Category: Economy and Markets
JAAF demands immediate solutions, end to Government’s procrastination
In a recent statement, the apparel industry has urged all stakeholders to put aside differences and work together to resolve the current crisis, which has imposed severe hardships on people and hampered the economy. If the current macroeconomic crisis continues for longer without taking urgent action to address it, the social and economic consequences imposed […]
Bangladesh corporate sector ready to expand economic cooperation with Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Bangladesh said that profound historical and cultural relations have lasted between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and it is time to deepen the economic cooperation between the two countries. High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne highlighted the idea at a meeting held with the President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of […]
ADB forecasts SL’s economic growth to dip to 2.4-pct in 2022
The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication forecasts a muted recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID19) pandemic as Sri Lanka’s economy grapples with macroeconomic challenges arising from high debt, low foreign reserves, and inflationary pressures. ADB forecasts Sri Lanka’s economic growth to dip to 2.4% in 2022 and improve marginally to 2.5% in […]
CA Sri Lanka calls upon all political parties to urgently appoint a team to negotiate with IMF
CA Sri Lanka urges the government, in consultation with all political parties, to formulate a plan, including engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Releasing a statement, the professional body said that all political parties in the country should come to a consensus and urgently appoint a team to negotiate with the IMF, thereby ensuring […]
Ceylon Chamber gravely concerned about consequences of recent actions
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is gravely concerned about the far-reaching adverse consequences of certain actions being taken by the Government on economic activity such as tourism, trade, exports and e-commerce dependent on social media platforms, while appreciating the need to maintain law and order and public security in the country. The adverse coverage Sri […]
IMF to initiate discussions with Sri Lanka for support & financial program in coming days
The International Monetary Fund will initiate discussions with Sri Lankan authorities for new support & financial program in the coming days, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said on Thursday. “The Sri Lankan authorities have expressed interest in an IMF support and financial program. The answer is yes. On the status of that discussion, we plan to […]
Ceylon Chamber reiterates the need to fast-track the process of debt restructuring
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce notes with serious concern the continuous deterioration in the fuel and electricity availability in the country, hampering daily operations of businesses and activities of the general public. The Chamber believes there is a need to maintain a sufficient stock of fuel to balance both transport and power generation needs. Further, […]
SLIBTEC, USAID to establish SL’s first ‘Biotechnology Innovation Park’
The Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) will collaborate with the U. S. Government’s development arm, the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to promote innovation in the biotechnology sector by establishing Sri Lanka’s first Biotechnology Innovation Park. The SLIBTEC Biotechnology Innovation Park will be a 13.2-acre facility in Pitipana, Homogama that will house […]
‘s exports increased by 9.9-pct in February 2022
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 9.91% to US$ 1,046 Million in February 2022 compared to February 2021 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Further, it is a 5.8% increase when compared to February 2020. Sri Lanka’s Merchandize Exports has maintained the above $ 1 billion mark continuously since the beginning […]
LAN channels Rs.150Mn into tech startups: Currently evaluating 5-10 startups
Sri Lanka’s first Angel Fund has, to date, channelled investments up to Rs. 150 Million cumulatively into four home-grown startups – Niftron, Magicbit, Mintpay & Chakra Suthra – while also helping these companies scale and access new markets both at home and abroad. “Since August 2020, our team has evaluated over 400 startups from across […]
Sri Lanka’s debt is unsustainable with very high rollover risk: IMF Debt Sustainability Assessment
Based on IMF staff analysis, fiscal consolidation necessary to bring debt down to safe levels would require excessive adjustment over the coming years, pointing to a clear solvency problem. Releasing the Country Report No. 2022/091: Sri Lanka: 2021 Article IV Consultation, the IMF staff said that a more ambitious adjustment, required to significantly reduce debt, […]
Clarification Regarding the Forex Sales by Banks to the Central Bank
The Central Bank clarifies that the recent increase of the percentage of foreign exchange sales by banks to the CBSL from 25% to 50%, effective from 21.03.2022, is exclusively applicable to banks and that will not have any impact on the prevailing requirements for the foreign exchange earnings of expatriate workers and export proceeds of […]