SriLankan to operate direct daily flights to Melbourne from October

SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka’s national carrier and a member of the oneworld alliance, will be establishing its presence in Australia with daily non-stop services to Melbourne commencing October 29th this year. 

Aitken Spence doubles profit in March

Sri Lanka’s diversified conglomerate, Aitken Spence PLC, more than doubled its net profit for the quarter ended March 31, 207, (4Q17), amply helped by the re-commissioning of its thermal power plant and maritime operations, the interim financial accounts filed with the Colombo Stock Exchange showed.

Over 700 B2B meetings expected during top business and investment forum

Over 700 B2B meetings will take place between Sri Lankan and foreign businesses, who will take part in the ‘Sri Lanka Investment & Business Conclave 2017’, which will commence tomorrow, in Colombo. 

New port boosts Djibouti’s dream to be maritime hub

AFP: East Africa’s smallest country Djibouti took a step towards realising its dream of becoming a continental maritime cargo hub with the inauguration of its newest and largest port, recently.

Lankem group buys injection moulding firm

Lankem Ceylon PLC, which has interests in chemicals, paints, agri-inputs, consumer, packaging and leisure sectors said, it bought a company engaged in the business injection moulding, a manufacturing technology used to make a wide range of plastic products.

Microfinance practitioners seek policy support for sustainable industry

The industry association of the microfinance practitioners, Lanka Microfinance Practitioner’s Association (LMFPA), last week sought the assistance of policy makers and regulator to create a sustainable microfinance industry in the country. 

Dialog invites customers to contribute towards flood relief

Dialog Axiata extending its successful flood relief programme in 2016, where Dialog customers donated Rs. 15 million and Dialog added a further Rs. 50 million towards helping those affected by floods and landslides, invites yet again it’s valued subscribers to contribute towards helping our fellow Sri Lankans affected by the ongoing natural disaster. 

Abans launches Hugo Boss –first luxury brand to enter Sri Lanka

Abans Plc, a subsidiary of the prestigious Abans Group of Companies, has been announced as the authorized distributor for Hugo Boss, the first luxury brand to have retail presence in Sri Lanka.This milestone epitomizes Abans’ commitment towards introducing high-caliber, globally acclaimed brands that add quality, sophistication, and value to the lives of Sri Lankan consumers.

New Ashford International helps upgrade Sugathadasa Stadium

Earlier last month, the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority made great strides in the development process of the Sugathadasa Stadium located in Colombo by partnering with New Ashford International (Pvt) Ltd, an enterprise specializing in the sales and service of material handling equipment, compressed air equipment and racking systems. 

Vista Advertising named creative partner for Bradby Fiesta

The Colombo leg of the Bradby Shield is extra special as a ‘carnival like’ atmosphere prevails at Reid Avenue as another edition of the Bradby Fiesta takes place on June 3rd.

Fonterra’s Rs. 2 bn investment creates sustainable impact across dairy value chain

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka is seeing sustainable returns from its ten-year plan to build a thriving dairy industry and improve access to locally-made dairy products.

The dangers of pirated software

 Never has there been a greater time to be a pirate. Not since the days of ‘Black Sam’ bellamy has it been so lucrative either. The need to pillage and plunder, though, has shifted from the Caribbean Sea to the Internet. Gold coins and fine rum have given way to software discs and downloads, as software piracy has grown into a highly profitable venture. 

Virtusa Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Consolidated Financial Results

Virtusa Corporation( NASDAQ GS: VRTU), a global business consulting and IT outsourcing company that accelerates business outcomes for its clients, reported consolidated financial results for 

Trump-Germany salvo raises EU-US trade fears

AFP: US President Donald Trump has launched a salvo against German car exports to the United States, officials confirmed yesterday, in the latest sign of simmering transatlantic trade tensions.

Rupee ends firmer on dollar selling by banks

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee ended slightly higher yesterday as dollar selling by banks surpassed importer demand for the U.S. currency, traders said.

