BIZ

NSBM partners with American University for exclusive Bachelor’s Degree transfer pathway

Published

4 weeks ago

April 9, 2025

editor

NSBM Green University (NSBM) has entered into a landmark partnership with American University (AU),Washington, USA, to deliver an exclusive transfer pathway for bachelor’s degrees in Sri Lanka.

This partnership enables Sri Lankan students to commence their degree studies at NSBM Green University and seamlessly transfer toAU to complete the final two years, earning an internationally recognized American University degree in Business Administration.

The collaboration between NSBM and AU was initiated by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the USA, under the guidance of Ambassador H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, with a strong commitment to identifying partnership opportunities for higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka. It stands as a significant milestone in NSBM’s global expansion efforts, with a commitment to offering students cost-effective, world-class educational opportunities.

The official signing ceremony of this landmark partnership took place on 4th April 2025 at NSBM Green University, Homagama, in the esteemed presence of Her Excellency Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Representing the Vice Chancellor of NSBM Green University, Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, the agreement was formally signed by Ms.Thilini De Silva, Dean of the Faculty of Business at NSBM, together with Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of InternationalPartnerships and Strategic Initiatives at American University.

As part of the signing ceremony, Her Excellency Ambassador Julie Chung and the visiting dignitaries toured the NSBM Green University premises, engaging in discussions and exploring the campus. In honor of Her Excellency’s visit, a tree-planting ceremony was held at the NSBM Phase 2 site, where H.E. the Ambassador planted a Naa Tree – Sri Lanka’s national tree – underscoring the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term growth.

Her Excellency Julie J. Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka

“It is a proud moment to witness this partnership between American University and NSBM Green University—apowerful reflection of the enduring ties between the United States and Sri Lanka. The United States continues to attract the brightest minds and foster innovations that shape the future. With the signing of this 2+2 agreement, SriLankan students now have the opportunity to pursue a world-class Business Administration degree—beginning their journey here in Sri Lanka and completing it in Washington, D.C. This collaboration not only equips students with valuable business leadership skills but also strengthens both our economies and lays the groundwork for future cooperation. It’s an investment in education that promotes long-term growth, prosperity, and mutual success.”

H.E. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the U.S.

“This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s higher education that will enhance international engagement and open invaluable avenues for Sri Lankan students on the world stage. While I take immense pleasure in ourEmbassy’s role in facilitating this partnership, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to NSBM Green University andAmerican University for a truly transformative partnership.”

Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, Vice Chancellor, NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka

“We, at NSBM Green University, always remain committed to expanding our global outreach. This partnership with American University reinforces this commitment while ushering a new era of international engagement. Weare deeply hopeful and excited about the world-class learning opportunities and global career prospects this collaboration brings to empower Sri Lanka’s youth for future success.”

Ms. Tashina Giraud, Director of International Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives, American University, USA
“We are thrilled to collaborate with NSBM Green University in this exciting step towards expanding our global reach. This partnership will open many new pathways and enrich the academic experiences of students from both of our institutions. We look forward to a mutually enriching and fruitful collaboration through the exchange of knowledge and culture.”

BIZ

Car giant Ford & Barbie maker Mattel warn over tariffs costs

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2025

editor

Barbie maker Mattel says it will put up the prices of some of its toys in the US as President Donald Trump’s tariffs increase its costs.

The firm also says it will cut the number of products it makes in China for the American market.

At the same time, car making giant Ford says the levies will cost it about $1.5bn (£1.13bn) this year.

They join a growing list of big businesses warning about the impact of US tariffs on their companies and the wider economy.

“Given the volatile macroeconomic environment and evolving US tariff landscape, it is difficult to predict consumer spending, and Mattel’s US sales in the remainder of the year and holiday season,” Mattel said as it updated investors on its financial performance.

The US accounts for about half of Mattel’s global toy sales. It imports around 20% of its goods sold there from China.

The company said it plans to reduce those Chinese imports to the US to below 15% by next year.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has imposed new import taxes of up to 145% on goods from China.

His administration said last month that when the new tariffs are added on to existing ones, the levies on some Chinese goods could reach 245%.

China has hit back with a 125% tax on products from the US.

Apart from China, Mattel imports products – including Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars – from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

The three countries were also hit with steep tariffs by Trump in April, before they were paused for 90 days.

Last week, Trump acknowledged the potential impact of tariffs. American children might “have two dolls instead of 30 dolls”, he said, but added that China would suffer more than the US.

Carmaker Ford said it expected tariffs to add $2.5bn to its overall costs this year, mainly due to the increased expense of Mexican and Chinese imports.

But the firm said it had cut about $1bn of those added costs by taking various measures, including transporting vehicles from Mexico to Canada to avoid US tariffs.

The firm also suspended its annual earnings guidance to investors because of uncertainty around Trump’s trade policies.

In April, firms including technology giant Intel, footwear makers Adidas and Skechers, and consumer goods group Procter & Gamble detailed the impact of tariffs on their businesses.

“The very fluid trade policies in the US and beyond, as well as regulatory risks, have increased the chance of an economic slowdown with the probability of a recession growing,” Intel’s chief financial officer David Zinsner said during a call with investors.

Sportswear giant Adidas warned tariffs would lead to higher prices in the US for popular trainers, including the Gazelle and the Samba.

The finance chief of footwear firm Skechers, David Weinberg, told investors: “The current environment is simply too dynamic from which to plan results with a reasonable assurance of success.”

And Procter & Gamble – which makes Ariel laundry detergent, Head & Shoulders shampoo and Gillette shaving products – said it was considering changes to its prices to make up for the extra cost of materials sourced from China and other places.

(BBC News)