Danish delegation to look at infrastructure in Sri Lanka

Oct 25, 2016 (LBO) – A business delegation is due from Denmark to look at investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in in energy, infrastructure and water. “The delegation is interested in exploring the Sri Lankan market and strengthening ties with the Sri Lankan business community,” a statement from the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri […]

Sri Lanka rupee down on importer dollar demand

Oct 24, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee edged down on Monday due to dollar demand by importers, but moral suasion by the central bank discouraged trading in the spot currency market, said dealers. Rupee forwards were active, with the spot-next at 147.90/95 per dollar as of 0801 GMT, down from its previous close […]

Asian stocks subdued, dollar hovers near 9-month high

TOKYO, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Asian stocks were subdued early on Monday after Wall Street’s sluggish performance at the end of last week, while the dollar hovered near nine-month highs as fresh comments from a Federal Reserve official boosted bets of a rate hike by year-end. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched […]

Acceptance of e-documents an urgent matter: Sri Lankan companies

Oct 24, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s trading companies say acceptance of electronic documents is a matter that requires urgent attention. The Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Verité Research held a round-table discussion on “Acceptance of Electronic Documents: One small step for the government, one giant leap for businesses” […]

Sri Lanka inflation accelerates to 4.7-pct in September

Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s consumer prices as measured by National Consumer Price Index rose to 4.7 percent in September from the 4.5 percent reported a month ago, data from the state statistics office showed. In September contribution to the inflation from food group was 2.1 percent while non-food group was 2.7 percent. […]

Sri Lankan rupee steady; importer demand offsets exporter dollar sales

Oct 21, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee was trading steady on Friday, with dollar demand by importers offsetting conversions of the U.S. currency by exporters, said dealers. Rupee forwards were active, with the spot-next at 147.45/55 per dollar as of 0701 GMT, little changed from its previous close of 147.45/50. The spot rupee […]

Sri Lanka central bank considers revamping primary auctions

Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank is considering revamping the Primary Auction system for government securities, sources said. The proposed system would overhaul the auction bidding process and introduce non-competitive bidding so as to create a level playing field. The move likely follows heavy profits made by one primary dealer from government […]

Strong growth for Sri Lankan telcos, despite higher taxes: Fitch

Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings said Sri Lanka Telecom rating of B+/Negative/AAA(lka)/Stable and Dialog Axiata PLC AAA(lka)/Stable will remain steady despite higher taxes and large capex. “The ratings of both telcos benefit from high headroom capable of absorbing some margin dilution and lower cash generation,” the company’s rating statement said. The stable outlook […]

World Bank raises 2017 forecast for crude oil to USD55 per barrel

Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – The World Bank is raising its 2017 forecast for crude oil prices to 55 US dollars per barrel from 53 per barrel following OPEC’s preparation to limit production. Energy prices, which include oil, natural gas and coal, are projected to jump almost 25 percent overall next year, a larger increase […]

Asia stocks slip as stronger dollar weighs on crude oil prices

TOKYO, Oct 21 (Reuters) – Asian stocks were mostly lower on Friday as the dollar climbed to seven-month highs against a basket of currencies and dragged down crude oil prices, cooling investor risk appetite. The greenback was boosted by a fall in the euro after the European Central Bank shot down talk it was contemplating […]

Sri Lanka allocates Rs1.8tn for 2017 in Appropriation Bill

Oct 20, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s government has allocated 1,819 billion rupees to meet the estimated expenditure requirements of next year through the appropriation bill presented to the Parliament today. Presenting the bill, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the cabinet approval has duly been granted for the bill. As per the released bill, the […]

Page 322 of 1099