Category: Economy and Markets
Recent tax cuts support short term but greater fiscal clarity needed for medium term: CBSL
Nov 29, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank observes that the recent tax revisions would support lower inflation and higher economic growth in the short term, but was of the view that greater clarity with regard to the medium-term fiscal path of the government is required to assess the impact on the economy over […]
‘s Central Bank to remain unchanged
Nov 29, 2019 (LBO) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance. Accordingly, the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) will remain at their current levels of 7.00 percent and 8.00 percent, respectively. The Board said it […]
CSE comes alive with Rs2.8bn turnover but foreigners keep selling
November 28, 2019 (LBO) – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) finished a busy day today with trading activity that has been rarely seen in recent years. The stock market registered trading turnover of Rs2.8bn (US$15mn) with the indices finishing up roughly 1.5% on the day. There was broad based trading activity across many stocks. The […]
‘s sub-debt issue to BBB+(EXP)
Nov 28, 2019 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings has revised the expected National Long-Term Rating on HNB Finance Limited’s (HFL, A(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lanka rupee-denominated subordinated unsecured debentures to ‘BBB+(EXP)(lka)’ from ‘A-(EXP)(lka)’ following the publication of Exposure Draft: Non-Bank Financial Institutions Rating Criteria and Exposure Draft: Bank Rating Criteria on 15 November 2019, under which the […]
Colombo stocks surge on Rajapaksa tax cut bonanza
November 28, 2019 (LBO) – The stock market in Sri Lanka started the day in rally mode with most of the major indices up approximately 1.5%. The sharp rise comes on the back of large tax cuts enacted by new Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in order to stimulate a sputtering economy. The tax cuts equate […]
Sri Lanka announces tax reliefs; cuts VAT to 8-pct, removes PAYE, WHT & Capital Gains Tax
Nov 27, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s new Cabinet of Ministers has given its approval to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) and various other taxes, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. “Required amendments and gazette notifications are currently being prepared,” Gunawardana told reporters. “This will be a stimulus to all areas of the economy and […]
Reports about any potential investment in TFC not true: Central Bank
Nov 27, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank on Wednesday clarified that the information published in newspapers regarding any potential investment in the troubled The Finance Company (TFC) is not correct. “Even though these news articles mentioned that TFC informed the CSE that it has been approached by three interested parties to consider investing […]
Sri Lanka cable maker ACL buys 51-pct stake in local cable firm for Rs481mn
Nov 27, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s cable and conductor manufacturer, ACL Cables has entered into a share sale and purchase agreement to acquire 51 percent of the issued shares of Cable Solutions (Private) Limited for 481 million rupees. The overall transaction contemplated includes the purchase of up to 75 percent of the issued shares […]
4IR: A challenge or an opportunity for gender equality
Institute of Policy Studies – IPS These technological advances of the hold significant implications on existing gender structures and balances, especially in the labour market. While optimists point out to opportunities for strengthening women’s position through greater gender equality through the 4IR, counterarguments that are put forward signal the 4IR would be ‘gender blind’. Entrenched […]
Government puts Enterprise Sri Lanka loan scheme on-hold for review
Nov 26, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s newly formed government has decided to put Enterprise Sri Lanka along with other concessionary loan schemes launched by the previous government on hold until a systematic study is carried out. The government’s position is that existing credit schemes should be identified and implemented in priority areas of the […]
Fitch affirms Ceylon Electricity Board at AA+; outlook stable
Nov 26, 2019 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sri Lanka-based Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) National Long-Term Rating at ‘AA+(lka)’ with a stable outlook. The rating on CEB, which is 100% state-owned, is equalised with that of the Sri Lankan sovereign (B/Stable), reflecting strong linkages with the parent, in line with Fitch’s Parent and Subsidiary […]
Beware of online scams, protect bank passwords & PINs: Central Bank
Nov 21, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank warns public that it has received information regarding several types of financial frauds and scams being operated through social media, and Internet-based applications. Full Statement Beware of online scams – Protect your bank passwords and PINs The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has received information regarding […]