BOI, St. Joseph’s hospitals ink US $ 3.2mn investment deal

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) this week signed an investment agreement worth US $ 3.2 million with St. Joseph’s Children’s Care and Adult hospitals.

ComBank tops banking sector in LMD’s first Corporate Happiness Index

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been ranked No 1 among Sri Lankan banks in the inaugural Corporate Happiness Index just released by the LMD magazine. The bank has also been ranked one of Sri Lanka’s Happiest Second Homes, taking the fifth place overall in the ranking, following the high positions it achieved in the 16 attributes that made up the survey conducted by PepperCube Consultants for this pioneering initiative.

EDB wraps up study tour in Thailand exploring automotive supplies for Sri Lanka

The Export Development Board (EDB) recently wrapped up a study tour in Thailand for Sri Lankan exporters and manufacturers in the automotive sector, to explore potential supplies and business opportunities for the local industry.

Fair demand seen at tea auction this week

The penultimate sale of the year, concluded this week, had on offer a total of 5.8 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), down from 6.1 M/Kgs on offer the previous week.

Turnover crosses LKR 9.2 BN

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Central Finance Company, Ceylon Cold Stores and Melstacorp with the turnover crossing Rs. 9.2 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in The Colombo Fort Land & Building, SMB Leasing and Housing Development Finance Corporation. Mixed interest was observed in Sierra Cables, Hatton National Bank an

Dull sentiment arises ahead of holiday season

The secondary market yield curve remained broadly unchanged ahead of the holiday season, with the secondary market witnessing limited activity and ultra-thin volumes.

Shangri-La Colombo unveils ‘Hazelnut & Passion Yule Log Train’ culinary treasure

This festive season, Shangri-La Colombo unveils an exclusive culinary treasure - the Hazelnut & Passion Yule Log Train. Inspired by Sri Lanka’s iconic train journeys, this limited-edition creation redefines indulgence, offering a rare and luxurious treat for the most discerning connoisseurs.

Ayr Castle 1922 - newest addition to exquisite boutique collection

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Padukka, Ayr Castle 1922 is the newest addition to the exquisite boutique collection, Reveal the Collection. Here, guests are invited to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience a sanctuary where history and luxury beautifully intertwine. The opening ceremony of Ayr Castle was a heartfelt celebration of its rich history, as the 1922 story was brought back to life by the Reveal The Collectio

NDB Bank spreads holiday cheer with staff Christmas Carols

NDB Bank recently hosted its much-anticipated annual Christmas Carols Celebration for staff and their families, bringing the festive spirit alive on 13 December,

Spreading holiday cheer with Body Shop’s new festive collection

It’s the holiday season, and Body Shop got a whole lot of things to plan! Seasonal scents, holiday hair, festive skin and body care, and of course the personalized gifting.

People’s Bank holds 46th Annual Christmas Carols

The Christian Guild of the People’s Bank recently held its 46th Annual Christmas Carols at the People’s Bank Head Quarters Branch, Colombo 02. The staff representing branches located in Colombo, Puttalam, Kalutara and Jaffna & Wanni regions sang the carols.

Thyaga launches “Dading, Biding, Gifting” campaign

Gifting platform Thyaga has launched the “Dading, Biding, Gifting” campaign, just in time for the festive season. The initiative aims to address the challenge of finding the perfect gift by providing flexibility and personalization through Thyaga Gift Vouchers.

Cool Planet lights up holidays with seasonal collections

Cool Planet is making the festive season brighter than ever this December with “Light Up the Moment.” This festive theme brings joy to holiday shopping with exclusive collections, exciting activities, and unmatched promotions, offering something special for every member of the family. Adding to the holiday spirit, all Cool Planet outlets are adorned with vibrant Christmas décor, creating a magical atmosphere for shoppers.

Union Bank rings in the season with Christmas Carols

Ushering in the festive season Union Bank held its annual Christmas Carols

“Anthem of the Seas” cruise experience part of HNB’s exclusive seasonal offers

HNB PLC recently announced the launch of an extensive range of special offers for cardholders, including discounts of up to 70 percent off and a host of unique benefits from a wide selection of over 300 popular merchants island wide this festive season.

SriLankan Toastmasters raise a toast to 22 years of excellence

The SriLankan Airlines Toastmasters Club, the second oldest corporate club in Sri Lanka, recently raised a toast to a well-travelled legacy and its equally promising future at its 22nd Annual Officer Installation Ceremony, held at the SriLankan Aviation College in Katunayake.

ComBank marks completion of 100,000 trees project with pledge to plant another 100,000

Sri Lanka is 100,000 trees richer thanks to the completion, ahead of schedule, of a commitment by the Commercial Bank of Ceylon to plant that number of trees at selected locations across the island, and the bank has announced plans to plant another 100,000 trees over the next 12 months.

Ceylinco Life 89th classroom donation benefits school in Arayampathy, Batticaloa

A group of children in the scenic coastal town of Arayampathy in Batticaloa will start the new school year with a new classroom, thanks to the generosity of Ceylinco Life.

Eva and SLRC launch menstrual health campaign for schools

Eva joined forces with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRC) to launch an island-wide Menstrual Health and Hygiene Awareness Programme. Aimed at reaching schools across the island during 2025, this initiative seeks to equip students with vital knowledge while addressing stigmas surrounding menstruation.

NTB’s Urban Forestry Initiative takes root for greener tomorrow

Nations Trust Bank recently launched an Urban Forestry Initiative, a multi-phase tree-planting projectthat is aimed at increasing greener spaces in Colombo citywhileencouraging environmental stewardship.

People’s Bank celebrates excellence in sports

People’s Bank Sports Awards ceremony was recently held at Eagles’ Lake Side Banquet Hall, Aththidiya, to honour the outstanding achievements of the bank’s sports community.

SLIC General conducts Insurance Quiz Competition 2024

Sales professionals from Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Ltd (SLICGL) converged at the Head Office on 11 November, to compete in the grand final round of the General Insurance Quiz Competition 2024 and awards ceremony.

Cakey and Bakey founder honoured at Women Legends Awards

Dilmi Sathsarani Godage, founder of Cakey and Bakey, was recognised as the Best Creative Cake Artist of the Year at the Women Legends 2024, organised by MUGP International Organisation.

John Keells Group marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The John Keells Group commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, reaffirming its commitment to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through sustained initiatives and targeted campaigns carried out by its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entity, John Keells Foundation (JKF).

Western province leads economic contribution to 2023 GDP with 43.7% share

The Western province continued to lead the provincial gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, albeit slipping from the 2022 levels while the North Western and Central provinces following as the distant second and third in the provincial distribution of Sri Lanka’s total economic output.

Sri Lanka to issue new bonds today

Sri Lanka will issue US$ 10.4 billion in macro-linked bonds (MLBs), including US$ 1.6 billion in governance bonds and Rs. 155 billion in rupee bonds today.

Government decides to further ease capital controls

The government has decided to further ease certain restrictions imposed on outward remittances for a six month-period until June next year based on recommendation of the Central Bank (CB).

New labelling, advertising rules leave confectionery industry in sticky situation

The confectionery industry expressed serious concerns over a new set of rules, introduced for labelling and advertising packaged food in the country, which is set to take effect from January 2025.

Port of Colombo poised for record-breaking year as it surpasses 7mn TEUs

The Port of Colombo achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container throughput by the end of November 2024, marking its highest performance since 2021. This achievement positions the port to close the year with its highest-ever container throughput.

CEB secures US$150 mn ADB loan for transmission network expansion

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a US$150 million loan agreement with state-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to support key upgrades in the country’s electricity transmission infrastructure, the CEB said yesterday.