Category: Markets
SEC continues engaging with capital market stakeholders
As part of its continuing efforts to reach out to market participants Viraj Dayaratne PC, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) along with other Commission Members met with representatives of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Law Firms and Stockbroker Firms. These interactions were held as part of a series of […]
Trade deficit widens in April; import expenses on personal vehicles up, no tourism earnings
Jun 22, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s trade deficit widened in April 2020 to US dollars 840 million, from US dollars 797 million in April 2019, as the decline in exports exceeded the decline in imports. Expenditure on merchandise imports declined notably, on a year on year basis, by 29.6 percent to US dollars 1, […]
100bps rate cut on the cards to push banks for lending: First Capital Research
Jun 19, 2020 (LBO) – First Capital Research allocates a policy rate cut expectation of 100bps bringing the SDFR and SLFR to 4.50% and 5.50%, respectively. Despite prevailing the low-interest-rate environment it will have a ripple effect on the overall economy, First Capital Research said in a new research note. “We believe that the Central […]
‘s Central Bank further reduces Statutory Reserve Ratio
Jun 16, 2020 (LBO) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to reduce the Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) applicable on all rupee deposit liabilities of licensed commercial banks (LCBs) by 200 basis points to 2.00 percent, with effect from the reserve maintenance period that commenced on 16 June 2020. According to the […]
‘ stresses: Fitch Ratings
Jun 16, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lankan banks’ operating environment and financial profiles ace escalating risks from the economic fallout of the coronavirus. Fitch Ratings now expects Sri Lanka’s real GDP to contract by 1.3% in 2020, worsening from our earlier forecast of a 1.0% contraction published 24 April 2020 due to the pandemic. Deterioration […]
SEC Chairman calls on Central Bank Governor
Jun 14, 2020 (LBO) – The Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Viraj Dayaratne PC, paid a courtesy call on Professor W.D. Lakshman, Governor of the Central Bank recently. He was accompanied by Director-General of the SEC, Chinthaka Mendis. This meeting provided an opportunity for the Governor and the Chairman to share and […]
SEC approves rules for digitalization of Colombo Stock Market
Jun 02, 2020 (LBO) – The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) has approved amendments to the Stockbroker Rules, Central Depository Systems (CDS) Rules and Listing Rules submitted by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), which will enable the stock market to transition from a paper-based to an electronic-based environment. Under the amended rules, […]
Ceylon Chamber proposes multi-sectoral approach for economic revival
May 20, 2020 (LBO) – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has submitted its multi-sectoral proposals to the Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation. This was building on the submission made to the President on a Shared Vision for Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery. The sectors included in the document covered immediate, medium, and long-term proposals […]
Sri Lanka explores SWAP facilities with regional Central Banks
May 19, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is in the process of exploring SWAP facilities with regional central banks, while arrangements are also being made for syndicate financing with identified foreign sources, the Central Bank said. While reiterating its commitment to meeting all its financial obligations, the Central Bank said in a statement that the […]
Sri Lanka official reserves at USD 7.9Bn at end Feb 2020
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves stood at 7.9 billion dollars at end February 2020, equivalent to 4.7 months of imports, the Central Bank said. Total foreign assets, which consist of gross official reserves and foreign assets of the banking sector, amounted to 10.9 billion dollars at end February 2020, equivalent […]
Joint committee of SEC & CSE appointed to broadbase capital market awareness
May 14, 2020 (LBO) – The Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) considers it important to identify measures that are required to broadbase the capital market as well as to educate and create awareness amongst the public. The proposals submitted by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) subsequent to discussions with the SEC also […]
CSE trading closes after S&P SL 20 drops over 10-pct
May 11, 2020 (LBO) – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed trading for the day after the S&P SL 20 index dropped over 10 percent from the previous close. The market was closed within a few minutes of trading as per the new directive issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC introduced a Three […]