Author: lbostgadmin
Re-designing Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, “need of the hour”: Eran
Sri Lankan’s economy is not standalone, but is interlinked with foreign policy, says SJB parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne. “Whilst our internal decision making is decisive, international decision making and events play a key role in our economy, lifestyle and security, more so, because we are a small island nation,” he says. Wickramaratne is of the view […]
Recognizing contribution of women in Sri Lanka towards food security and sustainable economic recovery
Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition. As the world celebrates International Rural Women’s Day on 15th October each year, the day shines a spotlight and recognizes the significant contributions of women to global […]
”’, Removes RWN
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka-based Senkadagala Finance PLC’s (Senka) National Long-Term Rating to ‘BBB(lka)’ from ‘BBB+(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable. Fitch has also downgraded Senka’s subordinated debt rating to ‘BB+(lka)’ from ‘BBB-(lka)’, and removed the Rating Watch Negative (RWN) from all of Senka’s ratings. KEY RATING DRIVERS Weakened Asset Quality Drives Downgrade: Senka’s exposure […]
Opinion: Energy, EVs, Environment and the Economy
By M. Rizwan Muzzammil According to an article in ‘The Diplomat’ (2nd Oct 23), the Sri Lankan government has committed to supplying 70% of its domestic electricity with renewable energy sources by 2030, with the longer-term goal of achieving a fully renewable electricity supply by 2050. The government is incentivized by “debt-for-renewables swap”, which enables […]
JICA Supports NWSDB to Transform Operations with Digital Solution
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is set to digitalize its operations with the introduction of a cutting-edge Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) with the supports extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). JICA delivered comprehensive recommendations to enhance project implementation efficiency and effectiveness in May 2023; accordingly, further support to develop […]
Borders and Budget: Visa reform will boost tourism and reverse brain drain
By Daniel Alphonsus Three million tourists are set to visit our shores next year. We will issue nearly as many online visas – millions too many. ETAs are a tourist’s bane: rather than dreamy sun, sea and sand, the weary salaryman’s getaway begins with the tedium of forms. The tourist’s ayubowan to Sri Lanka begins […]
President to attend 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation in China
President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for China to attend the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation. The President will engage in a four-day official visit to China from October 16 to 20. During his absence, the responsibilities of the ministries under his purview have been temporarily entrusted to the respective state ministers and a […]
Japan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Zone to be established in Bingiriya and Iranavila areas
Minister of State for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, announced plans to establish a Japan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Zone in the country. He mentioned that the areas of Bingiriya and Iranavila have been selected for this purpose. The minister made this announcement during a news conference at the Presidential Media Centre, held under the theme ‘ […]
CSE creates awareness on Regulated Short Selling (RSS) through Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL)
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) conducted a series of virtual workshops and intends to continue more workshops on Regulated Short Selling (RSS) through Stock Borrowing and Lending (SBL), creating awareness on the two features to diverse groups of individuals. The virtual workshops are being conducted in Sinhala, English and Tamil with the intention of reaching […]
Privatisation is the need of the hour:Advocata
“At the interim budget last year, a list of SOEs reforms were provided to be restructured. 14 months later nothing has changed even in one SOE.”- Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, a policy expert and an advisor of the Advocata Institute. He made these comments at Advocata’s press briefing, organised to highlight the urgency of carrying out […]
Siddhalepa is named on LMDs most respected brand for year 2022
Siddhalepa, the pioneering Ayurvedic entity in Sri Lanka, was yet again ranked last month in LMD’s 19th Annual Most Respected Brands for the year 2022. This prestigious acknowledgment marks the ninth time Siddhalepa has been recognized by LMD, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to excellence and its enduring 90-year dedication to improving the lives of people […]
HIP breaks record in RORO Transshipment: Half a Million units handled
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) clocked half a million transshipment units for this year in September 2023, surpassing the port’s previous year’s RORO numbers. “As the global economy recovers gradually, we continue to aggressively market our location and services. As a result, RORO transshipment is steadily increasing at HIP and we have been able to […]