Keells Foods beat challenging operating conditions to record profits in two years

Keells Foods Products PLC (KFP) reported a growth in third quarter earnings for the first time in two years as the giant in the processed meat industry appears to have weathered the market headwinds but the earnings still remain below 3Q16.      

Pathfinder to co-host one-day confab

The Pathfinder Foundation together with Carnegie India and an Australian delegation led by the National Security College at the Australian National University will co-host a one-day trilateral conference titled ‘Colombo Dialogue: Emerging Dialogue in the Indian Ocean - Regional Cooperation on Maritime Domain Awareness’ tomorrow at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The Dialogue will be sponsored by the Australian High Commission.

Saudi to build 9 desalination plants on Red Sea

REUTERS: Saudi Arabia plans to build nine desalination plants for more than 2 billion riyals (US $530 million) on the Red Sea coast, its environment minister said yesterday.

NCE re-elects Ramal Jasinghe as President for 2018

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) conducted the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the chamber at Galadari Hotel recently. Ramal Jasinghe was re-elected as President of the NCE for 2018, for a second term, in terms of the constitution of the chamber.  

ACCA launches new Ethics and Professional Skills module

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants  (ACCA) launched a new approach to ethics in its latest innovation to the top level of the qualification. ACCA launched this new Ethics and Professional Skills module in Sri Lanka recently, at Water’s Edge Colombo. 

CCC launches ‘Economic + Sector Review and Outlook Report 2018’

The ‘Economic + Sector Review and Outlook Report 2018’, produced by the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, highlights the outlook of key macroeconomic indicators, trends and policies affecting the business environment and high-level views on the performance of the key economic sectors.

StanChart Global Research Brief Colombo edition tomorrow

The Colombo edition of the Global Research Brief of Standard Chartered will be held tomorrow. The event will feature an expert panel of economists and strategists from across the world covering a range of global and local topics including a global economic outlook, Europe outlook and Sri Lanka outlook for 2018.  This event forms a part of a series of Global Research Briefing events held across the Standard Chartered footprint in 2018. 

US to overtake Saudi as crude oil producer: IEA

AFP: The United States are set to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world’s number two oil producer after Russia this year, as shale companies, attracted by rising prices, ramp up drilling, the International Energy Agency said yesterday.

Hemas consolidates FMCG position acquiring Atlas

Hemas Holdings PLC acquired 75.1 percent of Atlas Axillia Co (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s leading school and office brand, for a consideration of Rs. 5.7 billion. The existing shareholders of Atlas will retain a stake of 24.9 percent in the company post-acquisition.

CA Sri Lanka charters Rotaract Club for accountants, students

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently chartered a Rotaract Club for the benefit of its members and students in the presence of Rotary International President Ian Riseley, who was in Sri Lanka recently. 

Rupee edges down on importer dollar demand

REUTERS: The Sri Lankan rupee closed slightly weaker yesterday as dollar demand from importers and banks surpassed mild selling of the U.S. currency by exporters, dealers said. 

Taiwan blocks China flights after route row

AFP: Taiwan has blocked nearly 200 flights by Chinese airlines over the strait that separates the two rivals due to the carriers’ use of controversial new travel routes introduced by China.

Chinese and Sri Lankan institutions sign eco-agriculture cooperation agreement

China LvHai Technology Group signed an agreement with the Sadaham Sevana International Buddhist Information and Research Institute, Sri Lanka, on eco-agriculture cooperation.

Sri Lanka achieves record exports in 2017

Sri Lankan merchandise exports grew to an all time record of over US$11.4bn in 2017, surpassing the previous high of US$11.1bn achieved in 2014. Once, again the EU and the USA were our biggest markets taking US$ 3bn each. 

Dove opens Oxygen Avenue

Dove was on the map as the brand opened ‘Dove Oxygen Avenue’, a street dedicated in lure of revelling on the latest addition to its hair care portfolio Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.

Shares snap 7-session losing streak

REUTERS: Sri Lankan shares snapped a seven-session streak of declines yesterday, recovering from a near three-week closing low hit in the previous session, as investors picked up battered blue-chip and banking shares. 

Asia markets mostly up, traders keep watch on US funding row

AFP: Asian markets mostly rose yesterday after another positive week across trading floors but gains were tempered by profit-taking worries about a possible US government shutdown.

Maliban’s ‘Yaha Posha’ receives SLS certification

Maliban Biscuits’ wholesome breakfast offering ‘Yaha Posha’ achieved a significant milestone when it received the prestigious Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) certification recently.

Facebook top choice for Philippines wildlife traders: monitor

AFP: Facebook has emerged as the top site for wildlife trafficking in the Philippines, a watchdog said yesterday, with thousands of endangered crocodiles, snakes and turtles illegally traded in just three months.

‘Climb with Johann’ Campaign launched to support Johann Peries

Climbing Mount Everest is an accomplishment that bestows a rare distinction - not only on the climber, but also the

A trio of formulas to complement The Body Shop bath rituals this new year

The Body Shop in Colombo is ringing in the New Year with brand new bath and body formulas to complement

Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition to kick off this May

Bringing together suppliers and service organisations in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka, the Apparel Industry Suppliers Exhibition (AISEX) will be held from May 10th to 12th at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center, BMICH premises.

British Curry Kings Are In Colombo To Showcase Their Talents

Sri Lankan diners can whet their appetites by tucking into British curry, as the Taste of Britain Curry Festival sets

Meet the Omani Ambassador at National Chamber

Oman Ambassador to Sri Lanka , Al-Sheikh Jumah Hamdan Al-Shehhi,  will be the Special Guest Speaker in  ‘Meet the Ambassador’ programme on “Bilateral Trade Between Sri Lanka  and Oman ”  January 30  at the Chamber, from 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.  

Opportunity to meet with Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers delegation

The Sri Lanka – Malaysia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is to hold business meetings with members of the visiting delegation of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) on 23rd January  at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

CMA Sri Lanka President at CAPA 60th anniversary in Malaysia

President and Vice President CMA Sri Lanka with CAPA President Jackie Poirier and Nancy Foran amd Tashia Butstone Directors of CPA Canada

Arizona State University commences YouLead teacher training programme for Sri Lankans

A point of pride common to most Sri Lankans is the nation’s rich cultural legacy. From ancient palaces and temples to complex irrigation and aqueduct systems, it is clear that ancient Sri Lankans had developed a sophisticated understanding of engineering, art, agriculture, and many other vital disciplines necessary for a civilization to develop and prosper.

CTC laboratory receives ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification

Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC) recently received the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board for complying with the standards set out by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), two global entities which form specialized systems for worldwide standardization.

Pelwatte Ice-Cream now at Sathosa

To kick start the new year, 100 percent local dairy manufacturer Pelwatte Dairy Industries is ensuring that everyone has access to his or her delicious range of ice creams by partnering with the Sathosa supermarkets network. 

Rocell amongst Top 20 Best Sri Lankan Brands

On its phenomenal journey of continuously maintaining the highest standards of beauty, quality and excellence, Rocell was recently bestowed a remarkable honour by being named one of the Top 20 Best Sri Lankan Brands for 2017, at the inaugural Interbrand Best Sri Lankan Brands awards ceremony.