Business

Sri Lanka Tourism attends virtual ‘ANTOR meets the media’

Published

5 years ago

2020/10/19

Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK participated in a virtual media networking session recently. It was organised by the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives (ANTOR) which is a voluntary nonpolitical organization established in the UK in 1952. ANTOR’s members comprise national and regional tourist offices which are represented in the United Kingdom.

“ANTOR meets the media” is an event which has been hosting 100 plus media in a workshop format in London for the past 30 years. This year the event was in virtual format which has provided them the opportunity to widen their net of guests, inviting travel media from the UK to meet the members virtually face to face. Appointments were also made ahead of time with the media, sanctioning 20 minutes for each event, enabling a multiple number of media meetings within an approximate 6-hour long invaluable time span.

Participation at this event enabled Sri Lanka to approach the travel media directly. It provided the opportunity to create awareness on Sri Lanka’s extent of safety measures set apart in preparation for tourist arrivals once the country reopens to welcome travelers. It endorsed the significance of safety and concern, enough to retain Destination Sri Lanka on top of the mind of travellers.

Leading journal publishing houses such as Travel Bulletin, Green Traveler Productions, Wanderlust, BMI Publishing, Selling Travel, TTG media and Culture Trip etc. were in attendance at the Sri Lanka Virtual stand showing a deep interest in getting an update on the current situation in the island.

The event began with a media briefing on Sri Lanka Tourism with the participation of the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism, Kimarli Fernado and Sri Lanka High Commissioner for UK, Saroja Sirisena.

During the meeting Chairperson highlighted, the success story of how Sri Lanka dynamically managed to control coronavirus pandemic through strategically planned safety measures and pointed out latest updates on the current pandemic situation. She enlarged on the protocols to be implemented ensuring the safety of both the islanders and the visitors arriving in Sri Lanka, the moment the airport gates open for tourist inflow.

Speaking at the meeting, the High Commissioner elaborated on the significance of the UK market to Sri Lanka Tourism and the deep interest and affinity felt by the British tourists towards Sri Lanka. High Commissioner further laid weight on the role, UK media could play in promoting Sri Lanka in the UK market in a bid to revive tourism industry.

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Business

Sri Lanka secures IMF staff-level deal for USD 700 million tranche

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Sri Lanka has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to secure the next tranche of funding under its ongoing bailout programme, marking a key step in the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The agreement, announced this week, will enable Sri Lanka to access approximately USD 700 million, subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. The funds form part of the USD 2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme agreed following the 2022 economic crisis.

The latest development covers the combined fifth and sixth reviews of Sri Lanka’s reform programme, indicating that the country has made sufficient progress to move forward, while highlighting the need to sustain reform efforts.

Sri Lanka’s economy has shown signs of stabilisation in recent months, supported by improved revenue collection, easing inflation, and a gradual buildup of foreign reserves. However, the recovery remains vulnerable to both domestic and external pressures.

By Ifham Nizam

Business

Israeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Initially CSE trading was somewhat volatile despite the ceasefire in West Asia but it experienced further volatility after Israel attacked Lebanon yesterday.

However, the IMF delegation which is now in Sri Lanka to release two tranches of its relief package created some positive sentiments for the market, analysts said.

The All Share Price Index went down by 73.06 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 10.57 points.

Turnover stood at Rs 2.96 billion with six crossings. Those crossings were: JKH 5.5 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 807.6 million and its shares traded at Rs 19.70, CIC Holdings two million shares crossed for Rs 54 million; its shares traded at Rs 32, Access Engineering 600,000 shares crossed for Rs 44.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 74, Central Finance 116,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 27.5 million ; its shares sold at Rs 237, LMF 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 22.8 million; its shares fetched Rs 91.10 and Kelani Cables 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 21 million and its shares traded at Rs 105.

In the retail market seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Dialog Rs237 million (7.5 million shares traded), LMF Rs 203 million (22 million shares traded), Colombo Dockyard Rs 199.7 million (1.1 million shares traded), HBA Foods Rs 163 million (18.5 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), JKH Rs 156 million (7.8 million shares traded), Softlogic Holdings Rs 117 million (9.6 million shares traded) and Acme Printers Rs 107 million (15.6 million shares traded). During the day 133.3 million share volumes changed hands in 23666 transactions.

It is said that manufacturing sector counters, like JKH, performed well, while food sector counters, especially LMF and HBA Foods, performed well. Other sectors too performed somewhat well during the day.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted a Rs 315.42/48 to the US dollar in the spot market from 315.30/40 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were quoted higher.

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

Business

HNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’

Published

6 hours ago

2026/04/10

Thilina Walpola

Highlights from the new brand reveal as HNB Assurance transforms into HNB Life

Marking 25 years of trust, growth, and service excellence, HNB Assurance PLC has unveiled its new corporate identity, transitioning to HNB Life PLC a strategic evolution that reflects the company’s forward-looking vision and commitment to empowering lives with protection and the freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them.

This milestone signifies more than a change in name or visual identity. It represents a deliberate transformation shaped by strong performance over the past few years, during which the company has achieved remarkable growth, strengthened its market position and enhanced its customer-centric capabilities.

The newly introduced logo, inspired by the form of a wing, symbolises HNB Life’s role as a proactive enabler. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting individuals in navigating life’s journey with confidence, empowering them to pursue their aspirations and live life on their own terms.

The official unveiling took place at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, strategic business partners, well-wishers and employees.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman, Stuart Chapman highlighted the significance of this transformation, stating, “As we mark 25 years of progress, the transition to HNB Life reflects our strategic intent to evolve with the changing needs of our customers and the broader market. This new identity embodies our purpose, to enable and empower individuals to achieve what they truly aspire to in life, with confidence and security. As a company we are extremely excited on what the future holds for as, as we build on an incredible foundation laid over the past two and a half decades.”

The new Vision of the Company is “To be the leader in empowering lives with protection and freedom to thrive, no matter where life takes them”.