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World Bank Group invites public to provide feedback for new country partnership framework
The World Bank Group (WBG) is preparing its new partnership framework with Sri Lanka for the 2023–2026 period. The process involves consultations with a broad range of stakeholders – with representatives from government, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, and the private sector – to exchange views on opportunities for Sri Lanka’s […]
Opinion: HNB reiterates importance of developing a national savings culture
HNB Deputy General Manager – Retail and SME Banking, Sanjay Wijemanne As more Sri Lankans face concerns over their personal financial security, and that of the country, HNB is working to help raise awareness on the opportunities that every Sri Lankan can access, in order to develop their savings habits, and help drive an effective […]
SL raises Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace as collective commitment
On the occasion of Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth of Nations Flag for Peace was raised on 13 March 2023 by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya with the participation of Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aruni Wijewardane and officials of the Ministry symbolizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to the shared values and principles of […]
Book Review: The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida – 2022 Booker Prize Winner
March 12, 2023 (LBO) – I am not a book reviewer. I am probably not even what one would really consider well read. However, during covid, I finally broke a long dry spell of not finishing a book. Since then I thankfully find the reading habit has come back to me, upgrading my mind like […]
Local-Currency IDR would be downgraded if govt announces plans to restructure or defaults on local debt: Fitch
The Long-Term Local-Currency IDR would be further downgraded if the government announces plans to restructure or defaults on its local-currency debt, says Fitch Ratings. Releasing a statement, the agency pointed out that the issue of whether to include local-currency debt in any restructuring will be one of the factors complicating debt negotiations. Fitch downgraded Sri […]
SL welcomes UN agreement to protect high seas
Sri Lanka welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on a landmark agreement to enhance the international legal regime concerning the conservation of marine biological diversity in the High Seas which concluded on 4th March at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released today. The agreement covers almost two-thirds […]
Sri Lanka’s Probable IMF Support Deal Positive for Debt Negotiations: Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings believes Sri Lanka is likely to secure financing support from the IMF after the fund’s Executive Board set a date of 20 March to review the USD2.9 billion staff-level agreement that the country signed with the IMF in September 2022. IMF funding should improve Sri Lanka’s external liquidity, but the timing of any […]
Ekva to power Sri Lanka’s start-ups
A high-profile team from Ekva LLC,a US company with strong Sri Lankan roots will launch their accelerator in mid-March in a bid to strengthen, support and grow local start-ups. Ekva/ එක්ව/ ஒன்றாக/ Together is a company with equal opportunity irrespective of language, colour, gender identity or persons differently-abled entrenched in their ethos. Their accelerator, uniquely […]
Engineering equity fireside chat by Virtusa
Virtusa, a global provider of digital strategy, digital engineering and IT services and solutions, will host the global Engineering Equity hackathon, to spur innovation in tech solutions that advance gender equity while nurturing female talent. Over 65,000 female students from 9 countries including Sri Lanka registered for the hybrid event, which offers built-in mentoring along […]
Japan extends additional USD 6.6 mn to Sri Lanka for emergency food & nutrition assistance
The Government of Japan has contributed an additional US$6.6 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to over one million Sri Lankans. Through this funding, WFP will provide families with food baskets comprising rice, pulses and cooking oil, to meet half their monthly food needs for […]