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Ambeon Holdings makes a strategic investment in Seylan Bank for LKR 1.4 Bn
Ambeon Holdings PLC, a diversified conglomerate reputed for its market dominance across sectors such as financial services, real estate, technology, and strategic investments, made a significant strategic move in the financial services sector by acquiring a 7.63% stake in Seylan Bank PLC, further increasing its investments in the banking industry. This investment comes on the […]
SLIIT Northern Uni, ICT and Business Management Degrees in Jaffna
By Jekhan Aruliah I often walk past the SLIIT Northern Uni building in Jaffna at the junction of Arasadi and Palaly Road on my way from my place to Jaffna Town. I watched last year, 2023, with great interest as the foundations were laid, the columns and slabs were poured, the glass was fitted. There […]
GSP+: Can It Drive Inclusive Growth In Sri Lanka?
By Rashmi Anupama, Chaya Dissanayake, and Dr Asanka Wijesinghe In a mid-October 2024 meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade relations with the EU, particularly highlighting the role of the GSP+ programme in boosting Sri Lankan exports. This discussion underscores the significance of the GSP+, which offers […]
Opinion: A Missed Opportunity – Why Harsha De Silva Could Have Been the Ideal Opposition Leader
By Chethana Ranathunga and Yasu-e Karunaratne Edussuriya A coalition that previously held only three seats has achieved a sweeping victory in Sri Lanka’s recent parliamentary elections. The Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Power (NPP) coalition now controls over two-thirds of the legislature, a historic outcome unprecedented in Sri Lankan parliamentary history. This political […]
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Issues Statement to Financial Community on Sri Lanka
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement about Sri Lanka to Members of the Financial Community today: “The Sri Lankan authorities have been implementing an ambitious economic reform program supported by the IMF, which aims to restore debt sustainability and external viability, underpin broad macroeconomic reforms, and strengthen […]
Central Bank of Sri Lanka further eases its monetary policy stance
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to further ease the monetary policy stance and set the newly introduced Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00 per cent. With this change, the effective reduction in the policy interest rate would be around 50 basis points from the current level of […]
CBSL implements Single Policy Interest Rate Mechanism by Introducing Overnight Policy Rate
The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to implement a single policy interest rate mechanism transitioning from its dual policy interest rate mechanism, with effect from 27 November 2024. Accordingly, the Central Bank introduces the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR), as its primary monetary policy tool to signal and operationalise […]
Local Consortium of SL Commits to Supporting Govt’s International Sovereign Bond Restructuring
The Local Consortium of Sri Lanka (the “LCSL”), comprised of domestic commercial banks and financial institutions, commits its full support for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation launched today by the Government of Sri Lanka (the “Government”) to restructure the US$12.55bn in outstanding International Sovereign Bonds (“ISBs”) including terms tailored for local holders (the “Local […]
Global Sovereign Sector Outlook Is Neutral, with US Policy Risks to the Fore: Fitch Ratings
Global sovereign credit conditions are neutral entering 2025, as an only mild slowdown in world economic growth and further cuts to policy interest rates are balanced against persistent pressures on public finances and elevated geopolitical risks, Fitch Ratings says in its Global Sovereigns Outlook for 2025. Uncertainty over post-election US policies and their impact poses […]
Opinion: From Guesswork to Governance – How Data-Driven Policy Can Transform Sri Lanka’s Future
By Jithendra Antonio Amidst the sweeping wave of digital transformation, Sri Lanka stands at a consequential inflection point. While government decisions often rely on experience and tradition, the power of data can unlock solutions grounded in real-time evidence, directly addressing the needs of the people. Data-driven governance has proven transformative globally streamlining services, tackling corruption, […]