Category: Economy
Central Bank sees monetary policy stance as appropriate
Apr 18, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank, in response to an opinion column, states that its monetary policy stance holding interest rates unchanged on March 29 was appropriate. WA Wijewardena, a former deputy governor, in an article in the Daily FT alleged that the Monetary Board should have tightened monetary policy “based on […]
Sri Lanka economy adjusting, may receive USD1-1.25 bln from IMF: CB
Highlights from press conference: * GDP grew 4.8 pct in 2015, vs 4.9 pct 2014 * Sri Lanka may receive around USD 1-1.25 billion IMF support: Governor * USD500 mln renminbi bonds may be issued in coming months: Governor * Worker remittances fell 0.5 pct to USD6.9 bln in 2015 * Official reserves at USD6.2 […]
Three member committee to streamline Chinese projects in Sri Lanka
Apr 12, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has pledged to China to appoint a three-member high powered committee to streamline and expedite Chinese projects and investments in Sri Lanka. Special Assignments Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama and Economic Affairs Ministry Consultant R.Paskaralingam will be […]
Sri Lanka makes progress towards IMF facility: IMF mission
Apr 11, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has made significant progress toward reaching an International Monetary Fund (IMF) support facility, which could get approval within the next two weeks, an IMF review mission said concluding its visit. A staff team led by Todd Schneider visited Colombo during March 31-April 11 to hold 2016 Article IV […]
IMF supports negative policy rates to spur economies
Apr 11, 2016 (LBO) – IMF supports negative policy rates by some central banks given the significant risks to the outlook for growth and inflation, a blog by IMF staffers states. Six central banks, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan, have taken the unprecedented step to spur their economies. “Although the […]
Sri Lanka PM wants equity swap for USD8 bln debt to China
Apr 11, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has asked China to swap part of the 8 billion dollars it owes the nation into equity in infrastructure projects, and has offered to sell stakes in Sri Lankan companies. Wickremesinghe spoke to reporters in Beijing, China on Saturday, media report said. “We’ve been […]
China grants 500mn Yuan symbolizing Sino-Lanka friendship
Apr 08, 2016 (LBO) – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has pledged a grant of 500 million Yuan to Sri Lanka symbolizing Sino-Lanka friendship, the Prime Minister’s office said. Chinese Premier has told the Sri Lankan delegation that the Free Trade Agreement is expected to be signed soon reducing the trade gap between the two countries. […]
Correction: Names of Sri Lankans in Panama Papers not yet released
CORRECTION – Names of individuals in the Panama Papers have not yet been released. The list making the rounds on social media is a previous list on offshore accounts released in 2013. The LBO story has been retracted.
Location, access to markets key for investors in Sri Lanka: CCC Survey
Apr 06, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is a unique business destination for foreign investors because of its strategic location and access to both east and west sea routes, a recent survey conducted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce found. The survey, conducted among the prospective investors who attended the Ceylon Chamber’s ‘Sri Lanka Investment and Business Conclave 2016’ held […]
Panama Papers rock financial world, three Sri Lankan companies in list
Apr 05, 2016 (LBO) – A huge leak of documents has rocked the financial world revealing how some among the rich and powerful use tax havens to hide their wealth. With data still being leaked, three Sri Lankan companies are on the list, according to an interactive map making the rounds on social media forwarded […]
India likely to cut rates, eyes on FOMC minutes
Apr 04, 2016 (LBO) – Both the Reserve Bank of India and the Reserve Bank of Australia will announce interest rate decisions on Tuesday, with Moody’s Analytics expecting the RBI to cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.5 percent. The Monetary Authority of Singapore will also meet this week, and analysts expect […]
Final decision on VAT next week, says State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa
Apr 01, 2016 (LBO) – The final decision on Value Added Tax will be taken by next Friday, State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told LankaBusinessOnline a short while ago. “No decision has been taken yet. It will be decided next Friday,” Abeywardena said. Inland Revenue Department has issued a notice to the VAT registered […]