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ComBank raises another Rs.10Bn to support COVID-19 affected SME exporters
Jun 01, 2020 (LBO) – The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the commitment of approximately Rs 10 billion to a Bank-funded COVID-19 Support Loan Scheme to assist affected SME enterprises. This assistance would be in addition to the working capital loans scheme implemented under a credit line provided by the Central Bank of Sri […]
PUCSL to resolve consumer complaints and address lube and electricity industry inquiries online
Jun 01, 2020 (LBO) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the electricity sector regulator and the shadow regulator of the lubricant industry is all set to resolve the electricity consumer complaints and address stakeholder issues via online and request the public and the stakeholders to use the online platforms to be connected […]
Dialog Axiata gifts fully-functional ICU at Negombo General Hospital to public
Jun 01, 2020 (LBO) – Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, in less than a month, concluded the immediate civil reconstruction and provision of equipment to establish a fully functional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Negombo District General Hospital. This concludes the first step taken in the pledged Rs. 200 Million towards the urgently required […]
Reducing health costs and increasing Government revenue beyond COVID-19: Raising cigarette taxes
Harini Weerasekera and Chamini Thilanka The susceptibility of smokers to contract COVID-19 has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other medical authorities. In Sri Lanka, concerned parties have called for a temporary ban of cigarette sales as a measure to contain the spread of the virus – a commendable move. However, beyond […]
New Indian High Commissioner calls on President
May 29, 2020 (LBO) – The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay paid a courtesy call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (29). He presented his credential to President via a video conferencing ceremony on 14th May marking a historic moment in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic relations. During […]
World Vision launches USD2.3mn COVID-19 Response Phase II
World Vision Lanka has launched its second phase of the COVID-19 Emergency Response that amounts to USD 2.3 million. The second phase will focus on food security and livelihood, health and hygiene, and child protection and education of the most vulnerable families in 16 districts. “COVID-19, we fear, will have a huge impact on the […]
Fitch recalibrates Sri Lanka National Rating Scale
May 28, 2020 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings says that it has recalibrated its Sri Lanka National Rating scale to reflect changes in the relative creditworthiness among Sri Lankan issuers following Fitch’s downgrade of the country’s sovereign rating to ‘B-‘ from ‘B’ on 24 April 2020. The Outlook on Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating is […]
CA Sri Lanka signs MoU with People’s Bank for COVID-19 loan scheme for members
May 27, 2020 (LBO) – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with People’s Bank this week to facilitate members of the Institute to obtain a special loan of up to Rs. 20 million. The loan scheme is available for members who have been […]
Seylan Bank records Rs.902Mn profit-after-tax in Q1
Seylan Bank recorded a Profit after Tax of Rs. 902 Million in Q1 despite challenging market conditions. Net interest income increased by 7.28% during the 1Q 2020 while net fee and commission income from core banking activities witnessed an increase of 2% to reach Rs. 986 Million in 1Q 2020 as compared to Rs. 966 […]
New mechanism to repatriate Sri Lankans
May 26, 2020 (LBO) – A new mechanism is to be formulated to repatriate Sri Lankans who are stranded or faced with various difficulties in the wake of COVID – 19 pandemic. The nature of the new system will be decided at a meeting scheduled to be held tomorrow and the flights in June to […]