CJ calls for stronger legal role in AI privacy safeguards

As several key data protection laws are set to come into effect next year, Sri Lanka’s Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya stressed that the country’s legal fraternity has a greater role to play in guiding society, to ensure responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), while safeguarding the privacy of the individuals.

Banks shell out Rs.60bn in fresh credit to private sector in July

The banks shelled out Rs.60.2 billion in fresh credit to the private sector borrowers in July, logging a modest growth of 6.9 percent from a year ago.

SriLankan Airlines and flydubai announce new interline agreement

SriLankan Airlines and flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, have announced an interline agreement commencing from September 9, 2024, introducing more travel opportunities between Sri Lanka, the UAE and beyond on select routes on the carriers’ networks.

DFCC Bank’s green 3-year bonds receive CSE approval

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday announced that it has approved in principle an application for listing the debt securities of DFCC Bank.

Week begins with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Ceylon Tobacco Company with the turnover crossing Rs. 1.2 Bn.

Yield curve nudges up amidst selling pressure

The secondary market yield curve edged higher, broadly across the board, as selling pressure continued to dominate the market amidst lingering uncertainty.

ComBank takes world-class banking to Puthukkudiyiruppu

World-class banking services have reached Puthukkudiyiruppu in the Mullaitivu district with the opening of Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s latest branch in this fast-developing town sustained by the fisheries industry.

HNB Finance wins Silver at BestWeb.lk Awards 2024

HNB Finance, Sri Lanka’s leading integrated financial services provider, claimed the prestigious Overall Silver award for Best Website 2024 in the Finance and Insurance category at BestWeb.lk 2024, solidifying its position at the forefront of digital excellence.

People’s Bank int’l trade services receive ISO 9001:2015 recertification

People’s Bank, Colombo Sri announced that its Trade Services - International Banking Division has been awarded the SLS ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for the fourth time by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI).

Sri Lanka’s first-ever data hackathon ‘Climate Challenge SL’ launched

With the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and in partnership with the Climate Collective Foundation (CCF), Lanka Impact Investment Network (LIIN) announced the launch of Sri Lanka’s first-ever data hackathon, “Climate Challenge SL”.

Rocell unveils Sri Lanka’s largest manufactured tile

Rocell, Sri Lanka’s premier manufacturer and retailer of Floor Tiles, Wall Tiles, and Bathware, and a pioneer in design innovation, announced the launch of the country’s largest tile — an impressive ‘1 meter x 1 meter’ premium tile under its Eterno range.

Amana Bank and IBSL team up to provide hands-on experience for banking students

Amana Bank announced its recent partnership with the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka (IBSL) to provide valuable internship opportunities for IBSL students, marking a significant step in enhancing the practical experience and professional development of future banking professionals in Sri Lanka.

HNB Ja-Ela customer centre relocates to new facility

HNB PLC recently opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art customer centre at 73 Negombo Road, Ja-Ela.

Mercantile Investments celebrates 60th anniversary launching 60th branch

In a year that marks its 60th anniversary, Mercantile Investments has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 60th branch in Mathugama.

Sysco LABS recognized as One of SL’s Outstanding Women-Friendly Workplaces

Sysco LABS announced its recent recognition within the top ten of Sri Lanka’s most outstanding women-friendly workplaces at the prestigious “Women Friendly Workplace Awards”.

REPA calls on presidential candidates to address solar tariff cuts and promote renewable energy

The Renewable Energy Protectors’ Association (REPA) called on the leading Presidential candidates to outline their plans to address the issues faced by the renewable energy sector, including the Power and Energy Minister’s recent decision to lower the tariff rate for solar energy projects to Rs. 27 per unit.

Ninewells Hospital extends special benefits to Agrahara beneficiaries

Ninewells Hospital has further strengthened its commitment to serving the nation by renewing its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF).

Ruu Ceylon Marketing wins Best Cosmetic Production Company award

Ruu Ceylon Marketing (Pvt.) Limited was awarded the ‘Best Cosmetic Production Company of the Year’ at the Iconic Awards 2024.

Costs of Corruption: Can Sri Lanka survive without eliminating corruption?

Corruption is an issue that has been discussed widely during last two to three decades.

Visa issues jeopardise Sri Lanka’s tourism: Industry cautions

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is at risk of a winter season collapse due to delays in reactivating the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, stakeholders warned this week.

JAAF calls for urgent action on business visa issue

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) joined the bandwagon in urging the government to immediately resolve the ongoing challenges related to the issuance of short term business visas, which have been halted since August 2.

Central Bank relaxes mandatory export conversion period

The Central Bank has relaxed the mandatory export conversion period in the latest exports proceeds conversion rule which came into effect from 4 November.

SEC issues new regulations for Shariah-compliant Whitelist Equity Indices

Sri Lanka’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced new regulations for Market Institutions and Intermediaries managing Shariah-compliant Whitelist Equity Indices, aiming to protect investors seeking Shariah-compliant investments.

People’s Bank rated ‘AA’ by Lanka Ratings Agency

People’s Bank has been assigned ‘AA’ rating by Lanka Rating Agency (LRA), reaffirming its status as the leading financial institution in Sri Lanka.

August remittances at robust US$ 578mn 

Sri Lankans working abroad have sent back once again a sizable amount of money which together with robust inflows from the tourism trade is acting as a bulwark against the possible risks in the likes of which Sri Lanka underwent during the pandemic and its immediate aftermath.

Tourism generates US$ 282mn in August

Earnings from tourism have climbed in August and so were the arrivals, although not quite up to the level targeted by authorities.

Ceylon Energy-HJT China complete Maho, Ampara 33kV power distribution lines

Ceylon Energy, in partnership with HJT China, announced the successful completion of the Maho and Ampara 33kV power distribution lines.

FriMi-Mastercard spend challenge winner receives Samsung Galaxy S24

FriMi recently partnered with Mastercard to create a challenge, rewarding FriMians who made transactions worth Rs.10,000 or more using either their physical or virtual FriMi debit cards.

Abans reintroduces British brand Morphy Richards

Morphy Richards, a brand known for its premium range of home appliances and personal care products intended to make life easier and happier for consumers, is now back at Abans, with a range of premium home appliances.

Dearo Investment sweeps multiple Iconic awards

Dearo Investment (Pvt.) Ltd has achieved a remarkable feat at Iconic Awards 2024 by winning four prestigious titles: Best Investment Product Provider of the Year, Best Project Finance of the Year, Best Development Investment Company of the Year and Best Customer Service Excellence of the Year.