Buddha tattooed British tourist deported

REUTERS: Sri Lanka on Thursday deported a British tourist for having a tattoo of Buddha on her arm which a court said was an insult to the island’s main religion. Legally, there is no ban on a Buddha tattoo in Sri Lanka, but the predominantly Buddhist nation is very sensitive about its religion.

BOC records highest profit of Rs. 15.7 b in 2013

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has concluded its financial year 2013 reporting the highest profits over its domestic peers successfully proving, yet again, its market leadership.
The results indicate an increase in volumes in both assets and gross operating income and achieving asset growth in all its business lines. Firmly entrenched as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 financial organisation through its 75 years of existence, the bank is fully geared to support the growth and development of the country by being the largest contributor to the Government economic development aspiration of 5+1 hubs.
The Bank of Ceylon has recorded a pre-tax profit of Rs. 15.7 billion for 2013 reflecting its inherent strengths and affirming its position as the leading financial services provider in the country despite the many challenges faced by the banking industry during, 2013. Both BOC Chennai and Malé branches recorded profits in 2013. This confirms Bank of Ceylon’s position as a truly international Sri Lankan bank.
The bank passed yet another milestone by raising its second international dollar bond for $ 500 million at competitive rates which was 6.8 times oversubscribed, endorsing the acceptance the bank has earned within the global investor community. A further Rs. 8 billion was successfully raised locally through listed debentures in 2013.

Samsung launches latest innovation S5 in Sri Lanka

• Expands wearable line with the next generation of gear devices that offers unmatched freedom and style

Samsung Electronics, Sri Lanka’s leading smartphone manufacturer, yesterday launched in Sri Lanka its fifth generation GALAXY S5, a state-of-the-art smartphone that focuses on what matters most to consumers.
The new GALAXY S5 offers consumers a refined experience with innovation of essential features for easy day-to-day use.
“The GALAXY S5 is yet another great proof point of people-inspired innovation developed by Samsung. Designed to be both effortlessly smart and intuitively simple, the GALAXY S5 has been created to maximize consumer benefits by integrating superior hardware with enhanced smartphone usability and an iconic design,” said H.K. Chang, Managing Director, Samsung India Electronics Ltd.
Sri Lanka branch. “This sleek and innovative smartphone provides an effortless user experience and is designed to empower consumers and help them in their everyday lives.”
The GALAXY S5 combines an advanced camera with fast network connectivity, dedicated fitness tools and enhanced device protection features that enable consumers to stay fit and connected in style.
Express a modern, glam look

Thought of the day . . .

Thought of the day . . . The more reasons that you have for achieving your goal, the more determined you will become.

Refuse to make excuses for failure; instead, look for the valuable lessons you can learn each time.

Central Bank makes public maximum deposit rate directive to finance companies

The Central Bank yesterday made public its directive to finance companies with regard to the maximum deposit interest rates payable. The move was in furtherance of the policy announcement originally made at CB’s Road Map for 2014 in January this year. Finance companies have been issued with similar directives in the past but it was the first time it is going public. In its statement yesterday,