Category: Economy
India will move on ETCA at a pace set by Lanka: envoy
By P.K. Balachandran Assuaging fears that India is set to “impose” an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) on Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, has said that India is ready to move on the ETCA at a pace Sri Lanka is comfortable with. “The proposed Economic and Technical […]
Mannar identified for major tourism development: Ministry
The Ministry of Tourism Development has identified Mannar District for major tourism infrastructure development projects. Already over Rs. 40 million has been spent on making the beach areas tourist friendly and many other projects are being planned in order to make the district the main hub for tourism in the region. During a discussion between […]
New trade policy can help to reduce anti-export bias: World Bank
July 05, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has grown rapidly in the past but the non-tradable drivers of such growth are unlikely to remain adequate for inclusive and sustainable growth in the coming decade, the World Bank says. The recently launched World Bank’s Sri Lanka Development Update says that given the context of continued weak external […]
‘s ad-hoc tax changes
July 04, 2017 (LBO) – A Japanese business delegation has requested that Sri Lanka’s finance minister gives them at least six months notice prior to the enforcement of tax amendments, as it might have an adverse impact on exports. The request came during a meeting held at the Finance Ministry on Monday attended by the […]
Sri Lanka to conduct labour demand survey this month
July 04, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s statistics office is to conduct a labour demand survey in the country this month to compile statistics that includes occupations with the largest amount of vacancies. Under this survey, a sample of 3,500 establishments or enterprises will be selected using appropriate sampling techniques. Information will be collected on […]
Sri Lanka launches FDI road map, reforms key: Prime Minister
July 04, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister said that the island needs to fast track reforms as part of ambitious efforts to be ranked at least 70th in the ease of doing business rankings by 2020. The Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the launch of the road map on Investment Climate Reforms in […]
Sri Lanka Eco Summit to discuss ‘Walking the Talk’ for Greener Growth
July 03, 2017 (LBO) – The Importance of Sri Lankan businesses aligning its growth plans with greener practices to help develop a ‘sustainable era,’ will be discussed at the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2017. The topic will be discussed at a thematic session titled, ‘Realizing a Greener Growth Path – Walking the Talk’, with […]
Sri Lanka’s new revenue law to help credit profile: Moody’s
July 03, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s new Inland Revenue Act will contribute to increasing the country’s very low level of government revenues, a key constraint on the sovereign credit profile, Moody’s said. Last month, the government made public a new income tax bill that will replace the existing law with a more efficient, modern […]
Sri Lanka enters USD34mln financing for smallholder agribusiness
July 03, 2017 (LBO) – International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka have signed a financial agreement for the implementation of the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnership (SAP) Program. The programme will provide a platform for 57,500 poor rural households to increase their income and food security by expanding livelihood and business […]
GSP Plus could add USD350 mln in export revenue, improve FDI: Min
July 03, 2017 (LBO) – GSP plus eligibility could add 350 million dollars in export revenue to Sri Lanka, while increasing potential for FDI, the minister for industry and commerce said. “The enhanced market access that Sri Lanka gets from EU GSP+ is very significant,” said Minister Rishad Bathiudeen. “In fact, according to the Department […]
Reforms in Sri Lanka urgent but need to limit cost to the poor: WB
June 30, 2017 (LBO) – Sri Lankan government led reforms to improve competitiveness, maintain macro-fiscal stability and strengthen institutions, with broad support in the country, are key to robust economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, a new World Bank report said. The Sri Lanka Development Update launched Thursday said that the economy and its […]
Japanese ambassadors in five SAARC countries meet Foreign Minister Ravi
June 28, 2017 (LBO) – Japanese ambassadors in five SAARC countries India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh met Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake Tuesday at the Ministry. “The ambassadors hailed the ongoing development activities in Sri Lanka and pointed out the growth in the country is a matter of pride for other nations in the region,” […]