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Sampath Bank named Most Innovative Bank at LankaPay Awards
Continuing to win accolades for its spirit of innovation, Sampath Bank was recognized as Sri Lanka’s “Most Innovative Bank” at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2017 held on 20th June 2017. The award is yet another testament to the Bank’s contributions to the development of the nation’s financial services industry through its 30 year colourful journey. […]
Eminent economist Dr. Saman Kelegama passes away
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Dr. Saman Kelegama, the Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka, has passed away at the age of 58 in Thailand today. The eminent Sri Lankan economist served as a research fellow of IPS prior to being appointed as the Executive Director in 1995. He served […]
Fairway Holdings acquires Multi Finance
Fairway Holdings, a rapidly diversifying conglomerate, recently acquired Multi Finance PLC under its umbrella with a view to giving this erstwhile financial institution that is known for its trust for 42 years and excellent array of financial services a veritable boost to serve its clients even better. Multi Finance has shown much resilience and stability […]
Mahinda meets Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain
Concluding four day visit to Pakistan, former President Mahinda Rajapakse and representatives of the joint opposition met Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain at his office on Thursday. Ex-President Rajapakse also met Interior Minister of Pakistan on the same day.
Opinion: Indian Presidential poll no longer a one horse race
By P.K.Balachandran Till Thursday evening, the Indian Presidential election, slated for July 17, seemed to be a one-horse race. A united ruling alliance headed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had put up Ram Nath Kovind, a strong candidate, while the fractured Opposition was groping in the dark in search of a credible consensus candidate. […]
Sri Lanka in talks to import rice from three countries
Sri Lanka has opened immediate talks with three countries on 22 June to procure a rice tranche to stabilize its domestic markets. “We are looking for par-boiled (Nadu) and Samba categories now” said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 22 June in Colombo. Minister Bathiudeen, joined by Secretary of Ministry of Industry […]
Qatar Airways eyes investment in American Airlines
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Qatar Airways, an airline faced with a middle-eastern diplomatic row, is looking at a stake in American Airlines, the airline said in a statement. “Qatar Airways sees a strong investment opportunity in American Airlines,” it said. “Qatar Airways believes in American Airlines’ fundamentals and intends to build a passive position in […]
IB Growth Fund to increase share in Amana Bank through Rights Issue
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Jeddah-based IDB Group’s IB Growth Fund (Labuan) LLP has acquired 1,000 shares in Amana Bank, Thursday at 3.70 rupees each making way for the company to become a shareholder and participate in a Rights Issue later. The Amana bank has already received a commitment from the Islamic Corporation for the Development […]
New share transaction fees to be effective from next week
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s securities regulator has directed all licensed stock brokers and dealers to comply with the new fee structure which will be effective from 27 June 2017. The CSE proposed adopting a step-up fee structure rather than the present flat fee structure when consolidating transactions for the purpose of computing […]
Sri Lanka should relax issuing licenses for beer & wine: FinMin
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister told Parliament Thursday that the country needs to relax issuing liquor licenses for beer & wine as it may reduce illegal liquor consumption. Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the ministry is now collecting information and is having discussions with the relevant parties with regard to the issue […]
Central Bank holds key rates unchanged, reserves climb
June 23, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s central bank held key interest rates unchanged on Friday after a monthly monetary policy meeting with inflation moderating in April and May, and the economy expected to recover in the second half. “Growth in the first quarter was weighed down by the impact of unfavourable weather conditions, particularly […]
Opinion: A Conspiracy Theory – Tread with extreme caution, Sri Lanka
By Chrishmal Warnasuriya Introduction – Politics as the science of attaining “power”: The first lessons taught to any student of the science of politics almost invariably includes a reference to the 16th century Florentine philosopher Machiavelli and his celebrated thesis, “the Prince“; where his principle line of argument revolves on the attainment of “power” as […]