Category: Industry
Sri Lanka tourism slumps in Dec, authorities pin hopes on India and Middle East
Jan 11, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s leisure industry closed 2006 a neck ahead of the previous year, but the troubled island saw a sharp downturn December, as internal strife intensified and travel advisories kept visitors away. Sri Lanka lured 559,603 visitors last year, a slim 1.9 percent jump over 2005, but fell far short […]
Morning After
January 10, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s state-run Bank of Ceylon plans to sell off shares owned in NDB and DFCC Bank this year, to top up a gap in its pension fund, a senior official said Wednesday. Sri Lanka’s largest bank in terms of assets, is carrying a two billion rupee gap in its […]
Travel Subsidy
Jan 10, 2006 (LBO) – Sri Lanka government is planning to inject more subsidies into the loss making, heavily unionized state bus service, following violent protests by workers connected to a Marxist nationalist party, a senior government minister said. Transport Minister A H M Fowzie said he was in talks with the Treasury to get […]
‘s Official
January 9, 2007 (LBO) – Lanka IOC, a unit of Fortune 500 Indian Oil Corp. has laid the foundation stone on its upcoming lubricant blending plant over weekend, after the Sri Lankan government settle settled 5.16 billion rupees in unpaid subsidy bills last Friday, officials said. Lanka IOC is 75 percent-owned by Indian Oil Corp., […]
Better Experience
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Jan 8, 2007 (AFP) – Skype unveiled on Monday its own models of desktop telephones that can make free Internet calls using the firm’s pioneering online service.The pricing for calls will be the same on the new Skype telephones, Lagier said. The IPEVO Solo One and the TOPCOM Webt@lker 5000 were among […]
Virtual Fantasy
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, Jan 9, 2007 (AFP) – Family entertainment conglomerate Walt Disney Corporation introduced a revamped website which they say is a one-stop portal to online games, information on films and Disney characters, and product sales.“Our villain is going to try to wipe out our pirates,” Bruckheimer said, referring to his film-in-progress.“Hopefully, you will […]
Across Borders
Jan 09, 2007 (LBO) – Nigeria’s EcoBank has adopted a software product developed by Sri Lanka’s Interblocks Ltd to issue credit cards, officials said Tuesday. Interblocks ‘iCard system’ a multi card issuing and acquiring management and processing solution is now being used to issue local MasterCards in local ‘Naira’ currency. “EcoBank is one of the […]
Instant Cash
January 09, 2007 (LBO) – Privately run Ceylinco Insurance, is offering on the spot cash facilities to settle customer claims, in an attempt to retain its lead as one of the biggest insurers in Sri Lanka, officials said Tuesday. “Claims relating to polices from motor vehicles, marine, health, homes, trade establishments, fire and miscellaneous insurance […]
White Lies
NETANYA, Israel, Jan 8, 2007 (AFP) – Have you ever wondered if someone you are chatting to is telling the truth?New lie detector software from high-tech powerhouse Israel says it can show you — across the Internet. “We tested it with the (former US president Bill) Clinton speech about his relationship with his intern Monica […]
United Action
Jan 08, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka Telecom trade unions including non executive technical staff are threatening to go on strike next week, if the telecom giant fails to sort out salary anomalies, promotions and restrict short-term contracts. The union official says the company had not yet granted 17.5 percent, 20.0 percent or 25.0 percent […]
Few Tweaks
January 8, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank plans to revise the way commercial banks’ compute the single borrower limit, as part of its drive to strengthen the banking system. “We are looking at revising the Single Borrower Limit in line with improved risk management by banks,” Governor Nivard Cabraal said. Presently, a single […]
Bingo
January 5, 2007 (LBO) – Sri Lanka Friday inked a 5.16 billion rupee (47.8 million dollar) agreement with Indian fuel retailer Lanka IOC Ltd. to settle a long standing subsidy payment. Lanka IOC is 75 percent-owned by Indian Oil Corp., with the remaining 25 percent listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company commenced operations […]