Category: Industry
Ad agency’s utilise modern business model geared for ‘Work From Home’ to share cost-benefit with clients
News Publisher and Quire Sri Lanka, Business models geared towards managing agile working staff better equipped to manage COVID-19 lockdown For most Sri Lankans, since March 2020 the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a large-scale effort to promote “work-from-home” (WFH) along with the categorization of “essential workers”. Leaving several industries, including […]
Commercial Bank reduces lending rates of loans, leases, pawning & OD facilities
May 21, 2020 (LBO) – The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced a reduction of lending rates across the board in response to the present needs of individual and corporate borrowers and in line with the downward trend of interest rates in Sri Lanka. Effective immediately, the rate cut encompasses all categories of new loans […]
Fitch affirms &’s ratings
May 20, 2020 (LBO) – Fitch Ratings has affirmed and withdrawn Sri Lanka-based National Savings Bank’s (NSB) Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of ‘B-‘ with a Negative Outlook. The affirmation of NSB’s IDRs, Support Rating and Support Rating Floor reflects that there have been no material changes from the last review on 5 May 2020. […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s IT-BPM industry resilient in the face of COVID-19
SLASSCOM “Drifting the curve” is the SLASSCOM industry strategy for building momentum to come out of the “corner” (current situation) stronger. When race car drivers approach a bend on the track, unlike ordinary drivers who slow down, they accelerate. This is known as “drifting the curve.” It’s all about how much momentum you have when […]
Developing Galle harbor into a Global Crew Exchange Hub explored
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of developing the Galle harbor into a Global Crew Exchange Hub by creating an environment for sailors to return to their respective countries via the Island. This was discussed during a meeting with the representatives of leading local shipping companies at the Presidential Secretariat, […]
HNB operating profit down by 13.5-pct, PAT up due to tax concessions
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – The operating profit of Sri Lanka’s Hatton National Bank (HNB) before VAT and taxes declined by 13.5% to Rs 4.2 Bn compared to Rs 4.9 Bn in the corresponding period of 2019, interim accounts showed. “The removal of Nations Building Tax (NBT) and Debt Repayment Levy (DRL) with effect from […]
‘s Cinnamon Life construction resumes
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Colombo’s iconic landmark and the single, largest, private mixed development investment in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life by the John Keells Group, has resumed construction after a lockdown since March 2020. Cinnamon Life, the iconic 4.5 Million sq. ft integrated mixed-use development, is a city within a city, and is envisioned […]
Sri Lanka official reserves at USD 7.9Bn at end Feb 2020
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves stood at 7.9 billion dollars at end February 2020, equivalent to 4.7 months of imports, the Central Bank said. Total foreign assets, which consist of gross official reserves and foreign assets of the banking sector, amounted to 10.9 billion dollars at end February 2020, equivalent […]
Sri Lanka trade deficit shrinks in Feb 2020
May 18, 2020 (LBO) – The deficit in Sri Lanka’s trade account widened in February 2020 to 574 million dollars, from 451 million dollars in February 2019, as the increase in imports surpassed the increase in exports. However, on a month on month basis, the trade deficit in February 2020 recorded a contraction. On a […]
Repatriation and replacement of lost foreign jobs: Handling labour migration during COVID-19
Bilesha Weeraratne Sri Lanka, which has been sending workers abroad for employment for decades, is now faced with the formidable challenge of repatriating large numbers of migrant workers affected by COVID-19. Having successfully brought back students from China, UK, Australia, and South Asia and pilgrims from India, the authorities are now making plans to repatriate […]
Colombo Chamber wants pre-shipment collateral-free loans to boost exports
May 17, 2020 (LBO) – Colombo Chamber of Commerce appeals to the President for intervention to instruct banks to support the SME and MSME exporters with pre-shipment collateral-free loans up to 75% of the value of export order with a maximum cap of Rs 5 million based on actual export orders and firm contracts. Addressing […]
We cannot allow irrational laws to impede our economy: President
May 15, 2020 (LBO) – President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that irrational laws should not obstruct the policies formulated to achieve the economic objectives of the people. The President stated this during a discussion with officials and ministry secretaries attached to the Plantation Industry sector at the Presidential Secretariat on May 14.The meeting was called to […]