Category: Economy and Markets
CMTA raises concerns about disparities in import regulations and policies
The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), one of the longest standing automotive associations in South Asia, has recently raised concerns regarding the fairness of current import regulations, shedding light on the importation of extravagant items such as televisions and mobile phones, while essential necessities such as a motorcycle remains restricted. The CMTA emphasizes the need […]
“Top50” Professional and Career Women Awards 2023 spotlights inspiring women
The highly anticipated “Top50” Professional and Career Women Awards 2023, organized by Women in Management (WIM) in partnership with Women in Work, a collaboration between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Government of Australia, successfully concluded, honouring exceptional women from Sri Lanka and the Maldives who have made remarkable contributions to their respective fields. […]
Premier praises British Envoy’s efforts to promote UK-Sri Lanka ties
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked the outgoing High Commissioner of the United Kingdom Sarah Hulton for her persistent efforts to strengthen friendly relations between Sri Lanka and UK. He said this when the High Commissioner paid a farewell call on him at the Temple Trees Monday. The Prime Minister said that the untiring efforts of […]
SLBA calls for government engagement to facilitate debt recovery process
The Sri Lanka Banks Association (SLBA) has urged policymakers to engage with commercial banks via the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to ensure a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to alleviating the stress felt by the industrialists in loan default, following the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. The Association, which represents all Licensed Banks […]
Role of alternative financing mechanisms to address Sri Lanka’s debt overhang
By Imesha Dissanayake The common path followed by almost all IMF member countries in response to sovereign debt crises in recent decades, is to enter into an IMF supported stabilisation and structural adjustment programme. Sri Lanka has been a country that has followed this trend repetitively, having entered into 16 economic stabilisation programmes during 1965-2020, […]
BNI National Conference in Colombo honors members at awards ceremony
BNI Sri Lanka – the local branch of the world’s largest referral networking organisation, BNI (Business Network International) – is celebrating the success of its first ever large- scale event in the country. The National Conference titled “Building a global Sri Lanka. Networking the way forward,” was headlined by Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of […]
Dairy Association holds AGM: Call on fostering agreements, aligning goals, and mobilising industry
The fourth Annual General Meeting of the All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) was recently held at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce premises in Colombo. The AIDA which is affiliated with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and plays a pivotal role in representing the local dairy industry by fostering agreements, aligning goals, and mobilising the industry. […]
HNB, Hemas Holdings & SLT to be included in S&P SL 20 mid-year index rebalance
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the following change in S&P Sri Lanka 20 index constituents made by S&P Dow Jones Indices at the 2023 mid-year rebalance. The exclusion and inclusion as announced by S&P Dow Jones Indices, effective from 19th June 2023 (after the market close of 16th June 2023) are presented below. Exclusions […]
Hemas Strengthens Presence in Consumer Brands Space, Acquires Remaining Stake in Atlas
Hemas recently announced the acquisition of a 24.9% stake of Atlas Axillia Company (Private) Ltd, for a total consideration of Rs.3.4Bn. With this strategic move, the Group now owns 100% of Atlas Axillia Company (Private) Limited, expanding its market presence and reinforcing its position as a key player in the Consumer Brands Sector. “Atlas […]
Former Telecom Regulatory Chief Asserts Privatizing Telecom Industry Poses No Threat to National Security
Privatization of the telecom industry does not pose a threat to national security, according to Professor Rohan Samarajeeva, former Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. During his participation in the President’s Media Division’s ‘101 Katha’ program, Professor Samarajeeva expressed his opinion regarding the Sectorial Oversight Committee’s report on National Security, stating that it relies […]
Plantation sector to see growth in Q2 amid labour issues: Report
The Research Intelligence Unit, a multi sectoral research consultancy says plantation companies are very optimistic about the revoking of the ban imposed on the usage of chemical fertiliser and see it as the ex-factor for a production boost in 2023, as compared with 2022. The companies consider labour as a crucial element of their business […]
SL Rupee depreciates against USD
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated against the US Dollar (USD) today compared to last week, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Accordingly, today’s buying rate of USD is Rs 290.06 while the selling rate is Rs. 303.73. Last Friday’s buying rate of USD was Rs. 288.08 while the selling rate was […]