MTI launches Next-Gen Directors Programme with two Sri Lanka appointments

MTI Consulting has launched its Next-Gen Directors Programme, with the appointment of Malithi Herath and Christine....

PLC’s Classique, Sri Lanka’s first EDGE-certified green building

The Classique Centre by People’s Leasing & Finance (PLC) has earned distinction as Sri Lanka’s first EDGE-certified....

People’s Bank facilitates over 17mn transactions this Avurudu season

People’s Bank, the leader in digital banking innovation, possessing the largest customer base in Sri Lanka, announced...

Macktiles Lanka opens 33rd showroom in Pitakotte

Macktiles introduced its 33rd showroom located at No. 558/1, Pitakotte, Kotte, marking another milestone in the company’s....

Central Bank identifies eight more promoting pyramid schemes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has identified eight more entities promoting pyramid schemes in the country. In a notice....

Can Sri Lanka’s IMF programme be renegotiated by a future government?

When compared to other countries, Sri Lanka’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme is lenient in my opinion. Even if the...

IMF third tranche hinges on proposed PFM Act: Dr. Coomaraswamy

The proposed Public Financial Management (PFM) Act remains crucial for the disbursement of the third tranche under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) US$ 3billion bailout package, stressed Former Central Bank (CB) Governor and economist, Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy.

Microsoft Cyber Signals report furnishes strategic guidance on comprehending cybersecurity

As cyber threats escalate globally, the imperative to design, deploy and utilise AI securely has never been more....

Hatch-Orion City unveil collaboration through one app

Hatch, the esteemed accelerator/incubator and Orion City, the foremost IT park, have unveiled an innovative digital platform....

Malaysia’s FLIP and ALT X to develop AI-driven platform

Altered Experience (ALT X), Sri Lanka’s international award-winning business solutions company for the age of convergence...

Loosening fiscal squeeze could derail IMF programme commitments: Economist

A top economist yesterday raised concerns over the “loosening of fiscal squeeze” by authorities to stimulate economic growth. Since doing so could lead to potential risks of jeopardising Sri Lanka’s agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Tourist arrival momentum dips slightly in April

Tourist arrivals to the island nation continue to pickup from levels witnessed since the pandemic and the economic crisis. However, a slight drop in momentum is seen for the month of April.

More than one in five cars sold worldwide in 2024 will be electric

More than one in five cars sold worldwide in 2024 will be electric vehicles (EV’s) according to the forecasts of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

CBSL announces eight new pyramid activities

Based on complaints received, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has released eight other institutions and inputs identified as engaging in pyramid activities.

National consumer prices soften in March

The consumer prices measured by the broader National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) continued to soften in March, as the non-food prices cooled sharply while the food prices remained unchanged from a year ago.

Uncertainties on EDR, keeps investors at bay

The secondary market continued to entice a dull sentiment from previous sessions, largely on the back of the prevailing uncertainty surrounding external debt restructuring, which kept investors on the sidelines. During the day, limited transactions and thin trades were observed, mainly on the belly-end of the curve, with more liquid 01.08.26 recording trades at 11.15 percent whilst 15.09.27 and 15.05.30 maturities witness

CSE bounces back with foreign buying

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Commercial Bank, LOLC Finance and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs 1.3 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Hemas Holdings PLC. Mixed interest was observed in Lanka Milk Foods, Capital Alliance and Commercial Bank whilst retail interest was noted in LOLC Finance, Browns Investmen

Six suitors in the running for SriLankan Airlines

The government’s search for a suitor for national carrier SriLankan Airlines has narrowed down with a total of six bidders showing interest in the debt-ridden entity.

Oldfort Café becomes Colombo’s newest meeting point

Oldfort Café is Colombo’s latest restaurant and café located in close proximity to Colombo Fort Railway Station. This themed restaurant retains the grandeur of the old city in a unique way that would take the customers down memory lane. The restaurant has been designed to recapture the old façade of Colombo Fort in its pristine age of yesteryear. It is an interior design marvel that showcases the flamboyance of the old city. Despite its artifac

SLASSCOM holds People Summit 2024

The SLASSCOM People Summit 2024, organized by the SLASSCOM HR Forum at Waters Edge on March 13th, brought together industry leaders, experts, and practitioners to discuss current workplace challenges. Speakers from various sectors shared emerging trends and innovative HR strategies, inspiring attendees to drive positive organizational change through interactive discussions and insightful sessions. The summit began with the CXO Breakfast and Conf

