Sri Lanka to host BIMSTEC this August

Sri Lanka has been selected to chair the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) this year, an event if held physically as planned would help increase tourism traffic to the country.

Sri Lanka welcomes 4, 582 tourists in March

Sri Lanka received 4, 582 tourists in March, up from 3,366 in February and 1, 682 in January, the tourist arrivals data released by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showed.

Local ‘Ambul’ bananas to be exported for first time

Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage this weekend inspected the Ambul banana cultivation produced for the export market in Anuradhapura Rajanganaya from Yaya 1 to Yaya 5 in the Anuradhapura District.

CEB to raise up to Rs.20bn via Colombo Stock Exchange

State-owned power utility Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), which is the country’s monopoly electricity transmitter and distributor, is gearing to raise up to Rs.20 billion through a listed debenture issue on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

SL Tourism’s ‘Bio Bubble’ receives global recognition

The ‘Bio Bubble’ concept of Sri Lanka Tourism has come under fresh spotlight on the global stage with the International Trade Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) recognising the initiative as an innovative implementation

Colombo Tea Auction prices undergo correction

Prices at the Colombo Tea Auction saw a correction this week after being buoyant over a period of over ten months, with the prices declining by Rs.20-30 per kg.

SriLankan launches ‘Neighbour Free Seats’

In an effort to facilitate a safe and secure in-flight experience, national carrier SriLankan Airlines today announced the launch of ‘Neighbour Free Seats’.

Global trade braced for speedy recovery, but uneven growth: WTO

Global trade has prospects for speedy recovery this year with the expansion of merchandise trade, however the recovery process will be uneven after the COVID-19 pandemic shock, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said last evening.

UL flies in Sinopharm consignment from China

National carrier SriLankan Airlines today flew in a consignment of Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV) vaccines manufactured in China.

LKR hits record low of Rs. 202.04 against US dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) hit a record low of Rs 202.04 per US dollar today, data from the Central Bank (CBSL) revealed.

SLT-MOBITEL sets record straight on spyware allegations

SLT-MOBITEL today issued a statement categorically denying that the malicious messages circulating on social media regarding the installation and propagation of a spyware, claiming the telecom service provider, are complicit in an alleged unlawful activity meant to compromise the information of its customers.

IATA pushes for antigen testing to re-start air travel

International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging governments to accept best-in-class rapid antigen tests in fulfillment of COVID -19 testing requirements following a research report by OXERA confirming accuracy of results.

Unemployment rate reaches an all-time high of 5.8%

Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate reached 5.8 percent in the third quarter of 2020 (3Q20), the highest-ever recorded in recent years

Dr.Harsha Cabral appointed HNB Acting Chairman

Following the resignation of top professional Dinesh Weerakkody as the Chairman of Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) with effect from today due to personal reasons, Dr.Harsha Cabral has been appointed as the Acting Chairman of the bank during an emergency meeting held before the bank’s Annual General Meeting this morning, Mirror Business learns.

56% of Piramal Glass Ceylon traded; mandatory offer expected

The Colombo Stock Exchange today saw the sale of 56 percent of Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC.

SL keen to work with China to boost cooperation in infrastructure and tourism

The government yesterday expressed its willingness to work with the world’s largest economy, China, to expand cooperation in fields such as infrastructure and tourism.

Discounted Tuk rides from Uber to vaccination centers

Taxi hailing app, Uber announced today it will provide discounted three-wheel rides for its customers travelling to 13 vaccination centers located across Colombo.

Port City employees to earn tax-free foreign currency salaries

According to the draft law on Colombo Port City Economic Commission, those employed at the special economic zone will only be remunerated in a designated foreign currency, other than in Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).

Ever Given turned 80% in ’right direction’

AFP: Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority said Monday the Ever Given container ship, which has been blocking the crucial waterway for nearly a week, has been turned in the ’’right direction’’

Diggers and dredgers struggle to free ship blocking Suez Canal

REUTERS: Suez Canal salvage teams intensified excavation and dredging on Sunday around a massive container ship blocking the busy waterway ahead of attempts to refloat it, with two sources saying work had been complicated by rock under the ship’s bow.

WindForce IPO oversubscribed by 7-8 times - sources

WindForce Limited, the largest Initial Public Offering (IPO) to hit the Colombo Stock Exchange since 2011, which closed on the opening day, was at least oversubscribed by seven to eight times, according to stock market sources.

Tikiri Toys – World’s First organic rubber toy firm awarded with GOLS accreditation

In a world first, Tikiri Toys – the acclaimed Sri Lankan brand of natural play products for children – is the first-ever natural rubber toy manufacturing company to be awarded the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) accreditation.

SLMC urges govt. to not to allow cinnamon cigarettes

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) has called on the government to not market and allow the manufacturing of the new cinnamon cigarettes as there is nothing called ‘harmless’ smoking.

Ministry of Crab maintains winning streak at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Crab once again stood out at a global stage by retaining its title as ‘The Best Restaurant in Sri Lanka’ at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021.

Russian billionaire Melnichenko keen on H’tota port for fertilizer distribution

Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who was in Sri Lanka earlier this month, had expressed keen interest in developing regional distribution of fertilizer via the Hambantota International Port.

Hong Kong listed ESR looks to build logistics parks in SL

Stuart Gibson, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Hong Kong listed ESR Cayman Ltd, one of APAC’s largest logistics property platforms, visited Sri Lanka recently.

Suez Canal blocked by huge container ship

Tugboats and diggers are working to refloat a giant container ship that has blocked Egypt’s Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest trade routes.

National Minimum Wages Amendment Bill presented to P’ment

Labour Minsiter Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday presented the National Minimum Wages Amendment Bill to Parliament, under which the government seeks to increase the monthly and daily minimum wages of workers

WindForce IPO oversubscribed

Renewable energy company, WindForce Limited (WIND) said its Initial Public Offering (IPO) worth Rs.3.2 billion, largest IPO since 2011, which opened today on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), was oversubscribed on the opening day.

Private sector proposes alternative to banning sachet packets

In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of businesses, the private sector has proposed an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative to be adopted as a more cohesive alternative to address the environmental issues created by flexible packaging in Sri Lanka.