Author: lbostgadmin
Banks alarmed by suspension of parate process at behest of a few individual defaulters – SLBA
The unilateral decision by the government to suspend debt recovery via parate laws is a knee-jerk response to intense lobbying by a few individual defaulters that do not represent the wider business community, and will have a far-reaching negative impact on the banking sector, which functions as the heart and lifeblood of the economy, the […]
New Secured Transactions Registry to Help Expand Financing for Small Businesses in Sri Lanka
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka are set to benefit from the newly established Secured Transactions Registry (STR), which aims to facilitate the use of moveable assets as collateral for loans while ensuring financial stability and fostering economic growth in the country. With technical assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the new […]
SEC Calls for a More Active Unit Trust Industry
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) as part of its continuous engagement process with stakeholders in the capital market landscape, held a meeting with the CEOs of the Unit Trust industry last week. The main purpose of the meeting was to address the current state of the Unit Trust industry and urge […]
President Calls Opposition Leaders for a Crucial Meeting on IMF Proposals
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a pivotal meeting with leaders of accepted political parties to discuss the proposals put forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with its high-level delegation. In a proactive move, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) […]
Red Sea Disruptions Benefit Shipping Companies’ Near-Term Profitability: Fitch Ratings
Global shipping companies’ short-term profitability will benefit from increased freight rates, which exceed the costs of re-routing following persistent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Fitch Ratings says. We do not expect structural shifts in the shipping sector as a result of these disruptions. Nearly half of all cargo ships and tankers have […]
CA Sri Lanka forum unites experts to explore solutions and debate challenges on SOE restructuring
Stepping up in its standing as the National Body of Accountants and as a leading professional body, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) took the initiative to bring together experts to focus on the highly debated restructuring process of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The enlightening forum, held on 04 th March […]
”; Outlook remains negative
lbo.lk,lbo Fitch Ratings has affirmed Abans Finance PLC’s National Long-Term Rating at ‘BBB+(lka)’. The Outlook remains Negative. KEY RATING DRIVERS Shareholder Support Underpins Rating: Abans Finance’s rating is driven by our expectation that its major shareholder, Abans PLC (AA-(lka)/Stable), would provide extraordinary support to Abans Finance, if required. Our expectation stems from Abans’ position as […]
Sri Lankan experts call for increased focus on global trade to drive economic growth
The country can achieve significantly higher economic growth supported by international trade. Sri Lanka to deepen trade ties with South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, India) and increase access in East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore). Expand into fast-growing regional markets like ASEAN and RCEP members. Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into […]
New data show massive, wider-than-expected global gender gap: World Bank
The global gender gap for women in the workplace is far wider than previously thought, a groundbreaking new World Bank Group report shows. When legal differences involving violence and childcare are taken into account, women enjoy fewer than two-thirds the rights of men. No country provides equal opportunity for women—not even the wealthiest economies. The […]
Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law to be Amended
In addition to the officials and categories of individuals required to disclose their assets and liabilities as outlined in the amended Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law No. 01 of 1975 by Act No. 74 of 1988, Section 80 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023 introduces provisions for further disclosure by various other […]
Merchandise Exports Dip 0.77-pct in January 2024, Reaching USD970.7 Mn
The merchandise export performance in January 2024 amounted to US$ 970.7 million, recorded a 0.77 % decline compared to January 2023. Compared to January 2023, agricultural exports shown a modest increase of 3.58%, reaching US$ 225.43 million in January 2024. However, industrial exports experienced a decline of 2.08% during the same period, dropping to US$ […]
Electricity Tariff will be reduced by 21.9-pct from midnight today: PUCSL
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved the revision of electricity tariffs with effect from midnight today. The overall tariff reduction is 21.9 percent. The Final decision was reached after studying and reviewed the proposals and cost data submitted by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in this tariff revision, in accordance with […]