Author: LBO Admin
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Fitch Ratings has assigned Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC, CCC+/CCC+/AA-(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lankan rupee-denominated Basel III-compliant subordinated debentures of up to LKR15 billion a final National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(lka)’. The final rating is the same as the expected rating assigned on 2 April 2025, as it follows the receipt of documents conforming to information already […]
Positively considering GSP+ review, says Charles Whiteley, Head of South Asia Division of EU
The Head of South Asia Division, European External Action Service of the European Union Mr. Charles Whiteley stated that the European Union has a favorable perspective on the current GSP+ review process. He made these remarks during a meeting held today (30) at the Presidential Secretariat with President Anura Kumara Disanayake, as part of an […]
Sri Lanka Ports Authority Welcomes MSC MARIELLA – The Largest Container Vessel Ever to Call at Sri Lanka
Marking a historic milestone for Sri Lanka’s maritime industry, the ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) MSC MARIELLA, one of the largest container vessels in the world and the largest in the MSC fleet, made its maiden call at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at the Port of Colombo […]
IGT 1 officially on-boards at Business Centre at Port City Colombo
IGT 1 Outsourcing Lanka (Private) Ltd, hereafter referred to as ‘IGT 1 Lanka’, the subsidiary of IGT Holding I Sweden AB, and sister company of IFS Sri Lanka, recently signed an agreement to officially on-board as office tenant at the Business Centre at Port City Colombo. The leasing agreement was signed by Sal Laher, IGT […]
”; 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