Category: Banking and Finance
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 […]
United States Delivers USD40 Mn to Support Small Businesses & Empower Sri Lankan Women
The United States has provided $40 million in financing to SDB Bank in order to bolster Sri Lanka’s Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME) sector and assist women entrepreneurs. The loan is part of $265 million in funding the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is providing to Sri Lankan banks, including SDB Bank, DFCC […]
Weak Operating Environment Continues to Pressure Sri Lankan Banks’ Ratings: Fitch
Heightened risks from the challenging operating environment stemming from the Sri Lanka sovereign’s (CCC) weak credit profile and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic continue to pressure the ratings of large Sri Lankan banks, says Fitch Ratings in a new report. Large banks’ financial performance since the pandemic’s onset has been better than we expected, supported by […]
Standard Chartered wins ‘Most Responsive Bank against COVID-19’ Award from ADB
Standard Chartered affirmed its position as one of the largest trade finance counter parties of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), winning the ‘Most Responsive Bank against COVID-19’ Award at the Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program Awards 2021. The Bank won the award for its partnership with ADB to finance the import of 15.4 million […]
‘s Basel III Sub Debt A-(lka)(EXP)
Fitch Ratings has assigned the proposed Basel III-compliant subordinated unsecured debentures of Sri Lanka’s National Development Bank PLC (NDB, A+(lka)/Stable) an expected National Long-Term Rating of ‘A-(lka)(EXP)’. The proposed debentures will total up to LKR8 billion with maturities of five and seven years, and will be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. NDB plans to […]
Sri Lankan import restrictions at odds with WTO rules hurt welfare of citizens: Economists
A panel of eminent economists urged that the Government take credible and decisive action to carry out immediate trade reforms. Advocata’s Academic Chair Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana, emphasised that “Countries that have grown very fast, especially in east asia have understood the importance of trade reform”. Further adding that the first step of such a reform […]
”’
Fitch Ratings has assigned Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC’s (CB, AA-(lka)/Stable) proposed Sri Lankan rupee-denominated Basel III-compliant subordinated debentures of up to LKR10 billion a final National Long-Term Rating of ‘A(lka)’. The final ratings are the same as the expected ratings assigned on 24 June 2021 (and subsequently affirmed on 3 August 2021) and follow […]