Author: lbostgadmin
WHO asks countries to be vigilant as cases surge globally & new Variant of Concern is detected
In view of surge in COVID-19 cases elsewhere globally and detection of new variant of concern Omicron, the World Health Organization today appealed to countries in South-East Asia Region to scale up surveillance, strengthen public health and social measures, and enhance vaccination coverage. “Though COVID-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our Region, […]
Policy interventions require that may be unpopular, says President at Export Awards
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that in the future too many unpopular decisions will have to be taken to overcome the global economic challenges and to keep the country on the path to prosperity. Even though the people criticized these interventions, the country and the people would reap the benefits in the near future, the President […]
UN ASG Khiari welcomes cooperation between UN and SL on peace and development
United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Khaled Khiari has concluded his visit to Sri Lanka following a series of productive discussions. Khiari, who oversees the regional work of the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs – Department of Peace Operations, met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Minister of […]
‘s Hambantota Port Plug and Play ‘Park in Park’ Manufacturing Facility
By Maya Majueran Industrial Zones Industrial Zones are geographically designated areas that are earmarked by the government for the production of industrial goods and services. These zones normally enjoy a unique legal and economic status to promote investment from firms that might not otherwise be attracted. The prime objective was to enhance foreign investment and […]
Inflation Is a Greater Policy Test for Emerging-Market Sovereigns: Fitch Ratings
Higher inflation is generally credit negative for sovereigns, but presents particular risks for emerging markets (EMs), as they often face higher and more volatile inflation than developed markets (DMs), and are exposed to greater currency instability, says Fitch Ratings. Fitch believes global goods price pressures will ease from early 2022, but inflation could remain elevated […]
Aitken Spence Logistics to Build an additional 100,000 sq.ft. Container Freight Station
Aitken Spence Logistics recently embarked on commissioning a state – of – the – art, 100,000 sq. ft. container freight station at its main logistics complex in Mabole, Wattala. The proposed warehouse is strategically located in close proximity to the Port of Colombo and the Bandaranaike International Airport with easy access to the main highways […]
CBSL maintains policy rates; further acceleration of headline inflation expected
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 5.00 percent and 6.00 percent, respectively. The Board noted the recent acceleration of inflation, driven mainly by supply disruptions and the surge […]
New USAID 5-year, USD 19m project supports Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals
On November 17, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its new $19 million, 5-year Sri Lanka Energy Program. Once finalized, this grant will support the Government of Sri Lanka’s vision to increase the generation of renewable energy to 70% by the year 2030 and will contribute to the transformation of Sri Lanka’s […]
JICA supports Bandaranaike International Airport expansions; new Apron & Taxiways to open
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha will open the new Apron and Taxiway constructed as a part of Bandaranaike International Airport Expansion Project on 25th November 2021 in the presence of MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan. Japan through JICA has been partnering with Sri Lankan Government for developing Bandaranaike International Airport for nearly four decades since 1980. […]
Sri Lanka’s budget proposals weigh on insurers’ near-term earnings:Fitch
The Sri Lankan government’s proposal to introduce new one-off as well as recurring taxes on companies will likely constrain the near-term profitability of some insurers, Fitch Ratings says. However, we expect the proposals to have only a limited impact on most insurers’ capital positions because of their sound capital buffers accumulated before and during the […]
Commercial Bank wins ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2021’ for first time
Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC won the coveted ‘Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2021’ at an annual event organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the country’s premier business chamber, to recognize sustainable champions of the local corporate world. Citizens Development Business Finance PLC and CBL Investments Limited (CBL Group) were adjudged the first and […]
Cattle slaughter ban: It’s not intentions but consequences that matter
By Sathya Karunarathne and Pravena Yogendra The cabinet of Ministers approved the Bill to amend laws to ban cattle slaughter in the third week of October. While this is a contentious policy measure, it did not come as a surprise as the Prime Minister proposed the same policy just over a year ago in September […]