SLT-Mobitel introduces range of All-in-One postpaid packages

Presenting a significant leap in mobile communication services, SLT-Mobitel Mobile has introduced the ultimate revolutionary M+ Postpaid Individual packages, which are flexible and feature-rich, catering to the evolving needs of customers.

Sri Lanka among top ten most improved in Basel AML Index 2024

Sri Lanka has secured a place among the top ten countries demonstrating the most progress in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, as highlighted by the 13th Basel AML Index 2024.

November remittances at US$ 530mn taking total to US$ 6.0bn

The Sri Lankans working abroad have sent back US$ 530.1 million in November.

November tourism earnings jump to US$ 273 mn on solid winter season arrivals

Tourism earnings in November 2024 recorded US$ 272.9 million, rising sharply from US$ 205.3 million in the same month a year ago and US$ 185.6 million generated in October due to a solid winter arrivals season.

Palm oil industry optimistic on cultivation ban reversal

Sri Lanka’s palm oil industry sounded optimistic on the possibility of having the ban on oil palm cultivation reversed as one of the key focuses of the new government is agriculture and poverty alleviation.

November tea prices dip from last month, maintain YoY gains

The national tea sales average for November 2024 slipped to Rs. 1,137.22 (US$ 3.92) per kilogram, down Rs. 34.93 (US$ 0.10) from October’s average of Rs. 1,172.15 (US$ 4.02), data showed.

Rs.10 bn Aviyana Private Chalet project to contribute US$ 500 mn to tourism earnings

The Rs.10 billion Aviyana Private Chalets , a distinctive ‘7-star’ luxury boutique hotel project aims to generate US$ 500 million in foreign exchange revenue next year with operations set to commence next year.

Fire incident prompts  temporary shutdown of  ‘The Steuart by Citrus’

The Steuart by Citrus, located in Colombo 1, will be temporarily closed following a fire that occurred in one of its upper floors on 5 December.

NCE Export Awards 2024 concludes amidst glamour and glitz

The most prestigious business event celebrating the exceptional performance of Sri Lankan exporters, NCE Export Awards 2024, was held on December 6 at Main Ballroom of Hotel Shangri-La Colombo.

AIA honoured as Wellness Champion at Great Place to Work awards

AIA Insurance has won the Sri Lanka Great Place to Work (GPTW) first-ever workplace wellness award.

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024: Fostering innovation and inclusivity across Sri Lanka

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2024, hosted by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka, was a remarkable and transformative celebration that highlighted the vital themes of innovation, inclusivity and collaboration in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Hayleys Fentons unveils 1st immersive Experience Centre

Hayleys Fentons Limited announced the opening of its inaugural Experience Centre located at 223B, Nawala Road, Nugegoda.

Pan Asia Bank opens Hatton Digital Zone

Pan Asia Bank announced the opening of its latest Digital Zone in Hatton, bringing state-of-the-art banking solutions to the community.

Akshata’s Nutrition Sri Lanka programme to combat malnutrition

Nutrition Sri Lanka, an ambitious programme to end malnutrition, was formally launched recently.

JAAF and Solidaridad chart path for EU market alignment

The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and Solidaridad, a civil society organisation, recently co-hosted a one-day workshop in Colombo to address the European Union’s (EU) Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

KPMG’s tax default and recovery method webinar tomorrow

The KPMG Sri Lanka Academy is organising a virtual assembly titled ‘Taxes in Default and Recovery Methods: Law and Practical Considerations’, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

DFCC Leasing offers tailor-made solutions to tourism industry

In line with the government’s decision to provide vehicle import permits to the tourism industry for a limited number of buses and vans, DFCC Leasing offers a range of innovative, tailormade solutions.

SL-Russia Business Council holds 21st AGM

The 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (SLRBC) was held recently at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo 3.

HNB launches exclusive affinity card for SJC OBU

HNB PLC recently announced its partnership with the Old Boys’ Union (OBU) of St. Joseph’s College (SJC) Colombo 10 and its Ja-Ela, Wattala branch to launch an exclusive affinity credit card for its members.

Rs.3mn in bill wipeouts for 60 ComBank credit card holders this month

Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced an exciting initiative to enhance the spirit of seasonal shopping.

Aitken Spence Printing wins at Vietnam APEA and APA in Indonesia

Aitken Spence Printing received two Bronze awards in the Digital Printing Category at two prestigious industry events held in Vietnam and Indonesia.

LOLC Finance relocates Jaffna metro branch

LOLC Finance PLC announced the relocation of its Jaffna metro branch to its very own premises, at No. 584, Hospital Road, Jaffna.

CEAT to take over Michelin’s Camso off-highway tyre division in US $ 225mn deal

Transaction will include business with revenues of around US $ 213mn (Rs.62bn) in CY 2023 and global ownership of Camso brand Camso brand will be permanently assigned to CEAT across categories after a 3-year licensing period

Prez announces plans to establish 5 new investment zones across SL next year

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week announced plans to establish five new investment zones across Sri Lanka next year as part of the government’s efforts to ensure financial stability via foreign investments.

BLS International expands visa operations to Sri Lanka with new Spain visa centre

BLS International announced the commencement of Spain Visa operations in Sri Lanka, marking this milestone as a significant step in enhancing customer experience and simplifying the visa application process for Sri Lankan residents.

Festive negotiations

Employees in action to bring the ChristAmas spirit to the office, one deal at a time.

Hambantota Port rejuvenates container operations with US $ 41mn crane upgrade

The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) yesterday announced a significant investment of US $ 41 million in state-of-the-art crane technology, set to be fully operational by January 2025.

Colombo Tea Auction sees offering of 4.98 MnKgs this week

The offerings at the Colombo Tea Auction totalled 4.98 million kilogrammes, which was net with fair demand.

Week ends on a positive note

The ASPI closed in green as a result of price gains in counters such as Hayleys, Sunshine Holdings and LOLC Holdings with the turnover crossing Rs. 4.9 Bn. A similar behaviour was witnessed in the S&P SL20. High net worth and institutional investor participation was noted in Melstacorp, LOLC Holdings and Access Engineering. Mixed interest was observed in HNB Finance, Agarapatana Plantations and Kotagala Plantations whilst retail interest was note

Mixed sentiment persists amidst thin trading volumes

The secondary market yield curve experienced a mixed sentiment, as both selling activity and buying activity persisted at similar levels. The overall volumes remained thin amidst limited trading volume. Notable trades were amongst the 2026, 2028 and 2031 maturities. On the short end of the curve, 15.12.26 was seen trading between rates of 9.45 percent - 9.50 percent. Meanwhile, on the belly end of the curve, 15.02.28, 01.05.28 and 15.10.28 were s