Covid-19 Intermediate Care Center inaugurated at Katunayaka FTZ

The Covid-19 Intermediate Care Center at the Katunayaka Free Trade Zone was inaugurated yesterday by the Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala.

Mahela appointed to Janashakthi Insurance board

Janashakthi Insurance PLC has appointed ace cricketer Mahela Jayawardene to its board of directors as a Non-Executive/Independent Director with effect from July 5, 2021.

First batch of WB-funded Pfizer vaccines received by SL

Sri Lanka’s inoculation drive for COVID-19 will pick up pace as the first batch of the 800,000 Pfizer vaccine doses, financed by the World Bank (WB) arrived in the country earlier today.

Farmers back President’s decision to ban chemical fertilizer

District Farmers’ representatives came forward today to pledge their commitment to return to environment friendly farming practices and have urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to not reverse the decision to ban chemical fertilizers.

CSE and CHEC Port City enter MoU

In a move to boost the capital markets in Sri Lanka, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) entered into an MoU with CHEC Port City earlier today, so that a regionally recognized financial exchange is established within the country’s borders.

SL to borrow US $ 150mn from ADB for COVID-19 vaccination

The Cabinet of Ministers this week granted approval to obtain U$ $150 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to roll out ‘Responsive COVID-19 Vaccines for Recovery Project’, which includes funding for vaccinations.

UoC law students win WTI’s Moot Court Competition

Sri Lanka came under the fresh international spotlight with a team from the University of Colombo (UoC) bagging the World Trade Institute’s (WTI) 2021 John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition.

UL first in South Asia to receive Diamond status from APEX

National carrier SriLankan Airlines has become the first carrier in the South Asian region to receive the Diamond accreditation from Airline Passengers Experience Association (APEX) and SimpliFlying, an upgrade received for the added measures taken to safeguard passengers during the ongoing pandemic.

CBSL sets record straight on Foreign Currency Liquidity in Domestic Market

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued a statement to the media a short while ago on concerns raised regarding the foreign currency liquidity issue in the domestic market.

Jaffna to get startup incubators

Northern province city, Jaffna will soon see the establishment of startup incubators to support budding entrepreneurs with the Prime Minister’s office having initiated the dialogue in this regard with the Mayor of Jaffna earlier today.

China allows Sri Lankan fish imports

China allows Sri Lankan fish imports

SL gets US $ 100mn Indian credit line for solar power generation

Sri Lanka inked a loan agreement amounting to US$ 100 million with India earlier today to increase the proportion of renewable energy sources to the national grid.

Pandemic drags Emirates to US $5.5bn loss, its first in 33 years

Emirates said Dubai’s government would continue to support the airline through the coronavirus pandemic after posting an annual loss of $5.5 billion, its first in more than three decades.

H’tota port to become strategic energy center for SL

The Hambantota Port will be developed to become a strategic energy center in Sri Lanka with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) having entered into an MoU.

Child labour on the rise, ILO warns

Increasing number of children are at risk with global child labour figures expanding by 8.4 million within the last four years, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) warned.

Virtusa appoints Santosh Thomas as new CEO

Virtusa Corporation today announced the appointment of Santosh Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Govt. urges biz to operate without violating health protocols

The government called on businesses to carry out operations in a manner in which they do not violate the health protocols since the economy cannot handle a complete lockdown in the current circumstances.

Components makers stand to benefit from SL’s inexpensive skilled workforce: EDB

The Export Development Board (EDB) called on international component manufacturers to relocate their operations in Sri Lanka as they will be able to reap the benefits of the country’s skilled and inexpensive workforce.

SL’s 2nd gas-fired combined cycle power plant to be tendered

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator, has granted its approval for the 2nd re-gasified liquid natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant to be tendered to build in Kerawalapitiya, during the emergency meeting held on 04th June 2021.

Prez. calls on investors to explore SL’s medical tourism industry

As Sri Lanka is currently pitching itself to the world as an attractive investment destination, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today called on investors to explore the country’s medical tourism industry.

South Africa and South America added to SL’s travel ban list

The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation announced a short while ago that travellers from South Africa and South America will not be able to disembark in Sri Lanka’s international airports with immediate effect.

UK no more potential source for SL tourism

Sri Lanka would no longer be able to target tourists from the UK as a decision has been taken to place the island nation on the red list.

Lanka Sathosa open from today

State owned retail network Lanka Sathosa will be open across the island from today as directed by the government to ensure the masses have access to food and essential items during the ongoing restriction period.

Litro Gas Lanka to set up oxygen manufacturing plant in Kerawalapitiya

Sri Lanka’s largest importer and supplier of LP gas, Litro Gas Lanka is gearing up to establish an oxygen manufacturing plant and distribution network in Kerawalapitiya

SEC grants listed entities extension to submit financial statements

Capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has granted a one-month extension to listed companies to release financial statements as requested by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

SLAITO launches helpline to assist peers in hard hit tourism sector

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced the launch of a helpline for its members, an avenue established to allow those in the industry to reach out for assistance to steer through the recurring challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

No shortage of salt due to sea contamination from X-Press Pearl: Gammanpila

Sri Lanka will not face a shortage of salt, assured Minister Udaya Gammanpila while addressing the Cabinet briefing session today.

Members to Colombo Port City Economic Commission appointed

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed members to the Colombo Port City Commission, the President’s Media Division announced.

Dhammika’s Rocell to venture into confectionary biz

Billionaire businessman Dhammika Perera-controlled Royal Ceramic Lanka (RCL) PLC is gearing to enter into biscuit and chocolate production through its non-operational subsidiary Rocell Ceramics Limited, which was recently renamed as Biscuits and Chocolate Company Limited.

Stock market remains buoyant in 2021

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has recorded 9.3 percent growth in Year-to-Date (YTD) All Share Price Index (ASPI) within the first 05 months of 2021.