Category: Economy
Sri Lanka budget deficit climbs, economy at USD82.3 billion
Highlights from press conference: – Budget deficit climbs to 7.4% in 2015 vs 5.7% in 2014 – Economy valued at $82.3 billion – Balance of payments deficit at $1.48 billion in 2015 – Credit to private sector 26.5% in Feb vs 25.7% in Jan – Technical agreement with IMF could be finalized this week Apr […]
US based Millennium Challenge Corp holds discussions with Ceylon Chamber
Apr 26, 2016 (LBO) – A delegation from the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US Government agency, held discussions with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, during their recent visit to the country. The delegation was met by the Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mr. Samantha Ranatunga, The Board Director, Mr. Vish Govindasamy, CEO of […]
Sri Lanka holds rates unchanged after policy meeting
Apr 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s monetary board held interest rates unchanged after a monthly policy meeting to allow time for recent tightening to take its course. “Considering the fact that the Central Bank has already adopted measures to tighten monetary policy by raising the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) and policy interest rates, and […]
A new political culture will be introduced after May 01: President
Apr 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena says he will introduce a new political programme in the country after May 01 and take several new political decisions for the betterment of the country and its people. “These decisions will help to prevent the corrupt forces, who used state powers and assets in an […]
Swedish Foreign Minister, companies meet Sri Lankan businesses
Apr 26, 2016 (LBO) – Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström met Sri Lankan government and business representatives together with representatives of several top Swedish companies at a discussion on cooperation for sustainable urban development on Monday. Swedish companies such as ABB, Axis Communications, Ericsson, Icomera, Saab, Scania and Volvo were represented, while officials of several […]
Sri Lanka inflation accelerates 2.2-pct in March 2016
Apr 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s consumer prices as measured by National Consumer Price Index rose 2.2 percent in March from the 1.7 percent inflation reported a month earlier on year-on-year basis, data from the state statistics office showed. The National Consumer Price Index has been compiled as 110.0 for March 2016 and shows […]
Demand for infrastructure finance shows no sign of slowing: ADB
Apr 25, 2016 (LBO) – The demand for finance for major infrastructure and development projects in Asia and the Pacific shows no sign of slowing as regional economies seek ways to address moderating economic growth, inequality, and significant environmental risks, says the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s 2015 Annual Report. As ADB marks its 50th year […]
US expected to hold rates this week
Apr 25, 2016 (LBO) – The U.S Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates when its policy makers meet this week. More important than the actual rate decision at this week’s (26th-27th) Fed meeting will be the language of the policy statement, analysts say. “The market for Fed funds futures seems to be […]
Sri Lanka exporters protest gazette on repatriation of funds
Apr 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lankan exporters have begun to protest after the Finance Ministry issued a gazette notification requiring the repatriation of funds from exports that are retained abroad. “As part of current policy measures taken to improve the foreign exchange inflows to the country, the Hon. Minister of Finance has issued the […]
Interview: Sri Lanka wants infrastructure that generate revenue, says Niroshan Perera
Apr 22, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka will move ahead with development projects that generate revenue while strengthening accountability of state institutions to Parliament, a government minister said. State Minister for National Policies and Economic Affairs, Niroshan Perera, spoke to Lanka Business Online on several aspects of policy. Projects such as the Mattala airport and […]
‘s President opposes planned VAT hike
Apr 19, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena, in a public address on Monday, said he would not support tax increases that burden the people. The Value Added Tax (VAT) rate is scheduled to be increased to 15 percent from May 2nd, according to the Finance Ministry, and will include the telecommunications sector. […]
‘s top 10 FDI hotspots: US think tank
Apr 18, 2016 (LBO) – IHS Global Insight, a United States-based think tank, has listed Sri Lanka as one of the top 10 foreign direct investment (FDI) destinations in Asia. The other Southeast Asian countries projected to be the FDI hot spots in the region, are China, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, The Philippines and […]