Category: Economy
Bond yields to extend further surge; rate hike expectations for 2022E increased: FCR
In light of the weaker economic conditions, First Capital Research believes that the CBSL will maintain the momentum on tightening policy rates resulting in yields to further surge at an accelerated pace, and expect it to move further over upcoming months. Sri Lanka’s foreign reserves were recorded at USD 2.3Bn in Feb 22 and due […]
Joint Chambers urge govt to resolve forex shortage; commence foreign debt restructuring & pursue IMF support
The Joint Chambers of Commerce met on March 3rd, 2022 and deliberated on the on-going forex crisis in the country and its impact on business activity and the economy. Consequent to this meeting, 9 Chambers (whose logos are shown above the text) have agreed to unanimously release the following statement. The on-going forex crisis has […]
& electricity tariffs; postpone non-urgent projects
As the Economic and Financial Advisor of the government, the Central Bank advises the Government to diligently consider a number of measures to overcome the challenging economic circumstances faced by the country. a) introducing measures to discourage non-essential and non-urgent imports urgently based on the previous recommendation made by the Central Bank b) increasing fuel […]
IMF wants Sri Lanka to raise income tax, VAT rates, minimize exemptions & adopt cost-recovery energy pricing
IMF Executive Board encourages Sri Lankan authorities to reform state-owned enterprises and adopt cost-recovery energy pricing while raising income tax and VAT rates and minimizing exemptions, complemented with revenue administration reform. Concluding the 2021 Article IV Consultation with Sri Lanka, the Executive Directors agreed that a tighter monetary policy stance is needed to contain rising […]
Ceylon Chamber seeks urgent action to restore electricity and fuel supply to avoid economic standstill
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce notes with serious concern the adverse effects brought on its members and all sectors of the economy in general as a result of the ongoing interruptions to the supply of electricity coupled with frequent disruptions to the availability of fuel. The Chamber is of the view that these issues are […]
Sri Lanka’s exports increased by 13-pct in January 2022
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 13% to US$ 1,062.63 Million in January 2022 compared to January 2021 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. Further, it is a 5.7% increase when compared to January 2020. Table 1: Merchandise Export Performance Values in US$ Mns Exports of Goods Jan 2020 […]
Opinion: Role of divestments in overcoming present economic challenges
By Imesha Dissanayake The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has very ambitious plans for the country’s economic transformation including an economic growth expectation of more than 6% during five-year period of 2022-2027. The national budget announced in 2022, forecasts public investments to be at 5.1% of GDP. A similar figure was announced during the last […]
Time for home-grown solutions is over; Seek international support immediately: Harsha
The country is in complete disarray today. Fuel is rationed at pumps, daily power cuts across the island, shortage of dollars to import essentials including medicine, food is to be rationed next, a current Parliamentarian and former Minister said. “Collapse is imminent if we continue to go this way, it is almost similar to a […]
EPF & ETF will not be subjected to Surcharge Tax: Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has informed the Cabinet of Ministers that the Employees Provident Fund and the Employees Trust Fund are not included in the 2022 budget proposal regarding the imposition of a 25% surcharge tax on individuals and companies with a net profit of over Rs. 2000 million for the year 2021. Finance Minister […]
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce requests Government to reconsider Surcharge Tax Bill
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce earnestly requests the Government to reconsider some of these provisions before it is submitted for approval by Parliament and extends its support to develop alternative proposals to ensure the revenue targets are met. Full Statement The membership of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce notes serious concerns on the provisions of […]
We stand ready to discuss options if Sri Lanka requests financial support: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reiterates that they are standing ready to discuss options if Sri Lanka requests financial support. Speaking to journalists at Washington DC headquarters, Gerry Rice of the Communication Department confirmed that they have not yet received a request for financial support from the Government of Sri Lanka. “We have not received […]
Central Bank launches National Remittance Mobile App
The Central Bank initiated a National Remittance Mobile Application branded as “Lanka Remit” providing Sri Lankans working abroad direct access to the existing remittance channels, as well as facilitate their ability to choose more convenient and cost-effective remittance channels to send money to Sri Lanka. Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank, […]