Category: Economy and Markets
UNDP introduces Colombo development dialogues on green development
Rapid socio-economic, technological, environmental, and other changes around the world have posed unprecedented challenges to us all. These challenges are especially pertinent against the backdrop of climate change, increased urbanization and widening inequalities, coupled with the ramifications of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this has also amplified the need for countries to re-align their economic recovery […]
Legal validity of digital signatures highlighted
Digital Signatures have been in use in Sri Lanka since 2009, however, due to the outbreak of the pandemic and travel restrictions, signing documents physically has found to be challenging. Hence, the requirement for digital signatures among many segments of the community has soared in the recent past. In view of raising awareness about Digital […]
Interview: Futureproofing banking sector through digital-first mindset
There is a good reason why digitalisation is a top priority for banking. When done correctly, it enables paradigm shifting improvements in customer experience and accessibility. For the average customer, it means, they are able to utilize the full range of our products and services seamlessly, through the platform of their choice. While prior to […]
First Capital’s ‘Performance First’ culture now certified by great place to work
The ‘Performance First’ work ethic embraced by First Capital Holdings PLC, a Janashakthi Group Company, received industry validation recently as it was certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work® in Sri Lanka. First Capital employees engaged in a multi-faceted anonymous survey conducted by Great Place to Work® on […]
ADB to promote SME sector in Sri Lanka
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General for South Asia Department Kenichi Yokoyama has assured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the ADB will support the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a US 750 million concessional loan last year for projects in Sri Lanka. Yokoyama said that the ADB […]
Regulating prices: From price mandates to more competition
Regulating prices: from price mandates to more competition The government recently removed the maximum retail price (MRP) on rice with a decision to import a buffer stock of rice to prevent any shortages. This is an important step in the right direction. Opening up the market for more competition will reduce the market power of […]
Opinion: Navigating through high maritime freight rates
By Imesha Dissanayake Maritime Freight rates have been on an upward trend since the second half of 2020. The Drewry’s composite World Container Index (WCI) as at 30th September 2021 increased to USD 10,361 per 40ft container, which is 292% higher than the same period in 2020. The average composite index of the WCI (Drewry), […]
Sri Lanka projected to grow by 3.3-pct : Shifting gears to services-led growth can help build back better
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021, but the medium-term outlook is clouded by pre-existing macroeconomic weaknesses and the economic scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic. A gradual recovery will likely lead to corresponding improvements in labor market conditions. Most countries in South Asia are far from pre-pandemic trend levels, says […]
Women in Management, IFC launch 11th Professional and Career Women Awards
Marking its 11th year of honoring inspiring Sri Lankan women, Women in Management (WIM), in collaboration with Women in Work, a partnership between IFC and the government of Australia, today opened nominations for the ‘Top 50’ Professional and Career Women Awards 2021. This will be IFC’s seventh consecutive year – fourth under the IFC-DFAT Women […]
Domestic smartphone consumers garnered access to quality assured mobile imports
TRC issues Gazette Extraordinary 2196/51 ensures consumer protection against illegal smartphone trade The smartphone customers of Sri Lanka is protected from illegal smartphone imports owing to a revolutionary gazette issued by TRCSL (Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka). The Gazette Extraordinary 2196/51, issued in December 2020, stipulates that the Type Allocation Code (TAC) letter issued […]
INSEE cement commits to Environment with new mangrove restoration project
Continuing with its efforts to protect and restore our environment, INSEE Cement, Sri Lanka’s only fully-integrated cement manufacturer, recently kicked of its latest Mangrove Restoration Project. This new initiative will work to restore 1 hectare of natural mangrove forest in the vicinity of the Searakkuliya Lagoon, Aruvakkaru, in the Puttalam District. Adding to INSEEs ongoing […]
‘s Six-Month Road Map at a glance
Sri Lanka’s Central Bank on Friday outlined the key measures and tools they will use to ensure macroeconomic & financial system stability in the country for the next six months. • Intervene in the FX market by providing the funds to finance the country’s energy bills, and thereby to infuse liquidity • Promote investments in […]