Category: Industry
Rapid development for communication infrastructure in remote areas
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s goal is to utilize the telecommunication development fees to develop the communication infrastructure in remote areas, says the Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, Oshada Senanayake. He also said that as the communication is a strong factor in the national economy, steps have been taken according to the […]
Experts discuss framing a green development pathway for Sri Lanka
Experts from the government, private sector, UN agencies, think tanks, and other development partners, came together at this week’s kickstarter sessions of the Colombo Development Dialogues on Green Development, held on 12 and 14 October 2021. With over 450 participants joining in virtually, they sought to come to a common understanding of a localised, Sri […]
New Circular on issuing mining, transportation & trade permits for metals, sand, soil, gravel & clay
A new Circular will be issued to give effect to the process of issuance of permits for mining, transportation and trade of metals, sand, soil, gravel and clay.The President appointed a Presidential Task Force to study the exploitation of Geological resources for development, priorities and self-employment and to meet micro level economic livelihood needs of […]
”; Removes Negative Watch
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Bimputh Finance PLC’s National Long-Term Rating to ‘CC(lka)’ from ‘B-(lka)’. The rating has been removed from Rating Watch Negative. The downgrade reflects Fitch’s view that Bimputh’s liquidity and refinancing risk has risen significantly, driven by a persistent decline in asset quality, while it faces further delays in restoring its regulatory capital […]
USAID’s Private Sector Development project signs MOU with HNB to expand financing to MSMEs
The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Private Sector Development project signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) to expand financing to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sri Lanka. “Partnerships like this can dramatically enhance economic and social impact more than any of us could achieve on our […]
Swarnamahal Financial Services to resume business for 6 months for limited purpose
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has made an order permitting Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC (SFSP) to resume business for a limited period of six (06) months with effect from 13.10.2021, for the purpose of exploring the possibility of absorbing the Company to the “Master Plan for Consolidation of Non-Bank Financial Institutions Sector”. The […]
Sri Lanka 2022 budget appropriation bill initial observations: ICRA
Key takeaways § Decline in total expenditure is achieved at the expense of the capital spending § Capital heavy ministries take capex cuts while personnel heavy ministries get a boost for recurrent expenditure § Allocation of defense and security related SUs is strengthened § Overall health related allocation is increased by nearly LKR 7 Bn § Total expenditure allocation on […]
NDB Brand Ambassador Dimuth Karunaratne Surprises the New vKYC Customers
In an effort to bring in some excitement to the lives of the customers of NDB Bank during these uncertain times, Dimuth Karunaratne – Sri Lanka Test Cricket Captain and the Bank’s Brand Ambassador personally joined with NDB to conduct the video Know-Your-Customer verification process for customers. Accordingly, Karunaratne made a surprise appearance in the […]
Video Interview: Women in leadership – Sonali Dharmawardene
Continuing with our women in leadership interview series, this month LBO is featuring Sonali Dharmawardene, a very sucessful fashion designer and entrepreuner in Sri Lanka who has pushed boundaries and found balance to rise to the top of her industry. Sonali has taken one of the oldest Sri Lankan Artisan Crafts and put her own […]
UNDP introduces Colombo development dialogues on green development
Rapid socio-economic, technological, environmental, and other changes around the world have posed unprecedented challenges to us all. These challenges are especially pertinent against the backdrop of climate change, increased urbanization and widening inequalities, coupled with the ramifications of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this has also amplified the need for countries to re-align their economic recovery […]
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 […]