Sri Lanka’s leap as a hub for transnational education and global opportunities

A recent report by the British Council revealed that Sri Lanka is now the second largest transnational education (TNE) partner for the UK, with the island accounting for an impressive 10 percent UK TNE enrolments in the recent academic period.

Govt. secures IMF nod to raise PAYE threshold to Rs.150,000

The government has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise the income tax-free threshold to Rs.150,000 per month, from the current Rs.100,000, a move aimed at providing relief to the lower-income groups.

Defaulters of small loans offered restructuring option till December 2025

The borrowers with loans below Rs.25 million would be given the option of restructuring until December 2025, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

November tea exports decline by 6.4% YoY

Sri Lanka’s tea exports for November 2024 fell to 20.07 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), a 6.4 percent decline, from 21.46 M/Kgs in November 2023.

Sri Lanka among top five most popular Asian destinations for Russian tourists

Sri Lanka continues to rank among the top five most popular Asian travel destinations for Russian tourists, with a record number expected to visit during the winter season, according to Yandex, one of Europe’s largest internet companies based in Russia.

Cartoon 19.12.2024

President says Adani Group’s global troubles won’t affect SL’s investment decisions

While controversies revolve around India’s Adani Group, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has placed on record that his government is not concerned with Adani Group’s dealings with other countries.

Indices close on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hatton National Bank, Diesel & Motor Engineering and CIC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.0 Bn.

Auction yields slump down across board

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka conducted its weekly T-bill auction yesterday, successfully raising Rs.185.0 billion, with the total offered amount being fully accepted across all maturities.

Agromet Asia triumphs at NCE Annual Export Awards

In a stellar achievement, Agromet Asia (Pvt) Ltd, has been honoured with two awards at the NCE Annual Export Awards 2024 held on 06 December at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo.

Hemas Consumer Brands wins at SLIM Brand Excellence Awards

Hemas Consumer Brands (HCB) has yet again reinforced its leadership in Sri Lanka’s Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, emerging victorious at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards 2024.

McLarens launches 3M ceramic coating

McLarens group, the distributor of premium 3M automotive products in Sri Lanka announced the long-awaited 3M ceramic coating launch.

PATA CEO to attend Tourism Awards Ceremony 2024

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), has invited Noor Ahmad Hamid, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), to visit Sri Lanka from December 19th to 21st.

Pelwatte Dairy announces special seasonal consumer promo on salted butter

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited (PDIL) announced an exclusive consumer promotion for its salted Butter 200g pack.

Home Lands Skyline Triumphs Again as Sri Lanka’s Best Developer

Home Lands Skyline reaffirmed its status as the undisputed leader in real estate development in Sri Lanka by winning the prestigious “Best Developer – Sri Lanka Award” at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, held recently at the Athenee Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand on 13th December 2024.

OKI DOKI wins Silver at National Logistics Awards

OKI DOKI, a digital transportation solutions provider, and a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings, secured a Silver Award in the Transport category at the National Logistics Awards 2024.

Pan Asia Bank, NCCSL, NEDA partner to recognise emerging entrepreneurs

Pan Asia Bank has been a pivotal partner of the Western Province Entrepreneur Awards 2024.

NSB triumphs at CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards

National Savings Bank (NSB) has once again proven its commitment to transparency, accountability, and outstanding corporate reporting by securing two prestigious accolades at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024.

Socomec forms strategic alliance with Venora Group

Socomec, a France-based specialist in low voltage power management with over a century of expertise, has announced a strategic partnership with Boxy Private Limited, a subsidiary of the Venora Group—one of Sri Lanka’s leading players in Electrical Engineering and Telecommunication.

Sri Lanka’s economy expands 5.5% in 3Q

Sri Lanka’s third quarter output expanded at a faster 5.5 percent in the third quarter ended in September 2024, compared to the same period last year.

Tourism revival boosts Indian restaurant interest in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is witnessing growing interest from popular Indian restaurant brands, reflecting the country’s market potential and its steady recovery post-economic crisis, according to Colombo-based market research agency Sparkwinn Research.

Sri Lanka’s internet subscriptions hit 26mn connections

The number of internet subscriptionsin Sri Lanka, including mobile internet connections, has risen to 26 million units by the end of the second quarter of 2024, according to local analytics platform Charts.lk.

IDB seeks public input to shape policy measures

The Industrial Development Board of Sri Lanka (IDB) has launched a survey to gather business ideas from the general public in an effort to support the growth of Small, Medium and Large enterprises operating in the country.

ACCA Sri Lanka proposes govt. to establish Budget Monitoring Unit

Sri Lanka’s Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), under its comprehensive set of proposals for the 2025 national budget, has proposed the government to establish a Budget Monitoring Unit as a key priority. While there are mechanisms in place to monitor the budget, primarily through the National Budget Department at the Treasury, there is no centralised unit solely dedicated to budget monitoring. However, there was a monitoring un

Foreign buying continues

The ASPI edged up as a result of price gains in counters such as John Keells Holdings, Commercial Bank and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 6.3 bn.

Yield curve dips from the belly end

The secondary market yield curve experienced slight buying interest in the belly end of the curve yesterday, where it showed a slight dip.

NDB, first Sri Lankan bank certified in ISO trio

NDB Bank has reached an extraordinary milestone by becoming the first commercial bank in Sri Lanka to secure all three globally recognised ISO certifications: ISO 27001:2022 for Information Security, ISO 22301:2019 for Business Continuity Management and most recently, ISO 20000:2018 for IT Service Management.

HNB Assurance wins Gold at 38th Annual International ARC Awards

HNB Assurance PLC has once again demonstrated its excellence in corporate reporting by winning the prestigious Gold award for the PDF Version of the Annual Report - Insurance, Life and Health Category, at the 38th Annual International ARC Awards.

PMF Finance reports exceptional 6-month performance

PMF Finance PLC delivered a remarkable performance for the six months ended September 30, 2024, achieving substantial growth and progress through decisive actions that establish a strong foundation.

SLT-Mobitel introduces seasonal offers

SLT-Mobitel announced an exciting line-up of fixed and mobile seasonal offers for December 2024, delivering a wide and exciting bonanza for new and existing customers.