SLGJA calls for policy reforms to revitalise SL’s gem and jewellery industry

The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) has called for urgent policy reforms to accelerate growth and restore global competitiveness within the sector, aiming to once again establish Sri Lanka as ‘Ratnadeepa’ - the Island of Gems – the Jewel of Asia.

President inaugurates FACETS 2025

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated FACETS Sri Lanka 2025, Asia’s leading gem and jewellery exhibition, in Colombo last Saturday.

Central Bank caps back-to-back years of outsize FX purchases in 2024

The Central Bank ended 2024 purchasing potentially the largest amount of foreign exchange from the domestic banking system for a single year in their quest to rebuild the foreign currency reserves to a more formidable level since its depletion to its lowest point back in 2022.

Auto industry urges competitive tax structure ahead of import ban removal

As Sri Lanka prepares to lift the ban on personal vehicle imports next month, the local automotive assembly and component manufacturing industries are urging the government to implement a competitive tax structure that prioritises locally assembled vehicles.

Overall restructuring provides significant debt relief, sufficient to restore debt sustainability, says Treasury Secy

Concerns still persist over Sri Lanka’s debt situation, but Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana affirmed that the restructuring provides significant debt relief, sufficient to restore debt sustainability, as confirmed by the IMF’s assessment.

Republic of Malta strengthens ties with Sri Lanka

The Republic of Malta has taken a significant step in its diplomatic journey by inaugurating a new honorary consulate in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery come under fresh spotlight as FACETS 2025 kicks off

Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery came under fresh spotlight as FACETS 2025 kicked off in Colombo.

First Capital triumphs at CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024

First Capital, a pioneering force in the investment sector, was awarded the coveted title of Sector Winner in the Investment Banking Sector, at the 10th annual CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards recently, at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

CA SL unveils comprehensive implementation road map for sustainability standards

In March 2024, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), in its standing as the sole authority for accounting, auditing and sustainability standards in the country, unveiled a comprehensive implementation road map to support the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) global sustainability disclosure standards.

Automobile Association ties up with NDB affinity credit card

At the Automobile Association of Ceylon’s (AAC) 120th anniversary recently, National Development Bank (NDB) launched an affinity credit card to the AAC members.

Lights, Camera, Action: The Golden Globes 2025 Exclusively on Dialog Television and ViU App!

Step into the world of glitz and glamour as Dialog Television exclusively brings you the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, streaming live and on HITS NOW (Channel 113).

Cargills Bank launches SL’s 1st NFC sticker payment card ‘Tapit’

In a bold move to revolutionise the payment experience in the country, Cargills Bank in partnership with Mastercard, announced the launch of ‘Tapit’ – the first-ever contactless sticker payment card in Sri Lanka, making payments faster, simpler and more convenient for customers.

Ogilvy’s Geometry Global, only Sri Lankan agency to win at Epica Awards

Geometry Global, a Strategic Business Unit of the Ogilvy Group Sri Lanka, achieved a significant milestone as Sri Lanka’s only agency to be recognised at the prestigious Epica Awards 2024.

Sri Lanka ranked 33rd globally for ease of obtaining visas

Sri Lanka has secured the 33rd spot globally for its ease of obtaining visas, a key element bolstering Colombo’s reputation as a top destination in South Asia and the country’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, according to Brand Finance.

Tax revenue reaches record high but falls short of 2024 target

Sri Lanka’s tax revenue reached an alltime high in 2024, with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) collecting Rs.1,958 billion, a 25 percent jump from the previous year. However, despite the strong growth, the collection fell short of the government’s ambitious Rs.2,024 billion target.

China proposes fresh export curbs on EV technology

CNN: Beijing is planning to curb the export of technology used to extract minerals critical for the growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) industry,

Malta expresses special interest to source high-quality rubber from SL

The Republic of Malta has expressed a special interest to source high-quality rubber from Sri Lanka, the Export Development Board (EDB) said yesterday.

BOI-Queen’s Hospital ink US $ 2.04mn agreement to establish new paediatric facility

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) recently signed an agreement worth US $ 2.04 million with Queen’s Hospital, to establish a 14-bed paediatric hospital.

Shangri-La SL bags highest number of accolades at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards

Shangri-La Colombo and Shangri-La Hambantota stood out as shining stars at Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024, as collectively, the two properties secured the highest number of accolades, underscoring their unwavering commitment to excellence in hospitality.

The paddy cultivators in Monaragala and Buttala have started the Maha cultivation and they are at present applying fertiliser to the two-week-old paddy.

The paddy cultivators in Monaragala and Buttala have started the Maha cultivation and they are at present applying fertiliser to the two-week-old paddy.

ASPI gains 3.3% during the week

Indices closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Sampath Bank, Commercial Bank and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 11.4 Bn. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings, Hatton National Bank and Dialog Axiata. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, John Keells Holdings and Sampath Bank whilst retail interest was noted in Waskaduwa Beach Resort, Renuka Agri Foods

Yield curve dips from short end amidst mixed activity

By First Capital Research The secondary market yield curve showed mixed activity, with buying interest primarily concentrated on 2026 and 2027 maturities, where 2026 traded between 8.90 percent to 9.50 percent whilst the 2027 maturity traded in the range of 9.90 percent to 9.80 percent.

Allianz Lanka’s WIL hosts programme for teenage children of company’s employees

Allianz Lanka’s Women in Leadership (WIL) hosted an insightful programme at Allianz Lanka’s Head office for teenage children of Allianz Lanka employees, focusing on the theme “Preparing Teens for Life in a Digital Generation”.

Nippon Paint Lanka sponsors SLIA BAE’s Student Jamboree

Nippon Paint Lanka engaged in a CSR initiative when it brought new life to Weliwewa Kanishta Vidyalaya in Sooriyawewa by painting the school.

CBB celebrates the spirit of Christmas

The Council for Business with Britain (CBB) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted its Christmas Carols Fellowship on the 11th of December.

Amazon College marks annual convocation celebrating milestones in acade

Amazon College held its annual convocation at the BMICH, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s continued growth and commitment to academic excellence.

Queen’s Hospital Medical Centre to lead healthcare in Ratmalana

The newly opened Queen’s Hospital Medical Centre, located in Ratmalana, is setting new standards in private healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate services.

People’s Bank Employees Cooperative Society recognizes academic performances of members’ children

People’s Bank Employees Cooperative Society organized a felicitation ceremony to recognize the excellent academic performances of their children at the ‘Members Children’s Scholarship Award Ceremony 2021/22’ held recently at the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo.

CEAT Kelani presents traffic mgt. tools to Police and SLCMP

CEAT Kelani Holdings has broadened the scope of its flagship community initiative promoting road safety around schools by engaging with the Police and the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police (SLCMP) of the Sri Lanka Army, two institutions that play lead roles in this domain.

Much to be done to achieve envisaged tourist arrivals in 2025: Tour operator

Whilst highlighting that the general expectation in 2025 is to attract 5 million tourists, a top tour operator said Sri Lanka has to take certain important steps to achieve it.