Prada 2014 profit falls for first time since listing as China, Europe weaken

?REUTERS: Italian luxury goods company Prada SpA reported its first drop in annual net profit since it listed in Hong Kong four years ago, as growing retail sales in the Americas and Japan failed to offset declines in Greater China and Europe.

China yuan falls in global payment rankings: SWIFT

?AFP: China’s yuan has dropped to seventh place among the world’s payments currencies, global transactions organisation SWIFT said yesterday, even as Beijing tries to push greater international use of the unit.

Thailand admits ‘urgent’ need to improve aviation safety

?AFP: Thailand admitted yesterday it “urgently” needs to improve airline safety procedures as several carriers face bans on new international flights after a UN aviation agency raised concerns.

India rejects BP’s request to market jet fuel

?REUTERS: India has rejected a request from BP PLC to be allowed to sell jet fuel to the booming aviation market in Asia’s No. 3 economy, saying it did not meet the conditions necessary, a source with direct knowledge of the decision told Reuters.

Japan’s Fujifilm agrees to buy Cellular Dynamics for US $ 307mn

REUTERS: Japan’s Fujifilm Holdings Corp said yesterday it has agreed to acquire U.S. biotechnology firm Cellular Dynamics International Inc (CDI) for US $ 307 million.

Cashing in on empty car seats

Tehan recently opted for a new way to reach Colombo from Galle, his hometown : He skipped the train ride and hopped in a car pool he had booked on his mobile phone.

Leo Burnett is the most awarded Sri Lankan agency at ADFEST 2015

?Leo Burnett Solutions Inc. (LBSI), the local office of the global advertising network Leo Burnett Worldwide, recently won three silver awards at the prestigious ADFEST 2015 annual advertising festival, which took place in Pattaya, Thailand. Leo Burnett was the most awarded agency from Sri Lanka at ADFEST 2015 and secured one silver Direct Lotus award for which there were 213 entries, and two silver Press Lotus awards for which there were 286 ent

Kuwait Airways fly daily from Colombo

Kuwait Airways commenced its Colombo Operations way back in 1972. With a history of 43 years in Colombo, Kuwait Airways has  been gradually expanding  its services with the emerging need.

LB Finance conducts awareness program on Women’s Health by LB Finance

Financial starlet LB Finance CSR team conducted another valuable awareness program on Women’s health by Dr. Nimali Widange- Assistant Registrar- Health Ministry. This awareness program was held at LB Finance Corporate office Auditorium on 24th of March 2015. 

Dress to Impress this Wedding Season with Hameedia

Continuously setting the benchmark in the fashion industry, Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist recently launched its latest wedding range for grooms who are planning to tie the knot during the forthcoming wedding season. The new range of wedding collections will be available at all Hameedia outlets along with a series of special offers and discounts. Hameedia has also introduced three special wedding packages that will cover

Sri Lanka to switch off today for Earth Hour

All Sri Lankans are requested to join hundreds of millions of people from around the world, by participating in the Earth Hour initiative and showing their commitment to preserving the planet.  Today you will see homes, schools, businesses and iconic landmarks across the planet turn off their lights for the appointed one hour – Earth Hour; on Saturday 28 March 2015 at 8.30 p.m. This single act transcends all barriers of race, religion,

Leo Burnett Asia Pacific Named Network of the Year at ADFEST 2015

Leo Burnett Asia Pacific has been named the winner of the “Network of the Year” award at ADFEST 2015, Asia Pacific’s leading advertising festival. The annual event, which concluded in Pattaya on Saturday evening, saw the attendance of 1,110 delegates from 53 cities and drew the participation of 3,295 entries across 18 awards categories. 

Samsung unveils GALAXY S6 and GALAXY S6 edge, the world’s most advanced smartphones in Sri Lanka

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today unveiled its most-awaited smartphones – GALAXY S6 and GALAXY S6 edge – in Sri Lanka. Beautifully crafted from metal and glass and with first-of-its-kind technology, the Samsung GALAXY S6 and GALAXY S6 edge define the future of mobility. The launch of new phones offers Sri Lankan consumers the ultimate smartphone experience with a new standard to drive the global mobile agenda, with cutting-edge desig

Venture Engine 2015 kicks off with over Rs. 500 million in funding raised for 15 start-ups in previo

Blue Ocean Ventures and the Indian Angel Network in partnership with the Lankan Angel Network announced the launch of Venture Engine 2015 at an event held at the OZO Colombo. Since its inception in 2012, Venture Engine has been helping entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level and has proven to be both an invaluable resource for mentoring as well as a platform for the growth and expansion of start up and early stage businesses.&nbs

Tiesh launches its exquisite new showroom in Colombo

Tiesh, one of Sri Lanka’s leading contemporary jewellers, recently launched its exquisite new showroom in Colombo. The showroom was launched under the theme of ‘Inspired Elegance’ with a glamorous and exclusive cocktail event. Located at No. 253, R. A. De Mel Mawatha Colombo 03, Tiesh’s new showroom is one of the best in the country and features an array of glittering gems and beautifully crafted jewellery collections.&nbs

Dress your best this Avurudu with Hameedia

Continuously setting the benchmark in the fashion industry, Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist recently launched a special Avurudu promotion to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu). The offer will enable customers to dress their best for the upcoming New Year, and will be valid until 19 April 2015, at all Hameedia outlets island-wide. 

