Samantha Gunarathne appointed as Elyon Hotels COO

Sri Lanka’s niche hotel operator, Elyon Hotels appointed industry veteran Samantha Gunarathne as its new Chief Operating Officer, recently.

Orient Finance – Building on strength and consistent customer trust

In a world governed by uncertainties such as economic upheavals and unpredicted downturns, building customer confidence and meeting customer expectations remain key to success in financial markets.

Fitch upgrades Sri Lanka Insurance’s IFS to ‘B+’; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Limited’s (SLIC) Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating to ‘B+’ from ‘B’. The Outlook is Stable. The Under Criteria Observation status on the IFS Rating has also been removed. Fitch has simultaneously upgraded SLIC’s National IFS Rating to ‘AAA(lka)’ from ‘AA+(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook.

ComBank slashes rates for ‘Biz Loans’ to encourage SME sector

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced a reduction of interest rates relating toits ‘Biz Loans’ with a view tofurther supporting the small and medium businesses of the country.

DFCC iConnect to facilitate employee EPF payments

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently signed an agreement with DFCC Bank to facilitate EPF payments online through DFCC’s iConnect Payments and Cash Management Portal.

HNBA New Business and Claims departments receive ISO certification

The New Business Management Department and Life Claims Department of HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) were certified with ISO 9001:2015.

Pan Asia Bank’s customer-centric banking ensures higher returns, accessibility and safety

During the past few months, Sri Lanka has witnessed a rocky economic growth, influenced by unfortunate events that took place. These events took the spotlight away from the country’s booming tourism, retail/trade, banking and other sectors alike, hurting expected yields of growth, development and overall progress.

HNB partners Brown & Co. to offer agri equipment

Sri Lanka’s premier financial solutions provider HNB PLC, announced a partnership with Brown and Company PLC to offer exclusive leasing packages on agricultural vehicles especially for customers in the SME and MSME sectors.

NTB Amex announces winner of ‘Pump Fuel and Win’ campaign

Nations Trust Bank (NTB) American Express (Amex) recently concluded its ‘Pump Fuel and Win a Trip to see Northern Lights in Iceland’ campaign with the presenting of the award to the winner Lahiru Pathmalal.

RDB appoints Development Assistants

The Regional Development Bank (RDB) appointed 304 employees to fulfill the Development Assistant position at a ceremony held at the auditorium of the Ministry of Finance with the presence of Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera as chief guest, on May 22, 2019.

HSBC launches int’l banking services for Lankan students planning to study overseas

At any given time there are close to 19,000 Sri Lankan students overseas on higher education. HSBC Sri Lanka, leveraging its international connectivity and capabilities, has come up with a unique proposition, becoming the first bank in the country that offers a full range of services to this segment.

MBSL Kuliyapitiya Leasing Wahanapola concludes successfully

The Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka and Finance PLC (MBSL), affiliated with the Bank of Ceylon, has launched a vehicle sales promotion programme named Leasing Wahanapola.

Pan Asia Bank’s 1Q19 growth moderates amid slower loans, higher taxes

Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC reported lower profits for the quarter ended March 31, 2019 (1Q19) amid higher taxes and negative growth in the lender’s loan books, the interim financial accounts released to the Colombo Stock Exchange showed.

NTB’s Foreign Currency Investment Plan ensures stable returns: Senior VP

For the first time in Sri Lanka it is now possible to plan your financial future in a stable foreign currency with Nations Trust Bank’s newly introduced Foreign Currency Investment Plan.

NDB Ran Naya waives off one month interest

NDB’s Ran Naya Pawning service now offers customers one month interest free for all pawning transactions held for more than six months.

HNB launches ‘Solo’ eWallet digital payment system

Laying the foundation for a comprehensive digital payment ecosystem in Sri Lanka, the country’s most innovative bank, Hatton National Bank PLC, announced the launch of its own digital wallet and payment app, HNB Solo.

ComBank wins ACEF ‘Social Media Brand of the Year’ award for second year

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been adjudged the ‘Social Media Brand of the Year 2019’ for the second consecutive year at the 8th Global Customer Engagement Forum & Awards in Mumbai, sharing the honour with joint Gold winner Switzerland Tourism.

Sarvodaya Finance joins LankaPay Common ATM Network

Sarvodaya Development Finance joined LankaPay Common ATM Network via LankaPay hosted solution recently, which consists of LankaPay Shared ATM Switch (SAS) and LankaPay Card Management System (CMS) with state-of-the-art technology. 

HSBC annual profit disappoints, plans up to US$ 7 bn capital raising

HONG KONG/LONDON (REUTERS): HSBC Holdings reported a jump in annual pre-tax profit that missed expectations and unveiled a plan to raise up to US$7 billion over the next four months to bolster its capital base, as the bank prepares for growth under a 

NTB Amex gives cardmembers chance to win all-expense paid overseas trips

Nations Trust Bank American Express recently conducted a very special programme that would let one platinum cardmember and companion experience the thrills of Dubai, the hospitality of Tokyo, the excitement of London, the wonders of Australia and the hustle and bustle of New York all in one incredible trip all-expense paid. 

Sampath Bank PAT tops Rs.12bn for FY17

Sampath Bank posted a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 12.1 billion for the year ended 31st December 2017, a 32.7 percent YoY growth compared to Rs 9.1 billion recorded in the previous year. 

Amana Bank profits surge over higher margins and new loans

Amana Bank PLC reported an improved financial performance for the fourth quarter ended in December 2017 (4Q17), as Sri Lanka’s first non-interest based Islamic bank stretched its financing margin while modestly expanding its asset base. 

Indian Bank ramping up overseas ops in Sri Lanka, Singapore

BUSINESS STANDARD: Public sector Indian Bank has undertaken initiatives to increase business at its overseas branches in Sri Lanka and Singapore, a top official has said.

DFCC Bank Dec. profits up on modest core banking performance, better margins

Modest performance in core-banking operations, better margin management and fee incomes helped DFCC Bank PLC to beat the odds during the quarter ended December 31, 2017 (4Q17), the interim financial accounts released to the Colombo bourse showed.  

Cargills Bank fortifies remittance services partnering TransferTo

Cargills Bank has partnered with TransferTo, a leading cross-border mobile payments network for emerging markets, enhance and strengthen its remittance services offered by the bank. 

NDB joins United Motors to promote special leasing package

NDB Leasing recently entered into an agreement with United Motors Lanka PLC to jointly promote a special leasing package exclusively for Fuso lorry cab and chassis, tippers, and Rosa buses. 

SDB bank opens 92nd branch in Galewela

SDB bank (SANASA Development Bank PLC) opened its new branch in Galewela recently. SDB Galewela branch was opened at 181,Dambulla Road, Galewela with the objective of providing an efficient and friendly service to Galewela customers with sophisticated facilities. 

Maha Shivarathri Pooja at Sri Lanka Insurance

A pooja in honour of Lord Shiva was conducted last week by the Sri Lanka Insurance Hindu Association to mark Maha Shivarathri day.  The pooja, which was organised for the second consecutive year, was conducted by Mohan Sharma Gurukkal from the Nawagampura  Amman Kovil. 

Janashakthi Life’s sales team attends 2018 MDRT Conference

Janashakthi Insurance PLC announced that 30 members of its Life Insurance team took part in the 2018 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Experience & Global Conference held in Bangkok, from the 8th– 10thof February.

Digitalization key for trade finance: HNB CEO

Trade Finance Association of Bankers held its annual public seminar at the ‘Golden Rose’, Boralesgamuwa recently.