News

FINANCE

July, 19, 2024

Finance Ministry to offer financial support for MSMEs facing hardships

Finance Ministry to offer financial support for MSMEs facing hardships.

FINANCE

July, 19, 2024

Financial aid package to revitalise MSME sector

With the aim of revitalising micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), a comprehensive package of financial facilities were introduced yesterday under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat. This package includes both investment and working capital facilities for MSMEs.

BUSINESS

June, 25, 2024

CMA Sri Lanka UN MSME Day Development Summit 2024 on Thursday

The CMA Sri Lanka SME Development Committee will be celebrating the UN MSME Day falling on 27 June by conducting the CMA Sri Lanka UN MSME Development Summit 2024 under the theme of “MSMEs the key driving force for economic growth in Sri Lanka” for the third time, at Ballroom, Hotel Galadari.

FINANCE

June, 20, 2024

President announces host of proposals to boost industrial sector expansion

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday announced a host of initiatives to empower small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) and boost the industry sector.

BUSINESS

June, 14, 2024

T-Jay Enterprises key advertiser in Latest Rainbow Pages Business Directory

T-Jay Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd., a prominent player in the Local Industrial Equipment, Material Handling Equipment Supplies, Fluid Handling Pumps & Electric Golf Vehicles, have solidified its position as a key advertiser in the upcoming release of Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory 2024/25, presented by SLT-MOBITEL group. As one of the top 20 clients of the National Business Directory, T-Jay Enterprises has recognized the value and potential of this comprehensive marketing platform.

TOURISM

June, 09, 2024

SLTDA aims to formalise boutique hotels to handle tourist influx

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) aims to transition informal sector luxury boutique hotels into the formal sector to meet the increasing influx of high-end tourists, in addition to seeking to attract local and foreign investors for new hotel projects or expansions to address the growing demand.

BUSINESS

June, 10, 2024

MSMEs call for Govt. action to promote entrepreneurship

Representing the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Sri Lanka United Business Alliance last week called on the Government to develop a comprehensive plan to promote entrepreneurship and tackle the challenges facing businesses in the current economic climate.

BUSINESS

June, 05, 2024

‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ to boost SME sector

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the establishment of a new entity named ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ aimed at supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

BUSINESS

May, 22, 2024

SMEs Empowered: A Recap of SLT-MOBITEL's Island-wide Focused Group Awareness.

SLT-MOBITEL recently revolutionized how SMEs in Sri Lanka do business, by conducting several Focused Group Customer Awareness programs covering all major areas in Sri Lanka. This initiative was all about getting up close and personal with potential cloud service users, understanding their needs, and showing them the power of cloud-based solutions.

BUSINESS

May, 21, 2024

Kapruka Holdings first e-commerce site in SL to offer web-based direct bank payments with LankaPay

Kapruka Holdings PLC, has announced its groundbreaking partnership with LankaPay. This strategic collaboration makes Kapruka the first e-commerce site in Sri Lanka to offer web-based direct bank payments, enhancing the convenience and security of online shopping for its customers.

BUSINESS

May, 18, 2024

Commercial Bank in strategic partnership with Q&E to enhance SME capabilities

Commercial Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Q&E to enhance the capabilities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Commercial Bank LEAP Global Linker platform.

BUSINESS

May, 17, 2024

India’s PhonePe unveils UPI payment in partnership with LankaPay

LankaPay – Sri Lanka’s National Payment Network on Wednesday announced its partnership with PhonePe – one of India’s most popular fintech apps – towards accepting UPI payments at LankaQR merchant points.

BUSINESS

May, 16, 2024

IDB and Ceylon Federation of MSMEs sign historic MoU

Marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Ceylon Federation of MSMEs and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) last week signed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

BUSINESS

May, 15, 2024

It’s ‘JumJum’ for PickMe in Nepal as Lankan firm takes tech collaboration overseas

PickMe has crossed digital borders and will take the ride hailing market by storm with the launch of their latest technology partnership, JumJum (Let’s Go) in Nepal, a country where 78% of 3.22 million vehicles registered are motorcycles. Named as the Motorcycle city, Kath-mandu Valley claims to have over a million motorcycles on their busy roads.

