour a huge challenge: Access Engineering MD

This is the 13th of the Mirror Business-Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) interview series, featuring top executives of the S&P SL20 companies. Here, Access Engineering PLC Managing Director Christopher Joshua talks about Access Group’s performance, future plans and industry growth prospects.

Integrated risk management key to success of SL’s new growth model: WB

To sustain growth, job creation and poverty reduction, Sri Lanka needs to move to a more private investment, tradable sector-led growth model, says the latest Sri Lanka Development Update, the World Bank’s half-yearly flagship report on the country’s economy, future outlook and policy priorities.  It recognizes Vision 2025 as a road map that outlines such a shift.

Capitol 7: A Financially Savvy Investment

Already occupied by satisfied owners, the on time delivery of Capitol 7 once again entrenches the credentials of Capitol Developers as the foremost real estate development company in the country

Experience Smart Home Solutions at Mobitel X Station

Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service Provider, Mobitel, further entrenches its credentials as the ICT leader in Sri Lanka, by expanding its product portfolio to offer smart home solutions to customers

Sri Lanka needs specialist skills to grow faster and employ more people

Finance State Minister Eran Wickramaratne’s comments that the government will cut red tape in issuing visas to fill critical skill gaps is a welcome development as it will help Sri Lankan businesses grow faster, win bigger contracts and employ more people.

How to turn blockchain fintech hype into reality

I was wrong to think that financial technology (fintech) would automatically reduce financing gaps. Blockchain, as well as other applications for fintech, has the potential to solve lots of problems.

A lifeline for female-centric MSMEs in Sri Lanka

Indrani is a 41-year-old cinnamon oil producer living in Meetiyagoda, Ambalangoda in the Galle District, which is well-known for cinnamon production. She is a single mother and entrepreneur, owning a cinnamon oil distillery unit. Prior to this, she had worked as a day worker at the distillery unit but found balancing work and family challenging. 

If government needs a backbone, TEA needs a brain

I was astonished to read claims attributed to Rohan Fernando and Jayantha Karunaratne, the past and present Chairmen, respectively, of the Tea Exporters’ Association (TEA), in ‘Mirror Business’ of October 23. 

Janashakthi Akuressa Branch at New Premises for Enhanced Convenience

In line with its commitment to delivering service excellence, leading Sri Lankan insurer Janashakthi Insurance PLC relocated its Akuressa branch office to a more spacious premises, located 

ITGRC to hold cybersecurity risk management workshop for BFSIs

IT Governance and Risk Consulting Ltd (ITGRC), a pioneering information security and training company has announced a cybersecurity risk management workshop on November 15 for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Infotel 2017 to kick off tomorrow with novel features

Infotel 2017, South Asia’s biggest information and communication technology exhibition organised by the Federation of Information and Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS), will open at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) tomorrow.

Hitachi introduces Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi, Ltd launched Hitachi Vantara, a new business entity to leverage the broad portfolio of innovation, development and experience from across Hitachi group companies to deliver data-driven solutions for commercial and industrial enterprises. 

Central Bank on suicidal mission?

Despite the Central Bank seen taking pride in their recent attempts towards an inflation targeting regime—a new way to determine interest rates— a group of leading economists in the country called the move “suicidal” and not in the best interest of the monetary authority.  The Central Bank last year undertook the exercise to setting up an inflation targeting framework under its Extended Fund Facility arrangement with

NDB 3Q profit up on healthy growth in loans, margins 

National Development Bank PLC (NDB) reported an after-tax profit of Rs. 1.03 billion or Rs.6.13 a share for the July– September quarter (3Q17), which is an increase of 17.2 percent from the same period last year, the interim financial accounts showed.  

Govt.’s PPP boss wants new set of regulations to facilitate investment

The chief of the Finance Ministry’s new National Agency for Public Private Partnerships (NAPPP), which is shrouded in secrecy, wants new rule books written for his agency, and to facilitate delayed investment projects, since the old rule book is too restrictive. NAPPP Chairman Thilan Wijesinghe 

October inflation hits record high

Sri Lanka’s consumer prices measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) rose to 7.8 percent in October from a year ago, accelerating from 7.1 percent in September, pushing the country’s inflation rate to near disturbingly higher levels.    

Chemanex to exit export business

CIC group subsidiary Chemanex PLC said yesterday it was ceasing its export business, as such operations have been deemed to be unviable.

Qatar shows interest in SL’s tourism, power and agri sectors

The oil rich Gulf state Qatar has expressed interest in investing Sri Lanka’s tourism, power and agriculture sectors.

Amãna Takaful strikes Gold as ‘Takaful Entity of the Year’

Amãna Takaful PLC (ATL) was awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the ‘Takaful Entity of the Year’ category at the Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) Awards held recently. 

Richard Pieris Finance wins big at Islamic Finance Forum Awards Night

Richard Pieris Finance Ltd, the sole financial service arm of Richard Pieris and Company PLC clinched three major awards at the Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia Annual Conference and Awards Night held recently at Ramada Hotel.

Sampath Sanhinda Saver rewards senior citizens with over Rs.100 mn in medical benefits

In line with its commitment to caring for its customers and adding greater value to their lives, Sampath Bank announced that is distributing over Rs.100 million in medical benefits to Sampath Sanhinda Saver account holders.

Epic Technology Group partners Union Bank’s digital banking platform

The award winning regional technology services provider, Epic Technology Group, once again proved its dominance in the field of FinTech solutions, having being assigned as the preferred technology partner by Union Bank.

Fitch affirms Standard Chartered Sri Lanka branch at ‘AAA(lka)’

Fitch Ratings Lanka has affirmed Standard Chartered Bank, Sri Lanka Branch’s (SCBSL) National Long-Term Rating at ‘AAA(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable.

Final week to experience the world’s tallest model apartment

Blue Mountain Group’s most iconic real estate development to date, Achilleion, recently announced 2nd November 2017 as the last day for prospective customers to view the majestic model apartment at Achilleion to experience 7-star luxury at its best. 

Invoke completes 365 days of total real estate development solutions

Invoke (Pvt.) Ltd, the Property Marketing and Sales Specialist renowned for their expertise in design augmentation, production of marketing collateral, client solicitation and relationship management completes a successful first year.

SLIIT Computing launches BEng degree in electronic and electrical engineering

SLIIT Computing in association with Liverpool John Moores University, UK has launched a three year route towards a BEng (Honours) degree programme in electronic and electrical engineering with registrations for the January 2018 intake now open.

CMA to commence Certificate Course in Corporate Secretaryship

Identifying and responding to a growing need in the corporate sector, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) will be commencing a Certificate Course in Corporate Secretaryship in November 2017.