Category: Industry
Changing Tracks
Draft changes to the Railways act, that will allow the commuter service to partner the private sector is being finalized before going for Cabinet approval.Draft changes to the Railways act, that will allow the commuter service to partner the private sector is being finalized before going for Cabinet approval. Private sector participation is expected to […]
Better Late?
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is trying to increase its fixed electricity charges by August.The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is trying to increase its fixed electricity charges by August. “It is imperative that we increase prices or we will incur large losses.There is no alternative but to pass this on to consumers,” CEB General Manager, […]
IT Works
The Education Ministry hopes to call for a larger budget allocation for IT related education in the national curriculum.The Education Ministry hopes to call for a larger budget allocation for IT related education in the national curriculum. The IT project is now largely funded though an ADB grant for developing secondary education in Sri Lanka. […]
Tourist arrival to Sri Lanka change after the tsunami
Tourist arrival patterns to Sri Lanka show a shift from traditional Western European markets to regional markets after the tsunami. Tourist arrival patterns to Sri Lanka show a shift from traditional Western European markets to regional markets after the tsunami. “Arrivals from western Europe are still down.We are trying to revive them. But arrivals from […]
Nudged Up
Sri Lanka opted to hike its key short term rates by 50 basis points, taking the repo rate up to 8.25 percent. Sri Lanka opted to hike its key short term rates by 50 basis points, taking the repo rate up to 8.25 percent. The monetary board pushed up the repo rate, at which the […]
Credit Check
Sri Lanka opted to hike its key short term rates by 50 basis points to contain further increases in credit to the public and private sectors.Sri Lanka opted to hike its key short term rates by 50 basis points to contain further increases in credit to the public and private sectors. The Central Bank on […]
Getting Creative
Sri Lanka’s micro finance institutions are looking at securitising their lending portfolio as low cost credit lines are drying up.Sri Lanka’s micro finance institutions are looking at securitising their lending portfolio as low cost credit lines are drying up. Sarvodaya, an indigenous non-governmental organization, is leading the way, with plans to raise Rs.100 million by […]
Troubleshooter
Government and trade union talks on Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring collapses and trade unions call for mediation by the Prime Minister again.Government and trade union talks on Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) restructuring collapses and trade unions call for mediation by the Prime Minister again. Over the past month trade unions, lending agnecies and government […]
Power Surge
Fixed electricity prices could double after a Cabinet green light expected on Wednesday, to tide the thermal dependant Electricity Board through surging crude costs.Fixed electricity prices could double after a Cabinet green light expected on Wednesday, to tide the thermal dependant Electricity Board through surging crude costs. About 60 percent of the country’s electricity generation […]
Comfy Zone
Sri Lanka’s central bank may have little choice but to do nothing on monetary policy in the next few months even as the economy, still reeling from last year’s tsunami and political turmoil, seeks a boost from lower interest rates. Sri Lanka’s central bank may have little choice but to do nothing on monetary policy […]
Power Struggle
Ceylon Electricity Board trade unions were to meet late Monday for crucial talks on restructuring the state owned power utility ahead of a donor deadline on Wednesday.Ceylon Electricity Board trade unions were to meet late Monday for crucial talks on restructuring the state owned power utility ahead of a donor deadline on Wednesday. The unions […]
Touching Lives
Sri Lanka’s Hatton National Bank (HNB) plans to securitise part of its micro finance portfolio to expand its low cost credit schemes. Sri Lanka’s Hatton National Bank (HNB) plans to securitise part of its micro finance portfolio to expand its low cost credit schemes. HNB’s micro finance portfolio stands at around Rs. 4 billion at […]