Should you say no to that government pension?

From a purely individualistic point of view, working in government can seem as a great choice. Government jobs come with perks; allowances of all natures and a guarantee that even if you underperform, the worst that can happen to you is a transfer – you will not lose your job.

Cabraal attends Belt and Road Symposium in Hong Kong

Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal participated as a panellist at the Belt and Road Strategic Platform Symposium, organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, held in Hong Kong, on May 31, 2019.

PF establishes Hafez Centre for Cultural Understanding

The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) recently established the Hafez Centre for Cultural Understanding (HCCU), located at its headquarters at Riverpoint, Peliyagoda.

MTI forays into Azerbaijan with golf business assignment

MTI Consulting, with an intention to penetrate the CIS markets, has undertaken an initial need identification assessment in Baku, for the Dreamland Golf Club.

SLT and work.lk partner to enhance Sri Lankans’ digital lifestyles

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the leading ICT and digital solutions provider in the country, proudly announced the company’s recent tie up with work.lk, the pioneering online freelance marketplace in Sri Lanka, to increase convenience to the public in finding essential services online, whilst also empowering the freelance community in the country to find freelance jobs easily.

MBSL reactivates bourse with listing after hiatus of 15 months

On June 3, 2019, the shares of Mahaweli Coconut Plantations Limited (MCPL) commenced trading on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

NCC ‘SLS, ISO, quality certifications’ workshop on June 13

A full-day workshop on ‘SLS, ISO, quality certifications and quality and productivity of a company’ in Sinhala will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2019, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the National Chamber Auditorium, No: 450, D R Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10.

Asian Banker names ComBank as ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in SL’

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been awarded the title of ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Sri Lanka’ at the 2019 Asian Banker Transaction Awards that recognise achievements in the competition for market share, product and operational excellence in the financial services industry.

HNB and ICCSL launch exclusive co-branded corporate credit cards

HNB PLC announced the launch of co-branded corporate credit cards in partnership with the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) recently.

Union Assurance shines at ACCA Sustainability Awards 2018

Union Assurance emerged the winner in the Finance Services and Insurance Category at the ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards 2018 held on May 30th.

Fairfirst Insurance to make insurance premiums more affordable

Traditional payment methods generally involve payments being made in one go. And if it’s a hefty sum then the impact on one’s wallet is even bigger. But, what if there was a way to go easy on the wallet? What if we could pay in bite-sized proportions instead of lump sums?

Pan Asia Bank introduces Custom payments through retail internet banking

Pan Asia Bank recently introduced a facility to make real-time online payments to Sri Lanka Customs through its online banking.

NDB Smart Agri provides 13.5% best ever leasing rate for agri sector

NDB Leasing and business customers can enjoy a special interest rate of 13.5 percent until July 31st, through “Smart Agri Leasing” by NDB Leasing.

Suspension on Pan Asia Bank’s primary dealership extended

The Monetary Board of Central Bank of Sri Lanka has extended the suspension on the primary dealership operations of Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC for another six months.

EFL launches exclusive charter to Pittsburgh, USA

Global logistics provider EFL recently launched an exclusive weekly charter to Pittsburgh, USA as part of its continuous efforts to develop innovative solutions for global brands.

WB trims Sri Lanka’s 2019 economic growth forecast to 3.5%

The World Bank (WB) has cut Sri Lanka’s economic growth forecast to 3.5 percent from earlier forecasted 4 percent due to anticipated rise in political uncertainty and impacts of Easter Sunday attacks on investor sentiment and perceptions.

Divided G20 admits worsening trade wars pose risk to world economy

Japan, (AFP) - The world’s top financial policymakers admitted yesterday that trade tensions had worsened and posed a risk for the global economy, after a G20 meeting that laid bare differences between the United States and other nations.

Gender bias in corporate sector hindering utilisation of female talent: SLID Chief

Although women could play a vital role in economic development, gender bias in certain male-dominated segments of the country’s corporate sector coupled with government’s lack of interest to implement gender equality polices are hindering the utilization of female talent productively.

China warns tech giants after US Huawei ban: report

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Chinese government convened top tech companies this week and warned them of consequences if they cut off technology sales to the country, US media reported on Saturday.

SLT to launch roadmap to Smart Sri Lanka

National telecommunication provider Sri Lanka Telecom marks a special milestone in the country’s digital journey towards Smart Sri Lanka with the formal launch of the ‘National Digital Roadmap’ under the distinguished patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow at Nelum Pokuna, Colombo.

ICC opens trading at CSE to celebrate centenary year

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) rang the Opening Bell to commence trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on June 6, 2019, to mark the world business organisation’s 100-year anniversary.

Paris Deputy Mayor meets PM on SL’s tourism sector revival

Deputy Mayor of Paris Jean Francois Martins visited Sri Lanka from June 5-6, to meet the senior government officials and key private sector leaders on Sri Lanka’s tourism revival strategy, following the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.

Amal Ratnayake 86th CIMA President

Canadian finance leader Amal Ratnayake FCMA, CGMA, has been named the 86th President of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the highest volunteer post of the world’s leading professional body for management accountants.

LOLC Group concludes financial year strongly with Rs. 26 bn PBT

LOLC Group releasing its year end results for 31 March 2019, registered another strong year to its stellar performance over the last decade.

Russia and China to show united front at showcase economic forum

MOSCOW (AFP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared yesterday as guest of honour at Russia’s showcase economic forum, as the two neighbours present a united front in the face of shared troubles with the US. Xi arrived in Moscow on W

Europe’s 5G to cost US$62 bn more if Chinese vendors banned: industry

PARIS (REUTERS) - A ban on buying telecoms equipment from Chinese firms would add about 55 billion euros (US$62 billion) to the cost of 5G networks in Europe and delay the technology by about 18 months, according to an industry analysis seen by Reuters. The United States added Huawei T

Pompeo to visit Bangkok, commit to Southeast Asia: official

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will recommit the United States on a visit to Bangkok to supporting the development of Southeast Asian nations in the face of a rising China, an official said Thursday. Pompeo will travel to the Thai

China has tools to handle trade war: central bank chief

BEIJING (AFP) - China’s central bank chief said yesterday the country has plenty of policy tools left to handle the trade war with the United States. There is “tremendous” room to count

UK relaxes travel warning on Sri Lanka

The United Kingdom (UK), the third largest source market tourism market of Sri Lanka relaxed its travel warning on Sri Lanka this week, that was imposed in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks.

Stocks edge up from near 3-week low in thin trade

REUTERS - Sri Lankan shares ended a shade firmer, snapping a four-session losing streak to edge up from the lowest close in nearly three weeks the previous session, while the rupee ended slightly weaker on mild importer dollar demand, market sources said. On May 31, the central bank cut its key interest rates to support a faltering economy as overall business and consumer confidence slumped following deadly bomb attacks in April. Traders said t