Daily FT - April 01, 2025
Daily FT - April 01, 2025
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In this issue
April 01, 2025
Govt. accelerates digital transformation in labour sector
■Holds high-level meeting to streamline Labour Department services ■Participants stress importance of reducing bureaucratic delays, enabling quicker, effective service delivery to public ■Says proposed digitisation project will focus on creating unified digital platform, allowing seamless coordination between institutions - Department of Labour, the Central Bank, and EPF
1 min
Verité Research pioneers QR-based publisher traceability
■'Trace-it' offers publisher authentication of digital content
1 min
Successive months of losses at CSE worry investors; Rs. 90 b dividend windfall to rescue?
THE Colombo stock market last week ended March suffering its second consecutive month of losses, raising concerns among investors and promoters.
1 min
Appeal Court suspends Puttalam Court order to remand lady lawyer
THE Court of Appeal yesterday (31), on the day of the Eid-al-Fitr festival, to hear a matter of grave concern upon the application made to Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President, attorney at Law Ranley Amarasuriya, and granted interim relief suspending an order by the Puttalam High Court Judge, resulting in the release of a remanded lawyer on contempt charges.
3 mins
Senior journalist Namini Wijedasa wins US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage Award
SUNDAY Times journalist Namini Wijedasa has won the US Secretary of State’s 2025 International Women of Courage Award.
1 min
Ex-Minister Tiran grilled by CID over Weligama shooting incident
FORMER Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to record a statement in connection with a shooting incident in 2023.
1 min
Fairway Holdings announces leadership transition
FAIRWAY Holdings, specialising in real estate and diversified industries, has announced a key leadership transition following the passing of its esteemed Founder, Hemaka De Alwis.
1 min
Sri Lanka successfully hosts third BIMSTEC Working Group meeting in Colombo
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation), as a regional corporation, was initiated to bring together the countries in the Bay of Bengal to discuss and work in collaboration to develop major sectors in a country, including tourism within the region.
3 mins
Minor rebrands Centara Ceysands as NH Bentota Ceysands Resort
THE picturesque NH Bentota Ceysands Resort sits proudly on a peninsula, with the vibrant Indian Ocean on one side and the murky waters of the Bentota River on the other, basking in a unique locational advantage shared by only a few hotels on the Bentota peninsula but not the average beachfront property.
3 mins
Sri Lanka's first Cross-Border Payment Symposium paves way for digital tourism boom
SRI Lanka last week marked a significant milestone in its digital payments landscape with the successful hosting of its first-ever Cross-Border Payment Symposium, organised by LankaPay in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and other key tourism industry bodies.
1 min
Diva Dathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Program in North Central Province
DIVA, from Hemas Consumer Brands in collaboration with Women in Management (WIM), continues to uplift and empower women entrepreneurs acrosS Sri Lanka with its 'Diva Dathata Diriyak Entrepreneurial Skills Development Program'.
1 min
Sysco LABS' Shanthi Rajesh joins SLASSCOM panel on diversity in technology
SYSCO LABS was represented at the SLASSCOM Women in Tech Conference 2025 by Sysco LABS Director Cybersecurity and Sysco Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for APAC Shanthi Rajesh, who joined an expert panel discussion on \"Closing the Gender Gap in Tech: Strategies, Policies and Workplace Innovation for Equity.\"
1 min
People's Bank launches 'Vanitha Vasana Credit Card'
PEOPLE'S Bank recently unveiled the 'Vanitha Vasana VISA Platinum Credit Card' at a special launch event held at Havelock City Mall, Colombo 06.
1 min
Unilever supports women-led micro entrepreneurs in partnership with IDB, WCIC
UNILEVER Sri Lanka and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development handed over the second round of financing to ten female micro-entrepreneurs.
1 min
Visa commits to support women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka
■Initiative coincides with International Women's Month 2025
3 mins
Sri Lanka Insurance Life expands islandwide presence
SRI Lanka Insurance Life further expanded its presence in the Southern region with the opening of the Agency Business Development Centrics (ABDC) in the Thelijjawila area attached to the Matara branch. The ABDC was opened at No.18/1, Weligama Road, Talijjawila. The opening took place on the 17 March.
