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

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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.”

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Several BoC branches closed early today!

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Several branches of the state owned Bank of Ceylon (BoC) had closed their counters today (April 10) earlier than usual, inconveniencing customers, reports say.
Counters at certain BoC branches had closed at 12.30pm today, due to a result of a Trade Union action, reports add.

The BoC Board of Directors had previously approved an incentive for its employees based on the profit of the year 2024, and it is said that a delay in securing the Ministry of Finance’s approval for this had led to this situation.

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ reached out to the Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) Chairman – Channa Dissanayake in this regard and was told that no bank branches were closed earlier than usual.

When we had insisted that certain branches had indeed closed their counters after 12.30pm and mentioned photographic evidence, Mr. Dissanayake’s phone line went dead.

BoC has been in the centre of controversy recently, after providing a hefty loan to Nawaloka Group which is already in deep debt.

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New Year ‘Kevili’ costs 7% more in 2025 than in 2024: report

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The cost of preparing a traditional kevili or sweetmeats table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, and is now more than twice as high as it was in 2019, according to a report by Verité Research.
The analysis found a 7% rise in the cost of ingredients between March 2024 and March 2025, driven primarily by significant increases in the prices of coconuts and coconut oil, which rose by 80% and 40% respectively. Most other ingredients either remained stable or decreased in price.

In 2024, the cost of ingredients had increased by 2.2 times compared to 2019, and by 2025, this figure has risen to 2.4 times the cost in 2019.

A kevili table typically features a selection of traditional Sri Lankan sweet treats that symbolise prosperity and happiness. While contents vary across households, common items include milk rice, kokis, bananas, aluwa, kevum, dodol, mun kevum and butter cake.

The analysis used quantities based on recipes from the popular YouTube channel “Ape Amma,” estimating portions for a household of 4–5 people. Only main ingredients were considered in the costing; utility costs (electricity/gas) and spices were excluded. Price data was sourced directly from the Department of Census and Statistics, specifically from its Open Market Weekly Average Retail Prices in the Colombo District for the following periods: April Week 1 of 2019 and 2023, and March Week 3 of 2024 and 2025.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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USD climbs above Rs. 300 since Sep. 2024

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The Sri Lankan rupee has declined against the US dollar today (10), with the spot exchange rate surpassing the Rs. 300 mark for the first time since September 27, 2024.

According to the daily exchange rate data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the buying rate for the US dollar stands at Rs. 294.13, while the selling rate is recorded at Rs. 303.20.

Meanwhile, the spot exchange rate has been registered at Rs. 301.20 today.

The spot rate reflects the weighted average of all spot transactions carried out in the domestic interbank foreign exchange market, including any market interventions conducted by the CBSL through Requests for Quotations (RFQs) on the previous or most recent business day.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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