Category: Industry
Changing Winds
Shifting its revenue balance away from interest-income, Seylan Bank will introduce new fee-based products to its current product offer. SeyLink, its version of bancassurance was launched this week in this effort, with its group company Ceylinco Life, to offer life assurance and other life related products to customers in over 60 branches.rn rnThe service has […]
Seamless Exit
Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, rolled out its new global electronic ticketing system last week, ushering in coupon-free travel to and from Colombo and 26 other destinations throughout its global network. This will provide Emirates passengers travelling to and from Sri Lanka with a convenient, secure and paper-less ticket option for the first time.rn rnEmirates […]
Upside Down
The government is taking a second look at the labour retrenchment package due to stiff opposition from unions and employers, a top minister said.The previous government pushed through a labour retrenchment formula together with an insurance scheme in the guise of an 18-month dole.rn rnIn the run up to Aprils polls, the former Labour Minister […]
Distant Lights
Light House Hotel is hoping to double its earnings for the current financial, though somewhat restrained by limitations in room capacity, a broker report says.Earnings by Light House grew steadily during the last couple of years and the nine months results of the financial year 2004 have already hit the full year 2003 levels.rn rnldblquote […]
Running Late
The government component in the proposed Colombo South Harbour projects has propelled to about US$ 300 million from around US$ 220 million quoted earlier.The new Freedom Alliance Government is expected to start courting bilateral donors for the funds by June.rn rnThe additional costs are to cover reclamation work in the proposed port, space that will […]
Steady Walk
A growth in fee-based income and faster recoveries helped the Bank of Ceylon double its bottomline for the quarter ending March 31, 2004.The state-run banks net profits jumped 109.6 percent to Rs. 371 mn, over Rs. 177 mn reported during the corresponding period 2003.rn rnBut the banks revenue was flat during the year at Rs. […]
Staying On Top
Management experts say the rapidly changing business environment is pushing organizations to constantly restructure to stay ahead.Companies in Sri Lanka they say need to focus more on the special skills of people to be competitive in the global economy.rn rnldblquote Leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship are the areas we need to improve ourselves in. Historically we […]
Shuffling The Pack
SriLankan Airlines is pushing to expand its portfolio through fifth freedom rights to Nepal and Bangladesh, while keeping a close tab on rising jet fuel prices, which may put a drag on its balance sheet this year.rnrnFifth freedom or lquote beyond rights, refers to the right of an airline from one country to land in […]
Foreign Call
Indian IT services giant Videsh Sanchara Nigam Ltd (VSNL) is finalising its service offer for Sri Lanka, with initial plans to push out an international calling card by August. Separate cards for calling Sri Lanka and to call out of the island is planned, VSNL sources told LBO on Friday.rn rnVSNL is currently procuring an […]
Comfort Zone
Seylan Bank has secured an A-(sri) national rating for its long-term senior debt from Fitch Ratings Lanka.At the sametime, Fitch has also given Seylans outstanding subordinate debentures a BBB+ (sri) rating.rn rnIn term of priority, deposit holders and senior debt obligations are ranked higher than subordinated debentures. Though debenture holders rank above preference and ordinary […]
On Loan
The External Resources Dept., is negotiating with Japanese funding agencies for a fresh US$ 85 mn credit line for the small and medium scale industry. If approved the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) will replace the US$ 65 ADB credit line now fully utilized by the Sahanya low interest-lending scheme. rn rnThe ADB facility […]
Bussing It
An action plan to re-haul bus transport and enforce regulation on a decentralised, largely out-of-control sector, is being rolled out by the National Transport Commission over the next few weeks.ldblquote Buses are a Rs. 30 bn industry and a very large component doesnt have the management and the regulation that it deserves dblquote , Chairman […]