BUSINESS

May, 13, 2024

Technology Ministry collaborates with Mastercard for DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024

The Technology Ministry has collaborated with Mastercard for the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit 2024, which is aimed at catalysing the country’s economic resurgence by encouraging collaborations between global investors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.

BUSINESS

May, 10, 2024

Colonial Engineering Secures Prime Spot in Sri Lanka's Premier Business Directory for 2024/25

Colonial Engineering (Pvt) Ltd., a prominent player in the local steel & hardware industry, has solidified its position as a key advertiser in the upcoming release of Rainbow Pages, the National Business Directory 2024/25, presented by SLT-MOBITEL group. As one of the top 20 clients of the National Business Directory, Colonial Engineering has recognized the value and potential of this comprehensive marketing platform.

SPORT

March, 29, 2024

Rainbow Pages Champions League: Corporate Cricket Tournament Hits a Six with 28 Leading Companies Battling for Victory

A six-a-side soft ball corporate cricket tournament was successfully held at the G H Buddhadasa Ground in Battaramulla recently with the participation of 28 teams representing leading companies in the island. The tournament was organized by the Rainbow Pages Welfare Society. Rainbow Pages is the National Business Directory in Sri Lanka managed by SLT-MOBITEL group.

EDUCATION

March, 23, 2024

Microsoft a copilot to Education Ministry in integrating AI into national curriculum

The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Sri Lanka and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to usher in a new era of education by enabling the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into Sri Lanka’s national school curriculum.

BUSINESS

March, 20, 2024

Sri Lanka SMEs enabled to mortgage movable assets with registry

ECONMYNEXT – A secured transaction registry set up with technical assistance from the International Finance Corporation, will help small and medium enterprises expand access to credit by helping them mortgage moveable assets, the Washington-based agency said.

BUSINESS

March, 15, 2024

Cey-Nor Foundation Limited in Partnership with SLT Digital Services for a Dynamic New Website Launch

COLOMBO - Cey-Nor Foundation Limited, Sri Lanka's sole government entity specializing in boat and marine equipment manufacturing, proudly unveils its revamped website, signaling a strategic move towards global outreach and enhanced digital engagement. Entrusting their digital transformation to SLT DIGITAL SERVICES highlights Cey-Nor's progressive vision to adapt and thrive in today's digital age.

SOFTWARE

March, 13, 2024

Surge Global secures multi-million dollar Govt. contract in Qatar

Surge Global, a leading design, technology, and marketing firm of Sri Lankan origin has announced its successful partnership with Gulf Business Machines (GBM) Qatar, one of Qatar’s largest technology companies.

BUSINESS

March, 14, 2024

Construction Expo 2024 by CIOB kicks off tomorrow

Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) organised “Construction Expo 2024”,the most inclusive exhibition will be held from 15 to 17 March at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in the BMICH.

BUSINESS

March, 07, 2024

Elephant House Beverages to Hit Indian Shelves Through RCPL Partnership

Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), has partnered with Elephant House, a Sri Lankan beverage brand owned by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, to introduce Elephant House beverages in India. This collaboration aims to expand RCPL’s beverage portfolio, which includes renowned brands like Campa, Sosyo, and Raskik, while offering Indian consumers new products and value propositions.

BUSINESS

March, 07, 2024

Five tech trends for small businesses in 2024

In the early 2000s, accessing the internet was through a dial-up connection which could take anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes to establish a connection. In 2023, generative AI tools can generate poems, short stories and complex legal and medical documents in a matter of seconds.

BUSINESS

February, 27, 2024

Rs 20 billion credit scheme for small & medium businesses

Cabinet approval has been granted for the implementation of a Rs. 20 billion credit scheme to revive the micro, small and medium enterprise sector in Sri Lanka.