1 min
Sri Lanka's capital markets poised for growth and economic turnaround
At the Capital Market Investor Forum, CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekera points out Sri Lanka's steady economic recovery since the series of crises, stressing the investor friendly climate
2 mins
Union Bank's UBgo, the all-in-one solution for hassle-free banking
UNION Bank as part of its transformation continues to evolve its digital first approach to providing enhanced customer experience. As part of its digital agenda, the bank recently unveiled several new features to its premier mobile banking platform UBgo.
1 min
Experts weigh on policy framework for accelerated economic growth
At Capital Market Investor Forum, panellists evaluate and offer suggestions to current economic policy framework Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil J. Fernando calls for economic stabilisation, capital market development, and financial transparency as pillars for investment Argues financial accountability can be leveraged via latest technological advancements SEC Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissanabandara notes Govt. collaboration with anti-money laundering initiatives and enhanced oversight Stresses the emergence of new legal amendments aimed at strengthening governance such as the Proceeds of Crime Act CBSL Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe urges balance between fixed and flexible exchange rate, preventing volatility Says small deficit of around 1-2% must be maintained
1 min
Senfin Money Market Fund earns major Fitch Rating upgrade to "AAf"
IN a remarkable milestone, the Senfin Money Market Fund (SMMF), managed by Senfin Asset Management Ltd., (SFAM) has secured an impressive Fitch Ratings upgrade with the Fund’s National Fund Credit Quality Rating moving to “AAf(lka)” from “BBBf(lka)”, and its National Fund Market Risk Sensitivity Rating to “S1(lka)” from “S2(lka)”, with a “stable” highest grade available. This upgrade is a significant achievement for the company and reflects the fund’s strong credit quality, liquidity, and prudent risk management, reaffirming SFAM’s growing reputation as a trusted leader in investment management.
2 mins
Xapp by NDB Wealth simplifies investing for everyone
NDB Wealth has introduced Xapp, a seamless digital investment platform designed to remove barriers to investing and make wealth-building more accessible than ever.
1 min
Union Assurance hosts 'Blog It Symposium 2025', first-ever in sector
UNION Assurance, Sri Lanka’s largest private Life Insurer, organised the ‘Blog It Symposium 2025’, marking a significant milestone as the first-ever of its kind in the Life Insurance sector. The event, open to the public, welcomed renowned figures from the literary world, including its keynote speaker, Ashok Ferrey, as well as prominent personalities such as Lal Medawattegedara, Chinthri Rajapakse, Dharma Sri Kariyawasam, Savithri Rodrigo and Professor Kopalapillai Amirthalingam.
1 min
Secondary Bond market yields increase
T-bill yields hold static at auction; end 19-week streak of declines. Foreign holdings in Rupee treasuries increases. Total outstanding liquidity increases. Rupee appreciates
2 mins
Sri Lanka to host FinTech World Cup Regional Competition at Port City Colombo
THE FinTech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL), in stra tegic partnership with Port City Colombo, will host the FinTech World Cup (FWC) Regional Competition on 23 April from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Port City Colombo.
1 min
Challenges faced by higher education sector in Sri Lanka
How to overcome them through greater private sector participation
10+ mins
Clean Sri Lanka and noise pollution
DIR. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, PC, in his two excellent articles titled “Clean Sri Lanka and noise pollution (Part I and Part II)” which were published by the Daily FT on February 21, 2025 and 22 February 2025 respectively, has highlighted the acute problem of noise pollution for victims of the continuing noise pollution over the years. Residents in several areas, both in and outside the city, have for periods of time, been subjected to intense noise forced upon them.
