Category: Economy and Markets
Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage, main argument for not relaxing policy: CBSL Chief
July 12, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage is the main argument against relaxing monetary policy, the Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said. Speaking to journalists in Colombo after the monthly monetary policy announcement, he said the government’s revenue has come down with increased expenditure, opening doors for a possible fiscal slippage. Monetary […]
Sri Lanka reserves improve to USD 8.9bn by end June; YTD rupee appreciation 4.1-pct
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves have reached 8.9 billion US dollars by end June 2019, following the receipt of 2 billion US dollars from the issuance of ISBs, providing an import cover of 5.1 months, the Central Bank said. The successful issuance of the International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) in June […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank maintains policy interest rates at current levels
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank at its monetary policy meeting has decided to maintain policy interest rates at their current levels. “Considering the current and expected macroeconomic conditions, the Monetary Board was of the view that there is ample space for market lending rates to adjust downwards in […]
John Keells empowers skills development of over 9200 youth in 2018/19
(PRESS RELEASE) “When I came home with my poor O/L results, my father asked me what I would do with my life now? He actually gave up on me. It was my mother who stood by me, pushed me and supported me when I decided to apply for the John Keells Vocational Training Programme last […]
BOI signs deal with Japanese company to set up Boutique Hotel with USD 8.4Mn investment
July 10, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment recently signed a new investment agreement with Wakana JPN (Pvt) ltd. to construct and operate a 21-roomed new boutique hotel in Ahungalla, with an investment of 8.4 million US dollars. The Agreement was signed on behalf of the BOI by Chairman Mangala Yapa and on […]
Millennium Challenge Corp. committed to advancing Sri Lanka compact: New CEO
July 08, 2019 (LBO) – New CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Sean Cairncross says that they are committed to advancing the proposed 480 million dollars compact that the two governments have jointly developed to address major constraints in the Sri Lankan economy related to transport and land administration. Sending a letter to Sri Lanka’s […]
Monetary Policy to be maintained allowing impact of previous rate cut to materialize: FCR
July 08, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Monetary Board would continue the policy rates with no change, considering the fact that it is too early to assess the impact of the previous 50 bps rate cut, First Capital said in a research note. “We believe that Monetary Board may first consider, CBSL’s ability to implement […]
‘s capital markets
July 6, 2019 (LBO) – Foreign investors continue to be net sellers of Sri Lankan stocks and bonds with net outflows reaching their highs for the year. Net outflows from stocks and bonds hit a high of close to Rs30bn (US$170mn) for 2019. This comes on the back of net outflows of one Rs180bn (USbn) […]
Sri Lanka stocks come alive with S&P SL 20 up 4% for the week
July 5, 2019 (LBO) – The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) had one of its better weeks in recent memory with both major indices notching impressive gains for the week. The All Share Price Index (ASPI), a market cap weighted index of all listed stocks on the CSE, finished the week up 2.5%. The S&P SL […]
Perpetual Treasuries suspension of business activities extended by 6 months
July 05, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to extend the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from carrying on the business activities of a Primary Dealer for a period of six more months with effect from today. The Central Bank said the extension was made in terms of the […]
Improving macro stability, lower yields may strengthen equity returns: First Capital
July 05, 2019 (LBO) – Despite the Easter Sunday attacks Sri Lanka’s economic outlook has shown signs of resilience and ability to recover quickly as economic activities were seen returning to normalcy while removal of travel advisories was faster than anticipated, First Capital said in their latest equity strategy. The research firm believes that the […]
Sri Lanka launches USD2.2Bn LRT project to modernise city dwelling and transportation
Jul 04, 2019 (LBO) – The government launched the Malabe and Colombo Fort Light Rail Transit (LRT) project with the aim of modernising the city’s transpotation system. The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development launched the project in the presence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, yesterday in Colombo. The construction work is due to commence […]