Category: Economy and Markets
Sri Lanka inflation decreased in June
July 23, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s headline inflation as measured by the year-on-year change in the National Consumer Price Index has been decreased to 2.1 percent in June from 3.5 percent in May due to the high base prevailed in the corresponding month of the previous year. Meanwhile, in June, both year-on-year food and […]
Hayleys Free Zone decides to process & re-export cargo in question expeditiously
July 22, 2019 (LBO) – Hayleys Free Zone Limited today revealed that it has taken a decision to process the cargo in question and re-export them expeditiously at the cost of the company. Last Friday, the BOI said that they have decided to take stern action against the company with a view to concluding this […]
Sri Lanka vehicle registrations down in June 2019
Jul 22, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s vehicle registrations across most categories have declined in June relative to May, a new report shows. Data compiled by JB Securities equities research shows a drop in 2-wheeler registrations have driven down the total to 26,201 the lowest on record over the past 36 months. The slowdown and […]
BOI to take action against Hayleys Free Zone Ltd for failed waste re-exports
July 19, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment is to take stern action against Hayleys Free Zone Limited for failing to meet commitment laid out in their BOI agreement. The BOI has permitted Hayleys Free Zone Limited in May 2014, to operate an integrated logistics center and entrepot trading as permitted activities within […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank expects lending rates to reduce further in immediate future
July 19, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects lending rates of banks and NBFIs to reduce further in the immediate future, and borrowers, particularly SMEs, can expect to obtain credit facilities at reduced interest rates from banks and NBFIs. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka requested licensed banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) […]
Federal Reserve will only cut rates once in 2019: Fitch Ratings
July 18, 2019 (LBO) – The Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates by less than financial markets expect over the rest of 2019 given robust jobs growth in the US, Fitch Ratings says. A 25bp cut now appears probable at either the July or September FOMC meeting but is unlikely to signal the […]
BOI inks agreement with edotco to equip Sri Lanka with Smart City Solutions
July 17, 2019 (LBO) – The Board of Investment (BOI) and edotco Sri Lanka, an integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company today entered into an agreement to invest in the latest Smart City solutions and energy-efficient systems. Under this agreement, the BOI grants edotco Sri Lanka the approval to deploy urban smart solutions throughout the country […]
SenzMate, the Internet of Things tech company born in Jaffna
By Jekhan Aruliah I visited SenzMate a few months ago, and am only now getting around to writing about them. The reason for my hesitation has been although this is a Jaffna born company it is no longer in Jaffna. My objective in these articles is to root for businesses to move North. SenzMate had […]
”; outlook stable
July 12, 2019 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings Lanka has downgraded Bimputh Finance PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘BB-(lka)’ from ‘BB(lka). The Outlook is Stable. The downgrade stems from a sharp deterioration in Bimputh’s capital position, which they believe is no longer commensurate with its high-risk appetite. This is due to the significant decline in asset […]
Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage, main argument for not relaxing policy: CBSL Chief
July 12, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage is the main argument against relaxing monetary policy, the Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said. Speaking to journalists in Colombo after the monthly monetary policy announcement, he said the government’s revenue has come down with increased expenditure, opening doors for a possible fiscal slippage. Monetary […]
Sri Lanka reserves improve to USD 8.9bn by end June; YTD rupee appreciation 4.1-pct
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves have reached 8.9 billion US dollars by end June 2019, following the receipt of 2 billion US dollars from the issuance of ISBs, providing an import cover of 5.1 months, the Central Bank said. The successful issuance of the International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) in June […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank maintains policy interest rates at current levels
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank at its monetary policy meeting has decided to maintain policy interest rates at their current levels. “Considering the current and expected macroeconomic conditions, the Monetary Board was of the view that there is ample space for market lending rates to adjust downwards in […]