Category: Economy
Chinese Exim Bank provides financial assurance to Sri Lanka through embassy handover
The Deputy Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo Hu Wei officially presented the financial assurance letter issued by the Exim Bank of China to Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday afternoon (07). Hu Wei revealed that large–scale Chinese companies are looking forward to visiting Sri Lanka […]
We sent Letter of Intent to IMF; expecting a reply before end of this month: President
The island nation is expecting the go-ahead from the Executive Board of the IMF for its Extended Fund Facility arrangement before the end of this month. Speaking in Parliament, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that they are expecting IMF to do its duty by the fourth week of this month. “We received the letter of financial […]
Sri Lanka Retail Forum 2023 highlights strategies for navigating economic crisis in sector
The Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association (SLRA), the apex body of organised retail in Sri Lanka, recently concluded the annual Sri Lanka Retail Forum under the theme ‘Redefining Retail: Future Proofing the Forward Journey’. The Forum was opened by Murali Prakash, President of SLRA, who addressed the importance of navigating the challenges faced by the retail […]
We are ready to unlock IMF program; guidance band removed: CBSL Governor
Sri Lanka is now standing ready to unlock the IMF Extended Fund Facility arrangement as all prior actions of the program have been completed, the Central Bank Chief said. “We are now standing ready to unlock the IMF program,” CBSL Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe told reporters in Colombo. “Although we raised policy rates, we would expect […]
IMF staff mission for Sri Lanka defends new tax schedule for personal income tax
The tax package, including the new tax rate schedule for personal income tax, is in line with international comparison, defending the government’s new tax structure, the IMF staff mission for Sri Lanka said. In response to recent media reports about tax hikes in the country, the staff mission said in a statement that those who […]
World Bank VP concludes visit to SL, Reaffirms support to protect people
World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, recently concluded his four-day visit to Sri Lanka, reaffirming the World Bank’s continued support to help the country navigate economic challenges, implement critical reforms, and chart a path towards a resilient and inclusive recovery. Raiser met with Sri Lanka’s President and Minister of Finance H.E. Ranil […]
Merchandize exports record one billion dollars in January 2023
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports decreased by 8.98 % to US$ 1,001.9 Million in January 2023 compared to January 2022 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. However, it is a 6.97% increase when compared to January 2021. Table 1: Merchandise Export Performance […]
Increase PAYE tax threshold from Rs 100,000 to 200,000: Eran
SJB alleges that it is a serious problem that the people have to take to the streets, as they have been burdened with heavy taxes while the working people have lost their income. As a result, the food insecurity, increased mal-nutrition and prevention of diseases have become a big problem for the people, said Eran […]
‘s export earnings decline to 11.3-pct in Jan 2023: Imports down 29.2-pct
• The deficit in the merchandise trade account narrowed in January 2023, compared to a year ago. • Export earnings declined while import expenditure remained subdued in January 2023, compared to year earlier. • Workers’ remittances and earnings from tourism continued to increase in January 2023. • Gross official reserves strengthened at end January 2023, […]
CCPI based headline inflation eases in February 2023: Food inflation down to 54.4-pct
Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2021=100)1 decreased to 50.6% in February 2023 from 51.7% in January 2023. The decline in the headline inflation is broadly in line with the disinflation path envisaged by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in January 2023. The […]
Sri Lanka’s crisis offers an opportunity to reset its development model
By Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region, World Bank Group Sri Lanka is at a critical moment in its history. Years of economic mismanagement, weak governance, poor policy choices, and the impacts of external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, plunged the country into its worst-ever crisis in […]
SL Retail Ass President stresses need for regulatory and policy overhaul to ensure industry’s future
The Sri Lanka Retail Forum (SLRF) 2023 conducted by the Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA) on 1st March, 2023, will address many of the pressing challenges currently faced by the industry, and explore proven strategies and vital avenues to explore to ensure stability and sustainability for the industry, SLRA President Murali Prakash stated. Against a […]