Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted 3.6 percent in 2020 compared to 2.3 percent expansion in 2019, displaying the severity of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the island nation’s economy, despite the last two quarters of the year recording positive growth rates.
SLT-Mobitel has collaborated with the IT Division of Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to introduce yet another pioneering initiative through Mobitel’s eChannelling service, enabling the convenient registration of persons for the COVID-19 vaccination.
To support the recovery of the hospitality sector, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants – in association with S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – have announced ’Essence of Asia’, an unranked collection of restaurants that represents the spirit of Asian gastronomy.
Facebook has launched Instagram Lite in Sri Lanka in order to provide access to all users, irrespective of the device, platform and network they are on. This lightweight version of the Instagram app for Android uses minimal data, similar to Facebook Lite.
Norwegian Development Finance Institution (Norfund), which is owned and funded by the Norwegian government, yesterday entered into an agreement with Sri Lanka’s National Development Bank PLC (NDB) to invest up to 9.99 percent stake in the bank.
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator has approved the power purchase agreement (PPA) to build 300 MW Kerawalapitiya liquid natural gas (LNG) power plant in Sri Lanka under the new chairmanship and the board members, last week.
Funded by the United States, Sri Lanka@100 (SL@100) selected its first round of seven high-potential companies to receive cutting-edge business advisory services to accelerate their growth. SL@100, a private sector-led platform focused on the growth of mid-sized firm, will equip the seven companies with skills to optimize operations, increase profitability, and expand markets.
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain will resume its direct operations to and from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with two weekly flights starting from 15 February 2021 on its new Airbus A320neo aircraft.
Adding another one to the recent measures implemented to contain the excess volatility in the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank today suspended the licensed commercial banks from entering into forward rate agreements for foreign exchange for three months, with immediate effect.
British-born financier and a member of Rothschild family, Nathaniel Rothschild said his recent visit to Sri Lanka was to explore the country’s suitability as a manufacturing location for electronics, while calling the island nation “a true gem with a great future.”
More countries issue travel advisories
Sri Lanka Tourism invites global travellers for upcoming season
Russian embassy urges citizens to stay vigilant in Arugam Bay
US Embassy issues travel warning for Arugam Bay
India-Sri Lanka ferry service operates smoothly