Category: Companies
CAL Launches IPO Portal to Empower Investors
Capital Alliance (CAL) is empowering private investors with the chance to capitalize on investment opportunities by subscribing to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) managed by CAL directly through its newly-launched IPO Portal. CAL’s reputation as Sri Lanka’s leading investment bank has been based on its pursuit of excellence in execution, research and product innovation, and developing […]
First Capital Treasuries PLC announces upcoming Initial Public Offering
First Capital Treasuries PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading non-bank primary dealer recently announced the firm’s intention to enter an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO is scheduled for November 2021 subject to regulatory approval. The First Capital Treasuries’ IPO aims to offer 7,695,000 ordinary voting shares to the public. The IPO price per share of Rs. […]
Export Advisory Committees appointed covering 24 sectors for 5 years
Export Advisory Committees have been appointed by the trade minister covering 24 sectors for a period of 5 years (from 2021 to 2026). In terms of Section 10 of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Act No 40 of 1979, the minister in charge of the EDB, on the advice of the Board, is […]
Experts discuss framing a green development pathway for Sri Lanka
Experts from the government, private sector, UN agencies, think tanks, and other development partners, came together at this week’s kickstarter sessions of the Colombo Development Dialogues on Green Development, held on 12 and 14 October 2021. With over 450 participants joining in virtually, they sought to come to a common understanding of a localised, Sri […]
USAID’s Private Sector Development project signs MOU with HNB to expand financing to MSMEs
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Private Sector Development project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) to expand financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka. “Partnerships like this can dramatically enhance economic and social impact more than any of us could achieve on our […]
UNDP introduces Colombo development dialogues on green development
Rapid socio-economic, technological, environmental, and other changes around the world have posed unprecedented challenges to us all. These challenges are especially pertinent against the backdrop of climate change, increased urbanization and widening inequalities, coupled with the ramifications of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this has also amplified the need for countries to re-align their economic recovery […]
Legal validity of digital signatures highlighted
Digital Signatures have been in use in Sri Lanka since 2009, however, due to the outbreak of the pandemic and travel restrictions, signing documents physically has found to be challenging. Hence, the requirement for digital signatures among many segments of the community has soared in the recent past. In view of raising awareness about Digital […]
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 […]
First Capital’s ‘Performance First’ culture now certified by great place to work
The ‘Performance First’ work ethic embraced by First Capital Holdings PLC, a Janashakthi Group Company, received industry validation recently as it was certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka. First Capital employees engaged in a multi-faceted anonymous survey conducted by Great Place to Work® on […]
ADB to promote SME sector in Sri Lanka
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General for South Asia Department Kenichi Yokoyama has assured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the ADB will support the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a US 750 million concessional loan last year for projects in Sri Lanka. Yokoyama said that the ADB […]
Regulating prices: From price mandates to more competition
Regulating prices: from price mandates to more competition The government recently removed the maximum retail price (MRP) on rice with a decision to import a buffer stock of rice to prevent any shortages. This is an important step in the right direction. Opening up the market for more competition will reduce the market power of […]
Opinion: Navigating through high maritime freight rates
By Imesha Dissanayake Maritime Freight rates have been on an upward trend since the second half of 2020. The Drewry’s composite World Container Index (WCI) as at 30th September 2021 increased to USD 10,361 per 40ft container, which is 292% higher than the same period in 2020. The average composite index of the WCI (Drewry), […]