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 […]

Daraz celebrates five successful years in Sri Lanka

Five years ago, a small and young team of around 100, were operating under the name of Kaymu.lk, building the foundation for a stable e-commerce platform in Sri Lanka. Recognizing the potential of the operations, Daraz stepped forward to invest on this business, contributing with international level financial and technological prowess. Since its launch in […]

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), […]

PUCSL launch second phase of electrician licensing program

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator, commences the second phase of awarding free National Vocational Qualification Level 3 (NVQ 3) Program for Electricians tomorrow. The PUCSL launched this programme March last year and more than 2000 electricians have obtained NVQ3 under the programme and qualified for the electrician license. […]

Technology critical to transform education sector – UNDP experts

With the onset of COVID-19, the world has seen disruptions to traditional forms of education. In Sri Lanka, since the first wave and the resulting lockdown in March 2020, schools have been largely dysfunctional with the levels of online learning varying between public and private institutions. To this end, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) […]

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 […]

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