Category: Economy and Markets
Green Exchange
The Banks Public Debt Dept., sought offers from the market to raise US$ 250 mn worth of Sri Lanka Development Bonds.rn rnThe Central Bank will roll over US$ 91.5 mn worth of paper when it comes up for renewal on June 28 and issue fresh bills for the balance US$ 158.5 mn. rn rnThe issue, […]
Holding Steady
Sri Lankas foreign reserves took a 2.2 percent dip in March, slightly above a 5.7 percent drop in January 2004, according to latest data released by the Central Bank.rnrn Officialrnor Central Bank reserves slipped to US$ 2,261.5 mn, while total reserves, whichrnalso includes private holdings, rose 3.0 percent to US$ 3,313.3 mn.rn SrirnLanka has to […]
Breaking The Ban
Sri Lankas Tamil Tigers have asked India to reconsider its extension of a ban on the rebels imposed over the assassination of former premier Rajiv Gandhi.The Tamil National Alliance, the rebels proxies in parliament, said the ban raised the concern of the islands minority Tamils about Indias commitment to ending the three decades of bloodshed […]
Aid Direct
The World Bank handed out Rs. 4 million of grant money directly to eight non-governmental organizations recently.This model of directly supporting community-based work is a new concept promoted by the World Bank who in the past has only directly lent to governments.rn rnThe bank says there were over 300 applications of which they chose 8 […]
Sampath Fortune
Sampath Bank plans to raise Rs. 1.5 billion by issuing debentures to strengthen its capital base and make long-term money available for lending.The issue which will open later this month will initially target to raise Rs. 1billion with an option to raise a further half a billion in case of an over subscription.rn rnThe five-year […]
Flat
Treasury Bill rates remained flat at Wednesdays auction due to excess liquidity in the money market and a steady outlook for short-term interest rates.The Central Bank offered and accepted bids for Rs.8,238 mn, though the auction was oversubscribed with Rs.16,808 mn worth of offers.rn rnTreasury rates for three, six, and one-year remained flat at 7.79 […]
Peace Please
Sri Lanka needs to return to the negotiating table with the LTTE to untangle US$ 4.5 billion in international aid, but talks with the Tamil rebel faction still seem distant.After a four-day situation analysis, Japans Special Envoy to the Sri Lankan Peace Process left it open for the government and the LTTE to set a […]
Rowing Together
President Chandrika Kumaratungas minority government secured the deputy speakers post in Parliament on Tuesday after the main opposition party offered no resistance to the move.The United National Front reached an agreement with the government not to oppose Kumaratungas candidate for the position, said party spokesman Mahinda Samarasinghe.rn rnHe did not elaborate. rn rnThe UNFs position […]
Pow-Wow
A Japanese envoy will meet with Tamil Tiger leaders in thernrebel-held town of Kilinochchi on Tuesday to discuss Sri Lankas efforts tornend a two decade civil war, an embassy official said.rnJapan is Sri Lankas largest aid donor and has joined diplomatic effortsrnto reach a final peace deal between the government and rebels since arnNorwegian-brokered cease-fire […]
Looking Good
Sampath Bank on Monday secured an A+ (sri) for its long-term debt and an A (sri) rating for its four-year debenture issue from Fitch Ratings.An A+ (sri) rating denotes a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless be more vulnerable to changes […]
Chief Troubleshooter
Sri Lanka Friday named a former United Nations disarmament chief to spearhead new peace talks with Tamil Tiger rebels.Jayantha Dhanapala, a UN undersecretary general for disarmament affairs until last year, was named secretary general of the governments “peace secretariat,” President Chandrika Kumaratungas office said.rn rnDhanapala, a Sri Lankan, was also named a senior adviser to […]
Knock Knock
The Colombo Stock Exchange is seeking donor funds to kick-start the derivatives market.The Asian Development Bank (ADB) had earlier helped out with a consultant to study the possibility of introducing derivative trading through the CSE.rn rnWhile the consultants were of the view that the market was illiquid, they said that the introduction of tea futures […]