Sri Lanka exceeds last October’s tourist arrivals in first 27 days of month

Sri Lanka surpassed last October’s total tourist arrivals within the first 27 days of this month, indicating the potential for a double-digit growth trajectory.

Sri Lanka must shift to trade-oriented production to manage debt post-IMF: Economist

As Sri Lanka prepares to resume repayment of its significant sovereign debt by 2028, a leading economist has called for a strategic shift towards trade-oriented production, to secure a primary surplus essential for debt management, once the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme concludes.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry says recent travel warnings were overblown

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector called the recent travel warnings ‘overblown’, asserting that the country remains a safe destination, with the authorities having implemented measures to address the potential security concerns.

WindForce secures solar power project in Maldives

WindForce PLC has signed an agreement for the engineering, procurement and commissioning of a 366-kilowatt peak rooftop solar power project on Cocoon Island in the Maldives, the company said in a disclosure to the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Culinary Champions 2024 in Kandy sees threefold rise in competing chefs

The second edition of signature Culinary Champions 2024 in Kandy is set to witness a more than threefold increase in competitors, as the culinary industry aligns with the event’s goal of boosting tourism by showcasing unique cuisines from the Hill Country and surrounding regions.

ASPI crosses 12,600 mark

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as LOLC Holdings, Browns Investments and National Development Bank with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.4 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20.

Investor sentiment takes a turn following bond auction

The secondary market experienced a notable reversal in investor sentiment as modest buying interest emerged after a week of sustained selling pressure.

Ceylon Chamber and SLGMBC lead biz promotion mission to Thailand

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka–Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC), recently concluded a successful business promotion mission to Thailand from 16th to 19th October.

CL Synergy celebrates 20 years in freight forwarding and logistics

Freight Forwarding and Logistics company CL Synergy Limited (CLS) celebrated 20 years of operations in September this year.

Assetline Finance appoints Mano Rajakariar to the board

Assetline Finance Limited (Assetline Finance) recently announced the appointment of Mano Rajakariar as Independent, Non-Executive Director of the Company.

HNB ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ returns to empower entrepreneurs

HNB PLC announced the return of its ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ Microfinance Grant for 2023/24, disbursing Rs. 5.2 million to 52 selected microfinance entrepreneurs.

Haycarb triumphs at ARC International Awards 2024

Haycarb PLC announced that its 2023/24 Annual Report has been honoured with two awards at the 38th International ARC Awards, headquartered in New York.

ComBank top officials meet CB Governors of Bangladesh & Maldives

The Chairman of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC Sharhan Muhseen and the bank’s Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge recently held discussions with the Governors of the Central Banks of Bangladesh and the Maldives on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Washington DC.

New Anthoney’s Group feed business achieves ISO certification

New Anthoney’s Group recently announced that its feeds business has been awarded the ISO 22000:2018 certification, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable feed solutions that support the growing needs of the poultry industry in Sri Lanka.

SEC and CSE hold Investor Education Forum in Matale

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), conducted an Investor Forum in Matale at The Grand Mountain Hotel recently.

DirectPay achieves 1000x growth in 60 months

In just 60 months, DirectPay has accomplished an extraordinary 1000x growth, solidifying its position as a leading player in the Sri Lankan fintech space.

eCommerce solution ‘xCommerz’ recognized for excellence

xCommerz, the innovative eCommerce solution from Xiteb, has once again been honoured at the National ICT Awards 2024, solidifying its position as a leading force in the digital commerce landscape.

NDB Bank empowers female entrepreneurs with Non-Financial Advisory Forum

NDB Bank under its Banking on Women platform, conducted a skill development programme on business excellence through digitalisation and export orientation for women entrepreneurs in the Central Region recently.

Sithara awarded Bronze at CNCI Achiever Awards

Sithara Limited, a printing ink manufacturer was presented a Bronze Award at the CNCI Achiever Awards – 2024 for industrial excellence,organized by the Ceylon National Chamber of Industries.

Havelock City Mall marks 1st anniversary

Havelock City Mall celebrated its 1st year anniversary with a series of successful events and promotions.

Fits Holidays launches user-centric website

Fits Holidays is an up-and-coming name in the travel industry, a wing of FitsAir, known for its dependable aviation services, announced the launch of its newly revamped website (www.fitsholidays.com).

Rocell opens latest showroom in Gampaha

Rocell recently unveiled its newest 73rd Concept Centre in Gampaha.

JFS wins Gold at Achievers Awards for second consecutive year

HR Tech conglomerate JFS Holdings Limited secured its fifth consecutive award by winning Gold at the CNCI Achievers Awards 2024 for the second year in a row.

SLCERT warns WhatsApp users against sharing OTPs to prevent hacking

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warned WhatsApp users today not to share any one-time password (OTP) with third parties, as their accounts are at risk of being hacked.

Two-thirds of public sector FTE expenses could be cut with correct technology: Former ICTA Chairman

The government could potentially cut off two-thirds of its public sector workforce expenses by strategically implementing the correct technology to streamline public services, according to former ICTA chairman.

Proposed data management policy favours controllers, undermines subject rights: ISACA

The proposed Personal Data Management Policy (PDMP) unequivocally favours data controllers while undermining the rights of data subjects, according to the local chapter of Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

LIOC revenues up but profits tumble on lower margins in September

Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) reported higher revenues but profits tumbled in the quarter ended in September 2024 reflecting growing demand for fuel in a recovering economy, but the margins narrowed, taking a toll on the bottom-line.

Paddy farmers gear up for Maha season boost

Paddy farmers are gearing up to expand their cultivation this Maha season, encouraged by the government’s recent increase in the fertiliser subsidy.

CSE becomes fourth best performing stock exchange in Asia

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has become the fourth best performing stock exchange in Asia just behind China, Taiwan and Pakistan so far during this year.

Plans underway for Rs. 3bn facility complex at Ratmalana Airport

The Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) has called for bids to construct a state-of-the-art airport facility complex at the Ratmalana Airport.