Hats Off

SL A+ long term rating denotes a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. rn rnldblquote This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings, dblquote says Fitch in a statement on Friday. […]

Public Watchdog

The World Bank says it is critical Sri Lanka enacts the new Public Finance Bill that is in the works, to increase public scrutiny over the state purse.In a country review on public accountability, the Bank says that Parliamentary control over public funds was ineffective and did not meet the expectations laid out in the […]

Valet Service

Janashakthi Insurance is counting on the motor market, the fastest growing insurance sector, to expand its share of the local insurance market.Motor insurance saw a spurt of growth of 25 percent to 30 percent last year and is expected to continue to lead insurance market growth during 2004, although at a lower projected growth rate.rn […]

Ground Work

The consortium led by Asia Capital will start due diligence work on Thursday, to revive the trouble Pramuka Savings & Development Bank.The start date follows another round of meetings with Central Bank authorities on Wednesday.rn rnThe Central Bank allowed Pramuka to resume business on January 22, subject a lengthy list of conditions, which includes a […]

Rural Reserve

The ADB on Wednesday sanctioned a US$ 70 million loan package to kick start the Sri Lanka n rural finance sector.The Program aims to revive the rural economy and promote private-sector led economic growth.rn rnThe program loan will promote policy changes that emphasize good governance and improved operations of rural finance institutions. rn rnDrafting a […]

Legal Tips

The Employees Trust Fund has sought Auditor Generals advice to dispose part of its loss making equity portfolio.ETF has fully provided for the Rs.600 mn odd portfolio, which largely consists of investments in quoted/unquoted firms made in the early 1990s.rn rnThe Rs. 45 bn Fund, which made over a Rs.4 bn profit last year, is […]

Band Aid

The Central Bank is expected to meet the consortium of investors keen on reviving Pramuka Bank for another round of talks early next week.With the suspension of Pramukas licence coming up next Thursday, the bank and its legal team are also expected to meet up with the Attorney Generals Dept.over the weekend, to decide on […]

Be Specific

The consortium of investors keen on reviving Pramuka Bank, were set a Thursday morning deadline to submit a more detailed proposal.Central Bank and its consultants, audit firm E&Y, met the consortium led by the Asia Capital Group and National Wealth Corp. on Wednesday evening, to seek clarifications on their complex restructuring proposal.rn rnThe proposal mooted […]

Banks and Robbers

The Rajarata Development Banks (RDB) decision to interdict the entire staff at its Medirigiriya branch after it was robbed at gunpoint recently will be met by protests by the employees of all six regional development banks.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union Development Bank Branch says the management nor the police investigating the heist have evidence indicating […]

Silver Lining

The government plans to take a fresh approach to divest its stake in Shell Gas Lanka Ltd., after its initial attempts fell through.rnrnrnrnrnrnrnNew Page 1rnrnrnrnrn ThernTreasury, which owns 49 percent of the gas giant, was earlier hoping to raisernaround Rs. 500 mn by selling its stake.rn RoyalrnDutch Shell, which bought a 51 percent stake in […]

Fuzzy Signals

The Central Bank will meet a consortium of investors keen on buying Pramuka Bank on Wednesday evening to shed more light to their complex proposal.Hopes ran high on Tue. that the Central Bank had discussed a proposal put forward by a consortium at its Monetary Policy meeting.rn rnCentral Bank Governor, W A Wijewardene said the […]

Lack of Trust

The securities watchdog on Thursday said it was talking to the Unit Trust industry to generate new ideas on how to grow the sector. Initial recommendations include awareness programmers like seminars and road shows in areas with potential investors as a means to popularize the industry.rn rnAnother recommendation calls on the industry to introduce innovative […]

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