The government has been sitting on an expert committee report on how to permit oil palm cultivation in identified Mahaweli areas and other areas, without deciding for nearly five months. According to the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry, the ministry forwarded the report to the secretary to the Cabinet of Ministers on January 12. In November 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to appoint an expert committee to explore the possibi
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday said it recognises the digital economy as a key enabler for Sri Lanka’s economic growth acceleration. National Digital Economy Strategy 2030, recently published by the Technology Ministry, provides a road map to unlock the benefits of the digital economy. The strategy focuses on the improvement of the digital infrastructure, implementation of the digital ID, improving cybersecurity legislation, conn
BBC: TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance says it has no intention of selling the business after the US passed a law to force it to sell the hugely popular video app or be banned in America. “ByteDance doesn’t have any plans to sell TikTok,” the company posted on its official account on Toutiao, a social media platform it owns. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC. Earlier this week, TikTok said it would c
SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka and Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, have embarked on a codeshare partnership, ushering in seamless travel to multiple new destinations throughout Asia, Africa and Australia for their passengers flying between Colombo and Mahé. Connecting people and places across continents, the collaboration empowers SriLankan Airlines to amplify its position and reach in Af
The closure of roads in connection with the visit of the Iranian President days ago, without prior warning during the evening rush hour, caused major traffic blocks and incensed the public. At some points, traffic was at a standstill for nearly an hour and a half. Unsurprisingly many motorists vented their anger by honking horns at the motorcade of the Iranian Leader who arrived in Lanka to inaugurate the Uma Oya Project. Work on the Uma Oya Pr
The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Aitken Spence with the turnover crossing Rs 4.1 Bn. A similar behaviour was itnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hayleys, John Keells Holdings and People’s Leasing & Finance. Mixed interest was observed in Browns Investments, Hemas Holdings and Lanka IOC whilst retail interest
The secondary market yield curve narrowly edged down after yesterday’s session, as buying interest extended in the market for the second consecutive day, with the investors gradually gaining confidence on the macro front. On the short end 2026 maturities, 15.05.2026, 01.06.2026, 01.08.2026
NDB Bank announced the winners of its “Salli Ratin, Thagi Apen, Remittance Avurudu Wasiya,” aimed at incentivizing the use of Western Union for foreign remittances. After an exciting promotion period from 5th March to 10th April, the lucky winners have been chosen through a lottery draw. Claiming the coveted 1st place prize is Thanuja Senavirathna from Nawalapitiya, followed closely by Wimalawathi from Kandy in 2nd place, and JM Nandawathie from
Advancing a commitment to women’s health and sustainable practices, Femography by MAS embarked on a mission to combat period poverty by donating over 10,000 reusable period wear items to vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka. Launched in commemoration of International Women’s Day, the initiative seeks to address the critical need for accessible menstrual care and aims to support over 2,000 women from economically disadvantaged communities, nat
Close to 950 people received free medical consultations and diagnostics services recently, as Ceylinco Life kicked off its ‘Waidya Hamuwa’ (Meet the doctor) community programme for the 18th year with four medical camps. The first four medical camps of 2024 took place in the Badulla, Ratnapura, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts, providing residents an opportunity to undergo essential medical tests and to discuss their health issues with doctors
Dompe Rotary Club recently donated food items and dry rations parcels worth Rs. 375,000 to twenty five pregnant women from Dompe , Diyaparagolla areas at a Service Project held at the Diyaparagolla Maternity Home. The Dompe Rotary Club and Methsaviya Sansadaya President Head of Arthur C. Clarke Centre Prof. Chandana Jayaratne also presented food items to pregnant women. Dompe Rotary Club Secretary Lasheen Fernando, Vice Secretary Tharindi Ellepo
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest serving Prime Minister was a guest on ‘Talking Foreign Affairs’ with Adil Cader. . Talking Foreign Affairs is an international start-up initiative focused on educating young people to play an active role in foreign affairs and diplomacy. The programme achieves this by engaging world leaders to share their insights and perspectives on foreign affairs and diplomacy. Talking Foreign Affairs has interviewed se
LG introduced a groundbreaking advancement in HVAC technology—the Multi V i, in collaboration with Abans Central Air Conditioning Department. This state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system represents a fusion of advanced engineering and intelligent AI integration, poised to redefine heating, ventilation, and air conditioning standards. It is a system that not only efficiently cools or heats your space but also adapts seamlessly to i
El Toro, a brand committed to sustainability, announced its ‘Good News Calendar’ initiative recently. The activation was implemented in collaboration with Softlogic GLOMARK, where individuals were asked to exchange three old newspapers for a Good News Calendar, simultaneously raising awareness about upcycling amongst the community. El Toro has upcycled over 1,600 kilograms of paper, substantially reducing the carbon footprint associated with trad
As a testament to Sri Lanka’s comeback in tourism and returning investor confidence, India’s luxury hotel giant yesterday launched its first ever international venture, US$ 500 million investment ITC Ratnadipa in the iconic Colombo
Certis Lanka, a pioneer in integrated security services, unveils its new brand identity as Sitrek Group, marking a significant milestone in its journey of over four decades. The grand reveal event took place recently at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, attended by esteemed guests, stakeholders and members of the media. The transformation to Sitrek Group represents a strategic shift towards reaffirming the company’s commitment to its core values of struct
Central Bank Governor Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday presented its Annual Economic Review 2023 and Financial Statements and Operations to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who’s also the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies.
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