Category: Economy and Markets
Sri Lanka targets budget deficit of 4.4-pct for 2017: Minister
Oct 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka plans on reducing it’s budget deficit to 4.4 percent in 2017 and curbing its total expenditure by around 10 percent, the State Minister of Finance said. “We propose to cut the budget deficit up to 4.4 percent and curb expenditure through reducing the government expenditure and better financial […]
Sri Lanka delayed VAT debate in Parliament tomorrow
Oct 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s much delayed Value Added Tax (VAT) amendment bill under the equitable taxation principle will be debated in parliament, Wednesday, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. “The newly proposed VAT system is very simple and transparent,” Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance said in the statement. VAT was introduced […]
Sri Lankan rupee weaker on importer dollar demand; stocks up
Oct 25, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee edged down on Tuesday due to importer dollar demand and a lack of exporter sales, but selling of the greenback by a state bank capped further fall in the domestic currency, dealers said. They added the moral suasion by the central bank discouraged trading in the […]
‘s FIU and Inland Revenue to share info
Oct 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank says its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Inland Revenue to exchange information on money laundering and terrorist financing. The MoU will facilitate investigations and prosecutions in terms of the provisions of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, […]
Asia shares track Wall St higher, US dlr firm
SYDNEY, Oct 25 (Reuters) – Asian shares edged higher on Tuesday while the dollar stood firm as upbeat U.S. earnings boosted Wall Street and factory surveys in the United States and Europe boasted their best readings so far this year. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched up 0.1 percent with most components […]
Danish delegation to look at infrastructure in Sri Lanka
Oct 25, 2016 (LBO) – A business delegation is due from Denmark to look at investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in in energy, infrastructure and water. “The delegation is interested in exploring the Sri Lankan market and strengthening ties with the Sri Lankan business community,” a statement from the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri […]
Sri Lanka rupee down on importer dollar demand
Oct 24, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee edged down on Monday due to dollar demand by importers, but moral suasion by the central bank discouraged trading in the spot currency market, said dealers. Rupee forwards were active, with the spot-next at 147.90/95 per dollar as of 0801 GMT, down from its previous close […]
Asian stocks subdued, dollar hovers near 9-month high
TOKYO, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Asian stocks were subdued early on Monday after Wall Street’s sluggish performance at the end of last week, while the dollar hovered near nine-month highs as fresh comments from a Federal Reserve official boosted bets of a rate hike by year-end. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched […]
Acceptance of e-documents an urgent matter: Sri Lankan companies
Oct 24, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s trading companies say acceptance of electronic documents is a matter that requires urgent attention. The Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Verité Research held a round-table discussion on “Acceptance of Electronic Documents: One small step for the government, one giant leap for businesses” […]
Sri Lanka inflation accelerates to 4.7-pct in September
Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s consumer prices as measured by National Consumer Price Index rose to 4.7 percent in September from the 4.5 percent reported a month ago, data from the state statistics office showed. In September contribution to the inflation from food group was 2.1 percent while non-food group was 2.7 percent. […]
Sri Lankan rupee steady; importer demand offsets exporter dollar sales
Oct 21, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee was trading steady on Friday, with dollar demand by importers offsetting conversions of the U.S. currency by exporters, said dealers. Rupee forwards were active, with the spot-next at 147.45/55 per dollar as of 0701 GMT, little changed from its previous close of 147.45/50. The spot rupee […]
Sri Lanka central bank considers revamping primary auctions
Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank is considering revamping the Primary Auction system for government securities, sources said. The proposed system would overhaul the auction bidding process and introduce non-competitive bidding so as to create a level playing field. The move likely follows heavy profits made by one primary dealer from government […]