Category: Banking and Finance

The Central Bank said Friday it decide on future of the troubled Pramuka Savings & Development Bank and announce the decision next week.rn rnPramuka Bank quote s activities were suspended for 60 days on October 25, for its weak financial position and repeatedly violating Central Bank directives.rn rnThe Central Bank said it was “hampered by […]

The government plans to tinker with the Employees Provident Fund Act to set up a new contributory pension scheme for public sector employees.The new pension scheme will kick in from January 1, 2003, with new recruits to the public cadre contributing eight percent of their salaries and the government forking the balance 12 percent.rn rnThe […]

The government firmed up plans announced in its 2002 budget through its latest fiscal forecast on Wednesday.rn rnThe retail and wholesale trade will be slapped with Value Added Tax while the scope of the Withholding Tax was expanded.rn rnHowever, landing VAT on financial services and the continuation of the port and airport development levy came […]

People’s Bank has engaged an international consultant B D O Binder to draft the terms of reference to get its privatisation on the road.rn rnBinder has already submitted a first draft of the terms of reference or TOR, which will be used to engage a consultant to draft an information memorandum.rn rnThe memorandum will be […]

Government plans to ease restrictions on capital transactions to increase private investments by local companies.rn rnSweeping exchange liberalizations including allowing non-nationals to invest in government and corporate debt will be announced within days.rn rnAmendments to the Exchange Control Act are expected to be announced in the budget followed by an official gazette notification.rn rnThe planned […]

Investments in and out of the country will get a boost with the relaxation of exchange control laws soon.rn rnExchange controllers say the liberalization will help government efforts to increase investments by local and foreign companies.rn rnldblquote Until the legislation comes through, as a temporary measure we are trying to liberalize some items under existing […]

Government announced a sweeping amnesty for undeclared foreign assets and black money on Friday.rn rnIn one of the most comprehensive attempts at drawing out black money the treasury has extended the amnesty to cover all taxes.rn rnPrevious government amnesties have only covered the income tax liability.rn rnThe treasury said similar comprehensive immunity will not be […]

Tax breaks are not something the fiscal planners are willing to consider just yet.rn rnBut when some of the biggest businesses groups in the country make the request its hard to ignore.rn rnThe big business groups in the island want the government to move towards group taxation when taxing conglomerates.rn rnGroup taxation allows trading losses […]

Venture capital funds going out of steam.rn rnThe government made the Venture capital industry almost overnight.rnInvestment relief under the Inland Revenue Act in 1990 brought in seven companies who set up venture capital funds.rn rnldblquote Investors in this Venture Capital fund would get investment relief. That is certain part of their investment is tax deductible.rn […]

The Treasury on Friday announced a series of amnesties as part of its efforts to encourage locals to open up tax files.rn rnThe Inland Revenue Dept is amending its Special Provisions Act No: 7 of 2002, to dispense with tax, duties, levies and exchange control offences, says P Guruge, Tax Advisor to the Treasury.rn rnldblquote […]

Commercial Bank of Ceylon on Tuesday reported a 34 percent net profit growth for the nine months ending September 30.rn rnThe bank said net profits surged to Rs. 952 mn from Rs. 711 mn in 2001 due to higher volumes, prudent management decisions and the removal of a 20 percent surcharge on income tax.rn rnRevenue […]

Withholding tax would be slapped on corporate debt from the first of November, a treasury public notice said. rn rnSecondary market trading in debt securities is still very limited in Sri Lanka and analysts warn that this may be the final blow to any hopes of a take off in trading.rn rnWithholding tax makes secondary […]