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JICA Supports NWSDB to Transform Operations with Digital Solution
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is set to digitalize its operations with the introduction of a cutting-edge Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) with the supports extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA delivered comprehensive recommendations to enhance project implementation efficiency and effectiveness in May 2023; accordingly, further support to develop […]
Borders and Budget: Visa reform will boost tourism and reverse brain drain
By Daniel Alphonsus Three million tourists are set to visit our shores next year. We will issue nearly as many online visas – millions too many. ETAs are a tourist’s bane: rather than dreamy sun, sea and sand, the weary salaryman’s getaway begins with the tedium of forms. The tourist’s ayubowan to Sri Lanka begins […]
President to attend 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in China
President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for China to attend the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation. The President will engage in a four-day official visit to China from October 16 to 20. During his absence, the responsibilities of the ministries under his purview have been temporarily entrusted to the respective state ministers and a […]
Japan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Zone to be established in Bingiriya and Iranavila areas
Minister of State for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, announced plans to establish a Japan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Zone in the country. He mentioned that the areas of Bingiriya and Iranavila have been selected for this purpose. The minister made this announcement during a news conference at the Presidential Media Centre, held under the theme ‘ […]
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 […]
Siddhalepa is named on LMDs most respected brand for year 2022
Siddhalepa, the pioneering Ayurvedic entity in Sri Lanka, was yet again ranked last month in LMD’s 19th Annual Most Respected Brands for the year 2022. This prestigious acknowledgment marks the ninth time Siddhalepa has been recognized by LMD, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to excellence and its enduring 90-year dedication to improving the lives of people […]
HIP breaks record in RORO Transshipment: Half a Million units handled
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) clocked half a million transshipment units for this year in September 2023, surpassing the port’s previous year’s RORO numbers. “As the global economy recovers gradually, we continue to aggressively market our location and services. As a result, RORO transshipment is steadily increasing at HIP and we have been able to […]
Australia and Sri Lanka renew Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA)
A renewed Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) was signed yesterday between Australia and Sri Lanka. Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and AMPMB Atapattu, Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, signed the renewed arrangement yesterday in Colombo. Australia’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts MP, and Sri […]
‘ ratings; off RWN; Outlooks stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the support-driven National Long-Term Ratings of four Sri Lankan bank subsidiary finance and leasing companies (FLCs). The Outlooks are Stable. The four FLCs are: CBC Finance LTD (CBCF) at ‘BBB+(lka)’; HNB Finance PLC (HNBF) at ‘BBB+(lka)’; Siyapatha Finance PLC at ‘BBB+(lka)’; and UB Finance PLC (UBF) at ‘BB(lka)’. At the same […]