IMF sets tough new Ukraine loan demands

AFP: The International Monetary Fund said yesterday it will only release a new tranche payment to Ukraine once parliament approves a long-stalled pension system overhaul and land privatisation legislation.

Asian energy firms sink as OPEC output deal disappoints

AFP: Energy firms took a hit yesterday after crude prices plunged almost five percent the previous day as traders were left disappointed by OPEC’s latest output cuts.

Iconic Developments reiterates confidence in Sri Lankan real estate outlook

Leading South Asian property developers, Iconic Developments (Pvt.) Ltd. reiterated its confidence in the growth outlook of the Sri Lankan real estate sector, following recent concerns as to the pace of growth in the sector.

Shares end lower on profit-booking; John Keells falls

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares ended lower yesterday, recording their first weekly decline in nine, as investors booked profits in shares of diversified companies such as John Keells Holdings Plc and Melstacorp Plc.

SLT ‘Free Access to Social Media Avurudu Campaign’ dubbed a great success

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the nation’s leading Internet solutions provider, launched a special Avurudu campaign, which allowed all SLT broadband customers the chance of gaining access to social media absolutely free of charge during the peak of the Avurudu season.

China’s credit rating slashed

Students walk along a street during lunch hour in Beijing. Moody’s on May 24 slashed China’s credit rating for the first time in almost three decades citing concerns about the country’s rising debt and slowing growth,

Edirisinghe Cushion works opens new Negombo branch

The leader in vehicle cushion work Edirisinghe Cushion Works opened its new branch on Colombo Road, Kurana, Negombo recently.

ComBank and World Mastercard rock MLTR concert with draw for iPhone 7

Fans of Michael Learns to Rock had a blast at the Danish soft rock band’s sold-out concert in Colombo on May 18, but one of them had more to cheer about – an iPhone 7 from Commercial Bank, the official banking partner for the event.

BMICH staff presents Bakthi Gee

For the first time in the 44-year history of the BMICH, 30 staff members from across all departments came together to present an evening of Bakthi Gee on the Vesak Poya day to commemorate the 14th United Nations International Day of Vesak. The performance was held at the entrance to the BMICH premises where the ‘Bakthi Gee’ singing was enjoyed by the large crowds visiting the Baudhdhaloka Vesak Kalapaya 2017.

Serendib Flour Mills brightens up Vesak celebrations with students, local communities

Serendib Flour Mills as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment recently celebrated the religious festival of Vesak by organising a lantern competition for 40 students from the Centre for the Education of Hearing Impaired Children (CEHIC). 

Perera Tyre Service honours dealers

The tour of Vietnam organised by Perera Tyre Service (Pvt.) Ltd of Malabe to reciprocate its outstanding dealers and fleet owners who achieved sales targets from Petlas, Toyoma, Pearl River, Chaoyang and Sunfull-branded tyres successfully ended last week.

UCL hosts first Info-Biz Challenge 2017; launches partnership with Central Lancashire University

Recognising individual competencies and to develop entrepreneurship skills of the Sri Lankan youth, UCL took the forward march to initiate Inter-School Info-Biz Challenge Trophy ’17 recently at Havelock City. 

Asiri Health commemorates Vesak with unique, caring gift

Vesak, commemorating Lord Buddha’s birth, attaining enlightenment and death, has become a national event in our country. Devotees keenly engage in meritorious acts including organising events such as pandals and dansals.  

Fior Drissage Jewellers commits to only natural genuine diamonds policy

Fior Drissage Jewellers Limited (FDJ), pioneers in manufacture of jewellery using the revolutionary Floating Diamonds setting process stressed its commitment towards the use of only natural genuine diamonds or gems for all its products manufactured across the manufacturing plant located in the close proximity of Colombo – Katunayake Express Way. 

Leo Burnett distributes 10,000 apples at annual Vesak dansala

Leo Burnett Sri Lanka commemorated the UN International Vesak Day with its apple dansala at Bauddhaloka Mawatha Vesak Kalapaya for the seventh consecutive year.