Category: Economy and Markets
SEC eases minimum public float rule; 6-month grace period to comply
Nov 17, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s securities regulator has decided to revise the minimum public float requirements to provide listed public companies with a wider range of options to comply with the rules without compromising the objective of the rule. A grace period of 6 months extending up to 30 June 2017 will be […]
CA Sri Lanka to implement new Audit Report from March 2018
Nov 17, 2016 (LBO) – Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka is to implement the new Audit Report from March 2018, in keeping with its continuing efforts to ensure the country is in line with international standards. The new Audit Report by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) of International Federation of […]
JICA to lend Yen23Bn for water supply project
Nov 17, 2016 (LBO) – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Government to provide a Japanese loan of 23 billion Yen as assistance for the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project. This project will construct a water supply system in the northern part of Anuradhapura District to provide safe drinking […]
Sri Lanka budget signals continuity, but implementation key: CCC
Nov 17, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s budget 2017 has signaled continuity in the economic policy priorities of the government, but successful implementation should be the benchmark against which it is measured, the island’s leading business chamber said. “Budget 2017 seeks to continue the government’s focus on modernizing the economy, inclusive growth, strengthening the middle class, […]
Verité identifies weakness in Sri Lanka’s public procurement
Nov 17, 2016 (LBO) – Verité Research, a private think tank, has identified three key weaknesses in public procurement in Sri Lanka. The study by the regional think tank has focused on the problems of public procurement, best practices of e-procurement followed in other countries, and the benefits for local businesses and the government. As […]
Dollar edges away from 13-year peak, Asian stocks slip
TOKYO, Nov 17 (Reuters) – The dollar edged away from a 13-year peak on Thursday, following an easing of the week-long surge in Treasury yields that was fuelled by hopes for the Trump administration’s economic policies, and Asian stocks slipped on Wall Street’s overnight dip. The dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against […]
Sri Lanka revenue reform a step toward stronger finances: Fitch
Nov 16, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s budget 2017 proposed tax hikes will strengthen the revenue base although some of the revenue assumptions look optimistic and pose risks to projections, the Fitch rating agency said. “Sri Lanka’s budget for 2017 is broadly in line with the targets set out under its IMF programme, and contains […]
Access Engineering PLC opens trading at CSE
(PRESS RELEASE) – Access Engineering PLC (Access)rang the Opening Bell to commence trading at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) today. The Bell Ringing ceremony was organized by the CSE as part of a series featuring companies included on the S&P Sri Lanka 20 Index. Sharing his remarks at the ceremony, Chairman of CSE Mr. Vajira […]
Sri Lankan rupee falls on capital outflow fears; stocks weaker
Nov 16, 2016 (Reuters) – The Sri Lankan rupee was marginally weaker on Wednesday on fears that higher interest rates in the U.S. under incoming President Donald Trump would spark capital outflows from the domestic market. Expectations that Trump’s administration will cut taxes, increase spending and accelerate inflation have lifted the dollar and driven bond […]
Janashakthi reports Profit Before Tax of Rs.894 million in nine months ended 30th September
(PRESS RELEASE) – Janashakthi Insurance PLC (Janashakthi) reported a consolidated Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs.894 million for the nine months ended 30th September 2016, a remarkable growth of 131% over the same period in 2015. Consolidated Gross Written Premiums (GWP), which stood at Rs.9.8 billion at the end of the period in review, […]
Asia shares win reprieve as bond rout pauses for now
TOKYO, Nov 16 (Reuters) – MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.2 percent in early trade on Wednesday, bouncing back from a four-month low touched the previous day. Asian shares won the reprieve from a rally in Wall Street shares as the sell-off in global bonds and sharp gains in the […]
Sri Lankan market crowded, Asian telcos under pressure in 2017: Fitch
Nov 15, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka continues to be a crowded market with five operators serving a population of 21 million and set for consolidation, Fitch Ratings said in a statement. “We expect industry consolidation in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, as weaker telcos exit the market or seek mergers and acquisition to strengthen […]