TUI Group mulls using SL as hub to service Indian Ocean region

The Hanover-based international tour operator, TUI Group, has disclosed its plans to use Sri Lanka as a hub in the Indian Ocean region to service other regional destinations, during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s tourism minister, who is currently in Germany, attending ITB. 

Singer dazzles at SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards

Singer Sri Lanka, the country’s leading consumer durable retailer, celebrated its 11th consecutive win as Sri Lanka’s popular brand at the latest edition of the SLIM-Nielsen Peoples Awards held at Waters Edge recently.

As drought slashes rice harvest, 900,000 face hunger in Sri Lanka

Thomson Reuters Foundation: The worst drought in five years has pushed 900,000 people in Sri Lanka into “acute food insecurity”, the World Food Programme (WFP) says.

Shares hit 5-wk closing low on rate hike fears

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares hit a five-week closing low yesterday on worries the country’s Central Bank would raise interest rates at a meeting next week after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged it to tighten monetary policy, brokers said.

Aitken Spence partners with leading European parcel delivery network

The Aitken Spence group, following the representation of a leading global international express network for over 35 years in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, has entered into a partnership with the second largest international parcel delivery network in Europe – DPD Group.

Empowering Girls in Sri Lanka: Ericsson, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and OUSL Launch “Connect to Learn

Ericsson Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) unveiled the “Connect to Learn” initiative in Badullaon 10thMarch. To mark the ceremonial launch 

Shangri-La hikes Sri Lankan investment by 60% to US $ 800mn

REUTERS: Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia has increased its investment in Sri Lankan properties by 60 percent to US $ 800 million, in order to meet demand for larger-than-planned apartments in Colombo, an official said yesterday.

CB announces change of metal for Rs.1 and Rs.5 coins

The Central Bank yesterday said a new set of Rs.1 and Rs.5 coins would be issued for circulation after changing the metal/alloy from brass-plated steel (gold colour) to stainless steel (silver colour).

Garbage mountain!

The Meethotamulla garbage dump is seen from a high-rise building in Colombo. The government has so far failed to come up with a plausible solution to the garbage disposal problem plaguing Colombo and the suburbs despite the launch of the ambitious Megapolis plan targeting the Western Province 

Jaguar Land Rover celebrates design and innovation at Colombo Fashion Week

Jaguar Land Rover UK’s largest automotive manufacturer continues its long standing partnership with Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) in its Summer edition. 

Brantel appointed sole distributor for CCTV brand Unifore

Brantel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., one of the biggest players in the country’s mobile phone market, has diversified into the supply and installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, following the appointment of the company as sole distributor in Sri Lanka for Unifore, one of China’s leading IP and analogue surveillance equipment manufacturers.

Fashion Bug wins Gold for ‘Best Key Account Partner’ at Triumph Awards

Fashion Bug, one of Sri Lanka’s leading retail clothing stores clinched the Gold Award for ‘Best Key Account Partner’ for the fourth consecutive year at the recent Annual Sales Conference of Triumph International.

Kushan Kodituwakku appointed as new COYLE Chairman

The Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) appointed its new Chairman Kushan Kodituwakku for the year 2017/18 at the Annual General Meeting held recently at the Oak Room of Cinnamon Grand, Colombo.

Elephant House Cream Soda bags ‘Beverage Brand of the Year’ at People’s Awards

Elephant House Cream Soda has won a remarkable 11th “Beverage Brand of the Year” at the recent SLIM-Nielsen People’s Awards 2017. 

eMarketingEye bags 5 wins at HSMAI Adrian Awards

eMarketingEye, the award-winning Sri Lankan integrated Digital Marketing Agency and a pioneer in the industry, bagged 5 awards at the prestigious 2016 HSMAI Adrian Awards held recently. 

Ajith Nivard Cabraal refutes recent allegations by Finance Ministry

Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in a statement yesterday refuted the recent allegations by the Finance Ministry of managing the public debt fraudulently and issuing treasury bonds in violation of the law.

Waters Edge and Green Leaves Entertainment ink agreement for 500 pax theatre

Bringing to life an initiative to become an all-inclusive entertainment hub in Sri Lanka, Waters Edge together with Green Leaves Entertainment recently inked an agreement for the operation of a 500 pax theatre at the hotel. 

Rohan Masakorala to address Industry Leaders’ Strategy Summit in China

New for 2017, Intermodal Asia – the world’s leading exhibition and conference for the global container, transport and logistics market – will launch the Industry Leaders’ Strategy Summit (ILSS), which will take place from March 21 to 23, 2017, in Shanghai, China.

NCC ‘Insight to Fraud Detection’ seminar on March 21

A half-day seminar on ‘Insight to Fraud Detection’ will be conducted on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the chamber auditorium, No: 450, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Elephant House and Keells Food refresh 138th ‘Battle of the Blues’

Elephant House and Keells Foods have in 2017, continued their longstanding partnerships with the ‘Battle of the Blues’, the historic cricketing rivalry between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College, now in its 138th year. 

Jaguar partners with British School to encourage creativity in design

Jaguar, the iconic British brand partnered with the British School of Colombo (BSC) to support young emerging talent in design in order to empower students on the importance of art in day to day life. 

"CFW Designer Development Showcases 10 Emerging Designers" "Designer Development A Key Focus Since

The Emerging Designer Showcase is Colombo Fashion Week’s designer development platform. With a clear focus on guiding and mentoring aspiring designers, the program is in line with Colombo

IBM, Maersk in blockchain tie-up for shipping industry

REUTERS: IBM and Danish transport company Maersk said they were working together to digitize, manage and track shipping transactions using blockchain technology.

Successful start at ITB Berlin 2017 for Emirates

Successful start at world’s leading travel trade show: Emirates returned to ITB Berlin 2017 with its spectacular triple-deck Emirates Infinite Possibilities Stand. 

Oman Air agreed new partnership with DHL Express

Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, is excited to announce a new partnership with DHL Express, a division of the German logistics company, Deutsche Post DHL.

High-profile New Zealand delegation visits SLPA

A high-profile New Zealand delegation including New Zealand Food Safety and Veteran Affairs Minister and Transport and Immigration Associate Minister David Bennete, New Zealand High Commissioner (Designate) to Sri Lanka Joanna Kempkers and New Zealand Honorary Consulate for Sri Lanka Senaka Silva made a courtesy visit to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) recently.  The delegation was welcomed by SLPA Chairman Dammika Ranatunga.

Gulf Air’s prepaid offering expands with seats, excess baggage, lounge access

Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, has expanded its bundle of prepaid services to offer customers prepaid seat selection, excess baggage and lounge access.

Shippers’ Academy forum to discuss H’tota port, Kra Canal issues

Ships or no ships, the Hambantota port has been commissioned, what can we do about it? The Shippers’ Academy Colombo has organised an industry forum on March 17, 2017, at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce auditorium, from 3:30 p.m. onwards.

Turkish Cargo holds Awards Ceremony

The Turkish Cargo Awards Ceremony was held recently at The Hilton Colombo Ballroom. It was graced by Turkish Ambassador for Sri Lanka Tunca Ozcuhadar, TK Cargo HDQ SVP Seref Kazanci, 

HNB salutes ‘women power’ on Int’l Women’s Day

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, HNB saluted the dedication and determination of its female staff referred to as ‘women power’.