ECONOMIC

February, 27, 2024

MSMEs get lifeline as Cabinet approves freeze of parate action till 15 December

The struggling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals are to get a lifeline with the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday at its meeting agreeing to temporarily suspend highly contentious parate action till 15 December, 2024.

BUSINESS

February, 26, 2024

SLT-MOBITEL unveils ‘The Directory’ 2023/24 as refreshed and advanced national business directory

As a one-stop-shop for all marketing and advertising solutions for Micro, Small and Medium Businesses (MSMBs), SLT Digital Services (Pvt) Limited (SLT-DIGITAL), a fully owned subsidiary of SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, unveiled ‘The Directory’ 2023/24 (The Rainbow Pages), the refreshed and advanced version of its national business directory.

BUSINESS

February, 25, 2024

New web site launched for Gangarama temple

Gangaramaya, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Colombo, proudly announces the launch of its newly built website. The website serves as a digital platform to showcase the temple’s rich heritage, activities, and offerings, including online ticketing services for visitors.

BUSINESS

February, 22, 2024

Spa Ceylon wins coveted ‘Global Best Beauty Product’ at World Spa Awards 2023

Spa Ceylon, the iconic Ayurveda Wellness brand, has won three international accolades at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2023, including the prestigious Global Award for Best Beauty Product, alongside Awards for Best Luxury Ayurveda Spa Global and Best Spa Group Global.

BUSINESS

February, 16, 2024

FITIS says UPI payments in SL powerful driver for SME digital transformation

The Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) yesterday expressed its strong support for LankaPay’s launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in the country, an initiative taken in partnership with the National Payment Corporation of India’s international arm NIPL.

BUSINESS

February, 21, 2024

Phoenix Industries launches new collection 2024

Phoenix Industries, a top Sri Lankan household product brand, unveiled its innovative new product line for 2024 at their Battaramulla Showroom on 1 February. The range sets a new standard in quality, style, and every day-use product design.

TOURISM

February, 20, 2024

Digital campaign to promote SL as premier wellness destination in France, Germany

Interface Tourism, a leading marketing and communications agency in the tourism has announced the launch of a ground-breaking wellness campaign to promote Sri Lanka, targeted at the French and German markets.

TOURISM

February, 20, 2024

SL Convention Bureau aims for $ 550 m earnings from MICE in 2024

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) is stepping up its efforts to establish the country as a year round destination, with a particular focus on boosting arrivals and earnings from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment to over $ 550 million by the end of 2024.

BUSINESS

February, 15, 2024

Leading digital transformation: Empowering business leaders for success

Digital transformation, often seen as the domain of ICT professionals, frequently falls short due to a lack of comprehensive business understanding among these experts. A study by Harvard Business School emphasised that digital transformation is not about technology and IT professionals in Sri Lanka declared at a conference that they could contribute only up to 20% to the success of such initiatives. When IT professionals lead, they excel in technology but may overlook broader business implications. Thus, non-IT managers must step into leadership roles for digital transformation projects, although they may face knowledge gaps in ICT.

BUSINESS

February, 12, 2024

The Asia Foundation to train up to 300,000 small biz in Asia on digital safety, 5,000 in Sri Lanka

Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is providing $ 15 million to The Asia Foundation to launch the APAC Cyber security Fund in partnership with CyberPeace Institute and Global Cyber Alliance to bolster cyber capabilities of 300,000 underserved micro and small businesses, nonprofits and social enterprises.

ECONOMIC

February, 11, 2024

Extending India’s UPI Facility to Sri Lanka: Implications and Opportunities

The recent announcement of extending India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facility to Sri Lanka has sparked significant interest and discussion among policymakers, economists, and citizens of both nations. This move, aimed at enhancing digital connectivity and facilitating faster and seamless digital transactions between India and Sri Lanka, carries profound economic and geopolitical implications. Let’s delve deeper into what this extension entails and its potential impacts.

