All Blogs
No Kidding
Mobile phones arent the only things Nokia is into, the cell phone giant is now gearing to wire up Sri Lankas telco industry. On Tuesday Nokia said it had signed up with Sri Lankas diversified giant John Keells (JKH) to push its range of GSM and other next generation cellular network infrastructure solutions here and […]
Round II
Seylan Bank is raising over a billion rupees in debt, to meet its capital adequacy requirements.The bank said a billion rupees will be raised through a five-year debenture, with the option of raising a further Rs. 500 mn in the event of an oversubscription.rn rnThe issue carries a monthly fixed rate of 9 percent, 10 […]
Sticky Situation
The Appeal Court on Monday threw out the governments tax amnesty law, saying it lacked legal teeth to become enforceable.Under the present Constitution, once parliament endorses a legislative amendment, it has to be endorsed by the Speaker.rn rnPetitioner Nihal Sri Ameresekera, a Chartered Accountant and Business Consultant says, the Speaker had not certified the Inland […]
VRS Watch
Sri Lanka Telecom is offering counselling services and tips on investing in financial products to its 1,300 employees, who took up an early retirement scheme this year.Outgoing employees took home between Rs.150,000 to Rs. 1.1 mn under the package, SLT said in a statement on Monday.rn rnStaff opting for the VRS qualified for a rental […]
Weeding Out
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has drawn plans to dispose a number of its property holdings that dont reap a minimum Rs. 1000 monthly rent, under a policy level decision taken to streamline its operations.UDA Chairman, S Amarasekera says the decision will free resources for other development work and generate funds for capital investments.rn rnThe […]
Skywards
Maintaining a positive growth trend over the past few months, Sri Lankas export earnings posted a double-digit growth for the first eight months of this year, a momentum that will help achieve better than forecasted year-end growth.The positive sentiment contributed to a rise in exports and a higher import bill in August.However, the trade deficit […]
Flying High
Emirates has achieved record half-yearly profits of US$ 167 mn (Dhs 612 mn), 51 percent up on the same period last year, thanks largely to a series of initiatives to upgrade customer service.The results, based on unaudited financial figures, compare with net profits of US$ 110 mn (Dhs 404.2 mn) last year. Higher passenger and […]
Welfare Cap
S M Tennakoon, a senior public official has been appointed as Chairman to the new Welfare Benefits Board.Tennakoon functioned as the Government Agent in Matale and Kandy Districts and served later as Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development. rn rnThe Finance Ministry says Tennakoon will also function as the Boards Commissioner.rn rnOther Board members […]
Luxury Bells
A Sri Lankan undertaker that launched a luxury funeral service for those seeking a prestigious and safe final journey is offering the deluxe package for weddings too, a press report said Sunday.The funeral firm which imported one of the worlds safest cars to drive the dear departed to the final resting place is also hiring […]
Opening Up
As exclusively reported on LBR the Indo-Lanka Economic cooperation deal also threw open air-travel between the two countries.Private airlines from the two countries could soon be plying international routes.rn rnThe proposed open skies agreement doesnt stand-alone. A joint study group is also recommending the easing of visa restrictions on the Indian side and the joint […]