Author: Ashanthi Ratnasingham
Interview: Futureproofing banking sector through digital-first mindset
There is a good reason why digitalisation is a top priority for banking. When done correctly, it enables paradigm shifting improvements in customer experience and accessibility. For the average customer, it means, they are able to utilize the full range of our products and services seamlessly, through the platform of their choice. While prior to […]
Sri Lanka gets USD 110Mn for health systems enhancement project from ADB
The Government of Sri Lanka decided to borrow a loan amounting to USD 110 million from ADB and a grant of USD 03 million, provided by ADB-managed Japanese Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), to implement the “Additional Financing of Health Systems Enhancement Project”. In early 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, USD 15 million […]
Sri Lanka projected to grow by 3.3-pct : Shifting gears to services-led growth can help build back better
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021, but the medium-term outlook is clouded by pre-existing macroeconomic weaknesses and the economic scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic. A gradual recovery will likely lead to corresponding improvements in labor market conditions. Most countries in South Asia are far from pre-pandemic trend levels, says […]
EU GSP+ monitoring mission concludes visit to Sri Lanka
A team of senior European Union (EU) officials began an official visit to Sri Lanka on 27th September 2021 to review Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing the 27 international conventions applicable under the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+). These conventions, ratified by Sri Lanka, cover human and labour rights, environment and climate, as well […]
“Our Goal is one million Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka” Dr. Palitha Kohona
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Palitha Kohona speaking at the Innovation and Development of Cities Summit, attended by many Chinese tour operators and environmental NGOs, encouraged Chinese tour groups to direct at least a million tourists to Sri Lanka. The Ambassador elaborated on Sri Lanka’s green credentials, including its vast forest cover, the 7000 odd […]
WB supports safe, climate-resilient transport connectivity to strengthen agricultural supply chains
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $500 million in financing for Sri Lanka to provide safe, climate-resilient roads to connect agricultural supply chains through the Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project. This project is expected to benefit around 16 million people living in rural communities in selected districts of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, […]
Sri Lanka’s Wire communication consultancy group expands globally
Wire Communication Consultancy (WCC) Group announced its accelerated growth momentum with the expansion of its Strategic Public Relations, Communications and Corporate Reputation Management services to Maldives, Australia and New Zealand, setting up operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The entry into a global communication footprint would further solidify WCC’s presence and fortify its contribution to the […]
Sri Lankan import restrictions at odds with WTO rules hurt welfare of citizens: Economists
A panel of eminent economists urged that the Government take credible and decisive action to carry out immediate trade reforms. Advocata’s Academic Chair Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana, emphasised that “Countries that have grown very fast, especially in east asia have understood the importance of trade reform”. Further adding that the first step of such a reform […]
Interview: Local and International wins for architect Palinda Kannagara
Palinda Kannagara is one of the top Sri Lankan architects based in Columbo who has recently been honored both locally and internationally for his work. He is principal architect at Palinda Kannangara Architects, Columbo, Sri Lanka. Lanka Business Online had a detailed conversation with the acclaimed architect about the recent honors received and his design […]
Sampath Bank records PAT of Rs.7Bn for first half of 2021
Financial results of Sampath Bank for the 1st Half of 2021 Sampath Bank posted a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 7 Bn for the first half of 2021, against Rs 3.9 Bn for the same period in 2020. This significant increase of 78.1% in profit after tax was the result of a 16.7% increase […]
Hemas Group reports operating profit of 1.1Bn delivers strong Q1 performance
Hemas Holdings PLC (HHL) delivered yet another strong quarter amidst challenging operating environment conditions with key businesses gaining momentum in all areas. The Group’s continued focus on growing the Consumer and Healthcare businesses along with operational excellence, contributed to the resilient performance. However, the resurgence of COVID-19 positive cases, and inter provincial and localised limitations […]
Video Interview: Women in leadership – Sandra De Zoysa
In this women in leadership interview series, LBO will connect with some of the most successful female leaders and entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka, to uncover the tenacity of each woman leader, how they pushed boundaries and find balance to rise to the top of their industry. If you are an aspiring future leader, you will […]