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”; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the National Long-Term Rating on Sri Lankan consumer brands and healthcare company, Hemas Holdings PLC, at ‘AAA(lka)’ with a Stable Outlook. The rating underscores Hemas’ defensive operating cash flows, driven by its healthcare and consumer brands businesses, which contribute approximately 90% of the group’s EBIT. The Stable Outlook is supported by […]
Colombo Stock Exchange Introduces GSS+ Bonds to the Sri Lankan Capital Market
In line with a broader, more inclusive approach and in alignment with evolving global standards, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is pleased to announce the launch of the GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework, effective March 2025. This marks the first comprehensive regulatory framework in Sri Lanka dedicated to thematic bonds. Under this initiative, the term “Sustainability […]
First Seven Seals RORO Vessel Carrying Used Vehicles Arrives at HIP Post Removal of Import Restrictions
Hambantota International Port (HIP) received a consignment of 1,560 used vehicles last week, marking the first shipment on a Seven Seals vessel to the port since the lifting of the import ban. Among the arrivals were four High and Heavy units, with the rest comprising popular models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, BMW, […]
EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission to visit Sri Lanka next week
A team of senior European Union (EU) officials will undertake a visit to Sri Lanka from 28 April – 07May 2025 to review Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing the 27 international conventions under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade preferences program of the EU. The EU is Sri Lanka’s second largest export destination […]
Sri Lanka delegation agrees to work with US in lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers
Statement by the Government of Sri Lanka on discussions held in Washington DC with United States Trade Representative (USTR) Office on reciprocal tariff A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C. Sri Lankan delegation on the […]
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on Fourth Review under EFF with Sri Lanka; Global Trade Policy Uncertainty Poses Risks
IMF staff and the Sri Lankan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the Fourth Review of Sri Lanka’s reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility. Once the review is approved by the IMF Executive Board, Sri Lanka will have access to about US$344 million in financing. Program performance remains […]
‘ Capital Vulnerable Despite Profit Gains: Fitch Ratings
Fitch Ratings expects Sri Lanka’s state banks to continue to report weaker regulatory capital ratios than systemically important private banks, despite significantly higher profitability. This is due mainly to a large portion of state banks’ profits being allocated to a special reserve, which is not included in capital adequacy calculations. The Central Bank of Sri […]
Foreign Minister to attend Pope Francis’s Funeral Mass
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath will represent the Government of Sri Lanka at the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis to be held on 26 April 2025 in Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Colombo
Pilot Project Launched in Southern Province to Strengthen Regional Contribution to Export Development
A strategic discussion aimed at enhancing the contribution of provincial export development was held on 22nd April 2025 under the patronage of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, at the Matara District Secretariat. The event marked the initiation of a pilot project in the Southern Province, designed to develop and implement a […]
CSE Launches XBRL System to Enhance Financial Reporting for Listed Companies
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), has embarked on a significant initiative to introduce the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) for listed entities in Sri Lanka. This move is expected to transform […]