Business
Seylan Bank celebrates Seylan Tikiri Children’s Month for 9th consecutive year

Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, began celebrating a month dedicated for children coinciding with World Children’s Day with “Tikiri World Children’s Month” 8 years ago, marking the beginning of a special journey for children. “Tikiri World Children’s Month” stands out as the longest-running program in the financial services industry of Sri Lanka. Since its inception, thousands of children have joined in the festivities throughout the month from around the island.
Seylan Bank proactively introduced digital solutions for customer needs when the country first went into an islandwide lockdown and ‘Seylan Tikiri’ became an active digital platform for its young customers during travel restrictions. Preparations are in full swing to celebrate Children’s Month this year as the Bank is set out to carry exciting digital competitions through its social media channels to empower and reward Tikiri Achievers for showcasing their many talents while improving their academic and self-development skills.
Our children have been compelled to follow online education, away from their schools and extra-curricular activities for nearly two years due to the pandemic. The need for a specialised process to relieve their young minds of the stress they are constantly under is felt very strongly. Team Seylan understood this and introduced a wide array of digital activities such as ‘Tikiri Lockdown Diary’, ‘Tikiri Digital Avurudu’, ‘Tikiri Vesak Pathuma’, ‘Tikiri Champ’, ‘Storytelling’ and many others to keep the spirits of their little customers high and excited during these difficult times.
Seylan Tikiri is the number one Children’s Savings Account in the market and has always worked towards recognizing children’s talents through promotional programs while supporting them to develop their skills. Keeping true to this; this year, throughout the month of October, Seylan Bank has made all necessary arrangements to host a special digital tournament through their social media channels. The tournament will include fancy dress competitions, drawing competitions and many others with the winners set to receive valuable monetary rewards. Their talents will be on display on Seylan Bank’s social media channels. Parents and well-wishers are invited to witness and encourage the children and be a part of their journey.
This year, as a value addition to the little account holders, Seylan Bank will be handing out special ‘data gifts’ for children who make Seylan Tikiri deposits during the “Tikiri World Children’s Month”. Accordingly, data packages will be gifted to those who deposit Rs. 15,000 in an existing or newly opened Seylan Tikiri Children’s Savings Account during this month. Throughout the year Seylan Bank plans to bring forth many entertaining digital programs for their youngest customers. For more information on the product and benefits customers can visit www.seylan.lk or call 011 2 00 88 88 to speak to a Seylan Bank Representative.
Seylan Bank, the Bank with a Heart, operates with a vision to offer the ultimate banking experience to its valued customers through cutting-edge technology, innovative products, and best-in-class services. The Bank has a growing clientele of SMEs, Retail and Corporate Customers, and has expanded its footprint with 172 branches, 70 Cash Deposit Machines, 86 Cheque Deposit Machines and an ATM network of 216 units across the country. Seylan Bank has been endorsed as a financially stable organization with performance excellence across the board by Fitch Ratings, with the bank’s national long-term rating revised to ‘A’ (lka). The bank was ranked second among public listed companies for transparency in corporate reporting by Transparency Global and is now part of the S&P Dow Jones SL 20 Index. These achievements are a testament to Seylan Bank’s financial stability and unwavering dedication to ensuring excellence across all aspects.
Business
Cabinet approves submission of the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal forwarded by the President in his office as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to submit the Report on the Annual Economic Analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 to the Parliament.
As per section 80 (3) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023, the Minister in – charge of the subject of Finance shall submit a report on the economic situation which prevailed within the particular financial year, within four months after completion of each financial year. Accordingly, the report in relation to the financial review of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for the year 2024 has been submitted to the President. The report has envisaged macro economic trends of Sri Lanka, situation of the financial system, as well as the major developments and a review of the policies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
[DGI]
Business
Gigalingua Lanka opens its doors to new opportunities for Sri Lankan nurses in Germany

Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
Business
Browns unveils new expansion strategy

In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
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