Higher studies made easy with Amãna Bank Education Finance

Amãna Bank recently launched their very own Education Finance scheme to help students achieve their academic and professional dreams. This facility is available for both aspiring students and young working individuals to complete their higher studies in an easy and affordable manner. 

Yet another Special Community Service Project by the LB Finance CSR Unit

A special competition to create awareness on the environment and electronic waste was conducted on the 18th of February by LB Finance PLC.

Hameedia takes HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2015 by storm with its FH Studio collection

Continuously setting the benchmark in the fashion industry, Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist recently took centre stage at the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) Spring/Summer 2015 edition with its Envoy by FH Studio collection. 

The Fashion Design Council of Sri Lanka officially launches to represent designers in Sri Lanka

After three years of work in progress, the Fashion Design Council of Sri Lanka (FDCSL) was officially launched on 24 March 2015. Prior to the launch of the FDCSL, council members studied the strategies and structures of other fashion councils around the world, in order to formulate an effective model. Over the last ten years, the fashion industry in Sri Lanka has found a direction and a voice and it is evolving and thriving. This new focus has he

TAL Group celebrates its 44th Anniversary in style!

1971 saw the birth of Thompson Associates (Ceylon) Limited which today has grown to become the TAL Group of Companies. Through its subsidiaries – TBWA\Sri Lanka and Total Media Direction (TMD) - the TAL Group continues to provide total communication solutions as it has been doing for over 4 decades. In February this year, the TAL Group commenced their 45th year in operations.

findmyfare.com and Standard Chartered Bank extend ‘Fly Out For Free’ offer

Sri Lanka’s largest online travel company, findmyfare.com recently launched the ‘Fly Out For Free’ offer for Standard Chartered credit cardholders and gave them the chance to fly to any destination for free. The offer was launched at midnight on 16 March 2015 and all 100 air tickets were booked in just 24 hours. Standard Chartered and findmyfare.com will now extend the offer on 26 March 2015, and an additional 50 free air ticket

LB Finance opens Jaffna Premier Branch & City Branch on 19th March 2015

Finance Stalwart LB Finance PLC opened its Jaffna Premier Branch (No 406, Hospital Road Jaffna) & Jaffna City Branch (No, 111, Stanly Road, Jaffna) on 19th of March 2015?

Hameedia introduces Goodyear welted shoes – the ultimate range of footwear for men

Hameedia recently introduced its latest range of Goodyear welted shoes, a sophisticated collection of men’s footwear designed to offer optimal levels of quality, durability and comfort. Hameedia is continuously setting the benchmark in the fashion industry and its new range of Goodyear welted shoes, further enhances the company’s product portfolio and strengthens its position as Sri Lanka’s leading menswear specialist.

Amãna Takaful (ATL) rewards its champions of 2014

Amãna Takaful (ATL), recently held its annual awards under the theme ‘Think Big’. At the gala event, the company’s top employees were recognized for their exceptional performance, in the presence of Chief Guest Ehsan Zaheed, Executive Director, Amãna Takaful PLC, Amãna Takaful’s Board of Directors, key customers, business partners and staff. The annual awards ceremony acknowledges the achievements of e

Tommy Hilfiger: Spring/Summer 2015 collection

Tommy Hilfiger launches its Spring/Summer 2015 collection, Heartland, finds its inspiration in Middle America, where the great outdoors mix with small town charm in some of the most picturesque and interesting places the country has to offer.

AIA becomes the Official Insurance Partner of Sri Lanka Cricket and will sponsor 2 domestic tourname

If there is any one thing that binds Sri Lanka as a nation then surely it is cricket! A sport which everyone in the country passionately follows, played by a team that everyone treasures.  Sri Lanka Cricket is undoubtedly one of our most valuable assets.

Amãna Bank wins its 4th IFN accolade

Amãna Bank, Sri Lanka’s first and only licensed commercial bank operating according to the doctrines of Islamic banking, has triumphed once again at the world renowned Islamic Finance News (IFN) Awards Ceremony by claiming the coveted ‘Best Islamic Bank in Sri Lanka’ accolade.  The IFN Awards which are based on a global poll conducted in 2014 by the Malaysia-based RedMoney Group recognizes the best providers of Islam

Coca-Cola wins sliver at the HRM awards 2014

The Association of Human Resource Professionals (HRP) recently awarded Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka a silver award at the prestigious HRM Awards 2014 event. Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka won the award for consistently adhering to industry best practices in Human Resource Management (HRM). The award was presented by Chamara Perera – Head of IT of Sri Lankan Airlines to Priyantha Ranasinghe -Country HR Manager, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka

EIU says government’s budget deficit target ‘too optimistic’

?Echoing the sentiments recently expressed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the research arm of the London-based publication The Economist said the fiscal deficit target of the new government is “too optimistic”.