SLASSCOM introduces Blockchain concept to Sri Lanka

At the heart of digital currency is a powerful, decentralized technology that is now revolutionizing the way people around the world exchange value. 

Lankan ICT sector poised to significantly benefit from Tokyo B2B meetings

A group of Sri Lankan ICT companies were able to make a strong impact at the B2B meetings held with 12 key Japanese ICT companies in Tokyo recently. 

SLT receives nod to construct Pitipana Tier III Internet data centre

As Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) was aiming towards instigating the construction of a new state-of-the-art Internet data centre (iDC) that would enhance the provision of a secure and reliable data hosting facility to Sri Lanka, the Uptime Institute had recently awarded SLT with the design certification required to carry through  the initiative. 

Indian PM urges U.S. to keep an open mind on visas for skilled workers

REUTERS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the United States yesterday to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against Republican President Donald Trump’s “America First” rhetoric on jobs.

YouTube is getting rid of unskippable 30-second ads

Variety.com:  YouTube is killing one of its more obstrusive ad formats: The Google-owned video service said Friday that it was going to phase out unskippable 30-second preroll ads by next year.

Hotel Nippon opens for public after Rs.400mn refurbishment

Hotel Nippon was one of the oldest first 5 hotels in Sri Lanka which is the main landmark of Slave Island; Colombo 2 is 130 years old. 

Transcend Drive provides ground-breaking travel solutions for tourism industry

Since 2009, Sri Lanka has seen strong year-on-year, double digit-growth in tourist arrivals. Overall infrastructure development has significantly boosted the growth and modernization of tourism, and in particular the level of offerings at hotels. 

Aitken Spence Travels wins ‘Best in Class’ Award at Interactive Media Awards

Aitken Spence Travels received the ‘Best in Class’ award presented by the Interactive Media Awards (IMA) for its revamped Aitken Spence Holidays website in the Travel and Tourism category. 

British passenger vessel Aurora calls at Colombo port

The British passenger vessel ‘Aurora’ made her graceful appearance on the Colombo port on February 6th, coming from Mumbai port, India.  

DFCC records a stand out performance for 2016

The financial year ended 31 December 2016 was the first full year of operations after the amalgamation of DFCC Bank with DFCC Vardhana Bank

EU-funded housing project commences in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Batticaloa

More than 215, 000 people will benefit from a Euro 14 million multi-faceted housing project, financed by the European Union (EU), and implemented by Habitat for Humanity and World Vision Lanka. 

Korea Eximbank to provide clean and safe drinking water to Kurunegala

The foundation stone for ‘Deduru Oya Water Supply Project’ was laid ceremoniously on February 20thby Minister of City Planning and WaterSupply, Rauf Hakeem, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri  Lanka, Chang, Won-sam and  other dignitaries.

Kanrich Finance carries out 12th phase of Sasunata Diriyak in Vavuniya

Kanrich Finance, a company with a rich heritage of over 45 years, carried out the 12th phase of its ‘Sasunata Diriyak ’CSR initiative in Vavuniya very successfully recently.

Flexible forex management comes under spotlight amid brewing CB- FinMin conflict

The Central Bank’s laissez-faire policy towards the country’s foreign exchange management came under severe scrutiny yesterday as the country’s financial sector stakeholders argued whether such a policy has delivered the desired outcomes in terms of maintaining lower interest rates and a stable currency. 

National inflation accelerates to 6.5% in January

Inflation, as measured by the change in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) (2013=100), which is compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics, increased to 6.5 percent in January 2017 from 4.2 per cent in December 2016, on year-on-year (YoY) basis. 

Drought to lead local paddy cultivation towards ‘worst case scenario’

Local representatives of the World Food Program (WFP) this week issued a fresh warning to relevant stakeholders, pointing out Sri Lanka’s paddy cultivation is heading towards a ‘worst case scenario’ due to the ongoing drought and the absence of a strategic medium to long-term plan to cope with the situation. 

Nestlé Lanka 4Q, full year profits up amid strong sales

Nestlé Lanka PLC, the local unit of world’s largest food company, saw its October-December quarter (4Q16) net profit increasing to Rs.860.1 

SEC re-opens 11 investigations linked to market manipulation

The capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has re-opened 11 cases involving market manipulation, which were closed for two to three years ago, a top SEC official said. 

Norwegian firms keen on investing in Sri Lanka ports: envoy

ECONOMYNEXT: Norwegian companies are interested in investing in Sri Lanka’s shipping and ports sector, the country’s envoy Thorbjorn Gaustadsaether has said.

New entrant to Colombo bourse banks on expansions, Trump for future growth

Leading brush manufacturer B P P L Holdings Limited, (Beira Group), which will be entering the Colombo Stock Exchange next month, is hoping that its planned expansion projects, coupled with friendly policies from Donald Trump, would help expand its top line in the future. 

Nestlé Lanka delivers revenue of Rs. 36.5 billion with growth of 5.1% in 2016 amidst tough market co

Nestlé Lanka’sManaging Director, Shivani Hegdestated:“2016 has witnessed a very challenging business environment. Our steady progress and the external recognitions

WIM, IFC invite nominations for Professional and Career Women Awards 2017

Nominations are invited for the seventh Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards 2017, which is to take place on July 14th, organized by the Women in Management (WIM) and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group partnering the event for the third consecutive year.

Thailand proposes to forge strategic economic partnership with Sri Lanka

Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama visited Thailand recently to explore avenues of expanding and diversifying the bilateral trade and investment relations and progressing on the establishment of the industrial parks as an aspect of the Sri Lanka government’s economic policy.

ICCSL commences foundation certificate course in int’l biz

The International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL), the domestic chapter of Paris-based international world business organisation, commenced its Foundation Certificate in International Business (FCIB) for the year 2017 offering a plethora of knowledge in the areas of logistics, customs, e-business and many alike to the future business leaders in the country. 

Japanese envoy invites Lankan biz to explore Japanese market

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Kenichi Suganuma invited Sri Lankan businesses to penetrate the Japanese market as it would provide them with tremendous opportunities as the Japanese are wealthy people.  He said that the Japanese market is very lucrative but they have to be impressed with  quality products. 

Devi Jewellers kicks off Bangle Mela 2017

Devi Jewellers, a state-of-the-art, value-driven jeweller with over 50 years of time-tested expertise and superior craftsmanship, boasts a diverse product portfolio of rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, pendants, chains, wedding and diamond jewellery and bespoke pieces that cater to both women and men in search of that unique golden piece. 

Traditional Rice: A Precious Part of Our Nation’s Health and Wealth

Rice has been cultivated in Sri Lanka for almost 3000 years and to this day remains a fundamental food in many of our cultural cuisines

Apolitical approach vital towards development of Trinco port, Bay of Bengal, says EP Governor

Global geopolitical powers should attempt to be apolitical when developing the Trincomalee port and the area around the Bay of Bengal, in order to ensure maritime security for all stakeholders, the Eastern Province Governor advocated last week.

FinMin banks on e-GP system for efficiency, transparency

Once the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system is introduced, it would help the government to make the public procurement more efficient and transparent, said Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. 

Alibaba’s Jack Ma to visit Sri Lanka this year: Ravi K

Chinese e-commerce sensation and Alibaba Founder Jack Ma will likely be visiting Sri Lanka this year, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake claimed last week.