All Island Dairy Association raises alarming concerns about detrimental impact of VAT

The All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) has voiced grave concerns regarding the Sri Lankan government’s proposed increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 18%, set to take effect on January 1st, 2024. This move, intended to broaden the tax base, could have severe repercussions for the dairy sector, a vital contributor to […]

Hidden Fees in Electronic Card Payments: A Call for Action

Sumedha Amarasinghe, the Deputy Secretary of the Association of Leasing and Debt Instalment Payers, has highlighted a significant issue with electronic card payments in a recent media disclosure. Amarasinghe noted that some institutions deduct an additional 1% to 5% from customers when they pay with an electronic card. This practice is an issue, as customers […]

Sri Lanka Telecom on the Verge of Ownership Change: Only Jio and Gortune in the Running Now

The Government of Sri Lanka, through its Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, has closed the first stage of its plan to divest shares in Sri Lanka Telecom PLC. After an evaluation process based on the Special Guidelines on Divestiture of State-Owned Enterprises, two investors have emerged as front-runners out of the three […]

PRCA APAC reveals findings on Sri Lanka’s PR industry for 2024 and years to come

The APAC chapter of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), the world’s largest and influential PR body, together with its board member and communications expert Thanzyl Thajudeen carried out a survey among 31 agency leaders and executives to explore the current and future context of Sri Lanka’s PR industry. This comes as the second […]

Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency of Thailand extends support to SLanka

The Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) of Thailand agreed to enhance and expand its cooperation with Sri Lanka during a discussion held  between Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP, C. A. Chaminda I. Colonne and the Vice President of NEDA, Senior Col. Saranyu Viriyavejakul on 15 January 2024  in […]

Sri Lankan SMEs Get Export Boost from EDB Coaching Programme

Recognizing the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Sri Lanka’s export potential, the Export Development Board (EDB) recently concluded a six-week coaching programme designed to equip them with the tools and strategies to enter international markets. The “Innovative Export Marketing Planning and Market Pitching Programme” saw 25 promising SMEs participate in workshops, individual […]

Asia-Pacific Human Development Report calls for new directions to address rising inequality, climate change, and economic headwinds

The narrative of human development in Asia and the Pacific has been one marked by advancement, inequality, and unforeseen challenges. Against this backdrop, the launch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report in November, represents a crucial step in revitalizing human development amidst a complex landscape of growth. Nationally, the […]

Distilleries’ Acquisition of Heineken Lanka May Challenge Lion Brewery Share: Fitch Ratings

Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC (AAA(lka)/Stable), the leader in Sri Lanka’s beer market, could face more competition in the medium term following Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC’s (DIST; AAA(lka)/Stable) decision to acquire beer producer Heineken Lanka Limited, Fitch Ratings says. The full statement is reproduced below. Heineken is a distant second in Sri Lanka’s beer […]

Design Code: Showcase of creativity, innovation, and collaboration

The University of Moratuwa unveiled their annual design showcase, “Design Code,” scheduled to take place from November 23rd to 26th. The Design Code, a four-day event is organized by the Department of Integrated Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa. During a recent press briefing, industry experts who participated, highlighted the crucial role of design […]

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