Category: Banking and Finance
Legal validity of digital signatures highlighted
Digital Signatures have been in use in Sri Lanka since 2009, however, due to the outbreak of the pandemic and travel restrictions, signing documents physically has found to be challenging. Hence, the requirement for digital signatures among many segments of the community has soared in the recent past. In view of raising awareness about Digital […]
Interview: Futureproofing banking sector through digital-first mindset
There is a good reason why digitalisation is a top priority for banking. When done correctly, it enables paradigm shifting improvements in customer experience and accessibility. For the average customer, it means, they are able to utilize the full range of our products and services seamlessly, through the platform of their choice. While prior to […]
Sri Lanka gets USD 110Mn for health systems enhancement project from ADB
The Government of Sri Lanka decided to borrow a loan amounting to USD 110 million from ADB and a grant of USD 03 million, provided by ADB-managed Japanese Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), to implement the “Additional Financing of Health Systems Enhancement Project”. In early 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, USD 15 million […]
ADB to promote SME sector in Sri Lanka
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General for South Asia Department Kenichi Yokoyama has assured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the ADB will support the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided a US 750 million concessional loan last year for projects in Sri Lanka. Yokoyama said that the ADB […]
Sri Lanka projected to grow by 3.3-pct : Shifting gears to services-led growth can help build back better
Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2021, but the medium-term outlook is clouded by pre-existing macroeconomic weaknesses and the economic scarring from the COVID-19 pandemic. A gradual recovery will likely lead to corresponding improvements in labor market conditions. Most countries in South Asia are far from pre-pandemic trend levels, says […]
Technology critical to transform education sector – UNDP experts
With the onset of COVID-19, the world has seen disruptions to traditional forms of education. In Sri Lanka, since the first wave and the resulting lockdown in March 2020, schools have been largely dysfunctional with the levels of online learning varying between public and private institutions. To this end, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) […]
EU GSP+ monitoring mission concludes visit to Sri Lanka
A team of senior European Union (EU) officials began an official visit to Sri Lanka on 27th September 2021 to review Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing the 27 international conventions applicable under the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+). These conventions, ratified by Sri Lanka, cover human and labour rights, environment and climate, as well […]
WB supports safe, climate-resilient transport connectivity to strengthen agricultural supply chains
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $500 million in financing for Sri Lanka to provide safe, climate-resilient roads to connect agricultural supply chains through the Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project. This project is expected to benefit around 16 million people living in rural communities in selected districts of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, […]
Sampath Bank payment gateway enhances eCommerce with acceptance of UnionPay
Sampath Bank today announced that the Sampath Bank Payment Gateway, the only online solution which provides the most cost-effective and secure payment authorization and processing service, now accepts UnionPay credit and debit cards. This new development in the eCommerce industry of Sri Lanka will further empower merchant websites and consumers alike, with a wider range […]
Not a single instance of wrongdoing in forensic audits by Gov Cabraal
The Auditor General was not given the assignment to carry out the Forensic Audits, a recently released statement from the Central Bank said. “But instead, two dubious Accountancy firms from India who were under a serious cloud in India were entrusted the task at a huge fee,” it added. “After doing the audit, Forensic Auditors […]
Interview : A closer look at Bancassurance with Vindya Cooray
Bancassurance is a relatively novel concept in the financial services industry of Sri Lanka. It enables consumers to fulfill both financial needs and insurance needs under one roof through their preferred banking partner. In an exclusive interview with Lanka Business Online, Vindya Cooray, the Chief Bancassurance Officer of Union Assurance PLC, explained the concept and […]
UK removes Sri Lanka from the red list for entering England
Sri Lanka will move to the amber list for entering England from 22 September 2021, updating its foreign travel advice, the Government of the United Kingdom said. Currently, Sri Lanka is on the red list for entering England. Research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed Sri Lanka’s economy could face […]