Category:
Sri Lanka travel trade warns tourism boom has risks
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – A sudden influx of tourists in to Sri Lanka after the end of its ethnic war could bring risks such as threats to the island’s environment and cultural values, a senior travel trade official has warned. The trade should also ensure that income from tourism benefits more people, Nilmin Nanayakkara, […]
Sri Lanka budget will maintain economic stability: IMF
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s latest budget should ensure the island maintains macro-economic stability that would help accelerate economic growth, the International Monetary Fund representative in the island said. The key element is in ensuring macro-economic conditions remain stable, said Koshy Mathai. “Inflation, interest rates and the exchange rate must remain stable to […]
Sri Lanka restrains state wages, presents policy budget
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka presented a broad policy budget outlining a commitment to cut deficits over the medium term, bring down interest rates and inflation and also held a state salary hike until next year. Though the gap is high, it is lower than the 9. 9 percent (10.4 percent with grants) […]
Sri Lanka to reform taxes, phase out unequal incentives
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has a complex tax structure which is discouraging savings and the government is expecting a comprehensive tax reform plan in August, deputy finance minister Sarath Amunugama said. An interim report from a presidential tax commission has recommended a simplified tax structure which is more equitable and is being […]
Sri Lanka plans 8.0-pct deficit budget for 2010
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is planning a budget with a deficit of 8.0 of gross domestic product or 438.3 billion rupees in 2010 compared with 9.9 percent or 476.3 billion rupees in 2009 while there would be a revenue deficit of 2.0 percent or 110.5 billion rupees. The government was planning to […]
Sri Lanka IMF deal extended, US$400mn released
June 29, 2010 (LBO) – The International Monetary Fund has released 407.8 million US dollars to Sri Lanka held back after last year’s budget went off the rails, and extended the deal by a year on the promise of more responsible fiscal management this year. The IMF held back the disbursement of a third tranche […]
Sri Lanka shares end lower, Dankotuwa in demand
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lankan stocks closed weaker Monday as investor ardour cooled off, with Dankotuwa Porcelain in demand after it struck a deal saving it from closure, brokers said. “While continuing to see value in select stocks, we feel some of the ‘over-bought’ shares could bring down the sentiment over the short-run. […]
Shipping Link
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – The permanent secretariat of the Asian Shippers’ Council (ASC), the world’s largest shippers’ body, has been located at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, a statement said. ASC consists of 20 shippers’ councils from 16 countries in the five regions covering Asia and Oceania. Its permanent secretariat was […]
Port City
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo is to be expanded out to sea on reclaimed land with material dredged to build a new port, providing opportunities for businesses and citizens alike, an official said. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is in charge of the project to create a new ‘port city’, its […]
Guarantee Rate
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s RAM Ratings has given a ‘BBB+’ long term financial enhancement rating to Construction Guarantee Fund (CGF) saying it has state backing though vulnerable to the volatility of the industry and has no re-insurance as yet. Guarantees are given without any collateral, by evaluating the contractors’ capabilities against the […]
Sri Lanka hill country hotels to be refurbished
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s The Kandy Hotels Company plans to refurbish two hotels in the central hill country town of Kandy which is a major tourist attraction, a stock exchange filing said. Many hotels have started or announced plans for refurbishment and upgrades to cater to the anticipated influx of visitors. It […]
Sri Lanka to encourage rubber production for tires
June 28, 2010 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to encourage small farmers to produce more of a rubber grade suitable for tire manufacture which is in demand, officials said. Plantations industries minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said a policy decision was taken recently aimed at increasing production of the RSS 3 type rubber grade. Although most people […]