Business
SL to re-appeal to China to reimburse USD 6.9 million
By Ifham Nizam
The government will once again appeal to the government of China to reimburse USD 6.9 million paid as damages to a Chinese fertilizer exporter, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera said.
Amaraweera yesterday expressed confidence that China, being a close friend of Sri Lanka, would assist by reimbursing USD 6.9 million which Sri Lanka paid as damages for tarnishing the reputation of a Chinese company that supplied organic fertilizer.
Amaraweera told The Island Financial Review said that he would be discussing this matter with the delegation headed by Ma Youxiang, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Government of China, which is expected here to take part in the 37th Asia Pacific Conference (APRC) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to be held from February 19-22.
More than 42 countries will attend the APRC. Twenty two Agriculture Ministers from among these countries had confirmed their participation.
Amaraweera also said that they had decided to discuss resolving the problems that arose during the implementation of the court settlement between the Chinese Organic Fertilizer Company and the two state fertilizer companies in a manner that does not damage the friendly relations between the two countries as well as for the benefit of Sri Lankan farmers.
The Minister of Agriculture instructed the Secretary to the ministry to invite the relevant officials of the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, President’s Counsel Ali Sabri, to this discussion.
Business
ComBank tops banking sector in LMD’s first Corporate Happiness Index
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been ranked No 1 among Sri Lankan banks in the inaugural Corporate Happiness Index (CHI) just released by LMD magazine.The Bank has also been ranked one of Sri Lanka’s “happiest second homes” taking fifth place overall in the ranking, following the high positions it achieved in the 16 attributes that made up the survey conducted by PepperCube Consultants for this pioneering initiative.
Remarkably, Commercial Bank was the highest-ranked bank in 14 of the 16 attributes, leading the banking sector in several fundamentally-important aspects related to employees, such as ‘Remuneration scales,’ ‘Rewards & Perks,’ ‘Career progression,’ ‘Work environment,’ ‘Gender balance,’ ‘Health & wellbeing,’ ‘Work-life balance,’ ‘Workplace diversity,’ and ‘Workplace flexibility.’
Commercial Bank was also ranked No 1 in the banking sector for ‘Financial stability,’ ‘Corporate leadership,’ ‘Workplace camaraderie,’ ‘Open culture’ and ‘Recreational facilities.’
Besides its emphatic leadership in the banking sector, the LMD Corporate Happiness Index ranked Commercial Bank among the top five corporate entities in Sri Lanka across all sectors, in 10 of the 16 attribute rankings, and among the top ten overall, in 15 of the attribute rankings.
The Bank was ranked second overall for the attributes of ‘Financial stability’ and ‘Workplace camaraderie,’ third for ‘Career progression’ and fourth in Sri Lanka for ‘Workplace diversity’as well as ‘Workplace flexibility.’
“The importance of workplace happiness cannot be over-emphasised in today’s fast-paced corporate environments, and we welcome this groundbreaking effort by LMD magazine to redefine understanding of workplace wellbeing and to rank companies on their progress in this sphere,” Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said. “At Commercial Bank, a lot of attention is devoted to creating a workplace culture that ensures that employees can achieve their full potential as they build their careers. Our biggest strength is our people, and there is intense focus on their wellbeing, including minimising work-related stress which can negatively affect the health of employees as well as the productivity of the organisation.”
Commercial Bank also has the distinction of being in the Top 10 of the LMD 100 ranking of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies, which is primarily based on turnover, every year since the ranking was first published 31 years ago.
Business
Ceylinco Life closes 2024 with 13 awards for financial reporting and brand excellence
Sri Lanka’s life insurance market leader Ceylinco Life has brought 2024 to a close on a victorious note, winning a total of 13 awards, 11 for distinction in financial reporting and two for brand excellence.
The company’s annual report for 2023 received accolades from four prestigious local and international bodies – CMA Sri Lanka, CA Sri Lanka, the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) and MerComm Inc., the presenter of the prized ARC Awards.
Titled ‘The Core of Trust,’ Ceylinco Life’s integrated annual report for 2023 was recognised as one of the ‘Top 10 Excellent Integrated Reports’ in Sri Lanka at the CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024, and was adjudged the first runner-up in the Insurance category. CMA Sri Lanka is the national professional management accounting body.
The Annual Report also won the Silver award in the Insurance sector, the Bronze for Corporate Governance Disclosure, and three Certificates of Recognition for Sustainability Reporting, Integrated Reporting and Digitally Transformative Reporting respectively, at the 2024 edition of the CA Sri Lanka Annual Report Awards, now branded the ‘TAGS’ Awards.
Business
Queen’s Hospital Medical Centre Opens in Ratmalana, Offering Affordable and Advanced Healthcare
The newly opened Queen’s Hospital Medical Centre in Ratmalana is revolutionizing private healthcare with state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate services. Equipped with advanced medical technologies, including ultrasound, echo, and X-ray machines, the hospital ensures accurate and timely diagnoses for patients. A team of experienced medical officers, nurses, and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional care, said a release.
Patients can access OPD treatments for just Rs. 550, and until 31 January 2025, enjoy a 50% discount on X-rays and hospital charges for ultrasound or echo tests. On 29 January, the hospital will host a special medical camp offering free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, and heart conditions. Pre-registration is required to secure a spot.
Queen’s Hospital also introduces a daycare service for elderly parents, allowing families to attend to their commitments while ensuring their loved ones are cared for in a safe, professional environment. Serving Ratmalana and surrounding areas like Kalutara, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Moratuwa, and Maharagama, the hospital eliminates the need to travel to Colombo for quality care. Convenient e-channeling services enable patients to choose their preferred doctor and save time and money.
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