Business

Microsoft launches Dynamics 365 Business Central in Sri Lanka

Published

4 years ago

2021/10/22

With digital transformation more important than ever, organizations of all sizes in Sri Lanka are seeking cost-effective, streamlined systems that will make their transition seamless. To help them adapt and stay resilient in dynamic business environments, Microsoft introduced its platform Dynamics 365 Business Central to help Sri Lankan businesses modernize their processes, make smarter decisions, and accelerate growth.

At the virtual launch event, participants learnt how the platform boosts efficiency with automated tasks and workflows to gain a complete view of business with connected data, business analytics, and guidance delivered by Microsoft’s leading intelligent technologies.

“At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more,” said Sook Hoon Cheah, General Manager, Southeast Asia New Markets, Microsoft Asia Pacific. “Small and medium businesses (SMBs) make up a substantial component of Sri Lanka’s economy, accounting for over 75% of all businesses with over one million SMBs. They can be found in all areas of the economy and account for roughly 45 percent of overall employment in Sri Lanka. We are confident that Dynamics 365 Business Central will be able to support such businesses, to connect their financials, sales, service, and operations to streamline business processes and improve customer interactions.”

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a single, end-to-end solution for managing business processes, and part of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 range of business applications. The platform integrates with other Microsoft cloud services including Office 365 and can be customized or extended for specific industry needs with PowerApps, Microsoft Flow and Power BI.

Microsoft officials Sandeep Basu (Product Marketing Lead – Dynamics 365, Asia Pacific region) and Afif Mohamed Ali (Dynamics 365 Lead, Southeast Asia New Markets Dynamics) shared the latest innovations and capabilities behind the all-new platform.

“We understand the challenge of growing a business, trying to guarantee success while balancing many aspects of its operations,” said Sandeep Basu, Product Marketing Lead – Dynamics 365, Microsoft Asia Pacific. “The success of Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 Business Central solution is due to its unique ability to offer the depth of integrated business applications required, as well as fully integrated analytics, productivity, and IoT solutions, at cloud efficiency and scale. Our platform is built on a set of trusted, proven technologies that have served more than 160,000 organizations of various sizes and millions of users worldwide.”

The final session of the event featured a panel discussion on the best practices and insights for the platform’s successful end-user technology adoption. The panel of speakers consisted of Conrad Dias (Director, LOLC Holdings & Director/CEO, LOLC Finance) and Enrico Lisk (Director – Digital Transformation, ZILLIONe). The panelists also shared how each of their companies were accelerating digital transformation, to ensure resiliency and business continuity to meet the constant changes in a dynamic business environment.

For more on information on Dynamics 365 Business Central, visit www.dynamics.microsoft.com/business-central.

All News Advertisement

Business

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

Published

12 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

13 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

13 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”.