Business A regional conversation on the future of English language teaching Published 48 seconds agoon 2026/07/4 Free British Council online conference brings together leading educators from across South Asia to explore how creativity, inclusion and technology can help prepare l…
Business A regional conversation on the future of English language teaching
Published 48 seconds agoon 2026/07/4
Free British Council online conference brings together leading educators from across South Asia to explore how creativity, inclusion and technology can help prepare learners for a rapidly changing world The British Council has announced the South Asia TeachingEnglish Online Conference 2026, a free three-day event that will convene educators, researchers and teacher educators from across the region to examine one of the most pressing questions facing education today: how can schools equip learners with the creativity, adaptability and communication skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world? Taking place from 23–25 July 2026, the online conference comes at a time when education systems across South Asia are grappling with the challenge of balancing curriculum demands, assessment pressures and evolving learner needs. While English remains a critical gateway to academic and professional opportunities, educators are increasingly seeking approaches that move beyond language acquisition alone to foster critical thinking, collaboration, learner agency and participation.
Business The Ceylon Chamber convenes dialogue on energy security and standards for Sri Lanka’s energy transition
Published 1 min agoon 2026/07/4
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a discussion titled “Energy Transition in Sri Lanka: Strategic Insights from Global Markets”, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors, industry experts, academics, and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with Sri Lanka’s evolving energy landscape. Held at a time when countries around the world are accelerating their transition towards cleaner, more resilient, and technology-driven energy systems, the event provided a timely platform to examine renewable energy not only as an environmental priority but as a strategic pillar of national energy security, with implications for economic growth and long-term competitiveness. The discussion also considered the increasing importance of reliable energy infrastructure in meeting the growing demands of digital transformation, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, electric mobility, and data centres. The programme covered a wide range of topics relevant to Sri Lanka’s energy future, including renewable energy development, energy security, regulatory and policy frameworks, electricity sector reforms, energy storage systems, grid modernization, investment and financing considerations, and international experiences in energy transition. Particular attention was given to the need for creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, attracts investment, including the technical and safety standards required to protect consumers and businesses as storage and solar adoption scales nationally.
Business Bourse moved to negative territory by interest rate and inflationary pressures
Published 1 min agoon 2026/07/4
CSE investor sentiment was of a negative kind yesterday in the wake of high interest rate and inflationary pressures, analysts said. The All Share Price Index went down by 43.18 points, while the S and P SL20 declined by 8.74 points. Turnover stood at Rs 1.54 billion with five crossings. Sampath Bank crossed 1.5 million shares to the tune of Rs 163 million; its shares traded at Rs 142, Access Engineering 1.3 million shares crossed for Rs 100 million; its shares sold at Rs 78.40, HNB 165,000 shares crossed for Rs 66 million; its shares traded at Rs 400, ACL Cables 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 50 million; its shares sold at Rs 100 and WindForce 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20 million; its shares traded at Rs 40. In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were: Commercial Bank Rs 228 million (1.1 million shares traded), CCS Rs 211 million (1.6 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 73 million (518,000 shares traded), HNB Rs 40.3 million (100800 shares traded), LMF Rs 35 million (401000 shares traded), JKH Rs 34 million (1.7 million shares traded) and Aitken Spence Rs 32 million (216,000 shares traded). During the day 30.6 million share volumes changed hands in 12978 transactions. It is said that banking sector counters, especially Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank, dominated the market. Further, the manufacturing sector also performed well, especially JKH. Renewable energy sector companies, especially WindForce, were also impressive. Meanwhile, Hikkaduwa Beach Resorts announced the reopening of its hotel, Citrus Hikkaduwa, from July 1, following the completion of scheduled refurbishment and upgrades. The share was trading at Rs 5.20, down 1.89 percent. Meanwhile, Singer Finance (Lanka) said its total asset base surpassed Rs 100 billion in the first quarter of the 2026/27. Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 335.25/35 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from Rs 335.90/336.00 the previous day, while bond yields edged up slightly on profit taking, dealers said. The telegraphic transfer rate for Sri Lanka’s rupee against the US dollar was 331.50 buying, 340.50 selling; the euro was 376.7044 selling, 390.6214 buying; and the pound was 441.8540 buying, 455.8996 selling. A bond maturing on 01.08.2030 was quoted at 11.25/28 percent, up from 11.18/25 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 11.25/32 percent, up from 11.20/27 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 was quoted at 11.55/60 percent, up from 11.50/60 percent. A bond maturing on 15.01.2033 was quoted at 11.57/63 percent. A bond maturing on 01.11.2033 was quoted flat at 11.60/70 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2035 was quoted at 11.70/75 percent. By Hiran H. Senewiratne