1 min
Hidden costs of policy shifts: How Sri Lankan SMEs coping with rising expenses
FOR decades, Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been the backbone of the country’s manufacturing sector, driving industry, employment, and economic growth. However, policy shifts, particularly the abolition of the Simplified Value-Added Tax(SVAT), have placed significant strain on these businesses. With the region of SVAT due to happen in October this year, the long-term uncertainty surrounding these policy changes continue to pose a serious challenge for SMEs.
3 mins
April 1971; Sri Lankan State’s original sin
5 April marks the anniversary of the 1971 JVP insurrection - a seminal moment in Sri Lanka’s history, stained by blood. It was the first large-scale eruption of violence involving the Sri Lankan State and a rebellion that shook the nation to its core.
2 mins
Is 70% RE by 2030 target being sabotaged?
WITH three consecutive Presidents endorsing it, the people of Sri Lanka would have been convinced that the goal of achieving 70% Contribution by Renewable Resources for power generation, is a firm policy and a target that all relevant authorities would be obliged to achieve.
4 mins
"'It's difficult to hold back tears": Tribute to Athula Jayasekera
TO call Athula Jayasekera just a good friend would be a gross understatement. I have known him for more than 30 years and the life we forged was something that was truly a bond beyond a friendship. He was a sincere friend, a motivator, an adviser, a brother, a counsellor, a partner and many more rolled in one.
3 mins
Obituary notice
WITH profound sadness, we announce the sudden and tragic passing of TMC Kandy’s former Chairman, Board of Management Past President, and one of the esteemed supporters of The Management Club Athula Jayasekera.
1 min
KFC introduces exclusive discounts for TMC members across all outlets
IN a move to offer added value to its members, TMC has negotiated with KFC Sri Lanka to offer an exclusive discount for members of The Management Club (TMC) at all its outlets nationwide.
1 min
TMC signs MoU with Mt. Lavinia Hotel forging exclusive partnership
STRENGTHENING its commitment to providing exceptional benefits for its members, The Management Club (TMC) has signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Mt. Lavinia Hotel. This agreement, effective from 2025 to 2028, paves the way for exclusive privileges and enhanced collaboration.
1 min
Kaushal Rajapaksa elected President of National Chamber of Exporters
THE National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) elected Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa as its new President at the 30th Annual General Meeting held on 20 March.
1 min
Chapman’s heroics guide New Zealand to ODI series lead against Pakistan
IF Mark Chapman is Napier as the Kiwi recorded 152 (114), setting the stage for New Zealand’s victory by 73 runs in the first ODI against Pakistan.
1 min
SLB attracts South Korean support for RDC youth development vision
SRI Lanka Badminton’s (SLB) Vice President Roshan Gunawardena embarked on a fruitful mission to South Korea, as he managed to link a successful development program with the Badminton Federation of South Korea.
1 min
Sampath Bank tees up for second year as Title Sponsor of RCGC’s Monthly Medal
SAMPATH Bank will return as the Title Sponsor of the Monthly Medal Golf Tournament at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) for the second year, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing Sri Lanka’s sporting experiences for Sri Lanka’s golfing community.
1 min
ACBT 91st Mahagastota Festival Of Speed 2025: Timeless test of speed and skill
THE Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC) has announced the return of Sri Lanka’s most historic motorsport event, the ACBT 91st Mahagastota Festival Of Speed 2025, set to take place on 5 and 6 April in the picturesque hills of Nuwara Eliya.
2 mins
Anticlimactic draw at 73rd Battle of the Golds
THE 73rd Battle of the Golds between traditional rivals Sirmangala Panadura and Moratu MV concluded in an anticlimactic draw at De Zoysa Stadium in Moratuwa with the final day’s play characterised by an excessively defensive approach from Moratu MV.
1 min
Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka welcomes eQUIP interns for orientation program in Dambulla
THE Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) of Sri Lanka, with the support of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), is set to host an orientation program for eQUIP interns in Sri Lanka from 1-4 April.
1 min
Daily FT Newspaper Description:
Publisher: Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Daily FT:National English Daily:authoritative market and financial news for business www.ft.lk
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