Sri Lankan exporters have expressed their strong opposition to the planned removal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system, highlighting its negative implications on the export sector and broader economy. “Without SVAT, the exporters will be required to pay VAT upfront on their purchases, significantly straining cash flow and tying up capital essential for business operations,” a statement issued by the National Chamber of Exporters of S
Commercial Bank of Ceylon has received a globally recognised Second-Party Opinion (SPO) for the bank’s Sustainable Bond Framework from Sustainable Fitch, the Fitch Solutions company that provides environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related ratings.
REUTERS: A worldwide tech outage crippled industries from travel to finance yesterday before services started coming back online after hours of disruption, highlighting the risks of a global shift towards digital, interconnected technologies. A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, opens new tab appeared to have triggered systems problems that grounded flights, opens new tab, forced some broadcasters off air and left customers
A total of 5.39 million kilogrammes of tea were on offer at this week’s Colombo Tea Auction, where 2.25 million kilogrammes were Low Grown Main Grades and 1.82 million kilogrammes were High and Mid Grown Main Grades. Asia Siyaka Commodities, in its update said, in the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, a few select best BOP1/OP1s maintained, whilst the best varieties were barely steady; the below best together with the poorer sorts declined. The s
Visa, a leading tech giant for digital payments, announced the relaunch of its prestigious Infinite cards, tailored for the affluent and high-net-worth customer segment in Sri Lanka Targeted at individuals with an asset base ranging grom Rs.0.5 million to Rs.1 million, the relaunch of the flagship product is an effort to define a value proposition for the segment along with offering curated benefits and services. “Consumers today are increasing
Sri Lanka’s canned fish manufacturers fear imminent collapse of the industry amidst free flow canned fish imports into the country despite the temporary import suspension announced by the Ministry of Fisheries. Early this year, Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda instructed the Director General of Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawaththa to suspend the issuance of prior-approvals temporarily, for the import of canned fish with effect from
Nations Trust Bank partnered with the George Keyt Foundation for the restoration of historic mural art at the Gothami Viharaya in Colombo, with the aim of preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. The murals at Gothami Viharaya, dating back nearly a century, underwent a restoration due to a significant threat to the historic building and its art. Nations Trust Bank supported the first phase of the restoration project, which involved the conservat
Sri Lanka’s Palm Oil Industry Association (POIA) yesterday urged the government to make evidence-based decisions regarding the ongoing delay in lifting the ban on palm oil and allow the small-scale cultivations in specified areas.
High achieving sales persons of Ceylinco Life and their family members were recently rewarded with a tour of Thailand. The 25-member group was treated to a Star Cruise, city tour and visits to a gem factory and to Dream World, in addition to dining at star-class restaurants. Pictured here is the group on its three-day visit to Bangkok.
Occidental Eden Beruwala recently launched its latest culinary innovation ‘Sippi,’ a refined A la carte restaurant. Deriving inspiration from the Sinhala words ‘sippikatu,’ meaning seashells, ‘Sippi’ combines the synergy of the sea with local gastronomic delights paired with the epitome of refined luxury. The evening unfolded with tantalising offerings, where fragrant island spices mingled with hand-crafted premium cocktails and wines, accompanie
Sri Lankan children countrywide as well as those living overseas can once again unleash their artistic talents and win cash prizes with the launch of the fifth edition of ‘Arunalu Siththam’ – the children’s art competition conducted by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon, which is offering Rs 2.4 million in cash prizes to winners. Exclusively for children between the ages of fourand 16, the competition is hosted under the banner of the Bank’s popular c
To commemorate the bank’s 63rd anniversary, People’s Bank Welfare Department recently organized a blood donation camp at the Head Office in Colombo 2. The event was attended by Sujeewa Rajapakse – Chairman of People’s Bank, Clive Fonseka - Chief Executive Officer/General Manager, Nipunika Wijayarathne - Deputy General Manager (Banking Support Services), Anura Perera - Deputy General Manager (Risk Management), Manjula Dissanayake – Deputy General
NDB Bank joined hands with Musaeus College as the Official Banking Partner for their annual Musaeus College Walk 2024, held on June 29th, to celebrate 90 years of the Musaeus College Past Pupils’ Association (MCPPA). The event was themed ‘Stronger together’. The walk commenced at 7:30 a.m. from Musaeus College, with over 7000 participants including the college management, faculty, students, past pupils, parents, and well-wishers. The pageant pa
Terumo Corporation together with its distribution partner Hemas Surgicals & Diagnostics (Pvt) Ltd, announced the donation of Nissei DS-11 Blood Pressure Monitors to the Sri Lanka College of Cardiologists. The initiative underscores a commitment to advancing cardiovascular health and empowering communities through innovative medical solutions. The initiative, spearheaded by Cardiologist Dr. Tanya Pereira, marks a significant milestone in the figh
The ASPI closed in red as a result of price losses in counters such as Senkadagala Finance, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 784 Mn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. Crossings were witnessed in Hayleys and John Keells Holdings accounting for 41.7% of the turnover. Mixed interest was observed in Hatton National Bank, Hayleys Fabric and Distilleries whilst retail interest was noted in Browns Inv
CBSL further eases monetary policy stance
CBSL’s single policy interest rate mechanism comes into effect today
Sri Lanka Economic Summit in January 2025
Industries Ministry public day re-launched after four years
Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche
SriLankan Airlines comes under Finance Ministry
Dr. Mahipala out from Health Ministry; removal or resignation?