Category: Economy
””; Outlook stable
S&P Global Ratings today raised its long- and short-term local currency sovereign credit ratings on Sri Lanka to ‘CCC+/C’ from ‘SD/SD’ (selective default). At the same time, we affirmed our ‘SD/SD’ long- and short-term foreign currency ratings. The outlook on the ‘CCC+’ long-term local currency rating is stable. We also raised the issue rating on […]
Sinopec pledges to fuel Sri Lanka as it commences operations
Sinopec announced its official entry into Sri Lanka’s dynamic fuel retail market at the felicitation event for local distributors held on the 25 th of September in Colombo. This momentous occasion also marked the commencement of fuel supply to Sri Lanka’s filling stations.With the entry, Sinopec is committed to giving full play to its advantages, […]
United States to Increase Development Investment in Sri Lanka by USD 19.2 mn Through USAID
The United States today announced the commitment of more than US $19 million in additional funds to further the development of Sri Lanka, in a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Ministry of Finance. The U.S. $19.23 million (Rs 6.2 billion) is obligated through the Development Objective Grant Agreement between the United States Agency for International […]
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Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Local-Currency (LTLFC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘RD’ (Restricted Default) from ‘C’. The ratings on its local-currency bonds tendered in the domestic debt exchange have been downgraded to ‘D’ from ‘C’ while its other four local-currency bonds not tendered in the domestic debt exchange have been affirmed at […]
EPF accepts Debt Exchange offer after considering two options under DDO programme
The Monetary Board of the CBSL as the custodian of the EPF, having considered the two options available has decided to opt for the Debt Exchange offer with a long-term view in the best interest of the members of the Fund. Accordingly, the EPF has tendered Rs.2,667,512,169,237 face value of Treasury Bonds for Debt Exchange, […]
Opinion: From education to employment, Understanding the gender gap in the workforce
Thathsarani Siriwardana The issue of female labor force participation in Sri Lanka has remained a subject of discussion for several decades, yet tangible progress in improving it has been elusive. As the country grapples with its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence,it is important to take a hard look at our labour force to […]
Ceylon Chamber Urges Government to Reconsider SVAT Abolition
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is urging the Government to reconsider its recent decision to abolish the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) system given the impact it will have on the functioning of the export industry. This comes at a critical time when Sri Lanka has seen a significant dip in exports of over 10% […]
Imposing 30-pct tax on EPF/ETF makes workers paupers as it applies to their savings: Eran Wickramaratne
The present government’s income tax policy to attract an effective tax rate of 30% would require a salary above Rs. 500,000 per month. Probably 90% of the working population draws less than 500,000 per month. This government is now amending the income tax laws to impose a 30% income tax on EPF/ETF. This tax will […]
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports surpasses USD 1 billion mark in July
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 2.18 % to US$ 1,027.2 Million in July 2023 compared to June 2023 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. However, it is a 11.79 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in July 2022. This declining of merchandise exports is due to the […]
UNDP provides recommendations on realigning & leveraging taxes to achieve SDGs in Sri Lanka
Taxation is intricately linked to gender equality and is a fundamental foundation to address intersectional inequality challenges. Accordingly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting governments to establish gender-responsive tax systems, which involves carrying out national level diagnostic assessment on tax and gender; through research and capacity building; adapting the Gender Equality Seal for […]
CCC promotes responsible investment practices with webinar on sustainability standards for ESG financing
Aiming to create awareness about the growing significance of sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) financing, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently conducted a webinar on ESG Financing and the impact of sustainability standards in the financial sector on access to finance for businesses. The session aimed to enhance the knowledge and understanding […]
CSE and stockbroker firms take lead in attracting Indian firms
“Invest Sri Lanka” is a series of forums organized by the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in partnership with Stock Broker Firms, to promote foreign portfolio investment into the Sri Lankan Stock Market by showcasing investment opportunities in leading Sri Lankan listed companies. The investor forums have previously conducted in key foreign markets, including the UK, […]