Category: Economy and Markets
Comm Bank gross income grows 54.2-pct in Q1: LKR appreciation impacts loan book, deposits and assets
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group’s deposit base has surpassed Rs 2 trillion, a milestone it achieved in the first quarter of 2023 despite the continuing impacts of mercurial exchange rates and market interest rates, and the effects of the economic downturn on multiple sectors of business. The Group, comprising of Sri Lanka’s biggest private […]
IMF asks Sri Lanka to resolve uncertainty surrounding local debt restructuring
The International Monetary Fund is requesting Sri Lankan authorities to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the domestic debt restructuring and control the interest rates. “We have taken note that this uncertainty has elevated interest rates in the country,” Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka told reporters in Colombo. “So, we are encouraging the authorities […]
Harsha proposes GDP growth-linked instrument for domestic debt optimisation
During a recent press conference, Opposition MP Harsha de Silva warned against the potential risks of domestic debt optimization, stressing the need for extreme caution. De Silva cautioned that if not managed carefully, domestic debt optimization could become a burden rather than a relief for the economy. Citing the net debt relief Laffer curve, de […]
Creditor Committee wants debt treatment on terms at least as favorable as ones agreed by them
The official Creditor Committee comprised of 17 countries stresses the importance for private creditors and other official bilateral creditors of Sri Lanka to provide a debt treatment on terms at least as favorable as the ones agreed by the Creditor Committee. Releasing a statement after the first meeting of the Creditor Committee for Sri Lanka, […]
Sri Lanka – Thailand FTA scheduled for early 2024
The fourth round of talks on the proposed Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement was held recently with both parties agreeing to complete the negotiations and prepare the relevant agreement for signature by the first quarter of 2024. The final round of discussions are scheduled to be held on 27 and 28 June, where a delegation […]
PUCSL Chair calls for 20-pct price drop in electricity rates
The Chairman of Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Janaka Ratnayake says that the electricity consumers should get a 20 percent tariff reduction based on a slowdown in electricity demand plus the exchange rate and reduced of fuel prices. “According to the tariff requested by CEB on 5th January this year, CEB had estimated an […]
SJB opposes selling of strategically important SoEs but wants an end to monopoly
SJB Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne assured that main opposition was ready with plan and strategies to implement projects for the wellbeing of the people no sooner it comes to office after an elections due shortly. People of this country are eagerly awaiting to oust this government which has no mandate or even proper plan to implement […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank assures banking sector stability in debt restructuring process
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has assured the banks that the regulatory stance in the on-going Domestic Debt Optimization (DDO) discussions with the diverse stakeholders will be that, the banking sector stability cannot be put at risk, a statement said. Presently the banking sector is well capitalized with average Capital Adequacy Ratio over 15% and […]
Sri Lanka exports decreased by 2-pct to USD 1,037 Mn in March
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports decreased by 1.96 % to US$ 1,037.5 Million in March 2023 compared to March 2022. Moreover, it is a 5.14 % decrease when compared to March 2021. Less demand created for major products in major markets due to the current economic situation further continues. Figure 1: Monthly Merchandise Export Performance 2020- […]
ADB President commends SL for action taken to overcome economic crisis and pledges further support
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met with the President of Asian Development Bank, Masatsugu Asakawa in Seoul, Republic of Korea during the 56th Annual Meeting of the ADB, Tuesday. The Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the excellent partnership and cooperation extended by the Asian Development Bank during a challenging period for Sri Lanka and for […]
Green bonds gain traction in Sri Lanka: Securities and Exchange Commission
By Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Sustainable Financing Sustainable finance refers to any form of financial service integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria into the business or investment decisions for the lasting benefit of both clients and society at large. Presently, a number of securities regulators are focused on whether the sustainable […]
Govt public debt restructuring and concerns of the banking sector: SL Banks Association
The banks believe that all stakeholders involved in structuring the restoration of Sri Lanka’s Balance of Payments to a sustainable equilibrium must necessarily take a careful look at the resulting outcomes – impact to the banking sector capital and liquidity in a potential Domestic Debt Restructuring (DDR) and minimise the risk to the sector, a […]