BUSINESS

February, 10, 2024

Dynamic B2B sessions at Sri Lanka –Thailand Business Forum

The Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Forum, organised in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in Sri Lanka, the Department of International Trade Promotion, The Ministry of Commerce Thailand, the Ministry of Trade Commerce and Food Security, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber’s Sri Lanka - Greater Mekong Business Council (SLGMBC), on 3 February 2024, attracted high-level government and private sector participation.

BUSINESS

February, 07, 2024

Macktiles makes history; exports Made in Sri Lanka tiles to Indonesia for the first time

Macktiles Lanka Ltd., has achieved a monumental milestone as Sri Lankan tiles make their debut in the Indonesian market.

BUSINESS

February, 01, 2024

SLT-Mobitel marks new era of revolutionary ‘Upahara’

Reaffirming its commitment to recognising those who have gone beyond boundaries in serving the nation, SLT-Mobitel, the National ICT Solutions Provider, introduced two new packages under ‘Upahara’ in celebration of its 15th anniversary celebration at Shangri-La Colombo recently. The event served as a platform in honouring State sector employees and pensioners for their untiring dedication and service.

ECONOMIC

January, 30, 2024

USAID, CCC with SLEDB equip officers to boost regional SME exports

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure, and Revenue (PARTNER) activity, with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), have completed an on-the-job coaching program for 50 Development Officers (DOs) attached to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB).

ECONOMIC

January, 25, 2024

Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry discusses economic cooperation with SL

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody emphasised the need to expand economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh by leveraging the long-standing and close bilateral partnership between the two countries.

BUSINESS

January, 22, 2024

Kapruka Holdings strengthens E-commerce reach through strategic partnership with Shiro Hana

Kapruka Holdings Plc, the industry leader in e-commerce, has announced a strategic partnership with Shiro Hana (Huejay International Multiflora Ltd.), the leader in Sri Lanka’s cut-flower industry. This collaboration is facilitated through Kapruka’s innovative vendor portal, Kapruka Partner Central, signaling a significant step forward in providing an enhanced shopping experience for local and global customers.

INFORMATION

January, 19, 2024

SLT-Digital Services Launches Innovative School Attendance Notification System as Part of ESG Initiative

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – SLT-Digital Services (Pvt) Ltd, the emerging digital engagement solutions arm of the SLT-MOBITEL Group, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking School Attendance Notification System. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, focusing on enhancing child safety and digital transformation in education sector.

TELECOMMUNICATION

January, 19, 2024

TIN Registration In Sri Lanka: What You Need To Know About The 2024 Update

Sri Lanka’s tax system has been updated with a new requirement for everyone aged 18 years or more. The Inland Revenue Department of Sri Lanka has introduced a mandate under Section 102 of the Inland Revenue Act for resident persons’ registration. In this blog, we’ll dive into the specifics of TIN registration in Sri Lanka, explaining what this change means for you and guiding you through the registration process.

BUSINESS

January, 17, 2024

DIMO Energy and Siemens join forces in LV power panel manufacturing for local, export markets

DIMO Energy with its long-standing partner for over seven decades has Siemens ventured into the manufacturing of Siemens SIVACON S8 and SIEPAN 8PU Low Voltage (LV) Power Distribution Boards and Motor Control Centres (MCC) in Sri Lanka, targeting local and export markets.

EVENT

November, 10, 2023

Entrepreneur Awards 2023 – Western Province, ceremony was held in grandeur at BMICH on 7th November 2023 I Sri Lanka Latest News

Entrepreneur Awards 2023 – Western province was held in grandeur on 7th November 2023, Lotus Convention Hall, BMICH for the sixth consecutive year. The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) have jointly designed and organized this annual award scheme to distinguish, reward and motivate Sri Lanka’s very own entrepreneurs. Driven with the objective of recognizing the accompli