Category: Economy and Markets
Sri Lanka to go to markets after IMF meetings
Feb 29, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka may go to international markets to raise up to 1.5 billion dollars this year after gauging the outcome of meetings with the International Monetary Fund, a central bank official said. Sri Lanka will hold discussions with the IMF in March and April on a support facility for its […]
Sri Lanka’s megapolis plan a challenge, needs experts to make it successful
Feb 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Megapolis development project’s success depends on the establishment of a separate authority to govern the project while social change would also be a key, the president of the Chamber of Construction Industry said. “The Megapolis Authority with the right expertise is a must if this project is to […]
Capital gains tax may kill stock market: Ravi Abeysuriya
Feb 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s government should not impose a capital gains tax on the stock market as the market still runs on low trade volumes, Group CEO of Candor Group, Ravi Abeysuriya said. Capital gains are profits realized on a sale of a non-inventory asset that was purchased at a cost that […]
Sri Lanka no longer a poor country, discussions with IMF constructive: CB Governor
Feb 26, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is no longer a poor country, and must rely on markets for its funding needs, Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran said. An endorsement of the IMF, in this regard, would be valuable, he added. “We have had very constructive discussions with the IMF,” Mahendran said. “The government and […]
COPE to obtain Auditor General Report on bond issue
Feb 26, 2016 (LBO) – The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has decided to obtain a report from the Auditor General regarding the controversial bond issue. JVP Parliamentarian Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that they have also decided to conduct the inquiry through the main committee of the COPE. “We decided to obtain the observations of […]
Sri Lanka wants to maintain rates at current levels: CB Governor
Feb 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s central bank governor hopes interest rates can be maintained at current levels, after a 50 basis point rate hike last week, but this will be determined by external factors, he said. The island’s policy rates are at 6.5 percent and 8 percent, while 10-year treasury bond yields have […]
Chamber welcomes ETCA; urges consultations with private sector
Feb 25, 2016 (LBO) – The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has hailed the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India, but has urged Systematic Consultations with the Private Sector. The chamber said in a statement that any bilateral or regional agreement that Sri Lanka forges must be supportive of the country’s holistic economic […]
SEC reconsiders minimum public float rule: CSE
Feb 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s securities regulator is reconsidering the minimum public float rule as the intention of introducing such rule was not met, a senior official at the CSE said. Chief Executive Officer at the Colombo Stock Exchange Rajeeva Bandaranaike said the intention of introducing the minimum holding rule was to encourage […]
PTL Watch: Yields tick up, trading in long-term maturities
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ETCA can be a wake up call for Sri Lankans: professionals
Feb 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lankan professionals say integration with India through the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) is a must for the islands future development. “Yes, ETCA is needed. We have labour problem and if Sri Lankans can’t do it and we don’t have the people then we have to bring them […]
Emerging markets offer long-term opportunity: Research Affiliates
Feb 25, 2016 (LBO) – Christopher Brightman, Research Affiliates’ Chief Investment Officer, says the exodus from emerging markets offers wonderful opportunity for opportunistic investors. Brightman shares market insights for global investment management firm PIMCO’s All Asset funds. PIMCO has 1.4 trillion dollars in assets under management, and their market insights can be read here. Q: […]
Dialog ventures into digital health with Asiri Hospitals
Feb 24, 2016 (LBO) – Digital Holdings Lanka, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dialog Axiata has entered in to a joint venture agreement with Asiri Hospital Holdings yesterday to provide digital health solutions. Digital Holdings holds 70 percent of the shareholding and Asiri Hospitals holds the balance 30 percent of the joint venture that was […]