Category: Economy and Markets
CA Sri Lanka calls upon all political parties to urgently appoint a team to negotiate with IMF
CA Sri Lanka urges the government, in consultation with all political parties, to formulate a plan, including engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Releasing a statement, the professional body said that all political parties in the country should come to a consensus and urgently appoint a team to negotiate with the IMF, thereby ensuring […]
Ceylon Chamber gravely concerned about consequences of recent actions
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is gravely concerned about the far-reaching adverse consequences of certain actions being taken by the Government on economic activity such as tourism, trade, exports and e-commerce dependent on social media platforms, while appreciating the need to maintain law and order and public security in the country. The adverse coverage Sri […]
IMF to initiate discussions with Sri Lanka for support & financial program in coming days
The International Monetary Fund will initiate discussions with Sri Lankan authorities for new support & financial program in the coming days, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said on Thursday. “The Sri Lankan authorities have expressed interest in an IMF support and financial program. The answer is yes. On the status of that discussion, we plan to […]
Ceylon Chamber reiterates the need to fast-track the process of debt restructuring
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce notes with serious concern the continuous deterioration in the fuel and electricity availability in the country, hampering daily operations of businesses and activities of the general public. The Chamber believes there is a need to maintain a sufficient stock of fuel to balance both transport and power generation needs. Further, […]
SLIBTEC, USAID to establish SL’s first ‘Biotechnology Innovation Park’
The Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) will collaborate with the U. S. Government’s development arm, the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to promote innovation in the biotechnology sector by establishing Sri Lanka’s first Biotechnology Innovation Park. The SLIBTEC Biotechnology Innovation Park will be a 13.2-acre facility in Pitipana, Homogama that will house […]
‘s exports increased by 9.9-pct in February 2022
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 9.91% to US$ 1,046 Million in February 2022 compared to February 2021 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Further, it is a 5.8% increase when compared to February 2020. Sri Lanka’s Merchandize Exports has maintained the above $ 1 billion mark continuously since the beginning […]
LAN channels Rs.150Mn into tech startups: Currently evaluating 5-10 startups
Sri Lanka’s first Angel Fund has, to date, channelled investments up to Rs. 150 Million cumulatively into four home-grown startups – Niftron, Magicbit, Mintpay & Chakra Suthra – while also helping these companies scale and access new markets both at home and abroad. “Since August 2020, our team has evaluated over 400 startups from across […]
Sri Lanka’s debt is unsustainable with very high rollover risk: IMF Debt Sustainability Assessment
Based on IMF staff analysis, fiscal consolidation necessary to bring debt down to safe levels would require excessive adjustment over the coming years, pointing to a clear solvency problem. Releasing the Country Report No. 2022/091: Sri Lanka: 2021 Article IV Consultation, the IMF staff said that a more ambitious adjustment, required to significantly reduce debt, […]
Clarification Regarding the Forex Sales by Banks to the Central Bank
The Central Bank clarifies that the recent increase of the percentage of foreign exchange sales by banks to the CBSL from 25% to 50%, effective from 21.03.2022, is exclusively applicable to banks and that will not have any impact on the prevailing requirements for the foreign exchange earnings of expatriate workers and export proceeds of […]
US Under Sec for Political Affairs promises assistance to develop cyber & information technology sectors
The Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, Wednesday. The President briefed Ms. Nuland on the issues raised at the All-Party Conference this morning, its progress, and the discussion to be held with the Tamil National Alliance on Friday. Appreciating these efforts, the Under […]
From crisis to inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka
By FARIS HADAD-ZERVOS, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka & HANS TIMMER , Chief Economist, South Asia, World Bank Sri Lanka has managed the health and safety aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in a commendable way . The nation has been and continues to be swift in safeguarding the health of its population, including vaccinating […]
CA Sri Lanka launches exclusive global credential for finance professionals to fight fraud
In a ground-breaking initiative aimed at combatting fraud and corruption, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) joined hands with the US-based Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to launch an exclusive global credential for finance professionals in Sri Lanka. The Certified Fraud Examiner qualification, recognised globally as the most contemporary […]