Bath Spa University unveils New London Campus

An International Recruitment team from Bath Spa visited India and Sri Lanka in February to promote Bath Spa University London (BSUL) and the newly launched Postgraduate Master Courses which are offered at the London site. The Bath Spa University team visited India and Sri Lanka between the 21st and 27th February, covering three cities in India (Delhi, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad) and Colombo in Sri Lanka. The visit underscores Bath Spa University’s

FAPM Conference highlights Toastmasters’ impact in the corporate sphere

The Faculty of Agricultural and Plantation Management (FAPM) of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka hosted the Division H (District 82) year-end conference of Toastmasters International for the 2023/2024 season recently. Dubbed as ‘Hotshots’, the event not only celebrated the art of public speaking, but also brought together the best of Division H. The conference saw a distinguished lineup of Toastmasters, including D.T.M. Lawrance Madapatha (E

PB sponsors programme to develop youth tech skills

People’s Bank has announced the successful selection of 100 students to attend its “Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators” Youth Tech Skill Development programme. This initiative, in partnership with Sarvodaya Fusion—the IT education arm of the Sarvodaya movement, aims to equip the nation’s youth with essential technological skills for future careers. The initiative reflects People’s Bank’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility by promoti

Cloé Café opens flagship outlet in Nawala

Cloé Café, an Australian coffee chain recently opened its flagship outlet in Nawala. The grand opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy High Commissioner for Australia in Sri Lanka Lalita Kapoor and several other guests. With a tagline of “An Australian roast where every cup tells a story,” Cloé Café brings the rich heritage of Australian coffee culture to the vibrant streets of Sri Lanka. As a subsidiary of WishQue, a leading e-

Agripreneurs’ Forum partners USAID to conduct Agcelerator Bootcamp

In an effort to support young entrepreneurs in agriculture, the Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum (SLAF) is collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to organize the Agcelerator Bootcamp. The Agcelerator Bootcamp, hosted by SLAF and supported by USAID Catalyze Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, is a training programme aimed at founders of agricultural startups, small and medium-sized agricultu

Legal cigarette market contracts by 19% amid surge in demand for illicit alternatives

In 2023, Sri Lanka witnessed a significant 19 percent year-on-year (YoY) decrease in legal cigarette consumption, representing less than a quarter of the combustible tobacco market share. This decline is attributed to substantial tax increases, which have spurred a surge in demand for illicit cigarettes and less regulated beedi, as reported by Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC). The market share of legal cigarettes fell to 24 percent from 2022’s 30 per

Tesla cuts prices in major markets as sales fall

BBC: Tesla has cut its prices again in a number of major markets - including the US, China and Germany - as the electric car giant run by multi-billionaire Elon Musk faces falling sales. The move comes after it reported a sharp fall in its global vehicle deliveries in the first three months of this year. A price war has been intensifying between electric vehicle (EV) makers, with particularly fierce competition coming from Chinese firms. Tesla is

Telin, Dialog Axiata join hands to manage international voice and SMS termination

Dialog Axiata PLC and Telin, the international arm of Telkom Indonesia, have inked a new master service agreement (MSA), where the latter will exclusively provide managed services for international A2P SMS traffic and international voice termination traffic to Dialog. The agreement aims to monetise international traffic while extending unparalleled convenience, enhanced security, global coverage and consistent service quality to customers, Dialo

State revenue surpasses 1Q target by 6%

State revenue surpassed the target set for the first quarter of the year ended in March by 6 percent to Rs.834 billion, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. While the expected revenue target for 1Q24 was Rs.787 billion, the government expects a revenue collection of Rs.4,106 billion for the whole of 2024. In a press statement, Siyambalapitiya said that it has been possible to exceed the expected state revenue in the first quarter

Norges Bank’s Sri Lankan equity portfolio rebounds in 2023

Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages Norway’s US $ 1.5 trillion Government Pension Fund Global, saw its equity investments in Sri Lanka rebounding in 2023, driven by the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee and market performances during the year. According to the official website of Norges Bank Investment Management, the fund’s equity portfolio in Sri Lanka rebounded to US $ 56.22 million at the end of 2023, from US $ 35.49 million