Over 30,000 Lankans acquire digital skills during COVID-19: Microsoft

US-based technology behemoth Microsoft said it helped over 30 million people in 249 countries and territories gain access to digital skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, of which over 30,000 of them are from Sri Lanka.

Litro assures availability of 12.5 Kg has cylinder

Sri Lanka’s largest LP gas importer and supplier, Litro Gas Lanka announced a short while ago that a decision has been reached to ensure 12.5 Kg gas cylinders will be made available without a shortage.

Historic agreement signed to implement Sri Lanka Transit Card

In a groundbreaking move towards revolutionizing the transport sector, the Ministry of Transport and the Central Bank played lead roles to get the key stakeholders to sign a four-party agreement to introduce Sri Lanka Transit Card (SLTC) recently.

CSE approves IPO of Prime Land Residencies

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has approved, an application submitted by Prime Lands Residencies Limited, for the listing of its Ordinary Voting Shares by way of an offer for subscription.

SriLankan Airlines launches flights to Nairobi

SriLankan has commenced flight operations to Nairobi in Kenya, its second destination in East Africa after flying to the Seychelles, a media communiqué by the national carrier said.

Emirates to increase services to Colombo to 7 flights a week

Emirates has announced it will increase its services to Colombo from six to seven flights a week, with the seventh weekly flight commencing 3rd May. The additional service will serve rising market demand and enhance connectivity to and from Colombo via Dubai.

Rupee dips to Rs. 200.90 against US dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee lost its heft further today ending a short-lived appreciation phase, as the selling rate of the US dollar was recorded at Rs.200.90, up from yesterday’s Rs.195.25.

Fashion designers say cost of production up due to import restrictions

Fashion designers are struggling to keep up with the fast-changing trends in the country, as challenges in sourcing raw materials has led to a slowdown in reacting to the market demand.

ComBank’s ATM network sets new records for cash dispensed this Avurudu

The automated teller machine (ATM) network of Commercial Bank of Ceylon dispensed a record Rs.8.818 billion on 9th and 10th April 2021, shattering the previous records for the highest and second highest cash disbursements for a 24-hour period, as Sri Lanka’s leading private bank facilitated the celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

RPCs urge estate worker vaccination to be given priority

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) today called on government and Public health officials to ensure that estate sector workers made a top priority in the COVID-19 vaccination drive, given their essential contributions to the national economy.

Global freight charges hike to remain in short-term: Fitch

The ongoing hike in global freight rates is expected to remain in the short-term, although a tapering is expected to in the long term as supply chain disruption clears out, Fitch Ratings said.

Rupee sheds gains against dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee today depreciated to Rs. 195.25 against the US dollar from yesterday’s recovery of Rs. 191.97.

Home-grown blockchain start-up secures angel financing

Home-grown blockchain service start-up, Niftron, has been successful in raising Rs. 10 million in the latest round of funding from The Angel Fund of the Lankan Angel Network (LAN), Sri Lanka’s largest network of angel investors.

UL brings down Indian delegation on familiarisation tour

In an effort to recommence tourist arrivals from India under the bio-bubble concept, Sri Lanka has recently welcomed a delegation from the neighbouring giant for a familiarisation tour of the island nation.

Rupee gains sharply against US dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee further appreciated today with the selling rate of a US dollar recovering to Rs.191.97 from Friday’s (16) Rs. 201.28.

Cabraal briefs Chief Prelates on Port City Commission Bill

On the instructions of President and the Prime Minister, State Minister of Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal visited today the Asgiriya Chapter, the Malwathu Chapter and the Chief Prelates of the Amarapura and Ramanna Maha Nikayas and briefed them on the proposed Port City Economic Commission Bill.

Rupee eases to Rs. 201.28 against US dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee witnessed a recovery today by easing to Rs. 201.28 against the US dollar.

Maldives to offer holidaymakers vaccines on arrival

Maldives will soon offer visitors vaccinations on arrival as part of its three-pronged initiative aimed at reviving the country’s hard hit travel sector, according to its tourism minister.

Rupee dips to Rs. 204.62 against dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee dipped further today against the US dollar, as the selling rate of a dollar was recorded at Rs.204.62.

Sri Lanka and India to kick off joint research in science and tech

Sri Lanka and India have taken a progressive step to integrate expertise in the area of science and technology with scientists from both the nations gearing up to undertake joint research.

Swarnamahal Financial Services business suspended

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has suspended the business of Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) with effect from 5.00 p.m. yesterday (April 12) due to the company’s deteriorating financial condition and non-availability of a viable revival plan.

Rupee plunges to new low against US dollar

The Sri Lankan rupee hit a new record low today against the US dollar, as the selling rate of a dollar was recorded at Rs.203.73.

Singapore Airlines to increase flight frequency to Sri Lanka

From 01 May 2021, Singapore Airlines will increase its flight frequency to Sri Lanka from 3 times to 5 times weekly, operating the Airbus 350-900MH aircraft.

No IMF bail-out though various other discussions ongoing: CB

While Sri Lanka frequently engages with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for technical assistance, and the two parties are also planning for the upcoming Article IV consultations towards the end of this year, the Central Bank reiterated that no discussions are held to the effect of a programme in the style of Balance of Payment support.

Rupee dips further against dollar

The Sri Lanka rupee dipped further to a new low today against the US dollar with the selling rate plunging to Rs.203.59 per dollar.

SriLankan Catering gets new CEO

CB issues fresh warning against usage of virtual currencies

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today issued a fresh warning to those interested in investing in virtual currencies (VCs) stressing that currently there are no regulatory safeguards relating to the usage, investment or dealing in VCs in Sri Lanka.

Inside of BIA goes live on Google Indoor Maps

Google Indoor Maps was launched at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today, becoming the first indoor facility to enable this feature in Sri Lanka.

Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill presented to P’ment

The Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill, which will declare Colombo Port City (CPC) as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and under which a five-member Commission with sweeping powers will be appointed to administer it, was presented to Parliament a while ago.

Electricity consumers will be paid interest on security deposit: PUCSL

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has announced that interest will be paid to electricity consumers on their deposits made when applying for connections.