Category: Banking and Finance
ICRA Lanka: Low-interest rates, Who are the winners and losers?
Key Takeaways § Price increase in treasuries have helped primary dealers and banks to realize substantial capital gains as much as 40-to-60 percent from March 2020 price levels. § Equities attracted a large number of local investors, as historically low interest rates on fixed income assets prompted them to seek alternative investments. Investors saw their portfolio valuations […]
ComBank becomes Sri Lanka’s first carbon-neutral bank
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has become the first Sri Lankan bank to achieve carbon neutrality for the entirety of its operations, encompassing all 268 branches and its head office – a monumental milestone in the Bank’s commitment to the environment. Becoming a net-zero carbon company was one of Commercial Bank’s Green Goals, to be […]
Sarvodaya Development Finance embraces digitalization with Finetech Consultancy
During the recent global pandemic and ensuing lockdown periods businesses realized the importance of digitalization and embracing digital platforms to better serve their customers. As the world moves into the post-pandemic “new normal”, consumers themselves are looking for smarter, more efficient and convenient ways to go about their lives. Understanding this new paradigm shift is […]
SL and World Bank sign USD70Mn loan to redevelop major transit terminal in Kandy
The Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank signed a loan agreement in the amount of 69.33 million dollars for the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal Development Project, which will develop the Good Shed terminal in Kandy. Located at the city center and providing access to the railway station, the modernized terminal will integrate rail, bus, three-wheeler, […]
Standard Chartered Sri Lanka gets AAA(lka) Fitch Rating with Stable Outlook
Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s National Long-Term Rating has once again been affirmed at ‘AAA(lka)’ by Fitch Ratings Lanka with a Stable Outlook. According to a statement by Fitch Ratings, the Bank’s support-driven credit profile is among the strongest in the country’s rated entities, and as a result, the rating is at the highest end of […]
HSBC launches Sri Lanka’s first recycled plastic payment cards to support net zero ambitions
HSBC today announced the rollout of sustainable payment cards made from 85% recycled plastic in Sri Lanka. The new cards, with a vertical design, will be initially issued to HSBC’s Premier customers in April and subsequently to all other credit/debit card customers, later this year. The rollout is part of a new programme launched by […]
ComBank’s ATM network sets new records for cash dispensed in festive season
The automated teller machine (ATM) network of Commercial Bank of Ceylon dispensed a record Rs 8.818 billion on 9th and 10th April 2021, shattering the previous records for the highest and second highest cash disbursements for a 24-hour period, as Sri Lanka’s leading private bank facilitated the celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. […]
Sri Lanka rupee strengthened against the US dollar
The Sri Lanka rupee further strengthened against the US dollar yesterday, on positive outlook for inflows. The selling rate was quoted at 191.97 rupees for a US dollar, as against 201.28 rupees on Friday and a peak of 204.62 rupees last week. The indicative dollar spot exchange rate was 194.44 rupees yesterday as against 199.93 rupees […]
Greater flexibility to Licensed Finance Companies to raise funds from foreign sources
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has issued new directions on foreign currency borrowings by Licensed Finance Companies (LFCs) with a view to provide flexibility for LFCs to obtain low-cost funding from foreign sources to support their business expansions. The objectives of these directions are to stabilise any financial volatilities created by the foreign […]
Central Bank suspends business of Swarnamahal Financial Services
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to suspend the business of Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) with effect from today. Having considered the continuously deteriorating financial condition and non-availability of a viable revival plan, the Monetary Board decided to suspend the business of SFSP and its parent Company ETI Finance Limited with […]
WB says as SL should focus on competitiveness and debt sustainability to ensure resilient rebound
Despite the heavy toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sri Lanka’s economy and the lives of its people, the economy will recover in 2021, though challenges remain, says the latest World Bank Sri Lanka Development Update: Economic and Poverty Impact of COVID-19 released today. The Sri Lanka Development Update (SLDU) notes that the country, hit with an unprecedented economic […]
CBSL starts increased compensation payment to depositors of failed finance companies
The Central Bank (CBSL) has commenced payment of the increased compensation amount of Rs 500,000/- under the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Scheme (SLDILSS), to the depositors / relevant legal beneficiaries of Central Investments and Finance Limited (CIFL), The Standard Credit Finance Limited (TSCFL), TKS Finance Limited (TKSFL), The Finance Company PLC (TFC), […]