People’s Bank launches self-banking units in railway stations

People’s Bank recently inaugurated a self-banking Unit at the Mirigama Railway Station. The unit was vested in the public under People’s Bank’s initiative of establishing 100 self-banking Units at railway stations island-wide.

September 1st to be declared National Insurance Day

In 2015, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) began a journey to gain national recognition to increase thespread of awareness about the value of Insurance. 

Standard Chartered enhances Visa offer

Standard Chartered’s Visa Infinite and SriLankan Airlines Standard Chartered Platinum co-branded credit cardholders are in for a very special bonus when they plan their overseas travel. 

ComBank to keep 50 plus branches open on Hadji Festival Day

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon will once again keep more than 50 branches open for business on Friday, 1st September – a Public and Bank holiday in respect ofId-Ul-Alha – Hadji Festival Day.

June external sector performance improves

Sri Lanka’s export earnings grew for the fourth consecutive month in June while the expenditure on imports declined for the first time in 22 months demonstrating somewhat improved external trade conditions amid a slowing economy.  

IPS study provides new insights to tea estate workers’ pay

According to a study by Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), the estimated living wage (a little more than the minimum pay rates needed to let workers and their families lead a decent life) for the estate workers in the tea plantation industry in Sri Lanka was Rs. 21,585 in December 2015. 

SLASSCOM and ICT Norway to assist Lankan IT/BPM industry reach US$ 5 bn mark by 2022

In an effort aimed at helping Sri Lanka’s IT/BPM industry reach the US$ 5 billion mark by 2022, the country’s primary IT/BPO chamber, the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) together with ICT Norway (IKT-Norge) kicked off a fresh initiative to empower startups in the country. 

Lankan banks’ property sector loan exposure rising

Sri Lanka’s banking sector’s exposure to property sector has been growing fast in the recent years and the Central Bank data shows that a majority of such loans were granted during the last three years.

RIL Property June quarter profit up 37% to Rs.78mn

RIL Property PLC, a developer and manager of ‘Grade A’ commercial office space releasing its first set of quarterly results since the company went public in early April this year showed positive financial performance in both its top and bottom lines, but the share is currently trading slightly below its Initial Public Offer (IPO) price.   

Primary Industries Ministry mulls implementing computer model to improve productivity of spices indu

The Primary Industries Ministry will be implementing a computer model to optimize the supply and the distribution of the growth of spices and allied products and increase productivity to reach a US$1.5 billion export target, according to the subject minister Daya Gamage.

CA Sri Lanka to promote dynamism and agility in corporate leadership

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has decided to promote the need for corporate leaders to embrace dynamism and agility at the 38th National Conference of Chartered Accountants.

Iflix celebrates 1 year in Sri Lanka

iflix, the world’s leading mobile-based subscription video on demand (SVoD) service for emerging markets, offering subscribers unlimited access to thousands of TV shows, movies and more, celebrates its first anniversary of operations in Sri Lanka. 

NCC announces WP Entrepreneur Awards

The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) has joined hands with the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) for the second year in succession to conduct Entrepreneur Awards 2017 

Bernard Botejue Kolonna plant celebrates 25 years

Bernard Botejue Industries (Pvt.) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s oldest apparel manufacturer and pioneer in the garment sector, is commemorating the 25th anniversary of its Bernard Botejue Kolonna plant today.

CMA-NIOE to conduct professional training in cost management

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka (CMA) and National Institute of Exports (NIOE), the training arm of the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to impart professional training in cost management to enhance the competitiveness of the export industry.  

Learnability more important than knowledge

In a world where knowledge has become an increasingly ubiquitous commodity thanks to the internet, learnability is slowly but surely replacing it in the classroom as the single most important trait that 

Asia stocks resilient, dollar up before Yellen, Draghi speeches

REUTERS:  Asian stocks advanced yesterday, once again shrugging off a sluggish day on Wall Street, and the dollar strengthened as attention shifted to the central bankers’ symposium that began on Thursday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Be the Huf and Dee Girl and win scooters

Huf and Dee, the leading fashion brand has launched an innovative shopping experience for fashion-conscious young ladies offering an opportunity to win attractive prizes. 

Taco Bell takes Colombo by storm

Taco Bell, the newest addition to Sri Lanka’s bustling international cuisine scene, is currently the hottest topic amongst Colombo’s ardent foodies, giving everyone something to taco ‘bout.

Natuzzi-Softlogic launch exciting new luxury furniture products in Sri Lanka

The form, craftsmanship and vibe of Italian luxury furniture are perfectly embodied in a new selection from Natuzzi, just arrived at the iconic brand’s flagship store in Colombo.

Qantas records strong profits, flags ultra-long haul flights

AFP:  Australia’s Qantas unveiled plans for the world’s longest non-stop commercial flight yesterday, calling it the “last frontier of global aviation”, as it posted healthy annual net profits on the back of a strong domestic market.

Rupee ends lower on importer dollar demand

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee closed slightly weaker yesterday as importer demand for the U.S. currency surpassed exporter dollar sales, dealers said. 

Colombo Jewellery Stores to open all-new luxury jewellery, watch store at CCC

Colombo City Centre (CCC), an upcoming mixed-use venture by the Abans group and SilverNeedle Hospitality, recently collaborated with Sri Lanka’s most iconic design house, Colombo Jewellery Stores (CJS), to launch an all-new luxury jewellery and watch concept store at the CCC Mall. 

Sri Lanka Wood 2017 to be biggest furniture technology trade expo in SL

Through proactive engagement with stakeholders and a genuine commitment to excellence, Sri Lanka Wood has evolved in line with industry demand and is globally recognized for doing so. Evidently, exhibitors continue to value the strength of Sri Lanka wood as a strategic.

Hi Life launches ‘Kids Holiday’ special promo event

For kids to have more fun and gifts in this school vacation Hi Life, Malabe has launched a special promotional event called ‘Hi Life Kids Holiday’.

Shares recover after govt. drops plan to tax trading profits

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares ended firmer yesterday, recovering from an over four-month closing low hit in the previous session as investors bought battered shares following the government’s decision to drop a proposed tax on profits from share trading. 

Extreme weather slashes French wine output by a fifth

AFP:  France’s wine production is expected to plummet 18 percent this year after spring frost damaged vines across the country, the government said yesterday, but a hot summer is expected to yield a top vintage.

Brexit could bring 100,000 jobs to Frankfurt: study

AFP:  The expected mass exodus of UK-based bankers because of Brexit could bring up to 100,000 new jobs to Germany’s Frankfurt region over the next four years, according to a study published yesterday.

CSE Toastmasters Club holds 3rd Installation Ceremony

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Toastmasters Club celebrated the achievements of its second Toastmaster year and made appointments of new members and office bearers at the club’s third Installation Ceremony, which was recently held at the CSE. 

Etihad Airways partners Indian designer Manish Arora at Lakmé fashion week

Etihad Airways and Lakmé Fashion Week today announced a collaboration with one of the most lauded and inspiring international contemporary designers, Paris-based Manish Arora, who returns to the prestigious Mumbai fashion event after more than five years.