Category: Economy and Markets
New MLA amendments to restrict financing fiscal deficit by Central Bank
June 05, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank said there will be new legislative amendments to Monetary Law Act (MLA) to restrict financing the fiscal deficit of the government by the Central Bank. Currently, the Central bank has been compelled to purchase Treasury bills in the primary market at times without regard to monetary […]
Presidential Commission on SriLankan, Mihin commences witness hearings
June 04, 2018 (LBO) – Presidential Commission appointed to look into alleged malpractices at SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering, and Mihin Lanka commenced witness hearings today. The Commission will record statements from the head of Company Registrar and another official today. The IMF completing its 4th review, last Friday said it is essential for the authorities to […]
‘s 4th review; approves USD 252 mn disbursement
June 02, 2018 (LBO) – Executive Board of the IMF has completed the fourth review of Sri Lanka’s economic performance under the program supported by a three-year extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. Completion of this review enables the disbursement of the equivalent of SDR 177.774 million (about US$ 252 million), bringing […]
Fitch Ratings to maintain a negative banking sector outlook for 2018
June 01, 2018 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings said they are maintaining a negative banking sector outlook for this year as operating conditions are likely to remain challenging. Releasing their results dashboard for Sri Lankan Banks, Fitch Ratings said that moderate asset quality and earnings pressure to remain in 2018. “Sri Lankan banks’ 2017 results were […]
Sri Lanka exports up 6.3-pct to USD1.1Bn
Jun 01, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s overall exports were up by 6.3 percent to US 1.1 billion dollars with an increase in industrial exports, data from the Central Bank showed Thursday. Performance of merchandise exports in March 2018, merchandise export earnings at US 1,108 million dollars, recorded the historically highest monthly value. The year-on-year growth of […]
Sri Lanka reserves at USD7.3Bn, Rupee depreciates 3.3-pct: CB
Jun 01, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank says the level of gross official reserves of the country was estimated at US 7.3 billion dollars, equivalent to 4.1 months of imports, at end March 2018. “The level of gross official reserves of the country remained at a healthy level recent past,” it said. Total […]
Elephant House commissions one of Asia’s most modern ice cream factories
Elephant House recently commissioned one of the most modern ice cream manufacturing facilities in Asia.Situated at the Seethawaka BOI zone, at Avissawella, this factory with the added capacity it brings will lead to a doubling of Elephant House’s existing ice cream production volume. Also, it facilitates Elephant House enhancing its portfolio of products.Backed by 150 […]
Nawala, Dehiwala and Rajagiriya continue as property hot-spots : Report
By Lanka Property Web A recent study done by LankaPropertyWeb.com reveals the average residential land prices around Colombo and which areas the prices have gone up. In a comprehensive study done on land for sale asking prices (for-sale prices) around Colombo listed on their website, the suburbs of Nawala, Dehiwala and Rajagiriya have topped the […]
Sri Lanka signs agreement for gas exploration services
May 31, 2018 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Petroleum Resources Development, signed an agreement with Eastern Echo DMCC, subsidiary of a major oilfield services company Schlumberger, Wednesday to explore prospects for oil and gas resources in selected offshore areas of the island. The company will collect, market and license of petroleum data on “multi-client” basis, enabling […]
‘s JKH Group PBT up 21-pct to Rs.27.6Bn
John Keells Group profit before tax (PBT) increased by 21% to Rs.27.63 billion for the financial year ended 31 March 2018. The profit attributable to equity holders of the parent was Rs.21.02 billion, representing an increase of 29% over the Rs.16.28 billion recorded in the previous year “During the year under review, the key businesses […]
Scandinavian countries invest 23-pct of total foreign purchases in 2018: CSE
May 30, 2018 (LBO) – Investment flows from the Scandinavian region to the Sri Lankan stock market have made a noteworthy improvement in recent years, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) said. According to the CSE, inward investments from Scandinavian countries have grown by 39 percent per annum (CAGR) since 2013. “2.4 billion rupees in foreign […]
Dollar strengthening combines with political uncertainty in Sri Lanka: Moody’s
May 28, 2018 (LBO) – Strengthening of the Dollar in Sri Lanka has combined with domestic political uncertainty, weighing on the rupee, Moody’s Investors Service said.Moody’s said country-specific factors like in Sri Lanka have played a role in tightening financing conditions. Tightening financing conditions reflect various factors, including the appreciation of the US dollar. Moody’s, […]