Nikkei edges down in choppy trade; glass sector outperforms

TOKYO, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Japan’s Nikkei share average edged down in choppy trade on Wednesday morning as stocks tracked the volatile currency market, while the glass manufacturing sector outperformed on brisk earnings results. The Nikkei dropped 0.1 percent to 18,892.69, having dabbled in positive territory earlier in the trading session. The dollar fell 0.2 […]

Sri Lanka’s Right to Information Act comes into force

Feb 03, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Right to Information (RTI) Act comes into effect today bringing with it a promise of open government, citizens’ active participation in governance, and accountability to the people of the country. The Ministry of Mass Media and Parliamentary Reform said that it has been laying the groundwork of RTI, […]

Asian stocks shaky ahead of U.S. jobs data, China markets

HONG KONG, Feb 3 (Reuters) – Asian stocks got off to a tentative start on Friday, as investors await the outcome of a key U.S. monthly jobs report that will set the tone for the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and as China’s markets reopen after a week-long break. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside […]

RDA to obtain Rs23bn for Central Expressway phase II

Feb 01, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has decided to obtain part of the funds for the construction of phase II of Central Expressway Project from two state banks. The government has identified it as one of its priority projects for promoting economic development in the country by improving connectivity among various regions, a […]

Central Bank releases new publication “A Survey of Financial System”

(PRESS RELEASE) – The Central Bank today launched a new book titled “A Survey of Financial System” authored by Mr. P Samarasiri, Deputy Governor. This is the fourth book authored by Mr. Samarasiri and published by the Central Bank. The book’s presentation is targeted for students, teachers and policymakers who look for basics on financial […]

Dollar caught in crossfire as Trump talks currency wars

SYDNEY, Feb 1 (Reuters) – The dollar was put on the defensive in Asia on Wednesday after the Trump administration accused Germany and Japan of devaluing their currencies to gain a trade advantage, fuelling a risk-off mood that also kept stocks subdued. The U.S. currency suffered its worst January in three decades after President Donald […]

Asian shares rattled by Trump travel curb orders, dollar soft

TOKYO, Jan 31 (Reuters) – Asian shares were on the defensive on Tuesday as stringent curbs on travel to the U.S. ordered by President Donald Trump brought home to investors that he is serious about putting his radical campaign pledges into action. Global stocks posted their biggest loss in six weeks after Trump signed an […]

Nawala emerging as high end apartment hub: RIU

Jan 30, 2017 (LBO) – Nawala, between Sri Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo and administrative capital Kotte, is seen as the next high-end residential apartment hub, as new infrastructure in and around the area will address issues related to traffic congestion, a research institute said. “Many new real estate developers have realised the potential of the […]

Asia shares, S&P futures fall as Trump travel ban, weak GDP adds to U.S. worries

SINGAPORE, Jan 30 (Reuters) – Asian stock markets and U.S. stock futures retreated on Monday after President Donald Trump introduced immigration curbs that sparked criticism at home and abroad and added to global fears of increasingly unpredictable U.S. policies. Trump on Friday put a 120-day hold on allowing refugees into the country, an indefinite ban […]

‘s North, more in pipeline

Jan 30, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka opened a state-run paddy store in Mannar to cater to the Northern region which can store 10,000 metric tonnes at cost of 2.6 billion rupees, the Ministry of Industries and Commerce said. “Farmers in this area faced may difficulties including a 30 year war, and now we are […]

Sri Lankan rupee steady in thin trade

COLOMBO, Jan 27 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee traded steady in thin volume on Friday as dollar selling by exporters and inward remittances outpaced demand for the U.S. currency from importers, dealers said. Rupee forwards were active, with two-week forwards were trading at 150.85/95 per dollar at 0546 GMT little changed from Thursday’s close […]

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