Category: Banking and Finance

The Finance Ministry is speeding ahead with plans to set up an SME Bank early next year, with the paper work now before the Company’s Registrar.The Finance Ministry is speeding ahead with plans to set up an SME Bank early next year, with the paper work now before the Company’s Registrar. Mooted by the government […]

The International Finance Corp.(IFC) is spearheading a US$ 10 mn technical assistant project to uplift Sri Lanka’s small and medium sector.The International Finance Corp. (IFC) is spearheading a US$ 10 mn technical assistant project to uplift Sri Lanka’s small and medium sector. The Washington based IFC has chipped in US$ 2 mn to start off […]

People’s Bank and National Savings Bank (NSB) reported higher earnings for the first nine months despite the government slapping special levies on both institutions.People’s Bank and National Savings Bank (NSB) reported higher earnings for the first nine months despite the government slapping special levies on both institutions. NSB had forked out a billion rupees while […]

Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) unveils an insurance plan for children between one month and 15 years.SLIC launched its new the new insurance plan for children, Mini Muthu on Thursday. The Mini Muthu plan of assurance is a life cover for both parents with a guaranteed fund for the child at maturity. Parents can choose […]

Sri Lanka signed up for Rs. 26.1 bn worth of concessional aid from Japan to promote economic stabilization and development, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday.Sri Lanka signed up for Rs. 26.1 bn worth of concessional aid from Japan to promote economic stabilization and development, the Finance Ministry said Wednesday. The loans will carry a concessional […]

Government promises to give positive interest rates to savers but the budget revealed a plan to short-change state pension funds.Government promises to give positive interest rates to savers but the budget revealed a plan to short-change state pension funds. The Finance Minister said in the budget the government plans to convert rupee loans to low […]

Government is planning to raise a record Rs. 26 billion through privatization and asset sales next according to the Finance Ministry. Government is planning to raise a record Rs. 26 billion through privatization and asset sales next according to the Finance Ministry. If achieved, the amount will be a record for privatization and asset sales. […]

Sri Lanka Insurance which was privatized last year says 400 employees have taken up a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) during the last few months. Sri Lanka Insurance which was privatized last year says 400 employees have taken up a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) during the last few months. The company employs 2000 people and says […]

Commercial Bank of Ceylon reported a modest group profit growth after its bond trading unit took a hit following a rise in treasury yields. Commercial Bank of Ceylon reported a modest group profit growth after its bond trading unit took a hit following a rise in treasury yields. For the nine months ended Sept. 30 […]

Commercial Bank is extending benefits to its foreign currency accountholders by offering floating interest rates calculated on a daily basis.Commercial Bank is extending benefits to its foreign currency accountholders by offering floating interest rates calculated on a daily basis. ‘FC Plus’ promises to pay foreign currency account holders – with an account balance in excess […]

The debate is intensifying around how much the government has printed money to finance the deficit. The Central Bank says some numbers quoted in media reports are misleading. Our Economic columnist says it is certainly refreshing to see a debate developing around the government printing money to finance the deficit. . Central Bank holdings of […]

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce says it will lobby the Government to remove restrictions on tax deductible expenses proposed in the 2005 budget. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce says it will lobby the Government to remove restrictions on tax deductible expenses proposed in the 2005 budget. Removing overseas travel and entertainment bills from income before […]