Category: Economy
Mangala says Singapore Platts price of refined petrol down 12-pct since Oct 10
Nov 05, 2018 (LBO) – Mangala Samaraweera says that the Rajapaksa administration is attempting to revert to the opaque, politicized regime of fuel pricing that resulted in the CPC being landed with a huge debt which is eventually borne by taxpayers. Samaraweera said that there has been a 12 percent reduction in the Singapore Platts […]
Sri Lanka moves up 11 notches in Ease of Doing Business Index 2019
Nov 02, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka rose 11 notches in the Ease of Doing Business index 2019 being ranked 100 among 190 economies, the World Bank said. Sri Lanka has carried out four reforms which included making dealing with construction permits easier, while the introduction of online systems made it easier to pay taxes. […]
Finance Minister introduces changes to WHT, VAT, Income Tax, Telecom Levy
Nov 01, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister as the new Finance Minister has given direction to implement a range of initiatives to revive the economy including the changes introduced for WHT, VAT, Income tax and Telecommunication Levy. The Finance Ministry said necessary Gazettes for these tax-related proposals will be issued today and Cabinet approval […]
S R Attygalle assumes duties as new Secretary to Finance Ministry
Oct 31, 2018 (LBO) – Deputy Secretary to Treasury S R Attygalle who has been appointed as the Secretary to Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Secretary to Treasury by President Maithripala Sirisena assumed duties in his new post at the Ministry of Finance, Wednesday afternoon. Attygalle who is from the Central Bank […]
Central Bank releases publication with highlights of 2018 & prospects for 2019
Oct 30, 2018 (LBO) – Central Bank of Sri Lanka today released its half-yearly publication – “Recent Economic Developments: Highlights of 2018 and Prospects for 2019”. A summary of the performance of the Sri Lankan economy in 2018 as reflected in this publication is given below: [pdf-embedder url=”http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Press-Release-E.pdf” title=”Press Release (E)”]
‘s political standoff lifts refinancing risk: Fitch Ratings
Oct 30, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lankan president’s sudden replacement of the prime minister on 26 October highlights tensions within the coalition government and creates uncertainty over further progress on reform and fiscal consolidation, says Fitch Ratings. Prolonged political upheaval accompanied by deterioration of policy continuity could undermine investor confidence and make it more challenging […]
Sri Lanka export income up in Aug 2018: Reserves at USD 8.6Bn
Oct 30, 2018 (LBO) – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said the island’s external sector performance remained subdued in August 2018. “During the month, the deficit in the trade account narrowed marginally compared to a year earlier as the rise in export income outpaced the growth in import expenditure,” it said. Meanwhile, other inflows […]
‘s
Oct 29, 2018 (LBO) – Moody’s says the current political crisis in Sri Lanka is credit negative for the sovereign and the President’s sudden appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty. Issuing a statement, Matthew Circosta of Moody’s Investors Service said the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks […]
Parliament passes resolution to raise Rs.310Bn under Active Liability Mgmt
Oct 26, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Parliament on Friday passed a resolution to raise up to 310 billion rupees by way of loans, in or outside Sri Lanka under the Active Liability Management Act. The Active Liability Management Act provides the legal framework for the government to raise loans for management of public debt […]
EU Ambassador appreciates progress being made to resolve investor issues
Oct 26, 2018 (LBO) – EU Ambassador Tung-Lai Margue participating in the 7th Edition of EU Dialogue that was held last week, has appreciated the encouraging progress being made by Sri Lanka to resolve investor issues. This meeting was held with several issues relating to EU companies in Sri Lanka being taken up for resolution. The […]
Finance Ministry launches dedicated hotline for Enterprise Sri Lanka
Oct 25, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry has introduced a call center and a hotline number 1925 to assist and resolve issues faced by entrepreneurs under the Enterprise Sri Lanka credit scheme. Accordingly, any entrepreneur can dial the special information hotline to submit their inquiries, complaints, and feedback. Under this scheme, over 58,817 […]
Finance Ministry justifies divestiture of Hyatt and Hilton Hotels
Oct 22, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry on Monday justifying the divestiture of Hyatt and Hilton Hotels said the decision was taken by the Cabinet and proposed in several budget speeches. The ministry further stated that independent financial advisers Lazard and MTI through their global offices have already begun to reach out to […]