Category: Economy and Markets
World Bank Managing Director Visits Sri Lanka, Stresses Need to Pursue Reforms, Invest in People
World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Anna Bjerde, concluded her four-day visit to Sri Lanka today, encouraging the Government of Sri Lanka to stay the course on reforms for recovery and sustainable growth. She also underscored the World Bank’s continuous commitment to investing in people, strengthening human capital, and creating jobs. Bjerde met with Sri […]
VAT to be increased to 18-pct from January; coverage will be expanded to meet targets agreed with IMF
The current Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is to be increased to 18% with effect from 01-01-2024, and to impose the tax on certain goods and services to which the Value Added Tax does not apply. According to the Cabinet of Ministers, this will be carried out to achieve the tax revenue and primary balance […]
Opinion: Reforming tax incentive structure in Sri Lanka
The second tranche of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) was delayed as the country failed to meet some of the program targets including the government revenue target. This prompted the IMF in their latest review to reiterate the need to “strengthen tax administration, remove tax exemptions, and actively eliminate tax evasion” […]
CDS signs Agreement with LankaPay Online Payment Platform
The Central Depository Systems (CDS), a fully owned subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), recently signed an agreement with LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s National Payment Network, joining its Online Payment Platformto develop an innovative payment platform to facilitate a seamless and a secure payment experience for investors. The new payment platform promises to transform how […]
Sri Lanka’s exports dropped by 15-pct in Sept compared to Aug amid decreased demand
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports decreased by 11.88 % to US$ 951.5 Million in September 2023 compared to September 2022 as per the provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs. Also, it is a 14.94 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in August 2023. The decline in merchandise exports is due to decreased demand […]
”; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the National Long- Term Ratings of Sri Lanka-based conglomerate Melstacorp PLC and its subsidiary, Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DIST), at ‘AAA(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable. Fitch equalises the rating of DIST, which has a stronger credit profile than its parent Melstacorp, to the consolidated profile of its parent, based […]
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on First Review of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility Arrangement
IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the first review of the 48-month EFF-supported program. Sri Lanka will have access to SDR 254 million (about US$330 million) in financing once the review is approved by IMF Management and IMF Executive Board. “Macroeconomic policy reforms are […]
United Motors to Acquire Dutch Lanka Trailers for LKR700mn
October 17, 2023 (LBO) – Colombo Stock Exchange listed United Motors (UML) has entered into a share purchase agreement for the purchase of 100% of Dutch Lanka Trailer Manufacturers Limited (DLT) for a price of LKR700mn. The seller TRF Singapore (a Tata group firm) purchased DLT for a total price of approximately USD$17mn from 2009 […]
Imperative for SOE Reforms in focus at Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2023
The second session of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2023 titled ‘SOE Reforms – Now or Never’ will focus on the imperative for SOE reforms, sharing invaluable insights into the ongoing SOE reforms and their potential impact on economic growth. The session will center around a deep dive into the transformation of large SOEs, their […]
”’, Removes RWN
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka-based Senkadagala Finance PLC’s (Senka) National Long-Term Rating to ‘BBB(lka)’ from ‘BBB+(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable. Fitch has also downgraded Senka’s subordinated debt rating to ‘BB+(lka)’ from ‘BBB-(lka)’, and removed the Rating Watch Negative (RWN) from all of Senka’s ratings. KEY RATING DRIVERS Weakened Asset Quality Drives Downgrade: Senka’s exposure […]
CSE creates awareness on Regulated Short Selling (RSS) through Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL)
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) conducted a series of virtual workshops and intends to continue more workshops on Regulated Short Selling (RSS) through Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL), creating awareness on the two features to diverse groups of individuals. The virtual workshops are being conducted in Sinhala, English and Tamil with the intention of reaching […]
Privatisation is the need of the hour:Advocata
“At the interim budget last year, a list of SOEs reforms were provided to be restructured. 14 months later nothing has changed even in one SOE.”- Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, a policy expert and an advisor of the Advocata Institute. He made these comments at Advocata’s press briefing, organised to highlight the urgency of carrying out […]