Tourism stakeholders urge swift return of ETA system

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry commended the decision to suspend the e-Visa portal run by VFS Global, but urged the reinstatement of the old online system at the earliest to minimise inconvenience for tourists.

Tourist arrivals pick up in July

After the disappointing June arrivals, the tourist arrivals in July grew at a faster pace with Sri Lanka welcoming 187,810 foreign visitors in the month.

IMF’s obsession on primary deficit target puts SL further in debt bind: Analyst

The obsession on an arbitrarily set primary balance target in the budget by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is driving Sri Lanka into a debt bind, perhaps much worse than what it is in right now, an analyst cautioned.

Durdans officials advocate for stronger medical tourism

Sri Lanka should actively focus on developing a stronger medical tourism sub-sector as a strategic approach to enhance the quality and productivity of the nation’s overall healthcare sector, according to officials of Durdans Hospitals.

Insurance industry sees mixed 1Q results despite 7.39% GWP growth

Sri Lanka’s insurance industry posted mixed performances in the first quarter of the year despite achieving 7.39 percent Year-on-Year (YoY) or Rs.5.41 billion growth in terms of overall Gross Written Premium (GWP) for the quarter, data from the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL) showed.

Browns Investments completes Lipton Teas acquisition in Kenya and Rwanda

Browns Investments PLC confirmed in a disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) that the acquisition process for Lipton Teas and Infusions’ companies in Kenya and Rwanda, as part of the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), have been completed.

Clarification

In the article published on August 3, 2024 on page 9 of the Daily Mirror and the online edition, an erroneous reference had been made to the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), labeling it as “China Backed Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS).”

Right to reply : SC did not refuse early hearing on Adani wind power plants

The article captioned ‘Supreme Court refuses early hearing on Adani wind power plants in Sri Lanka’ that appeared on page 9 of the Daily Mirror of August 3, 2024, contained several falsehoods and factual errors, to which I respond as follows.

Sunshine Holdings sustains growth momentum in 1Q25

Diversified conglomerate Sunshine Holdings PLC saw its earnings improve for the first quarter of the financial year 2025 (1Q25) from the corresponding period of the previous year and the previous quarter due to revenue growth and a reduction in the net finance cost.

High economic potential in North for national development: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that the people of the Northern Province, including Jaffna, have been facing economic difficulties for a long time and there is significant economic potential in the province that can be utilised.

Bank of Ceylon celebrates 85 years of innovation and inclusion in banking

The Bank of Ceylon, celebrated its 85th anniversary at a ceremony held at its Head Office recently.

CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024 marks 10th anniversary

CMA Sri Lanka. the National Professional Management Accounting body in Sri Lanka announced the 10th anniversary celebrations of the ‘CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards – 2024’ conducted with its strategic partner Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

Private sector companies awarded Authorised Economic Operator Status

Thirty-one private sector companies were awarded the AEO Tier 1 status at a Sri Lanka Customs awarding ceremony on July 30 at the NH Collection Colombo, with State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya in attendance as the Chief Guest.

Euromoney declares ComBank ‘Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG’

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been proclaimed ‘Sri Lanka’s Best Bank for ESG’ at the 2024 edition of the Euromoney Awards for Excellence, generating international recognition for the bank’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks.

HNB and Browns Agriculture extend partnership for nationwide agricultural growth

In support of ongoing national efforts to modernise agricultural productivity and exports, HNB PLC has renewed its partnership with Browns Agriculture to offer maximum value to leasing customers on select agri-machinery.

HNB Finance unveils 3 new Gold Loan Units

HNB Finance recently announced three new Gold Loan Units at its Beliatta, Kurunagala - Metro and Kuliyapitiya branches.

Sri Lanka Tourism wins ‘Best Tourism Board’ accolade at Global Tourism Awards

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) won the ‘The Best International Tourism Board’ accolade at the Global Tourism Awards 2024 held in India recently.

Colombo International Maritime Conference to kickoff in November

The Colombo International Maritime & Logistics Conference is held in South Asia on a rotational basis among the maritime nations of the sub-continent, will kickoff in Sri Lanka in November.

DFCC Bank partners with Home Lands Skyline to offer seamless housing loan solutions

DFCC Bank has recently forged an exclusive partnership with Home Lands Skyline (Private) Limited to revolutionise the housing loan landscape.

HSBC elevates lifestyle rewards with Live+ credit card launch

HSBC launched last week its new Live+ Credit Card enhancing the lifestyle experiences of its globally minded customers.

Durdans Hospital secures JCI re-accreditation for third time

Durdans Hospital announced it has secured the Joint Commission International, USA (JCI) reaccreditation for the third time.

IMF urges revenue measures and spending cuts for 2025 budget

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), during its recent mission to Sri Lanka, said the 2025 budget needs to be underpinned by appropriate revenue measures and continued spending restraint.

Immigration and Emigration Department earns record Rs.42.76bn in 2023

Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration Department beat the revenue forecasts for 2023, earning a total revenue of Rs.42.76 billion, driven by higher tourist arrivals and passport issuances.

NOCU launches initiative to promote organic agriculture islandwide

The National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), the competent authority for organic agriculture in Sri Lanka, established under the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), recently launched its initiative to promote organic agriculture islandwide.

Bearish market sentiment at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The 30th sale of the year, concluded this week, had on offer a total of 5.8 million kilogrammes.

Jaffna joins IndiGo’s global network as 34th destination

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced Jaffna as the newest addition in its international route network.

A subdued end to trading week

The secondary market concluded the week with a mixed range of activities marked by subdued volumes and limited trading activities.

Week ends on a positive note

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings

HNB to back Soul Sounds’ global ambitions at World Choir Games

HNB PLC recently announced signing on as a sponsor of Soul Sounds, Sri Lanka’s premier female choir ensemble, for the World Choir Games 2024.

Sanasa General Insurance celebrates 5th anniversary

Sanasa General Insurance Company organized a special event to commemorate their fifth anniversary.