Category: Economy
World Bank expects solid growth but risky outlook for South Asia
South Asia is expected to grow by 5.8 percent this year—higher than any other developing country region in the world, but slower than its pre-pandemic pace and not fast enough to meet its development goals, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year regional outlook. Released today, the latest South Asia Development Update, Toward Faster, Cleaner Growthforecastsgrowth to […]
David Cameron kicks off Port City Colombo’s global investment drive
Representatives of top corporations in the UAE, accompanied by high-potential investors, property developers, hotel owners, and leaders in the hospitality and real estate industries, converged in the iconic settings of the Ritz Carlton in Abu Dhabi and the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa in Dubai to explore, understand, and assess the investment potential of Sri […]
SL economy to grow by 1.7-pct:Revenue mobilization fundamental for sustainable fiscal path
Sri Lanka’s economy is expected to grow by 1.7% in 2024 after contracting by 3.8% in 2023, says the World Bank in its twice-a-year update, while signaling that the outlook is clouded with uncertainty and that growth prospects depend on progress with debt restructuring and the implementation of critical structural reforms. Released today, the Sri Lanka […]
Sri Lanka slips in economic freedom: Report
Lanka—Sri Lanka ranks 116 out of 165 jurisdictions included in the Economic Freedom of the World: 2023 Annual Report, released by Advocata Institute in conjunction with Canada’s Fraser Institute. The current ranking represents a decline in the economic freedom of the country which ranked 104th during 2020. The report measures the economic freedom of individuals—their […]
”’ from Restricted Default
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long- Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘CCC-‘ from ‘RD’ (Restricted Default). Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below. The Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR has been affirmed at ‘RD’ and the Country Ceiling at ‘B-‘. The Short-Term Local-Currency IDR has been […]
We will continue discussions with the goal of reaching a staff-level agreement in the near term: IMF Staff Mission
The team will continue its discussions in the context of the First Review with the goal of reaching a staff-level agreement in the near term, says the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission. “As Sri Lanka is restructuring its public debt which is in arrears, Executive Board approval of the first program review requires the completion […]
””; Outlook stable
S&P Global Ratings today raised its long- and short-term local currency sovereign credit ratings on Sri Lanka to ‘CCC+/C’ from ‘SD/SD’ (selective default). At the same time, we affirmed our ‘SD/SD’ long- and short-term foreign currency ratings. The outlook on the ‘CCC+’ long-term local currency rating is stable. We also raised the issue rating on […]
Sinopec pledges to fuel Sri Lanka as it commences operations
Sinopec announced its official entry into Sri Lanka’s dynamic fuel retail market at the felicitation event for local distributors held on the 25 th of September in Colombo. This momentous occasion also marked the commencement of fuel supply to Sri Lanka’s filling stations.With the entry, Sinopec is committed to giving full play to its advantages, […]
United States to Increase Development Investment in Sri Lanka by USD 19.2 mn Through USAID
The United States today announced the commitment of more than US $19 million in additional funds to further the development of Sri Lanka, in a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Ministry of Finance. The U.S. $19.23 million (Rs 6.2 billion) is obligated through the Development Objective Grant Agreement between the United States Agency for International […]
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Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Local-Currency (LTLFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘RD’ (Restricted Default) from ‘C’. The ratings on its local-currency bonds tendered in the domestic debt exchange have been downgraded to ‘D’ from ‘C’ while its other four local-currency bonds not tendered in the domestic debt exchange have been affirmed at […]
EPF accepts Debt Exchange offer after considering two options under DDO programme
The Monetary Board of the CBSL as the custodian of the EPF, having considered the two options available has decided to opt for the Debt Exchange offer with a long-term view in the best interest of the members of the Fund. Accordingly, the EPF has tendered Rs.2,667,512,169,237 face value of Treasury Bonds for Debt Exchange, […]
Opinion: From education to employment, Understanding the gender gap in the workforce
Thathsarani Siriwardana The issue of female labor force participation in Sri Lanka has remained a subject of discussion for several decades, yet tangible progress in improving it has been elusive. As the country grapples with its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence,it is important to take a hard look at our labour force to […]