In Brief

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, was the chief guest of the inaugural seminar organized by the Laugfs Australia Higher Education Services Private Limited’ in a venture with the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies of the Canberra University held yesterday. The Minister sharing a light moment with Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. Chairman of LAUGFS Holdings, W.K.H. Wegapitiya looks on. Picture by Chaminda Hittatiya

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SLIA launches Architect 2012

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) held its felicitation of stallholders of Architect 2011 exhibition and the launch of Architect 2012, the annual sessions organized by the Institute recently at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo.

Ceylease Financial in Rating Watch

Fitch Ratings Lanka has placed Ceylease Financial Services Ltd's (CFSL) National Long-Term 'BB+ (lka)' rating on Rating Watch Evolving (RWE). The rating action follows Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka Plc's (MBSL) announcement on 4 May 2011 that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has provided "in-principle approval" for the issue of a specialised banking license to MBSL.

The license is subject to a merger between CFSL (55%-owned by Bank of Ceylon, Merchant Credit of Sri Lanka and MBSL Savings Bank.

IEPSL seminar

The Institute of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka (IEPSL) will conduct a four day training programme on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from July 28 at HARTI auditorium, No 114, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo.

Central Environment Authority Chairman Charitha Herath will speak at the inauguration.