Business
Technologically advanced new Mobitel headquarters

Symbolising its role as the National ICT Solutions Provider and committed to lead Sri Lanka towards the next phase of its digital revolution, SLT-MOBITEL laid the foundation stone for Mobitel’s technologically advanced new headquarters building in Welikada on 21st October, 2021. The property is SLT-MOBITEL’s first state-of-the-art green building which will comprise of the latest aesthetics and technologically advanced features.
The foundation stone for the new building was laid with the participation of Rohan Fernando, Group Chairman, SLT; Lalith Seneviratne, Group Chief Executive Officer, SLT; Kiththi Perera, CEO, SLT; Chandika Vitharena, CEO, Mobitel; Saman Abeysekara, CAO, SLT; Shashika Senarath, CMO, Mobitel along with the presence of Senior Management of SLT-MOBITEL, Urban Development Authority officials and well-wishers.
On completion of the building all operational offices of Mobitel scattered in the city will be brought under one roof, saving substantial cost in return. Further, One floor of the building will be dedicated to R&D and innovative start ups in technology.
Strategically designed to support SLT-MOBITEL’s smart office concept, the building will achieve the highest levels as a technology powerhouse and will be constructed on a 7-acre site with 175,000 sq. ft. built space with superior facilities that are energy efficient, sustainable and productive. Further, the building will feature a smart work environment, enabling employees with new normal work practices backed by truly modern work aesthetics, essential for employee physical and mental well-being. In addition, the establishment of the property will further bolster SLT-MOBITEL’s vision in transforming Sri Lanka with future ready technologies such as NB IOT, AI, Big Data, 5G.
The new Mobitel Headquarters building is designed as an energy-positive building and one that will produce more clean and renewable energy throughout its lifespan. As the first ever green building for SLT-MOBITEL, the group expects to achieve the coveted Platinum Green Rating from the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL).
With its focus on sustainability and intelligent smart features, the building will feature the latest energy-efficient lighting, power and cooling systems including a rainwater harvesting system, wastewater treatment plant, energy rated glass facade, energy rated electrical fittings, lifts, ACs etc.
Under Phase 1 of the building project, 100,000 sq.ft. will be constructed with all the modern amenities, providing a transformational work environment suited for a variety of work pattern preferences fostering better connection amongst the staff to further improve efficiency, productivity and innovation within the organisation. During the subsequent phases other facilities including parking, reception and a modern restaurant and clubhouse conveniences, recreation areas consisting of a swimming pool, sports facilities and residential apartments, landscaping and road networks will be developed.
Business
Oil prices rise as Saudi Arabia pledges output cuts – Opec+

Oil-producing countries have agreed to continued cuts in production in a bid to shore up flagging prices.
Saudi Arabia said it would make cuts of a million barrels per day (bpd) in July and Opec+ said targets would drop by a further 1.4 million bpd from 2024.
Opec+ accounts for around 40% of the world’s crude oil and its decisions can have a major impact on oil prices.
In Asia trade on Monday, Brent crude oil rose by as much as 2.4% before settling at around $77 a barrel.
The seven hour-long meeting on Sunday of the oil-rich nations, led by Russia, came against a backdrop of falling energy prices.
Total production cuts, which Opec+ has undertaken since October 2022, reached 3.66 million bpd, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Opec+, a formulation which refers to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, had already agreed to cut production by two million bpd, about 2% of global demand.
(BBC)
Business
Manpower services agency wins accolades for its contribution to foreign employment sector

Its MD says. ‘go abroad only if you can work hard’
Siraj Manpower Services, one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign employment agencies, was honoured with the Three-Star Award at the ‘Golden Awards’ 2023, organised by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). This award ceremony was organised to honour foreign employment agencies that have made a significant contribution to the development of the foreign employment sector, which is a major source of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka. Siraj Cafoor, Managing Director of Siraj Manpower Services, was presented with the award at the award ceremony which was held at the BMICH in Colombo under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Employment and Labour Manusha Nanayakkara.
Having been established in 2002, Siraj Manpower Services (www.sirajmanpower.lk) has earned a reputation in the field of foreign employment by winning the trust of customers for more than 20 years. It has been offering job opportunities in the Middle East countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia as housekeepers, drivers, sanitation workers, labourers and also jobs related to the apparel industry. All these workers are entitled to approved salary scales certified by the SLBFE.
“We always stand for the safety of workers who go abroad through our organisation. We work to solve the problems that arise in relation to the contracts that the workers have entered into. I must mention something special to those who go abroad for employment. That is, you should keep in mind that you go abroad only to work. Go abroad only if you can work hard. You have to remember that you are going abroad to earn some more money and achieve the advancement of your family.” said Siraj Cafoor.
Business
Ports Minister invites Singaporean investors to develop Colombo North Port

The Minister of Ports, Navigation and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva was on an observation tour on 3rd of June to witness the operations and development of Singapore’s main port. During the tour, he had a special discussion with the head of PSA International Private Company which carries out the operations and development of the Singapore port.
Won Chee Fung, CEO of the company’s Middle East and South Asia arm said if there are investment opportunities for development and operations in the ports of Sri Lanka, they would like to apply for them.
The Minister told him that since the government has planned to start the development of the North Colombo Port, a suitable investment plan and proposal could be made for it. He also requested the heads of PSA International Private Company to provide a suitable proposal for the development of Trincomalee Port.
PSA International is one of the few largest companies operating in ports in the world, and 37,000 million containers are handled per year in Singapore’s main port alone.Officials including Assistant Vice President of PSA Company Lim Wei Chang, Chairman of JCT Oil Bank Company, Lakmal Ratnayake and representatives of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Singapore also participated in this discussion.
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