Category: Policy
Excerpts of Sri Lanka COPE recommendations on bond issue
Oct 31, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Enterprises has made several recommendations to Parliament on last year’s controversial bond issue. Excerpts of the recommendations, as published by the Sunday Times, are the following: Evidence has been placed before the COPE, which gives rise to reasonable suspicion that former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran […]
Government will bring a people’s Budget: Ravi Karunanayake
Oct 31, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s budget for 2017 on Nov 10 will be a people’s budget as it would incorporate ideas proposed from all corners of the country, the Finance Minister said in a statement. “The Ministry of Finance has already received over 2200 proposals from the people. This also includes proposals from […]
Opinion: Budget 2017 expectations, unrealistic or achievable?
Oct 28, 2016 (LBO)- Gearing for the new budget in a few weeks time Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake is optimistic about Budget 2017. An equity buyout for Hambantota port is on the cards, and the second IMF tranche will be back on track, although continued support for SriLankan Airlines is likely, Karunanayake said, speaking to […]
‘s FIU and Inland Revenue to share info
Oct 25, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank says its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Inland Revenue to exchange information on money laundering and terrorist financing. The MoU will facilitate investigations and prosecutions in terms of the provisions of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, […]
Acceptance of e-documents an urgent matter: Sri Lankan companies
Oct 24, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s trading companies say acceptance of electronic documents is a matter that requires urgent attention. The Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Verité Research held a round-table discussion on “Acceptance of Electronic Documents: One small step for the government, one giant leap for businesses” […]
Sri Lanka central bank considers revamping primary auctions
Oct 21, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank is considering revamping the Primary Auction system for government securities, sources said. The proposed system would overhaul the auction bidding process and introduce non-competitive bidding so as to create a level playing field. The move likely follows heavy profits made by one primary dealer from government […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank resolves four insolvent institutions
Oct 19, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Monetary Board says it has approved repayments to depositors and investors in four insolvent financial institutions. The Monetary Board approved repayment of depositors of three finance companies, The Standard Credit Finance Ltd., City Finance Corporation Ltd. and Central Investments and Finance PLC, and legitimate investors in government securities-linked […]
Monetary Board considers interim report on Primary Dealers
Oct 14, 2016 (LBO) – The Monetary Board, at a special meeting on Friday, considered an interim report on the operations of primary dealers, including their financial performance during last year and the current year. “It noted with concern the sharp disparity in the performance of primary dealers, as well as certain issues related to […]
Sri Lanka to draft new counter terrorism law: Cabinet
Oct 14, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has appointed a committee to draft a new counter terrorism law, a statement on cabinet decisions said. “A committee chaired by the Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development has been appointed to draft a new counter terrorism law instead of the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act, […]
Philippines visa waiver to benefit Sri Lankan diplomats & officials
Oct 11, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka and the Philippines have entered into a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, a statement said. The Agreement facilitates holders of diplomatic and official passports of the two countries to enter and stay in the territory of either country up to thirty days without having […]
No 100 percent tax waivers given to Beer Company: Finance Ministry
Oct 04, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Finance Ministry says there is no truth that a beer manufacturing company has been given concessions for imports which would result in a revenue loss of 6 billion rupees to the state. In a statement the ministry said a beer manufacturing company in the country which was fully […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank holds key interest rates unchanged
Sept 28, 2016 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Monetary Board held key interest rates unchanged with slow second quarter growth in the economy, despite credit growth to the private sector continuing to remain high. The economy grew provisional 2.6 per cent, year-on-year, during the second quarter of 2016 compared to the growth of 7.0 per cent […]