Business Today

Business Today January 2025 This edition features articles on India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future; Donald Trump’s AmericaFest Speech: Rallying the ‘America First’ Vision for His Second Term; Sri Lanka Ready to Open Markets for India: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the India-Sri Lanka Business Forum; SoftBank’s USD 100 Billion Investment in the U.S.; China’s Women in Charge; and interviews with Christian leader Jerome Fernando and Idea Group CEO Dilhani Weerarathna along with many other articles. Visit: https://businesstoday.lk

India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement: Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, held comprehensive discussions during the latter’s State Visit to New Delhi. The talks reaffirmed the deep-rooted cultural, geographical, and people-to-people ties that form the foundation of the bilateral partnership. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFvhDFss

Donald Trump’s AmericaFest Speech: Rallying the ‘America First’ Vision for His Second Term The speech took place against the backdrop of a highly energized crowd of young conservatives, energized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a key supporter of Trump’s political campaigns. The audience of over 12,000 attendees symbolized the growing influence of youth activism in conservative politics. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gfHGiRhh

HNB records a Group PBT of 38.7 billion rupees for the first nine months of 2024 HNB Group recorded a PAT of 23.7 billion rupees growing by 26 percent YoY, while the Bank’s Profit After Tax increased by 34 percent YoY to 22.2 billion rupees for the nine months ended September 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gginv2cn

Jerome Fernando: a Preacher who Captivates, Heals, and Inspires Jerome Fernando is a Christian leader with many titles, and his name is widely recognized. Known as a preacher in the spotlight, he has faced his share of criticism, but has never wavered or stopped delivering his message. Jerome claims to speak directly to people’s hearts, and his greatest strength lies in his ability to remain relevant. He goes beyond just words, reaching out to heal and meet the needs of those who listen. So, what is it that draws so many people to Jerome Fernando? Many are curious about the man who dares to prophesy about election outcomes. To explore this, Business Today spoke with the founder of the Glorious Church, who shared that his message is firmly rooted in the Bible, but he delivers it in a way that resonates with modern audiences. In a world overwhelmed by noise and information, Jerome’s approach helps people internalize and remember his words. In a competitive landscape for people’s attention, Jerome Fernando has undoubtedly emerged victorious, capturing more and more focus every day. With his flamboyance and impeccable sense of style, some wonder whether he is truly authentic and approachable. To his skeptics, Jerome simply says, “Come and see.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gJBcSHs4

SoftBank’s USD 100 Billion Investment in the U.S. In December 2024, Masayoshi Son, CEO of Japan’s SoftBank Group, announced a groundbreaking USD 100 billion investment in U.S. technology and infrastructure. The announcement, made alongside former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, captured international attention for its scale and potential economic impact. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gimk2gV5

Vallibel Finance: Surpassing Rupees 100 Billion Milestone In 17 years, Vallibel Finance has transformed from a startup into one of Sri Lanka’s prominent financial institutions. With a modest beginning in 2007, when it launched with only six employees, the company has reached the extraordinary milestone of surpassing over 100 billion rupees in assets. This impressive growth trajectory places Vallibel Finance in the elite circle of the country’s largest financial firms. What sets Vallibel Finance apart is its rapid rise and the unwavering determination, integrity, and strategic foresight that have driven its success. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2QgfsPJ

Leading Idea Group to New Heights In March 2024, Dilhani Weerarathna rejoined Idea Group as its CEO during a challenging period. Her leadership has been pivotal in placing the company on a sustainable growth trajectory. Her entrepreneurial spirit, unyielding determination, and deep commitment shaped her remarkable journey from accounts executive to CEO. Today, under her guidance, Idea Group is on the path to achieving long-term success and expansion. Speaking with Business Today, Dilhani Weerarathna said that Idea Group has demonstrated the power of positive thinking, innovation, and hands-on leadership. With her vision and unwavering commitment, Idea Group is well on its way to becoming a leading player in Sri Lanka’s construction industry, poised for even greater success in the future. Read more:https://lnkd.in/g_6Kgmcf

People’s Leasing & Finance Delivers Exceptional 42.4 Percent Profit Growth for First Half FY 2024/25 People’s Leasing & Finance has once again strengthened its reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s leading Non-Banking Financial services providers, delivering an impressive financial performance for the first six months of FY 2024/25, ending September 30, 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwjCvBEB

China’s Women in Charge The document titled “China’s Women in Charge” by ILTM Asia Pacific in collaboration with FINN Partners provides a comprehensive analysis of the travel preferences and behaviors of affluent female Chinese travelers. This study highlights significant trends shaping the luxury travel market in China, driven by the preferences and priorities of wealthy, independent women. Redefinition of Luxury The affluent female traveler in China is no longer content with traditional luxury, such as five-star accommodations or opulent amenities. Instead, she seeks experiences that offer depth, authenticity, and personal connection. For these women, luxury means more than material abundance—it’s about self-discovery, cultural immersion, and meaningful engagement with the world. They value rare and unique experiences, like spending time in remote villages, participating in local traditions, or learning new skills that contribute to personal growth. This change represents a profound shift in values; travel is no longer about showcasing wealth but about enriching the soul and fostering personal fulfillment. For luxury brands in the travel industry, this means creating experiences that go beyond surface- level glamour, focusing instead on crafting memorable, personalized journeys that resonate deeply with travelers. These experiences often include exclusive access to local artisans, customized itineraries that avoid typical tourist traps, and immersive cultural or adventure-based activities. Independence and Empowerment The rise of the independent Chinese female traveler marks a cultural evolution in China, where women are assuming roles traditionally occupied by men and making autonomous choices about their leisure and lifestyle. These travelers view solo journeys as an empowering experience that allows them to take control of their time, decisions, and desires. Many affluent Chinese women feel that traveling alone helps them step outside their comfort zone, build confidence, and develop resilience. Solo travel among women also reflects broader societal changes in China, where women are becoming more financially independent and assertive in decision-making across various aspects of life, including family and work. They choose destinations based on personal interests, whether it’s for adventure, wellness, or cultural enrichment, with itineraries that are fully self-directed and unbound by traditional family or group expectations. The independence offered by solo travel enables these women to engage in self-reflection and pursue their passions freely, making travel a form of personal empowerment and liberation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gfZgUQXB